'Victory Stuff' by Robert Service


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What d'ye think, lad; what d'ye think,
As the roaring crowds go by?
As the banners flare and the brasses blare
And the great guns rend the sky?
As the women laugh like they'd all gone mad,
And the champagne glasses clink:
Oh, you're grippin' me hand so tightly, lad,
I'm a-wonderin': what d'ye think?

D'ye think o' the boys we used to know,
And how they'd have topped the fun?
Tom and Charlie, and Jack and Joe --
Gone now, every one.
How they'd have cheered as the joy-bells chime,
And they grabbed each girl for a kiss!
And now -- they're rottin' in Flanders slime,
And they gave their lives -- for this.

Or else d'ye think of the many a time
We wished we too was dead,
Up to our knees in the freezin' grime,
With the fires of hell overhead;
When the youth and the strength of us sapped away,
And we cursed in our rage and pain?
And yet -- we haven't a word to say. . . .
We're glad. We'd do it again.

I'm scared that they pity us. Come, old boy,
Let's leave them their flags and their fuss.
We'd surely be hatin' to spoil their joy
With the sight of such wrecks as us.
Let's slip away quietly, you and me,
And we'll talk of our chums out there:
You with your eyes that'll never see,
Me that's wheeled in a chair.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Victory Stuff: A Triumph of the Human Spirit

Robert Service's Victory Stuff is a masterpiece of poetic expression that captures the essence of human triumph over adversity. Set against the backdrop of a war-torn world, the poem takes us on a journey of courage, determination, and resilience that inspires and uplifts the human spirit. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deeper into the themes, symbolism, and imagery that make Victory Stuff a timeless classic.

Overview of the Poem

Victory Stuff is a narrative poem that tells the story of a soldier who returns home from war, wounded and scarred but filled with a sense of pride and accomplishment. The poem is divided into six stanzas, each depicting a different stage of the soldier's journey, from his initial excitement to his final return. The poem is written in free verse, with no set rhyme scheme or meter, which gives it a sense of spontaneity and naturalness.

Themes

One of the main themes of Victory Stuff is the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. The soldier in the poem has faced the horrors of war, including death, destruction, and injury, but he refuses to be defeated by them. Instead, he finds strength in his comrades, his memories, and his sense of duty, which enable him to persevere and ultimately triumph over his challenges. This theme is reflected in the poem's title, which suggests that victory is not just a physical accomplishment, but a spiritual one as well.

Another theme of Victory Stuff is the power of memory and imagination. Throughout the poem, the soldier draws on his memories of home, his family, and his childhood to sustain him through the trials of war. He also uses his imagination to envision a better future, one in which he can return to his loved ones and live a life free from the horrors of war. This theme is reflected in the poem's imagery, which often depicts idyllic scenes of home and family.

A third theme of Victory Stuff is the transformative power of experience. The soldier in the poem has undergone a profound transformation during his time at war. He has seen and experienced things that most people can only imagine, and this has changed him in fundamental ways. However, instead of being crushed by his experiences, he has emerged stronger and more resilient. This theme is reflected in the poem's use of symbolism, particularly the soldier's wounds, which are depicted as badges of honor rather than signs of weakness.

Symbolism

Victory Stuff makes use of a variety of symbols to convey its themes and messages. One of the most prominent symbols in the poem is the soldier's wounds. These wounds are depicted not as sources of pain and suffering, but as signs of the soldier's bravery and sacrifice. They are also symbols of the transformative power of experience, as they reflect the soldier's journey from innocence to experience.

Another symbol in Victory Stuff is the soldier's comrades. These comrades are depicted as sources of strength and support, as well as reminders of the soldier's duty and responsibility. They are also symbols of the power of human connection and community, which enable us to overcome our challenges and achieve our goals.

Finally, Victory Stuff makes use of the symbol of home and family. These symbols are depicted as sources of comfort and inspiration, as well as reminders of the soldier's pre-war life. They are also symbols of the soldier's imagination, as he draws on his memories and his dreams to sustain him through the trials of war.

