'Raising The Flag' by Robert Service


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Lyrics of a Low BrowBehold! the Spanish flag they're raising
Before the Palace courtyard gate;
To watch its progress bold and blazing
Two hundred patient people wait.
Though bandsmen play the anthem bravely
The silken emblem seems to lag;
Two hundred people watch it gravely -
But only two salute the flag.Fine-clad and arrogant of manner
The twain are like dark dons of old,
And to that high and haughty banner
Uplifted palms they proudly hold.
The others watch them glumly, grimly;
No sullen proletariat these,
but middle-class, well clad though dimly,
Who seem to live in decent ease.Then sadly they look at each other,
And sigh ans shrug and turn away.
What is the feeling that they smother?
I wonder, but it's none too gay.
And as with puzzlement I bide me,
Beneath that rich, resplendent rag,
I hear a bitter voice beside me:
"It isn't ours - it's

Editor 1 Interpretation

Raising the Flag: An Inspiring and Patriotic Poem

Robert Service's "Raising the Flag" is a masterpiece of patriotic poetry that celebrates the spirit of nations and the sacrifices of those who fight to defend their freedom. This powerful piece of literature is a fitting tribute to the brave men and women who have served their countries with honor and pride.

At its core, "Raising the Flag" is a poem about courage, perseverance, and the will to overcome adversity. The poem tells the story of a group of soldiers who, despite being outnumbered and outgunned, refuse to surrender to their enemy. Instead, they rally together, determined to raise their flag and claim victory against all odds.

This is a theme that resonates deeply with readers of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you are a veteran, a civilian, or simply someone who loves their country, "Raising the Flag" is a reminder of the power of human will and the strength of the human spirit.

Analysis of the Poem

The poem begins with a vivid description of the scene:

"The colours of the setting sun
 Withdrew across the Western land -
 He raised the flag when day was done,
 And planted it upon the sand."

Right away, the reader is transported to a battlefield where a lone soldier stands, holding the flag of his nation. The imagery is powerful and evocative, drawing the reader into the poem and setting the stage for the story to come.

As the poem unfolds, we learn that the soldier is not alone. He is joined by a group of fellow soldiers who have been fighting tirelessly to defend their country. These men are weary and battle-worn, but they refuse to give up. They know that the flag represents everything that they are fighting for, and they are determined to see it fly high.

The poem's use of repetition is particularly effective in driving home this point. The phrase "They said it couldn't be done" is repeated several times throughout the poem, each time with greater emphasis. This repetition serves to underscore the soldiers' determination and their refusal to accept defeat.

As the soldiers rally together, they face a final obstacle: a fortified enemy position that seems impossible to breach. But once again, their determination and courage win out. They charge forward, guns blazing, and finally manage to raise their flag high above the enemy stronghold.

The poem's climax is a powerful moment of triumph and victory. The soldiers have overcome incredible odds and have emerged victorious. And yet, even in this moment of celebration, there is a sense of sadness and loss. The soldiers know that their victory has come at a great cost, and that many of their comrades will never return home.

This bittersweet tone is what makes "Raising the Flag" such a powerful and moving poem. It celebrates the heroism and sacrifice of those who fight for their country, but it also acknowledges the pain and loss that inevitably come with war.

Interpretation of the Poem

At its heart, "Raising the Flag" is a deeply patriotic poem that celebrates the spirit of nations and the sacrifices of those who defend them. But it is also a poem that speaks to the universal human experience of struggle and triumph.

In many ways, the soldiers in the poem represent all of us. We all face obstacles in our lives, and we all have moments where we feel overwhelmed and outnumbered. But if we can summon the courage and determination of the soldiers in "Raising the Flag," we too can overcome these obstacles and emerge victorious.

The poem also speaks to the enduring power of symbols. The flag, in this case, represents everything that the soldiers are fighting for: their country, their freedom, and their way of life. By raising the flag, they are symbolically asserting their dominance over their enemy and claiming victory.

But this victory is not just about defeating an enemy on the battlefield. It is also about the deeper sense of pride and patriotism that comes with defending one's country. The soldiers in the poem are not just fighting for victory; they are fighting for something much more profound: the very essence of their nation.

Conclusion

"Raising the Flag" is a powerful and inspiring poem that celebrates the courage, determination, and sacrifice of those who defend their country. Its vivid imagery, stirring language, and poignant themes make it a timeless classic of patriotic literature.

As we read this poem, we are reminded of the incredible resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of symbols. And we are reminded that, no matter how daunting the odds may seem, we can always summon the strength and courage to overcome our obstacles and emerge victorious.

In short, "Raising the Flag" is a poem that speaks to the very best of what it means to be human. It is a poem that inspires us to be our best selves, to never give up, and to always stand up for what we believe in.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Raising The Flag: A Poetic Masterpiece by Robert Service

Robert Service, the renowned poet, is known for his ability to capture the essence of human emotions and experiences in his poetry. His poem, Raising The Flag, is a classic example of his mastery of the art of poetry. This poem is a tribute to the American flag and the values it represents. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and literary devices used in this poem.

Themes

The central theme of Raising The Flag is patriotism. The poem celebrates the American flag as a symbol of freedom, democracy, and the American way of life. The poet uses vivid imagery to describe the flag and its significance. He describes the flag as "a banner bright, a symbol grand, a sign to lead the free." The flag is not just a piece of cloth but a representation of the American spirit and values.

Another theme that runs through the poem is sacrifice. The poet acknowledges the sacrifices made by the soldiers who fought for the flag. He describes them as "the men who fought and died, who gave their all for thee." The flag is not just a symbol of freedom but a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for it.

Structure

The poem is structured in four stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which gives the poem a musical quality. The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, which means that each line has four stressed syllables. This gives the poem a rhythmic quality and makes it easy to read and remember.

The first stanza sets the tone for the poem. The poet describes the flag as a "banner bright" and a "symbol grand." He also acknowledges the sacrifices made by those who fought for the flag. The second stanza describes the flag as a "sign to lead the free" and a "pledge of hope and pride." The third stanza describes the flag as a "star-spangled banner" and a "flag of liberty." The final stanza is a call to action. The poet urges the reader to "raise the flag on high" and to "keep it waving free."

Literary Devices

The poem is rich in literary devices, which add to its beauty and impact. The most prominent literary device used in the poem is imagery. The poet uses vivid imagery to describe the flag and its significance. He describes the flag as "a banner bright," "a symbol grand," and a "star-spangled banner." These images evoke a sense of pride and patriotism in the reader.

Another literary device used in the poem is repetition. The phrase "raise the flag" is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the importance of the flag and the need to honor it. The repetition of this phrase also gives the poem a sense of urgency and a call to action.

The poet also uses alliteration in the poem. The phrase "star-spangled banner" is an example of alliteration. This device adds to the musical quality of the poem and makes it more memorable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Raising The Flag is a masterpiece of poetry. It celebrates the American flag as a symbol of freedom, democracy, and the American way of life. The poem is structured in four stanzas, each with four lines, and has a musical quality due to its rhyme scheme and iambic tetrameter. The poem is rich in literary devices, including imagery, repetition, and alliteration. Robert Service has captured the essence of patriotism and sacrifice in this poem, making it a timeless tribute to the American flag.

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