'Kelly Of The Legion' by Robert Service

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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.

"The scourings of creation,
Of every sin and station,
The men who've known damnation,
Are picked to lead the way."

Well, Kelly joined the Legion;
They marched him day and night;
They rushed him to the region
Where largest loomed the fight.
"Behold your mighty mission,
Your destiny," said they;
"By glorious tradition
The Legion leads the way.

"With tattered banners flying
With trail of dead and dying,
On! On! All hell defying,
The Legion sweeps the way."

With grim, hard-bitten faces,
With jests of savage mirth,
They swept into their places,
The men of iron worth;
Their blooded steel was flashing;
They swung to face the fray;
Then rushing, roaring, crashing,
The Legion cleared the way.

The trail they blazed was gory;
Few lived to tell the story;
Through death they plunged to glory;
But, oh, they cleared the way!

Now Kelly lay a-dying,
And dimly saw advance,
With split new banners flying,
The fantassins of France.
Then up amid the melee
He rose from where he lay;
"Come on, me boys," says Kelly,
"The Layjun lades the way!"

Aye, while they faltered, doubting
(Such flames of doom were spouting),
He caught them, thrilled them, shouting:
"The Layjun lades the way!"

They saw him slip and stumble,
Then stagger on once more;
They marked him trip and tumble,
A mass of grime and gore;
They watched him blindly crawling
Amid hell's own affray,
And calling, calling, calling:
"The Layjun lades the way!"

And even while they wondered,
The battle-wrack was sundered;
To Victory they thundered,
But . . . Kelly led the way.

Still Kelly kept agoing;
Berserker-like he ran;
His eyes with fury glowing,
A lion of a man;
His rifle madly swinging,
His soul athirst to slay,
His slogan ringing, ringing,
"The Layjun lades the way!"

Till in a pit death-baited,
Where Huns with Maxims waited,
He plunged . . . and there, blood-sated,
To death he stabbed his way.

Now Kelly was a fellow
Who simply loathed a fight:
He loved a tavern mellow,
Grog hot and pipe alight;
I'm sure the Show appalled him,
And yet without dismay,
When Death and Duty called him,
He up and led the way.

So in Valhalla drinking
(If heroes meek and shrinking
Are suffered there), I'm thinking
'Tis Kelly leads the way.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Kelly Of The Legion: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Oh, Kelly of the Legion! What an epic poem written by the legendary Robert Service! This poem, set during World War I, is a tale of heroism and sacrifice that has captivated readers for generations. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the different literary elements and devices that make this poem a masterpiece.

Background

First, let's set the scene. The poem is set during World War I, a time when soldiers from all over the world left their homes and families to fight for their countries. Kelly, the protagonist of the poem, is one of these soldiers. He is a member of the French Foreign Legion, a group made up of soldiers from all over the world who fought for France.

Plot

The poem opens with a description of Kelly, a young Irishman who has joined the French Foreign Legion to fight in the war. He is described as "tall and straight and true," a soldier who is "brave and bold and free." The opening lines of the poem set the tone for what is to come – a tale of bravery and heroism.

The poem then takes us through Kelly's journey in the war. We see him fighting in the trenches, facing death and danger at every turn. Despite the hardships he faces, he remains steadfast and resolute, never faltering in his duty to his country.

As the poem progresses, we see Kelly become a leader among his fellow soldiers. He inspires them with his courage and determination, and they look up to him as a hero. When his unit is ambushed, Kelly leads them through the enemy lines, fighting fiercely until they are able to escape.

The poem ends with Kelly being wounded in battle. Despite his injuries, he continues to fight until he can fight no more. As he falls, his fellow soldiers gather around him, honoring him as a hero who gave his life for his country.

Literary Elements

Now, let's dive deeper into the literary elements and devices that make Kelly of the Legion such a masterpiece.

Imagery

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is the vivid imagery that Service uses to describe the war. He paints a picture of the trenches, using words like "mud" and "blood" to convey the horror of the battlefield. He also uses imagery to describe Kelly and his fellow soldiers, painting them as brave and noble warriors.

Metaphors and Similes

Service also uses metaphors and similes to great effect in the poem. For example, he compares the soldiers to "lions in the fray," emphasizing their bravery and ferocity in battle. He also uses metaphors to describe the war itself, comparing it to a "beast" that must be slain.

