'Boot And Saddle' by Robert Browning

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Boot, saddle, to horse, and away!
Rescue my Castle, before the hot day
Brightens the blue from its silvery grey,

(Chorus) "Boot, saddle, to horse, and away!"

Ride past the suburbs, asleep as you'd say;
Many's the friend there, will listen and pray
"God's luck to gallants that strike up the lay,

(Chorus) "Boot, saddle, to horse, and away!"

Forty miles off, like a roebuck at bay,
Flouts Castle Brancepeth the Roundheads array:
Who laughs, Good fellows ere this, by my fay,

(Chorus) "Boot, saddle, to horse, and away!"

Who? My wife Gertrude; that, honest and gay,
Laughs when you talk of surrendering, "Nay!
I've better counsellors; what counsel they?"

(Chorus) "Boot, saddle, to horse, and away!"

Editor 1 Interpretation

Boot And Saddle: A Critique and Interpretation

Have you ever read a poem that takes you on a journey through the wild west? Well, if you haven't, then Robert Browning's Boot And Saddle is the perfect place to start. This classic poem, written in 1845, is a vivid portrayal of the cowboy lifestyle and the challenges they faced. In this critique and interpretation, we will explore the themes, symbols, and literary devices employed by Browning to make Boot And Saddle a timeless masterpiece.

Theme

Throughout Boot And Saddle, there is a recurring theme that revolves around the idea of leaving. Leaving behind one's past, one's troubles, one's love, and even one's identity. This theme is evident from the very first stanza where the speaker commands his horse to "leave the past behind." The speaker then goes on to explain how he wishes to escape the present and ride into the sunset with his horse. This theme of leaving is also present in the second stanza, where the speaker's lover begs him not to leave her. However, the speaker remains steadfast in his decision, and the poem ends with him and his horse riding off into the distance.

What is Browning trying to tell us with this theme of leaving? One interpretation is that he is highlighting the cowboy's sense of adventure and wanderlust. Cowboys were known for their restless spirits and their willingness to leave everything behind in search of new horizons. Another interpretation is that Browning is portraying the cowboy lifestyle as a form of escapism. Cowboying was a dangerous and challenging profession, and many men chose to become cowboys to escape poverty, boredom, or other hardships. Whatever the case may be, the theme of leaving adds a layer of depth and meaning to the poem that makes it resonate with readers even today.

Symbolism

In addition to the theme of leaving, Browning employs various symbols throughout Boot And Saddle to enhance its meaning. One of the most prominent symbols is the horse. The horse represents the cowboy's most valuable possession and his faithful companion. Throughout the poem, the speaker talks to his horse as if it were a human being, showing the deep bond that exists between them. The horse also symbolizes freedom and adventure, as it is through riding that the cowboy can explore new territories and escape the mundane.

Another symbol in Boot And Saddle is the saddle. The saddle is the cowboy's tool for riding and represents his ability to control the horse. However, the saddle also represents the cowboy's hardships and challenges. Riding a horse for miles on end can be exhausting and painful, and the saddle is a reminder of that. The speaker commands his horse to "shake the saddle off," which can be interpreted as a call to let go of one's troubles and embrace freedom.

Finally, the sunset is also a powerful symbol in Boot And Saddle. The sunset represents the end of the day, the end of the journey, and the end of life. The speaker's desire to ride into the sunset represents his desire for a peaceful and fulfilling end to his life. It also represents the end of his current troubles and the beginning of a new adventure.

Literary Devices

Browning's use of literary devices in Boot And Saddle is masterful and adds to the poem's overall impact. One of the most prevalent devices is alliteration. Throughout the poem, Browning uses alliteration to create a sense of rhythm and flow. For example, the first line of the poem, "Boot, saddle, to horse, and away!" uses alliteration to create a sense of urgency and action. The repeated "s" and "h" sounds create a sense of movement and speed, giving the reader the impression that they are riding along with the speaker.

