'The Ballad Of The Leather Medal' by Robert Service
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Bar-Room BalladsOnly a Leather Medal, hanging there on the wall,
Dingy and frayed and faded, dusty and worn and old;
Yet of my humble treasures I value it most of all,
And I wouldn't part with that medal if you gave me its weight in gold.Read the inscription:
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Ballad Of The Leather Medal by Robert Service: A Vivid Portrayal of Heroism and Sacrifice
I can't help but feel exhilarated every time I read Robert Service's The Ballad Of The Leather Medal. This poem is a masterful piece of literature that captures the essence of heroism and sacrifice, and presents it through vivid imagery and powerful words.
At its core, The Ballad Of The Leather Medal is a story of a young soldier who gives up his life for his country. The poem is set during the First World War, a time when young men were sent to the frontlines to fight for their countries. The soldier in the poem is no different; he is a brave and daring young man who is willing to put his life on the line for his country.
Service's use of language is particularly effective in bringing the story to life. He employs a range of poetic devices such as alliteration, repetition, and rhyme to create a lyrical and rhythmic narrative. For example, in the first stanza, he uses alliteration to create a sense of urgency and tension:
Oh, the leather medal was the hero's pride,
So dark and bright, so soft and wide,
With its border of scarlet, and its crimson bars,
And its centre a shield with the Stripes and Stars.
The repetition of the word "so" emphasizes the qualities of the medal, while the use of alliteration in "dark and bright" and "soft and wide" creates a vivid image of the medal in the reader's mind.
Service's skillful use of language extends beyond poetic devices too. He also uses vivid imagery to describe the soldier's journey. In the second stanza, for instance, he writes:
They gave him a march past, they made him feel
As fine as a prince, as strong as steel;
They cheered him and cheered him as he marched away,
And he felt like a king on Coronation Day.
These lines paint a picture of a proud and confident soldier, marching with his head held high, cheered on by a crowd of admirers. The reader can almost feel the energy and excitement of the moment.
However, the poem takes a darker turn in the third stanza as the soldier is sent to the frontlines:
They rushed him out to the firing line,
And he lost his youth and he lost his shine;
And he lost his hope, and he lost his pride,
And he lost the worth of a man who died.
Here, Service's language becomes more somber and reflective. The repetition of the word "lost" emphasizes the magnitude of the soldier's sacrifice. The reader can sense the soldier's despair and hopelessness as he faces the brutal realities of war.
In the final stanza, Service brings the poem to a poignant close:
Oh, the leather medal was his joy,
And his mother cried for her darling boy;
And she dreamed that he kissed her as he did of old,
When the leather medal was his to hold.
These lines capture the heart-wrenching loss that war brings. The mother's grief is palpable, and the reader cannot help but feel a deep sense of sadness at the soldier's sacrifice.
In conclusion, The Ballad Of The Leather Medal is a powerful poem that captures the essence of heroism and sacrifice. Service's use of language is masterful, creating vivid images and a lyrical narrative that draws the reader in. The poem is a reminder of the sacrifices made by young soldiers in conflicts around the world, and a tribute to their bravery and commitment to their countries.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Ballad of the Leather Medal: A Tale of Heroism and Sacrifice
Robert Service’s “The Ballad of the Leather Medal” is a classic poem that tells the story of a brave soldier who sacrifices his life for his comrades during a battle. The poem is a powerful tribute to heroism and selflessness, and it has been admired by readers for generations.
The poem begins with a description of the soldier, who is named Private McPherson. He is a young man who is eager to prove himself in battle, and he wears a leather medal that he has made himself as a symbol of his bravery. The poem then moves on to describe the battle that McPherson and his comrades are fighting. They are outnumbered and outgunned, but they fight on bravely, determined to hold their ground.
As the battle rages on, McPherson sees that his comrades are in danger. They are being attacked from all sides, and they are struggling to hold their position. McPherson knows that he must do something to help them, so he decides to make a bold move. He charges towards the enemy lines, firing his rifle and shouting a battle cry.
The enemy is taken by surprise, and they begin to retreat. McPherson’s comrades are inspired by his bravery, and they join him in the charge. Together, they push the enemy back, and they are able to secure their position.
However, McPherson is mortally wounded in the charge. He falls to the ground, but he is still alive. His comrades rush to his side, but they know that there is nothing they can do to save him. McPherson is dying, but he is at peace. He knows that he has done something heroic, and he is proud of what he has accomplished.
The poem ends with a tribute to McPherson’s bravery. He is remembered as a hero who sacrificed his life for his comrades. His leather medal, which he made himself, becomes a symbol of his bravery and selflessness. The poem is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices that soldiers make in the line of duty, and it is a tribute to the courage and bravery of those who serve their country.
One of the most striking aspects of “The Ballad of the Leather Medal” is its use of language. Service’s writing is vivid and powerful, and he uses a range of literary devices to create a sense of drama and tension. For example, he uses repetition to emphasize the bravery of McPherson and his comrades. The phrase “onward, onward, onward” is repeated several times throughout the poem, creating a sense of urgency and determination.
Service also uses imagery to create a vivid picture of the battle. He describes the “rattle and roar” of the guns, the “smoke and flame” of the battlefield, and the “shrieks and groans” of the wounded. These images help to create a sense of the chaos and violence of war, and they make the poem feel more immediate and real.
Another notable aspect of the poem is its structure. “The Ballad of the Leather Medal” is written in ballad form, which is a traditional form of poetry that is often used to tell stories. The poem has a regular rhyme scheme and a steady rhythm, which gives it a musical quality. This musicality helps to create a sense of momentum and energy, which is appropriate for a poem about a battle.
Overall, “The Ballad of the Leather Medal” is a powerful and moving poem that celebrates the bravery and selflessness of soldiers. It is a tribute to those who have sacrificed their lives for their country, and it is a reminder of the importance of courage and heroism. Service’s writing is vivid and powerful, and his use of language and structure helps to create a sense of drama and tension. This is a classic poem that deserves to be read and appreciated by readers of all ages.
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