Imagery

Victory Stuff is rich in imagery, which serves to convey the poem's themes and to evoke powerful emotions in the reader. One of the most vivid images in the poem is the depiction of the soldier's wounds. These wounds are described in graphic detail, with references to blood, scars, and pain. However, instead of being repulsive, these images are inspiring, as they reflect the soldier's courage and sacrifice.

Another powerful image in Victory Stuff is the depiction of the soldier's comrades. These comrades are described as strong and resilient, yet also vulnerable and human. They are depicted in scenes of camaraderie and solidarity, which evoke a sense of community and connection.

Finally, Victory Stuff makes use of imagery that depicts the soldier's imagination and memories. These images include scenes of home and family, which are described in idyllic terms. They also include scenes of the soldier's childhood, which are portrayed as innocent and carefree. These images serve to evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing, as well as a sense of hope for the future.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Victory Stuff is a powerful and inspiring poem that captures the essence of the human spirit. Through its themes, symbolism, and imagery, the poem conveys a message of courage, determination, and resilience that is as relevant today as it was when it was written. Whether read as a tribute to those who have fought and died for their country, or as a reminder of the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity, Victory Stuff is a triumph of poetic expression that will continue to inspire and uplift readers for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Victory Stuff: A Poem of Triumph and Glory

Robert Service's Victory Stuff is a classic poem that captures the essence of victory and the glory that comes with it. The poem is a celebration of the triumph of the human spirit and the courage and determination that it takes to achieve victory. In this article, we will take a closer look at the poem and analyze its themes, structure, and language.

The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which captures a different aspect of victory. The first stanza describes the physical and emotional exhaustion that comes with the struggle for victory. The second stanza celebrates the joy and elation that comes with victory, while the third stanza reflects on the fleeting nature of victory and the need to keep striving for new victories.

The first stanza begins with the line "You've got to have the grit and nerve; / You've got to risk the life you serve." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, emphasizing the courage and determination that it takes to achieve victory. The stanza goes on to describe the physical and emotional toll that the struggle for victory takes on a person. The line "You've got to sweat and bleed and cry" captures the intensity of the struggle, while the line "You've got to lose your sense of self" speaks to the sacrifice that victory often requires.

The second stanza is a celebration of victory and the joy that comes with it. The stanza begins with the line "You've got to feel the thrill of pride; / You've got to swell with joy inside." This line captures the emotional intensity of victory, as well as the sense of pride and accomplishment that comes with it. The stanza goes on to describe the physical sensations of victory, with lines like "Your heart beats like a hammerhead" and "Your throat is hoarse, your eyes are red." These lines capture the physical and emotional intensity of victory, as well as the sense of elation that comes with it.

The third stanza reflects on the fleeting nature of victory and the need to keep striving for new victories. The stanza begins with the line "But victory's not a thing to keep; / It's just a place you reach and leap." This line speaks to the transitory nature of victory, emphasizing the need to keep moving forward and striving for new goals. The stanza goes on to describe the need to keep pushing oneself, with lines like "You've got to climb and climb again" and "You've got to risk and lose and win." These lines capture the sense of determination and perseverance that is necessary to achieve victory, as well as the need to keep striving for new victories.

The language of the poem is simple and direct, with short, punchy lines that emphasize the intensity of the emotions being described. The use of repetition, particularly in the first and third stanzas, emphasizes the themes of determination and perseverance that run throughout the poem. The use of metaphor, particularly in the second stanza, helps to capture the physical and emotional sensations of victory.

Overall, Victory Stuff is a powerful and inspiring poem that captures the essence of victory and the glory that comes with it. The poem celebrates the courage and determination that it takes to achieve victory, while also reflecting on the fleeting nature of victory and the need to keep striving for new goals. The language of the poem is simple and direct, emphasizing the intensity of the emotions being described. If you are looking for a poem that will inspire you to keep pushing forward and striving for new victories, then Victory Stuff is definitely worth a read.

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