'The Volunteer' by Robert Service
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Rhymes of a Red Cross ManSez I: My Country calls? Well, let it call.I grins perlitely and declines wiv thanks.
Go, let 'em plaster every blighted wall,'Ere's ONE they don't stampede into the ranks.
Them politicians with their greasy ways;Them empire-grabbers -- fight for 'em? No fear!
I've seen this mess a-comin' from the daysOf Algyserious and Aggydear:I've felt me passion rise and swell,But . . . wot the 'ell, Bill? Wot the 'ell?Sez I: My Country? Mine? I likes their cheek.Me mud-bespattered by the cars they drive,
Wot makes my measly thirty bob a week,And sweats red blood to keep meself alive!
Fight for the right to slave that they may spend,Them in their mansions, me 'ere in my slum?
No, let 'em fight wot's something to defend:But me, I've nothin' -- let the Kaiser come.And so I cusses 'ard and well,But . . . wot the 'ell, Bill? Wot the 'ell?Sez I: If they would do the decent thing,And shield the missis and the little 'uns,
Why, even _I_ might shout "God save the King",And face the chances of them 'ungry guns.
But we've got three, another on the way;It's that wot makes me snarl and set me jor:
The wife and nippers, wot of 'em, I say,If I gets knocked out in this blasted war?Gets proper busted by a shell,But . . . wot the 'ell, Bill? Wot the 'ell?Ay, wot the 'ell's the use of all this talk?To-day some boys in blue was passin' me,
And some of 'em they 'ad no legs to walk,And some of 'em they 'ad no eyes to see.
And -- well, I couldn't look 'em in the face,And so I'm goin', goin' to declare
I'm under forty-one and take me placeTo face the music with the bunch out there.A fool, you say! Maybe you're right.I'll 'ave no peace unless I fight.I've ceased to think; I only knowI've gotta go, Bill, gotta go.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Volunteer by Robert Service: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Are you looking for a poem that can stir your emotions and make you feel patriotic? Look no further than "The Volunteer" by Robert Service. This classic poem, written in 1914, is a masterpiece that captures the essence of sacrifice and patriotism.
In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the different aspects of "The Volunteer" and analyze how Robert Service has used various literary techniques to create a powerful and moving poem.
Analysis of the Poem
Subject Matter
"The Volunteer" is a poem about a young man who volunteers to fight in a war. The poem begins with the young man's decision to join the army, despite his father's objections. The poem then describes the young man's journey to the front lines and his experiences in battle.
The poem is set during World War I, and it reflects the patriotic fervor that swept through many European countries at the time. The poem portrays the young man as a hero who is willing to sacrifice his life for his country.
Structure
"The Volunteer" is a structured poem that consists of seven stanzas. Each stanza has four lines, and the poem follows a regular rhyme scheme of ABAB. The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, which means that each line has eight syllables and follows a rhythmic pattern of unstressed and stressed syllables.
The structure of the poem is simple and straightforward, which reflects the young man's uncomplicated decision to join the army. The rhyme scheme and meter create a musical quality to the poem that emphasizes the poem's message.
Literary Techniques
Robert Service has used various literary techniques in "The Volunteer" to create a powerful and moving poem. Let us examine some of these techniques:
Imagery
The poem is rich in imagery that creates vivid pictures in the reader's mind. For example, in the second stanza, the poet uses the image of the "drums of war" to create a sense of foreboding. The image of the "swirling smoke" in the fourth stanza conveys the chaos and confusion of battle.
The use of imagery in the poem helps to create a sensory experience for the reader, which makes the poem more engaging and memorable.
Personification
Service has used personification to give human qualities to non-human objects. For example, in the third stanza, the poet personifies the "dawn" as "rosy-fingered." This personification helps to create a sense of beauty and tranquility before the storm of battle.
In the fifth stanza, the poet personifies the "dusk" as a "cloak." This personification creates a sense of darkness and danger, which reflects the danger that the young man is facing in battle.
Alliteration
Service has used alliteration to create a musical quality to the poem. For example, in the first stanza, the repetition of the "v" sound in "volunteer," "vexed," and "vain" creates a sense of urgency and tension.
In the third stanza, the repetition of the "h" sound in "hills," "hark," and "heart" creates a sense of harmony and tranquility.
