'Comrades' by Robert Service


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Three Holies sat in sacred place
And quaffed celestial wine,
As they discussed the human race
With dignity divine.
Said they: 'Although in doctrine we
May differ more or less,
In spirit stoutly we agree
Religion's a success.'

Said One: 'I praise the pride of war,
The Faith that mocks at fear;
Desire of death in battle for
It bringeth Heaven near.'
The Second said: ''Tis Peace I preach,
And hate of human strife;
The sufferance of pain I teach,
The sanctity of life.'

Then said the Third: 'Love I proclaim
The goal of human good . . .
Yet are we not all three the same
In holy brotherhood?'
And so they went forth hand in hand,
Wending a starry way,--
Mohamet, gentle Buddha and
He of Gethsemenè.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Comrades by Robert Service: A Powerful Tribute to Solidarity

Few poems can match the raw emotional power of Robert Service's "Comrades." First published in 1913, this classic piece of literature has gone on to inspire generations of readers with its stirring depiction of solidarity and brotherhood. From its opening lines to its unforgettable conclusion, "Comrades" captures the essence of what it means to be part of a community of like-minded individuals, united by a shared sense of purpose and a deep commitment to one another's wellbeing.

At its heart, "Comrades" is a tribute to the enduring human spirit. Through vivid imagery and masterful language, Service reminds us of the power of human connection, and the profound impact that it can have on our lives. The poem draws heavily on the author's own experiences as a soldier and adventurer, and it is this authenticity that gives it such a deep sense of gravitas and meaning.

An Analysis of "Comrades"

The poem is structured around three distinct sections, with each one building on the last to create a powerful sense of momentum and emotion. The opening stanza sets the tone for the entire work, with Service describing the powerful bond that exists between soldiers in the midst of battle. This bond is not just one of camaraderie, but of a deep sense of trust and shared purpose:

We have been told that we must win,
And that is why we fight:
We are the glory of the State,
We are the legion of the Right.

These lines capture the sense of duty and sacrifice that drives soldiers to do what they do, even in the face of great danger and adversity. The idea that they are fighting not just for themselves, but for a higher cause, is a powerful one, and it sets the stage for the rest of the poem.

The second stanza of "Comrades" is where the poem really starts to build its emotional momentum. Here, Service describes the deep sense of brotherhood that exists between soldiers, no matter what their rank or background may be:

We are the servants of the King,
And he has said to us:
"I will reward you for the things
That other men will cuss."

These lines are a testament to the power of solidarity, and the idea that all members of a community are equal in the eyes of their comrades. It doesn't matter who you are or where you come from - what matters is that you are part of the team, and that you are committed to working together to achieve a common goal.

Finally, the third stanza of "Comrades" brings the poem to its unforgettable conclusion. Here, Service speaks directly to his fellow soldiers, urging them to stay true to their principles and to never give up on their dreams:

You have been told that you must go,
And fight until you fall:
But we have taught you how to win,
And never give up at all.

These lines are a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of moments, there is always hope. No matter how tough the fight may be, no matter how insurmountable the odds may seem, there is always a way to persevere and to come out on top.

A Closer Look at Service's Language and Imagery

One of the things that makes "Comrades" such a powerful and enduring piece of literature is its use of vivid imagery and masterful language. Throughout the poem, Service uses a variety of metaphors and comparisons to bring his words to life, painting a picture of the world that his soldiers inhabit in the reader's mind.

For example, in the first stanza of the poem, Service compares his soldiers to "the glory of the State," and "the legion of the Right." These metaphors are designed to convey the idea that the soldiers are fighting not just for themselves, but for a higher cause - one that is greater than any individual person.

In the second stanza, Service uses another powerful metaphor to describe the solidarity that exists between soldiers. He compares them to "the servants of the King," all of whom are working together to achieve a common goal. This metaphor is particularly effective because it speaks to the idea that all members of a community are equal in the eyes of their comrades, regardless of their rank or standing.

