'Kelly Of The Legion' by Robert Service

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Ballads of a Bohemian (Book 4)Now Kelly was no fighter;
He loved his pipe and glass;
An easygoing blighter,
Who lived in Montparnasse.
But 'mid the tavern tattle
He heard some guinney say:
"When France goes forth to battle,
The Legion leads the way.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Kelly of the Legion: A Masterpiece by Robert Service

If you are a fan of poetry, then you must have come across the name Robert Service. Service was a renowned poet who wrote about life, love, and adventure. Kelly of the Legion is one of his most famous poems that tells the story of an Irish soldier who joined the French Foreign Legion. In this literary criticism, we will explore the themes, imagery, and literary devices used in Kelly of the Legion.

Background of the Poem

Robert Service was born in England in 1874 but later moved to Canada where he worked as a banker before turning to writing. He is best known for his poems about the Yukon Gold Rush, such as "The Shooting of Dan McGrew" and "The Cremation of Sam McGee". However, Kelly of the Legion is a departure from his usual themes as it is set in France and focuses on the life of a soldier in the French Foreign Legion. The poem was published in 1916 during World War I, and it became popular among soldiers and civilians alike.

Themes

One of the main themes in Kelly of the Legion is the theme of sacrifice. The poem tells the story of Kelly, a man who leaves his homeland and family in Ireland to fight for a foreign country. He does not do this for money or fame, but because he believes in a cause greater than himself. The line "He thought of the Flag and what it meant" (line 13) shows that Kelly is willing to die for his country and for the ideals that he believes in.

Another theme in the poem is the theme of identity. Kelly is torn between his Irish heritage and his loyalty to France. He is proud of his Irish roots, and his mother's voice echoes in his ears, reminding him of who he is. However, he also feels a sense of belonging to the Legion, and he is willing to fight and die for France. The line "The Legion, that's my Motherland" (line 47) shows that Kelly has found a new identity in the Legion.

The theme of brotherhood is also present in the poem. The Legion is made up of soldiers from different countries, but they are all united by a common cause. They are all brothers in arms, and they look out for each other. The line "For the Legion is a family" (line 44) shows that Kelly has found a new family in the Legion, and he is willing to do anything for them.

Imagery

Service uses vivid imagery to bring the story of Kelly to life. The poem is full of rich descriptions that transport the reader to the battlefields of France. The line "And the guns glint back the sun's first ray" (line 2) creates an image of a sunrise over the battlefield, with the guns reflecting the light. The line "The shrapnel screams like a soul in pain" (line 5) creates an image of the noise and chaos of war.

The imagery also helps to convey the emotions of the characters. The line "He hears his mother's voice again" (line 12) creates an image of Kelly remembering his mother, and the line "His heart is aching in his breast" (line 15) creates an image of Kelly's emotional turmoil.

Literary Devices

Service uses a number of literary devices in Kelly of the Legion. One of the most striking is the use of repetition. The line "Kelly, Kelly, you're a man" (line 16) is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing Kelly's bravery and masculinity. The repetition also creates a rhythm that gives the poem a sense of urgency.

Another literary device used in the poem is alliteration. The line "The Legion's like a living thing" (line 43) uses the repetition of the letter "L" to create a sense of unity and strength.

Service also uses metaphor in the poem. The line "The Flag, the Legion's heart and soul" (line 20) compares the flag to a living being, emphasizing its importance to the Legion.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Robert Service's Kelly of the Legion is a masterpiece of poetry that explores themes of sacrifice, identity, and brotherhood. The vivid imagery and use of literary devices make the poem come alive, and the story of Kelly is one that will stay with the reader long after they have finished reading. Whether you are a fan of poetry or not, Kelly of the Legion is a poem that is worth reading and exploring in depth.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Kelly Of The Legion: A Classic Tale of Bravery and Honor

Robert Service's Poetry Kelly Of The Legion is a classic poem that tells the story of a brave soldier who fought for his country and his comrades. The poem is set during the French Foreign Legion's campaign in Morocco in the early 20th century. It is a tale of courage, loyalty, and sacrifice that has captured the hearts of readers for generations.

The poem begins with the introduction of the protagonist, Poetry Kelly, a young Irishman who joins the French Foreign Legion to escape his troubled past. Kelly is a man of few words, but his actions speak louder than his words. He quickly earns the respect of his fellow soldiers and becomes a trusted member of the Legion.

The poem's first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, with Service's use of vivid imagery and powerful language. He describes the harsh conditions of the desert and the dangers that the soldiers face every day. The lines "The burning sun of Africa, and the sandstorms of the land, / The thirst, the flies, the fever, and the cruel Arab band" paint a picture of a hostile environment where survival is a constant struggle.

As the poem progresses, we see Kelly's bravery and loyalty to his comrades. In one scene, he volunteers to go on a dangerous mission to rescue a wounded soldier who is trapped behind enemy lines. Kelly's courage and determination inspire his fellow soldiers, and they follow him into battle without hesitation.

Service's use of rhyme and rhythm in the poem adds to its power and impact. The poem's structure is simple, with four-line stanzas that follow an ABAB rhyme scheme. This simplicity allows the poem's message to shine through, and the reader is left with a sense of awe and admiration for Kelly and his fellow soldiers.

One of the most powerful moments in the poem comes towards the end, when Kelly is mortally wounded in battle. Despite his injuries, he continues to fight, refusing to give up until his last breath. The lines "He died with a smile on his lips, and his eyes on the tricolor, / And the Legion mourned for Kelly, who had fought and died for her" are a testament to Kelly's bravery and sacrifice.

The poem's themes of bravery, loyalty, and sacrifice are timeless and universal. They speak to the human spirit and our innate desire to do what is right, even in the face of danger and adversity. Kelly's story is a reminder that there are still heroes in this world, and that their actions can inspire us all to be better people.

In conclusion, Poetry Kelly Of The Legion is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. Robert Service's use of vivid imagery, powerful language, and simple structure make it a powerful and moving tribute to the brave soldiers who fought and died for their country. The poem's themes of bravery, loyalty, and sacrifice are as relevant today as they were when the poem was first written, and they serve as a reminder of the best of humanity.

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