'Carry On' by Robert Service


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Rhymes of a Red Cross ManIt's easy to fight when everything's right,And you're mad with the thrill and the glory;
It's easy to cheer when victory's near,And wallow in fields that are gory.
It's a different song when everything's wrong,When you're feeling infernally mortal;
When it's ten against one, and hope there is none,Buck up, little soldier, and chortle:Carry on! Carry on!
There isn't much punch in your blow.
You're glaring and staring and hitting out blind;
You're muddy and bloody, but never you mind.
Carry on! Carry on!
You haven't the ghost of a show.
It's looking like death, but while you've a breath,
Carry on, my son! Carry on!And so in the strife of the battle of lifeIt's easy to fight when you're winning;
It's easy to slave, and starve and be brave,When the dawn of success is beginning.
But the man who can meet despair and defeatWith a cheer, there's the man of God's choosing;
The man who can fight to Heaven's own heightIs the man who can fight when he's losing.Carry on! Carry on!
Things never were looming so black.
But show that you haven't a cowardly streak,
And though you're unlucky you never are weak.
Carry on! Carry on!
Brace up for another attack.
It's looking like hell, but -- you never can tell:
Carry on, old man! Carry on!There are some who drift out in the deserts of doubt,And some who in brutishness wallow;
There are others, I know, who in piety goBecause of a Heaven to follow.
But to labour with zest, and to give of your best,For the sweetness and joy of the giving;
To help folks along with a hand and a song;Why, there's the real sunshine of living.Carry on! Carry on!
Fight the good fight and true;
Believe in your mission, greet life with a cheer;
There's big work to do, and that's why you are here.
Carry on! Carry on!
Let the world be the better for you;
And at last when you die, let this be your cry:
Carry on, my soul! Carry on!

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Epic Journey of "Carry On" by Robert Service

As I sit down to write about "Carry On" by Robert Service, I am reminded of a rugged terrain that this poem takes us through. It is an epic journey that begins with a call to adventure and ends with a powerful message about perseverance, grit, and determination. In this literary criticism, I will attempt to dissect this poem and unravel its many layers to understand what makes it a classic piece of poetry.

Introduction to "Carry On"

"Carry On" is a poem that was written by Robert Service in 1907. Robert Service was a Scottish poet and novelist who lived from 1874 to 1958. He is best known for his poems about the Canadian North, including "The Shooting of Dan McGrew" and "The Cremation of Sam McGee." "Carry On" is no exception to this theme, as it is a poem that captures the spirit of the Klondike Gold Rush, which took place in the late 1800s in Canada.

The poem is written in the form of a dramatic monologue, where the speaker is addressing someone directly. It is not clear who the speaker is addressing, but it is likely that he is speaking to himself or to the reader. The poem consists of six stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, and the meter is iambic tetrameter.

Analysis of "Carry On"

Stanza 1

The poem begins with a call to adventure. The speaker tells us that he has "struck the trail" and that he is "headed for the hills." This is a metaphorical journey that represents his quest for gold. He tells us that he has "packed his kit," which means that he has prepared himself for the journey. He is ready to face the challenges that lie ahead.

The first line of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It is a call to action, a call to adventure. The use of the word "struck" implies that the speaker has stumbled upon something unexpected. The word "trail" suggests that he is following a path, but it is not a well-defined path. It is a path that he has to create for himself. The use of the word "headed" suggests that he is moving forward, that he is not looking back.

Stanza 2

In the second stanza, the speaker tells us that he is "sore-footed" and "weary-eyed." He has been walking for a long time, and his body is tired. However, he is not discouraged. He tells us that he is "laughing" and "singing." This is a sign of his resilience. He is able to find joy in the midst of hardship.

The use of the word "sore-footed" suggests that the speaker is experiencing physical pain. The use of the word "weary-eyed" suggests that he is also experiencing mental fatigue. However, the fact that he is laughing and singing suggests that he has a positive attitude. He is not allowing his circumstances to bring him down.

Stanza 3

In the third stanza, the speaker tells us that he has encountered obstacles on his journey. He has encountered "rivers to cross" and "mountains to climb." These are metaphorical obstacles that represent the challenges that he has faced on his quest for gold. However, he has not given up. He tells us that he is "facing the music" and "taking the strain." This is a sign of his determination. He is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goal.

The use of the phrase "facing the music" suggests that the speaker is not shying away from the consequences of his actions. He is willing to take responsibility for his decisions. The use of the phrase "taking the strain" suggests that he is willing to endure hardship. He is not looking for an easy way out.

