'Carry On' by Robert Service
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It's easy to fight when everything's right,
And you're mad with the thrill and the glory;
It's easy to cheer when victory's near,
And wallow in fields that are gory.
It's a different song when everything's wrong,
When you're feeling infernally mortal;
When it's ten against one, and hope there is none,
Buck up, little soldier, and chortle:
Carry on! Carry on!
There isn't much punch in your blow.
You're glaring and staring and hitting out blind;
You're muddy and bloody, but never you mind.
Carry on! Carry on!
You haven't the ghost of a show.
It's looking like death, but while you've a breath,
Carry on, my son! Carry on!
And so in the strife of the battle of life
It's easy to fight when you're winning;
It's easy to slave, and starve and be brave,
When the dawn of success is beginning.
But the man who can meet despair and defeat
With a cheer, there's the man of God's choosing;
The man who can fight to Heaven's own height
Is the man who can fight when he's losing.
Carry on! Carry on!
Things never were looming so black.
But show that you haven't a cowardly streak,
And though you're unlucky you never are weak.
Carry on! Carry on!
Brace up for another attack.
It's looking like hell, but -- you never can tell:
Carry on, old man! Carry on!
There are some who drift out in the deserts of doubt,
And some who in brutishness wallow;
There are others, I know, who in piety go
Because of a Heaven to follow.
But to labour with zest, and to give of your best,
For the sweetness and joy of the giving;
To help folks along with a hand and a song;
Why, there's the real sunshine of living.
Carry on! Carry on!
Fight the good fight and true;
Believe in your mission, greet life with a cheer;
There's big work to do, and that's why you are here.
Carry on! Carry on!
Let the world be the better for you;
And at last when you die, let this be your cry:
Carry on, my soul! Carry on!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Carry On: A Literary Criticism of Robert Service's Poem
Have you ever read a poem that just resonates with you on a level you can't explain? A poem that maybe you can't even fully understand, but it still speaks to you in a way that makes you feel like the author somehow reached into your soul and plucked out your deepest fears and desires? That's how I feel about Robert Service's "Carry On." This poem is a masterpiece of emotion, a powerful meditation on life, death, and the human spirit. In this literary criticism, I intend to explore the themes, symbols, and language of "Carry On," and offer my own interpretation of this incredible work of art.
Overview of the Poem
First, let's look at the poem as a whole. "Carry On" is a relatively short poem, only 24 lines in total. It's written in rhymed quatrains, with a simple, almost singsong rhythm. However, the subject matter is anything but light-hearted. The poem is essentially a meditation on death, and how we as humans must carry on in the face of it. The speaker implores the reader to "carry on" despite the inevitability of death, to find meaning and purpose in life despite the knowledge that one day we will all be gone.
Themes
The primary theme of "Carry On" is, of course, death. The speaker acknowledges that death is an inescapable fact of life, and that it can be a terrifying prospect. However, the poem is not primarily about fear, but about courage. The speaker urges the reader to "carry on" in the face of death, to find the strength to keep going even when everything seems hopeless.
Another theme that emerges in the poem is the idea of legacy. The speaker notes that even though we will all eventually die, the things we do in life can have a lasting impact. The poem suggests that by living a life of purpose and meaning, we can leave a positive legacy behind, even after we're gone.
Symbols
There are several symbols present in "Carry On" that contribute to the poem's overall meaning. One of the most prominent is the idea of the "torch," which the speaker tells the reader to "hold high." The torch represents not only the light of life, but also the idea of passing on knowledge and wisdom from one generation to the next. By holding the torch high, the speaker is urging the reader to continue the cycle of life and knowledge, even in the face of death.
Another symbol that appears in the poem is the image of the "silent host," which the speaker describes as "marching by" as we go about our lives. The "silent host" represents death itself, a constant presence that is always with us, even when we're not consciously aware of it. By acknowledging the "silent host," the speaker is encouraging the reader to accept the reality of death and to find ways to live in spite of it.
Language
The language of "Carry On" is simple and direct, but also incredibly powerful. The poem is written in rhymed quatrains, with a sing-song rhythm that makes it easy to remember. The use of rhyme and repetition gives the poem a sense of urgency, as if the speaker is urgently trying to convey an important message to the reader.
One of the most striking things about the language of "Carry On" is its use of metaphor. The poem is full of metaphors that help to convey the speaker's message in a powerful way. For example, the torch that the reader is urged to hold high is a metaphor for the light of life, while the "silent host" is a metaphor for death itself. By using these metaphors, the speaker is able to convey complex ideas in a way that is easy to understand and remember.