Finally, in the third stanza, Service uses a series of metaphors to drive home his central message of hope and perseverance. He describes his soldiers as being "taught how to win," and urges them never to "give up at all." These metaphors are designed to inspire his readers, and to remind them that even in the darkest of moments, there is always a way to overcome adversity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Robert Service's "Comrades" is a masterful piece of literature that speaks to the enduring power of solidarity and brotherhood. Through vivid imagery, powerful language, and a deep sense of authenticity, Service has created a poem that continues to inspire and move readers to this day.

Whether you are a soldier, an adventurer, or simply someone who values the power of human connection, "Comrades" is a must-read work of literature. So if you haven't already, take the time to experience this powerful tribute to the human spirit for yourself - you won't be disappointed.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Comrades by Robert Service is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a powerful piece that speaks to the heart of what it means to be a true friend and comrade. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of the poem to gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and significance.

The poem is structured in four stanzas, each with four lines. This simple structure gives the poem a sense of rhythm and balance, which is fitting for a poem about friendship. The language is also simple and straightforward, which makes the poem accessible to a wide audience. However, the simplicity of the language does not detract from the power of the poem. In fact, it is the simplicity that makes the poem so effective.

The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It begins with the line, "We have been comrades, we have been friends." This line establishes the relationship between the speaker and the person they are addressing. The use of the word "comrades" is significant because it suggests a deep bond between the two individuals. The word "friends" is also important because it implies a level of intimacy and familiarity.

The second line of the first stanza is, "In sunshine and in shade." This line speaks to the idea that true friends are there for each other through good times and bad. The use of the words "sunshine" and "shade" is a metaphor for the ups and downs of life. The third line, "Since we were schoolmates to the end," reinforces the idea that the relationship between the two individuals has been long-lasting. The use of the word "schoolmates" suggests that the friendship began in childhood and has endured into adulthood.

The second stanza begins with the line, "We've tramped the hills and valleys through." This line speaks to the idea that the two individuals have shared many experiences together. The use of the word "tramped" suggests that they have been on many adventures together. The third line, "We've shared our hopes and fears anew," reinforces the idea that the two individuals have a deep level of intimacy. The use of the word "shared" suggests that they have confided in each other and have been vulnerable with each other.

The third stanza begins with the line, "We've laughed and wept, we've sung and prayed." This line speaks to the idea that the two individuals have shared a wide range of emotions together. The use of the words "laughed" and "wept" suggests that they have experienced joy and sorrow together. The use of the words "sung" and "prayed" suggests that they have shared spiritual experiences together. The third line, "We've striven as one, nor been afraid," reinforces the idea that the two individuals have faced challenges together and have supported each other through difficult times.

The fourth and final stanza begins with the line, "We've dreamed a dream, and we've made it true." This line speaks to the idea that the two individuals have shared a common goal and have worked together to achieve it. The use of the word "dreamed" suggests that the goal was something that was not initially attainable. The use of the words "made it true" suggests that the two individuals were able to overcome obstacles and make their dream a reality. The final line, "Comrades, we have been comrades true," reinforces the idea that the relationship between the two individuals is one of true friendship and camaraderie.

The themes of the poem are friendship, loyalty, and camaraderie. The poem speaks to the idea that true friends are there for each other through good times and bad. The use of the word "comrades" suggests a level of loyalty and commitment that goes beyond what is expected of a typical friendship. The poem also speaks to the idea that true friends share a deep level of intimacy and vulnerability. The use of the words "shared" and "confided" suggest that the two individuals have been open and honest with each other.

The language of the poem is simple and straightforward, which makes it accessible to a wide audience. However, the simplicity of the language does not detract from the power of the poem. In fact, it is the simplicity that makes the poem so effective. The use of metaphors, such as "sunshine and shade" and "tramped the hills and valleys," adds depth and richness to the poem.

In conclusion, Comrades by Robert Service is a powerful poem that speaks to the heart of what it means to be a true friend and comrade. The simple structure and language of the poem make it accessible to a wide audience, while the themes of friendship, loyalty, and camaraderie make it a timeless piece of literature. The poem is a reminder that true friends are there for each other through good times and bad, and that the bond between true friends is one of the most powerful forces in the world.

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