Stanza 4

In the fourth stanza, the speaker tells us that he has lost his companions. He is now alone on his journey. However, he is not lonely. He tells us that he is "whistling" and "singing." This is a sign of his resilience. He is able to find joy in the midst of solitude.

The use of the word "lost" suggests that the speaker did not choose to be alone. It was something that happened to him. However, the fact that he is whistling and singing suggests that he is not allowing his circumstances to bring him down. He is finding joy in the midst of hardship.

Stanza 5

In the fifth stanza, the speaker tells us that he has encountered danger on his journey. He has encountered "blizzards to face" and "deserts to roam." These are metaphorical dangers that represent the challenges that he has faced on his quest for gold. However, he has not given up. He tells us that he is "shouldering his load" and "bearing his pack." This is a sign of his determination. He is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goal.

The use of the phrase "shouldering his load" suggests that the speaker is willing to take responsibility for his actions. He is not looking for an easy way out. The use of the phrase "bearing his pack" suggests that he is willing to endure hardship. He is not giving up in the face of danger.

Stanza 6

In the final stanza, the speaker tells us that he has reached his destination. He has found the gold that he was searching for. However, he tells us that the gold is not the most important thing. The most important thing is the journey itself. He tells us to "carry on" and to "never mind the gold." This is a powerful message about the value of perseverance, grit, and determination.

The use of the phrase "never mind the gold" suggests that the speaker has realized that the journey is more important than the destination. The gold was just a means to an end. The real value was in the journey itself. The use of the phrase "carry on" suggests that the speaker is encouraging us to continue on our own journeys. To never give up, no matter how difficult the road may be.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Carry On" by Robert Service is a powerful poem about perseverance, grit, and determination. It is a poem that captures the spirit of the Klondike Gold Rush, but it is also a poem that has a universal message. It is a message about the value of resilience, about the importance of never giving up, no matter how difficult the road may be. It is a message that is as relevant today as it was over a century ago when the poem was written. So, let us all carry on, and never mind the gold.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Carry On: A Masterpiece by Robert Service

If you are a fan of poetry, then you must have heard of Robert Service, the Canadian poet who is known for his captivating and humorous poems. One of his most famous works is the poem "Carry On," which has become a classic in the world of literature. In this article, we will take a closer look at this masterpiece and analyze its themes, structure, and literary devices.

The poem "Carry On" was written in 1916, during the First World War, and it reflects the spirit of the time. The poem is about a soldier who is wounded in battle and is lying on the ground, waiting for death. However, instead of giving up, he decides to carry on and fight until the end. The poem is a tribute to the courage and resilience of soldiers who fought in the war.

The poem is structured in four stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which gives the poem a musical quality. The first stanza sets the tone for the poem and introduces the main character, the wounded soldier. The second stanza describes the soldier's surroundings, which are bleak and desolate. The third stanza is the turning point of the poem, where the soldier decides to carry on and fight. The final stanza is a message of hope and encouragement to all soldiers who are fighting in the war.

The poem is full of literary devices, which add to its beauty and depth. One of the most prominent devices is personification, where the soldier's rifle is given human qualities. The rifle is described as "a friend in need" and "a comrade staunch and true." This personification creates a bond between the soldier and his weapon, which is essential in war.

Another literary device used in the poem is imagery, where the poet uses vivid descriptions to create a mental picture in the reader's mind. For example, the soldier's surroundings are described as "a waste of shame" and "a land of hate." These descriptions create a sense of despair and hopelessness, which is the reality of war.

The poem also uses repetition, where the phrase "carry on" is repeated several times throughout the poem. This repetition creates a sense of urgency and determination, which is the message of the poem. The phrase "carry on" becomes a mantra for the soldier, and it inspires him to keep fighting.

The theme of the poem is the resilience and courage of soldiers in war. The poem celebrates the spirit of soldiers who refuse to give up, even in the face of death. The soldier in the poem is a symbol of all soldiers who have fought in wars throughout history. The poem is a tribute to their sacrifice and bravery.

In conclusion, "Carry On" is a masterpiece by Robert Service, which captures the spirit of soldiers in war. The poem is a tribute to their courage and resilience, and it inspires us to never give up, even in the face of adversity. The poem's structure, literary devices, and themes make it a classic in the world of literature. It is a poem that will continue to inspire generations to come, and it is a reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers in the name of freedom.

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