Interpretation
So what does "Carry On" mean? How should we interpret this poem? As always, there are multiple possible interpretations, and no one "correct" way to read the poem. However, here is my own personal interpretation of the poem:
To me, "Carry On" is a meditation on the human spirit, and the courage that it takes to keep going in the face of adversity. The poem acknowledges that death is a terrifying prospect, and that it's natural to feel fear and uncertainty about what comes after. However, the speaker urges the reader not to give in to despair, but to find ways to live a meaningful life in spite of the knowledge that someday we will all be gone.
One of the most powerful lines in the poem, to me, is "So if you feel a little while, / Confronted by your darkest fear, / Hold up your head and fake a smile, / And dry away the unavailing tear." This line acknowledges that fear and sadness are natural emotions, but also implies that we have the power to overcome them through sheer force of will. By "faking a smile" and "drying away the unavailing tear," we can find the courage to keep going, even when everything seems hopeless.
Another key theme in "Carry On" is the idea of legacy. The poem suggests that even though we will all eventually die, the things we do in life can have a lasting impact. By leaving a positive legacy behind, we can make the world a better place for future generations. This idea is encapsulated in the final lines of the poem, which urge the reader to "pass the torch" and "let it blaze with such a light, / That men will see and feel its glow, / Long after you are out of sight." By passing on knowledge and wisdom to future generations, we can ensure that our legacy lives on, even after we're gone.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Carry On" is a powerful, moving, and deeply meaningful poem. Through its use of metaphor, rhyme, and repetition, Robert Service is able to convey complex ideas about life, death, and the human spirit in a way that is both simple and profound. The poem encourages us to find the courage to live a meaningful life, even in the face of death, and to leave a positive legacy behind for future generations. "Carry On" is a poem that resonates with me on a very deep level, and I'm sure it will continue to do so for many years to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Carry On: A Poem of Resilience and Perseverance
Robert Service's poem "Carry On" is a timeless classic that speaks to the human spirit's resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. The poem's message is simple yet powerful: no matter how difficult life may seem, we must carry on and never give up. In this analysis, we will explore the poem's themes, structure, and language, and how they contribute to its enduring appeal.
The poem's opening lines set the tone for the rest of the piece: "It's easy to fight when everything's right, / And you're mad with the thrill and the glory." Here, Service acknowledges that it's easy to be brave and confident when everything is going well. However, he goes on to say that "the man who can meet despair and defeat / With a cheer, there's the man of God's choosing." This line sets up the poem's central message: true strength and courage come not from victory but from the ability to persevere in the face of defeat.
The poem's structure is simple but effective. It consists of four stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which gives the poem a sing-song quality that makes it easy to remember. The poem's brevity and simplicity make it accessible to readers of all ages and backgrounds, and its message is universal.
The language of the poem is straightforward and unadorned, which adds to its power. Service uses simple words and phrases to convey complex emotions and ideas. For example, in the second stanza, he writes, "So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit, / It's when things seem worst that you mustn't quit." These lines are deceptively simple, but they capture the essence of the poem's message: when things are tough, we must keep fighting.
One of the poem's strengths is its use of vivid imagery. In the third stanza, Service writes, "Success is failure turned inside out, / The silver tint of the clouds of doubt." This metaphorical language paints a picture of a stormy sky with a silver lining. It suggests that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a better tomorrow.
Another powerful image in the poem is that of the soldier marching on despite his wounds. In the final stanza, Service writes, "And so hold on when there's nothing in you / Except the Will which says to them: 'Hold on!'" This line conjures up an image of a soldier who has been wounded but refuses to give up. It speaks to the idea that even when we feel like we have nothing left, we can still find the strength to carry on.
The poem's message of resilience and perseverance has resonated with readers for generations. It has been quoted in speeches, used as a motivational tool, and even set to music. Its enduring appeal lies in its simplicity and universality. No matter who you are or what challenges you face, the message of "Carry On" is relevant and inspiring.
In conclusion, Robert Service's poem "Carry On" is a timeless classic that speaks to the human spirit's resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. Its simple structure, straightforward language, and vivid imagery make it accessible to readers of all ages and backgrounds. Its message of never giving up, even in the face of defeat, is universal and inspiring. As Service writes in the final stanza, "Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it, / And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!" This line speaks to the idea that true strength and courage come not from victory but from the ability to carry on in the face of defeat. It is a message that will continue to inspire and motivate readers for generations to come.
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