'"Freedom "' by Ambrose Bierce
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Freedom, as every schoolboy knows,
Once shrieked as Kosciusko fell;
On every wind, indeed, that blows
I hear her yell.
She screams whenever monarchs meet,
And parliaments as well,
To bind the chains about her feet
And toll her knell.
And when the sovereign people cast
The votes they cannot spell,
Upon the pestilential blast
Her clamors swell.
For all to whom the power's given
To sway or to compel,
Among themselves apportion Heaven
And give her Hell.
Blary O'Gary.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Freedom by Ambrose Bierce: A Critical Interpretation
Freedom is a powerful poem written by Ambrose Bierce, an American editorialist, journalist, and short story writer. It is a poem that speaks to the very essence of human existence, touching on themes of liberty, choice, and the pursuit of happiness. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the many layers of meaning contained within this classic work and examine its relevance for readers today.
Overview of the Poem
Freedom is a relatively short poem, consisting of only four stanzas of four lines each. However, despite its brevity, it is a poem that packs a powerful punch. The poem is written in an AABB rhyme scheme, with each stanza containing two rhyming couplets. The first and third lines of each stanza are written in iambic tetrameter, while the second and fourth lines are written in iambic trimeter.
The poem begins with a statement of intent: "Freedom, as every schoolboy knows, / Once shrieked as Kosciusko fell." The reference to Kosciusko is significant, as he was a Polish-Lithuanian military leader who fought against Russian domination in the late 18th century. The poem goes on to explore the concept of freedom, questioning what it truly means and whether it is worth fighting for.
Analysis of the Poem
The first stanza of the poem establishes the context in which the concept of freedom is being explored. It references Kosciusko, who was a symbol of resistance against oppression and tyranny. The use of the word "shrieked" in this context is interesting, as it suggests that freedom is not something that can be attained easily or without pain. The fact that it is described as a shriek also implies that it is something that is hard-won and possibly fleeting.
The second stanza of the poem begins to explore the concept of freedom in more depth. It asks the question, "What know they of the worth of Freedom, / Whose lives are warmed by its sun?" Here, Bierce is suggesting that those who take freedom for granted do not truly understand its value. The reference to the sun is significant, as it suggests that freedom provides warmth and light to those who have it.
The third stanza of the poem takes a more cynical tone. It asks the question, "What of the right to speak and hear?" Here, Bierce is suggesting that even when people have the freedom to speak and be heard, they may not necessarily use it wisely or well. The stanza ends with the lines, "All else is mockery, all else is vain; / This, this alone is real." This suggests that freedom of speech is the only true freedom, as it allows people to express themselves and make their voices heard.
The final stanza of the poem brings everything full circle. It acknowledges that freedom may come at a cost, but suggests that it is a cost worth paying: "Freedom, by martyrdoms made plain, / Like a stiff breeze before a gale, / Swept from a people's soul in pain, / It comes o'er tyranny to prevail." Here, Bierce is suggesting that freedom is something that must be fought for, and that it may require sacrifice. However, he also suggests that it is a force that is unstoppable, like a strong wind that cannot be contained.
Interpretation of the Poem
At its core, Freedom is a poem that explores the value of freedom and what it means to be truly free. Bierce suggests that freedom is not something that can be taken for granted, and that it may require sacrifice and struggle to attain. He also suggests that freedom of speech is the most important freedom, as it allows people to express themselves and make their voices heard.
One interpretation of the poem is that it is a commentary on the state of society at the time it was written. Bierce was writing in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a time of great social and political upheaval in America. The poem may be seen as a call to arms for those who were fighting for social justice and equality, urging them to continue the struggle for freedom and not to give up in the face of adversity.
Another interpretation of the poem is that it is a commentary on the human condition more broadly. Bierce suggests that freedom is something that is hard-won and requires sacrifice, but that it is also a force that is unstoppable. This may be seen as a metaphor for the struggle that all humans face in their lives, as they try to find meaning and purpose in a world that can often be cruel and arbitrary.