Tone

The tone of the poem is one of reverence and admiration for Kelly and his fellow soldiers. Service clearly holds these men in high regard, and his admiration for their bravery and sacrifice shines through in his writing.

Symbolism

Finally, Service uses symbolism to convey deeper meanings in the poem. For example, he uses the French Foreign Legion as a symbol of the unity and brotherhood that can be found among soldiers from all over the world. He also uses the figure of Kelly as a symbol of the bravery and sacrifice that all soldiers must make in times of war.

Interpretation

So, what does Kelly of the Legion mean? At its core, the poem is a tribute to the soldiers who fought and died in World War I. It is a celebration of their bravery and sacrifice, and a reminder of the horrors of war.

But the poem also has deeper meanings. It is a commentary on the human condition, and the choices that we must make in times of adversity. It asks us to consider what we would do if faced with the same challenges that Kelly and his fellow soldiers faced.

Ultimately, Kelly of the Legion is a timeless work of literature that speaks to the human experience. It reminds us of the sacrifices that others have made on our behalf, and inspires us to be better, braver, and more selfless in our own lives.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Kelly of the Legion is a masterpiece of literature that has stood the test of time. Service's use of vivid imagery, metaphors and similes, and symbolism creates a powerful portrait of the soldiers who fought in World War I. The poem is a tribute to their bravery and sacrifice, and a reminder of the horrors of war. It is a timeless work that speaks to the human experience, inspiring us to be our best selves and to honor the sacrifices of those who have come before us.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Kelly Of The Legion: A Poem of Heroism and Sacrifice

Robert Service, the renowned poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his powerful and evocative works. One of his most famous poems, Kelly Of The Legion, is a stirring tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of soldiers who fought in the Great War. This poem is a masterpiece of storytelling, vividly capturing the horrors of war and the courage of those who fought in it. In this article, we will delve into the poem and explore its themes, imagery, and symbolism.

The poem begins with a description of Kelly, a young soldier who has joined the French Foreign Legion to fight in the war. Service paints a vivid picture of Kelly, describing him as a "giant of a man" with "eyes like a hawk" and a "voice like a trumpet." Kelly is a symbol of the bravery and strength that soldiers must possess in order to survive the horrors of war. He is a hero, a man who has willingly put himself in harm's way to defend his country and his comrades.

As the poem progresses, we see Kelly in action on the battlefield. Service's use of imagery is particularly effective here, as he describes the chaos and violence of war in vivid detail. We see Kelly charging into battle, his bayonet flashing in the sun, as he fights against the enemy. We see the smoke and dust of battle, the sound of gunfire and explosions, and the screams of the wounded and dying. Service's descriptions are so powerful that we can almost feel the heat of battle and smell the gunpowder in the air.

Despite the horrors of war, Kelly remains steadfast and courageous. He fights on, even when his comrades fall around him. He is a symbol of the resilience and determination that soldiers must possess in order to survive in such a brutal environment. Service's use of repetition is particularly effective here, as he repeats the phrase "Kelly of the Legion" throughout the poem. This repetition serves to reinforce Kelly's heroism and to remind us of the sacrifices that soldiers make in order to defend their country.

As the poem draws to a close, we see Kelly facing his final moments. He is wounded and dying, but he remains defiant to the end. He refuses to give up, even when death is staring him in the face. Service's use of symbolism is particularly effective here, as he describes Kelly's final moments in terms of a battle between life and death. Kelly is a warrior, fighting against the forces of death with all his strength and courage.

In the final stanza of the poem, Service delivers a powerful message about the nature of heroism and sacrifice. He reminds us that soldiers like Kelly are not just fighting for their country, but for something much greater. They are fighting for the ideals of freedom and justice, for the right to live in a world that is free from tyranny and oppression. Service's message is clear: the sacrifices that soldiers make are not just for themselves, but for all of us.

In conclusion, Kelly Of The Legion is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the horrors and heroism of war. Service's use of imagery, symbolism, and repetition is particularly effective, as he creates a vivid and unforgettable portrait of a soldier who is willing to sacrifice everything for his country. This poem is a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of soldiers everywhere, and a reminder of the debt that we owe to those who have fought and died for our freedom.

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