Repetition
Service has used repetition to emphasize certain phrases and create a sense of rhythm in the poem. For example, the repetition of the phrase "I'll go" in the first stanza creates a sense of determination and resolve.
In the sixth stanza, the repetition of the phrase "I die" creates a sense of finality and sacrifice.
Themes
"The Volunteer" is a poem that explores several themes, including patriotism, sacrifice, and the futility of war.
Patriotism
The poem celebrates the young man's sense of patriotism and his willingness to fight for his country. The young man's decision to join the army despite his father's objections reflects a sense of duty and loyalty to his country.
Sacrifice
The poem also explores the theme of sacrifice. The young man is willing to sacrifice his life for his country, and the repetition of the phrase "I die" in the sixth stanza emphasizes the finality of this sacrifice.
Futility of War
While the poem celebrates the young man's patriotism, it also highlights the futility of war. The chaos and confusion of battle, as well as the young man's tragic death, underscore the senselessness of war.
Interpretation
"The Volunteer" is a powerful and moving poem that stirs the reader's emotions and creates a sense of patriotism. The poem celebrates the young man's sense of duty and sacrifice while also highlighting the futility of war.
The poem's structure, rhyme scheme, and meter create a musical quality that emphasizes the poem's message. The use of imagery, personification, alliteration, and repetition creates a sensory experience for the reader that makes the poem engaging and memorable.
Overall, "The Volunteer" is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers today. Its message of sacrifice and patriotism is as relevant now as it was when it was written over a century ago.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Volunteer" by Robert Service is a masterpiece of poetry that explores themes of patriotism, sacrifice, and the futility of war. The poem's structure, literary techniques, and message create a powerful and moving experience for the reader. If you are looking for a poem that can stir your emotions and make you feel patriotic, "The Volunteer" is a must-read.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Volunteer: A Poem of Heroism and Sacrifice
Robert Service's "The Volunteer" is a classic poem that captures the essence of heroism and sacrifice. Written in 1914, at the onset of World War I, the poem tells the story of a young man who volunteers to fight for his country. The poem is a tribute to the brave men and women who have fought and died for their country, and it is a reminder of the sacrifices that they have made.
The poem begins with the young man's decision to volunteer. He is motivated by a sense of duty and patriotism, and he is willing to risk his life for his country. The poem captures the excitement and anticipation that he feels as he prepares to leave for war. He is eager to prove himself and to make a difference in the world.
As the young man sets off for war, the poem takes on a more somber tone. The reality of war sets in, and the young man begins to realize the true cost of his decision. He sees the horrors of war firsthand, and he is forced to confront his own mortality. The poem captures the fear and uncertainty that he feels as he faces the enemy.
Despite the danger and the fear, the young man remains committed to his cause. He is determined to fight for his country, and he is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice if necessary. The poem captures the bravery and selflessness that he displays in the face of adversity.
In the end, the young man's sacrifice is not in vain. He dies a hero, and his memory lives on as a symbol of the courage and sacrifice of all those who have fought and died for their country. The poem is a powerful reminder of the importance of patriotism and the sacrifices that we must make to protect our freedom and our way of life.
One of the most striking aspects of "The Volunteer" is its use of language. Service's use of vivid imagery and powerful metaphors brings the poem to life, and it captures the emotions and experiences of the young man in a way that is both moving and memorable. For example, the line "And the drums beat up in the morning like a heart that will never die" captures the excitement and anticipation that the young man feels as he prepares to leave for war. The line "And the bayonets glittered and the rifles gleamed, and the shrapnel shrieked overhead" captures the danger and chaos of the battlefield.
Another notable aspect of the poem is its structure. The poem is written in four stanzas, each with a distinct tone and theme. The first stanza captures the excitement and anticipation of the young man as he prepares to leave for war. The second stanza shifts to a more somber tone, as the young man confronts the reality of war. The third stanza captures the bravery and selflessness of the young man as he faces the enemy. The final stanza is a tribute to the young man's sacrifice and a reminder of the importance of patriotism and sacrifice.
Overall, "The Volunteer" is a powerful and moving poem that captures the essence of heroism and sacrifice. It is a tribute to the brave men and women who have fought and died for their country, and it is a reminder of the sacrifices that they have made. The poem's use of language and structure make it a memorable and impactful work of literature, and it continues to resonate with readers today.
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