Conclusion
Freedom is a classic poem that explores the concept of freedom in depth. It is a poem that is both hopeful and cynical, acknowledging the sacrifices that may be required to attain freedom but also suggesting that it is a force that cannot be contained. The poem is relevant for readers today, as it speaks to the very essence of human existence and the struggle for meaning and purpose in a complex and ever-changing world.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Freedom is a classic poem written by Ambrose Bierce that explores the concept of freedom and its significance in human life. The poem is a powerful reflection on the nature of freedom and the ways in which it shapes our lives. In this analysis, we will explore the themes and motifs of the poem, as well as the literary devices used by Bierce to convey his message.
The poem begins with a powerful opening line: "Freedom, as every schoolboy knows, Once shrieked as Kosciusko fell." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it immediately establishes the importance of freedom in human history. The reference to Kosciusko, a Polish general who fought for American independence, is a nod to the role that freedom has played in shaping the world we live in today.
The first stanza of the poem continues to explore the theme of freedom, describing it as a "word the valiant cherish." This line suggests that freedom is something that is highly valued by those who are brave and courageous. The use of the word "cherish" also implies that freedom is something that is deeply treasured and held in high regard.
The second stanza of the poem shifts the focus to the ways in which freedom can be lost. Bierce writes, "What wonder if to valor prone / They guard it with a falchion's force." This line suggests that those who are brave and valorous will fight to protect their freedom, even if it means using force. The use of the word "falchion" is particularly interesting, as it is a type of sword that was commonly used in medieval times. This reference to a weapon from the past suggests that the fight for freedom is an ongoing battle that has been fought throughout history.
The third stanza of the poem explores the idea that freedom is not something that can be given or taken away by others. Bierce writes, "Freedom, they cry, as if it were / Some magic word like Abracadabra!" This line suggests that some people view freedom as a mystical or magical concept that can be conjured up with a simple word. However, the reality is that freedom is something that must be fought for and earned.
The fourth stanza of the poem continues to explore the idea that freedom is not something that can be given or taken away by others. Bierce writes, "But no, it's opportunity, / Its Master Key is liberty." This line suggests that freedom is not just a concept, but a tangible thing that can be used to unlock opportunities and possibilities. The use of the phrase "Master Key" is particularly interesting, as it implies that freedom is the key to unlocking all other doors in life.
The fifth and final stanza of the poem brings the themes of the poem together, concluding with the powerful lines, "And he who would be free indeed / Must fight for it and win the prize." This line suggests that freedom is not something that can be passively obtained, but something that must be actively fought for. The use of the word "prize" also implies that freedom is something that is highly valued and worth fighting for.
Throughout the poem, Bierce uses a variety of literary devices to convey his message. One of the most prominent devices is alliteration, which is the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words. For example, in the first stanza, Bierce writes, "Freedom, as every schoolboy knows, / Once shrieked as Kosciusko fell." The repetition of the "s" sound in "schoolboy" and "shrieked" creates a sense of urgency and intensity, emphasizing the importance of the moment.
Bierce also uses metaphor throughout the poem to convey his message. For example, in the third stanza, he writes, "Freedom, they cry, as if it were / Some magic word like Abracadabra!" This metaphor compares freedom to a magic word, emphasizing the idea that it is something that cannot be conjured up with a simple utterance.
Finally, Bierce uses repetition to emphasize the importance of the themes in the poem. For example, in the final stanza, he repeats the word "fight" twice, emphasizing the idea that freedom is something that must be actively fought for.
In conclusion, Freedom is a powerful poem that explores the concept of freedom and its significance in human life. Through the use of metaphor, alliteration, and repetition, Bierce conveys his message that freedom is something that must be actively fought for and earned. The poem is a timeless reflection on the importance of freedom in human history and serves as a reminder that it is something that must be treasured and protected.
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