'Clemenceau' by Robert Service
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His frown brought terror to his foes,
But now in twilight of his days
The pure perfection of a rose
Can kindle rapture in his gaze.
Where once he swung the sword of wrath
And peoples trembled at his word,
With hoe he trims a pansied path
And listens to a bird.
His large of life was lived with noise,
With war and strife and crash of kings:
But now he hungers for the joys
Of peace, and hush of homely things.
His old dog nuzzles by his knee,
And seems to say: 'Oh Master dear,
Please do not ever part from me!
We are so happy here.'
His ancient maid, as sky draws dim,
Calls to him that the soup grows cold.
She tyrannises over him
Who once held armies in his hold.
With slippers, old skull-cap and shawl
He dreams and dozes by the fire,
Sighing: 'Behold the end of all,
Sweet rest my sole desire.
'My task is done, my pen is still;
My Book is there for all to see,--
The final triumph of my will,
Ineffably, my victory.
A Tiger once, but now a lamb,
With frailing hand my gate I close.
How hushed my heart! My life how calm!
--Its crown a Rose.'
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Clemenceau" by Robert Service: A Poem of Heroism and Triumph
What makes a hero? What inspires us to stand up for what is right, to fight for justice and freedom, to never give up in the face of adversity? These are some of the questions that Robert Service explores in his classic poem "Clemenceau," a tribute to the French statesman Georges Clemenceau, who led his country through the dark days of World War I and played a crucial role in the Treaty of Versailles that ended the war.
At first glance, "Clemenceau" may seem like a straightforward ode to a great man, a celebration of his strength, courage, and determination. But as we delve deeper into the poem, we find layers of meaning and complexity that reflect the human condition itself, with all its contradictions, ambiguities, and struggles.
The poem consists of four stanzas, each with six lines of rhymed verse. The rhythm is bouncy and upbeat, with a lively cadence that echoes the spirit of the man it honors. The language is simple and direct, with a touch of folksiness that suggests a connection with the common people whom Clemenceau championed.
The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, introducing us to the hero himself and his remarkable achievements:
Clemenceau, with his big nose
Swept like a vulture down on France,
Had the ham-like cheek to impose
His own right-will and arrogance;
Fought down the Chauvinists like rats
And sent the Dreyfus through the mats.
Here we see Clemenceau as a force to be reckoned with, a man of strong will and fierce determination. His physical appearance, with his prominent nose and ham-like cheeks, is not the most flattering, but it only adds to his aura of power and authority. Service uses animal imagery, comparing Clemenceau to a vulture, to suggest his predatory instincts and his willingness to swoop down on his enemies. The reference to the Chauvinists, who were extreme nationalists and war-mongers, and to the Dreyfus Affair, where a Jewish officer was falsely accused of treason, highlights Clemenceau's progressive and liberal values, his commitment to justice and equality.
The second stanza takes us into the heart of the war, where Clemenceau faced his greatest challenge and triumph:
Then came the war that he foresaw,
And all his splendid hate was sweet;
He fought with Nature's tiger-claw,
He kicked defeat from off his feet;
And when at last the victory shone
He proved the greatest of Garcons.
Here we see Clemenceau in his element, as a warrior and a leader, pitted against the forces of evil and destruction. The imagery of the tiger-claw and the defeated feet suggests a brutal struggle, a fight to the death. And yet, through it all, Clemenceau remains unflinching, undaunted, and victorious. The reference to the "greatest of Garcons," or boys, is somewhat puzzling, but it may refer to his youthful energy and enthusiasm, his willingness to take risks and embrace challenges.
The third stanza shifts gears and takes us into the realm of politics and diplomacy, where Clemenceau faced another daunting task:
And then the task was thrust on him
To hold together shattered France,
To make her will and power swim
In seas of diplomatic chance;
And when the Peace was at the door
He made the Treaty red with gore.
Here we see Clemenceau as a statesman and a diplomat, tasked with the difficult job of rebuilding a devastated country and negotiating a peace treaty that would secure its future. The reference to the seas of diplomatic chance suggests the high stakes and the unpredictable outcomes of such negotiations. And yet, once again, Clemenceau rises to the occasion, making the Treaty "red with gore," a vivid image that suggests his uncompromising stance and his determination to secure a just and lasting peace.
The fourth and final stanza brings the poem to a rousing conclusion, celebrating Clemenceau's legacy and his enduring impact:
Clemenceau, with his big nose
And will that would not be denied,
He made of France a flaming rose
That deathless blooms on every side;
He made of France a flashing star
That lights the world, the ages far.
Here we see Clemenceau as a visionary and a symbol, who transformed France from a shattered and defeated nation into a beacon of hope and inspiration. The imagery of the flaming rose and the flashing star suggests his charismatic personality and his enduring legacy. Service uses repetition, with the same opening line as in the first stanza, to bring the poem full circle and to emphasize the lasting impact of Clemenceau's life and work.
In conclusion, "Clemenceau" is a classic poem that celebrates the heroic spirit of Georges Clemenceau, a man who embodied the best qualities of his country and his time. Service's simple but powerful language, his vivid imagery, and his lively rhythm capture the essence of this remarkable figure and his enduring legacy. Whether we see Clemenceau as a warrior, a statesman, or a symbol, his story reminds us of the power of human courage, determination, and vision, and of the enduring struggle for justice and freedom.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Clemenceau: A Poem of Courage and Resilience
Robert Service's poem "Clemenceau" is a stirring tribute to one of the greatest statesmen of the 20th century. Georges Clemenceau, the French Prime Minister during World War I, was a man of extraordinary courage and resilience. He led his country through one of the most difficult periods in its history and played a key role in the Allied victory. Service's poem captures the essence of Clemenceau's character and his contribution to the war effort.
The poem begins with a vivid description of Clemenceau's appearance. He is portrayed as a man of great physical strength and vitality, with a "lion's mane" of hair and a "tiger's eye." This imagery suggests that Clemenceau was a force to be reckoned with, a man who could inspire fear and respect in his enemies. The poem goes on to describe Clemenceau's political career, highlighting his determination and his willingness to take risks. He is described as a "man of iron will" who "fought his way to power."
The second stanza of the poem focuses on Clemenceau's role in World War I. He is portrayed as a leader who never lost faith in his country's ability to win the war. Despite the setbacks and the losses, he remained resolute and determined. The poem describes him as a "rock of granite" who "stood unmoved" in the face of adversity. This imagery suggests that Clemenceau was a man of great strength and resilience, who could withstand even the most difficult challenges.
The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. It describes Clemenceau's reaction to the news of his son's death in the war. Despite his grief, he refused to be defeated. He continued to lead his country with courage and determination, knowing that the war must be won. The poem describes him as a "man of steel" who "bent but never broke." This imagery suggests that Clemenceau was a man of great emotional strength, who could endure even the most devastating losses.
The final stanza of the poem is a tribute to Clemenceau's legacy. He is described as a hero who "saved his land" and "won the war." The poem suggests that his leadership was instrumental in the Allied victory and that his courage and resilience inspired his countrymen to fight on. The poem ends with the words "Clemenceau, Clemenceau, we sing thy fame." This final tribute suggests that Clemenceau's contribution to the war effort will never be forgotten.
In conclusion, Robert Service's poem "Clemenceau" is a powerful tribute to one of the greatest statesmen of the 20th century. Georges Clemenceau was a man of extraordinary courage and resilience, who led his country through one of the most difficult periods in its history. Service's poem captures the essence of Clemenceau's character and his contribution to the war effort. It is a stirring reminder of the power of leadership and the importance of courage and resilience in times of crisis.
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