'Conqueror' by Robert Service


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Though I defy the howling horde
As bloody-browed I smite,
Back to the wall with shattered sword
When darkly dooms the night;
Though hoarse they cheer as I go down
Before their bitter odds,
'Tis I who win the victor's crown,
The guerdon of the gods.

For all who fall in fearless fight
Alight a deathless flame,
That glorifies the godless night
And fills the foe with shame.
'Tis they who triumph heaven-high,
And so in hell's despite,
Be mine the dauntless will to die
In battle for the right.

The rant and cant of futile folk
Break brittle in my ears;
Let me cast off the cursed yoke
And fall upon the spears.
Aye, though they mock my broken blade,
And stamp and spit on me,
Mine is the Shining Accolade,
The Star of Victory.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Conqueror: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Are you ready to enter the wild and thrilling world of Robert Service's poetry? Are you ready to explore the depths of the human spirit and the mysteries of life and death? If you are, then come with me, as we delve into one of Service's greatest works, the epic poem "Conqueror".

The Poem

"Conqueror" is a long and powerful poem, divided into twenty-four stanzas, each consisting of four lines. The poem tells the story of a man who sets out to conquer the world, driven by his ambition and his thirst for glory. He travels across the continents, battles against armies and nature, endures hardships and triumphs, and finally reaches the top of the mountain, where he proclaims himself the conqueror of all.

The poem is written in Service's characteristic style, which combines vivid imagery, strong rhythms, and simple language. Service was a master storyteller, who knew how to captivate his audiences with his tales of adventure, heroism, and romance. He was also a keen observer of human nature, who understood the complex motivations and contradictions that drive us all.

The Themes

One of the main themes of "Conqueror" is the human desire for power and dominance. The protagonist of the poem is consumed by his ambition to become the greatest conqueror of all time. He is willing to risk everything, including his own life and the lives of others, for the sake of his ambition. He is driven by a sense of superiority and a thirst for glory, which blinds him to the suffering and the consequences of his actions.

Another theme of the poem is the tension between conquest and compassion. Throughout his journey, the protagonist encounters people who are different from him, who speak different languages, who have different customs and beliefs. Some of them are his enemies, whom he fights and defeats. Others are his allies, whom he treats with kindness and respect. But in the end, he realizes that his conquests have come at a great cost, and that his victories have left a trail of destruction and sorrow behind.

A third theme of the poem is the ultimate futility of human striving. The conqueror reaches the top of the mountain, where he proclaims himself the ruler of all he surveys. But what does he really gain from his conquests? What is the meaning of his life? Is he truly happy and fulfilled? These are the questions that the poem leaves us with, as we contemplate the fate of the conqueror and the meaning of our own lives.

The Interpretation

What is the message that Service is trying to convey through "Conqueror"? Is he glorifying conquest and domination, or is he criticizing them? Is he celebrating the human spirit, or is he warning us about its dangers?

One possible interpretation of the poem is that Service is warning us about the dangers of unchecked ambition and power. The conqueror is a tragic figure, who sacrifices everything for the sake of his ambition, only to realize in the end that he has gained nothing of real value. The poem is a cautionary tale, reminding us that the pursuit of power and glory can lead to destruction and despair.

Another interpretation of the poem is that Service is celebrating the human spirit, while acknowledging its limitations and contradictions. The conqueror is a flawed but heroic figure, who embodies the human drive to explore, to conquer, to achieve. The poem is a tribute to the human capacity for adventure, courage, and creativity, while also recognizing the need for compassion, humility, and self-awareness.

A third interpretation of the poem is that Service is exploring the existential questions of life and death, meaning and purpose. The conqueror's journey is a metaphor for the human journey, from birth to death, from ignorance to knowledge, from illusion to reality. The poem is a meditation on the transience of life and the eternal quest for meaning and significance.

The Conclusion

"Conqueror" is a masterpiece of poetry, which combines adventure, heroism, and reflection. It is a poem that speaks to the human heart, the human mind, and the human soul. It is a poem that challenges us to think, to feel, and to act. It is a poem that invites us to explore the mysteries of life and death, and to find our own answers to the questions that it raises.

So, are you ready to conquer your own world? Are you ready to embark on your own journey of adventure and discovery? Are you ready to face the challenges and the mysteries of life? If you are, then take the first step, and read "Conqueror". You won't regret it.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Conqueror: A Poem of Triumph and Glory

Robert Service's Conqueror is a poem that celebrates the spirit of conquest and the glory of victory. It is a powerful and evocative work that captures the essence of human ambition and the drive to succeed against all odds. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language of the poem, and examine how they contribute to its overall impact.

The poem begins with a vivid description of a "conqueror" riding through the streets of a city, his "triumphant tread" echoing through the air. The imagery here is striking, as we can almost hear the sound of the conqueror's footsteps and feel the energy and excitement of the crowd around him. The use of the word "triumphant" sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as we are immediately drawn into the world of victory and conquest.

As the poem progresses, we learn more about the conqueror and his achievements. He is described as a "man of iron will" who has "fought his way to fame." This language is powerful and evocative, as it suggests that the conqueror has overcome great obstacles and challenges to achieve his success. We can imagine him battling against his enemies, facing down adversity, and emerging victorious.

The poem also touches on the idea of sacrifice and the cost of conquest. The conqueror is described as having "paid the price of pain and tears" to achieve his goals. This suggests that his success has come at a great personal cost, and that he has had to make sacrifices in order to achieve his dreams. This theme of sacrifice is a common one in literature, and it adds depth and complexity to the poem.

One of the most striking aspects of Conqueror is its use of imagery. Service employs a wide range of metaphors and similes to create a vivid and evocative picture of the conqueror and his world. For example, he describes the conqueror's "eyes of steel" and his "heart of fire," both of which suggest strength, determination, and passion. These images help to bring the conqueror to life and make him seem like a real person rather than a mere abstraction.

Another powerful image in the poem is the description of the conqueror's "banner of blood and gold." This image is particularly striking, as it suggests both the violence and the glory of conquest. The use of the word "blood" is particularly evocative, as it suggests the cost of victory and the human toll of war. At the same time, the use of the word "gold" suggests the rewards of conquest and the wealth and power that come with success.

The language of the poem is also noteworthy. Service uses a range of poetic devices, including alliteration, repetition, and rhyme, to create a musical and rhythmic effect. For example, he repeats the phrase "conqueror of conquerors" several times throughout the poem, which helps to reinforce the idea of the conqueror's greatness and power. He also uses alliteration to create a sense of momentum and energy, as in the line "he came, he saw, he conquered all."

Overall, Conqueror is a powerful and evocative poem that celebrates the spirit of conquest and the glory of victory. Through its vivid imagery, powerful language, and evocative themes, it captures the essence of human ambition and the drive to succeed against all odds. Whether read as a celebration of human achievement or a cautionary tale about the cost of conquest, it is a work that continues to resonate with readers today.

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