Another literary device used in Boot And Saddle is repetition. Browning repeats certain phrases throughout the poem to emphasize their importance. For example, the phrase "Boot and saddle to horse and away" is repeated three times in the first stanza, creating a sense of urgency and excitement. The repetition also reinforces the theme of leaving, as the speaker is constantly reminding himself to leave the past behind and ride towards the future.

Finally, Browning employs imagery to create a vivid picture of the cowboy lifestyle. The reader can almost feel the heat of the sun, the dust on their face, and the wind in their hair as they ride along with the speaker. The use of imagery also creates a sense of nostalgia and longing, as the reader is transported back to a time when cowboys roamed the American west.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Boot And Saddle is a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate readers to this day. Browning's use of theme, symbolism, and literary devices creates a vivid portrayal of the cowboy lifestyle and the challenges they faced. The theme of leaving adds depth and meaning to the poem, while the symbols of the horse, saddle, and sunset reinforce its message. Finally, Browning's use of alliteration, repetition, and imagery creates a sense of rhythm and flow that transports the reader to another time and place. If you're looking for a poem that will take you on a journey through the wild west, look no further than Boot And Saddle.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Boot and Saddle: A Masterpiece of Robert Browning

Robert Browning, one of the greatest poets of the Victorian era, is known for his dramatic monologues and his ability to capture the essence of human emotions. His poem, "Boot and Saddle," is a perfect example of his mastery of language and his ability to create vivid imagery. This poem is a narrative of a soldier who is leaving his lover to go to war. The poem is full of symbolism, metaphors, and allusions that make it a masterpiece of English literature.

The poem begins with the soldier calling out to his lover to prepare his horse and saddle. The opening line, "Boot, saddle, to horse, and away!" sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The soldier is eager to leave and go to war, but he is also torn between his duty and his love for his partner. The use of the imperative mood in the opening line creates a sense of urgency and emphasizes the soldier's determination to leave.

The second stanza of the poem is full of vivid imagery. The soldier describes his horse as "a lion in his lair" and his saddle as "a throne." This imagery creates a sense of power and strength, which is essential for a soldier going to war. The soldier's horse is not just a means of transportation but a symbol of his courage and bravery.

The third stanza of the poem is where the soldier's emotions come to the surface. He tells his lover that he will miss her and that he wishes he could stay with her. The line, "Oh, if we drew lots for a soldier's life, And if the lot fell not to me," shows that the soldier is not happy about going to war. He is torn between his duty and his love for his partner. The use of the conditional mood in this line creates a sense of regret and longing.

The fourth stanza of the poem is full of allusions to classical literature. The soldier compares himself to Hector, the Trojan hero who fought in the Trojan War. The line, "I am as good as dead, you know," is a reference to Hector's fate in the Iliad. The soldier is aware of the dangers of war and knows that he may not return. The use of allusions in this stanza adds depth to the poem and shows Browning's knowledge of classical literature.

The fifth stanza of the poem is where the soldier's resolve comes to the surface. He tells his lover that he will return to her, no matter what. The line, "But I'll come back to you, some day," shows the soldier's determination to survive the war and return to his lover. The use of the future tense in this line creates a sense of hope and optimism.

The final stanza of the poem is where the soldier leaves his lover. The line, "So, let me lie close in your arms," shows the soldier's desire to stay with his lover. The use of the imperative mood in this line creates a sense of urgency and emphasizes the soldier's desire to stay with his lover. The final line of the poem, "Boot, saddle, to horse, and away!" shows that the soldier is ready to leave and go to war.

In conclusion, "Boot and Saddle" is a masterpiece of English literature. The poem is full of vivid imagery, symbolism, metaphors, and allusions that make it a powerful narrative of a soldier leaving his lover to go to war. The poem captures the essence of human emotions and shows Browning's mastery of language. The poem is a testament to the power of love and the sacrifices that soldiers make for their country.

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