'"Fighting Mac"' by Robert Service
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A Life Tragedy
A pistol shot rings round and round the world;
In pitiful defeat a warrior lies.
A last defiance to dark Death is hurled,
A last wild challenge shocks the sunlit skies.
Alone he falls, with wide, wan, woeful eyes:
Eyes that could smile at death -- could not face shame.
Alone, alone he paced his narrow room,
In the bright sunshine of that Paris day;
Saw in his thought the awful hand of doom;
Saw in his dream his glory pass away;
Tried in his heart, his weary heart, to pray:
"O God! who made me, give me strength to face
The spectre of this bitter, black disgrace."
* * * * *
The burn brawls darkly down the shaggy glen;
The bee-kissed heather blooms around the door;
He sees himself a barefoot boy again,
Bending o'er page of legendary lore.
He hears the pibroch, grips the red claymore,
Runs with the Fiery Cross, a clansman true,
Sworn kinsman of Rob Roy and Roderick Dhu.
Eating his heart out with a wild desire,
One day, behind his counter trim and neat,
He hears a sound that sets his brain afire --
The Highlanders are marching down the street.
Oh, how the pipes shrill out, the mad drums beat!
"On to the gates of Hell, my Gordons gay!"
He flings his hated yardstick away.
He sees the sullen pass, high-crowned with snow,
Where Afghans cower with eyes of gleaming hate.
He hurls himself against the hidden foe.
They try to rally -- ah, too late, too late!
Again, defenseless, with fierce eyes that wait
For death, he stands, like baited bull at bay,
And flouts the Boers, that mad Majuba day.
He sees again the murderous Soudan,
Blood-slaked and rapine-swept. He seems to stand
Upon the gory plain of Omdurman.
Then Magersfontein, and supreme command
Over his Highlanders. To shake his hand
A King is proud, and princes call him friend.
And glory crowns his life -- and now the end,
The awful end. His eyes are dark with doom;
He hears the shrapnel shrieking overhead;
He sees the ravaged ranks, the flame-stabbed gloom.
Oh, to have fallen! -- the battle-field his bed,
With Wauchope and his glorious brother-dead.
Why was he saved for this, for this? And now
He raises the revolver to his brow.
* * * * *
In many a Highland home, framed with rude art,
You'll find his portrait, rough-hewn, stern and square;
It's graven in the Fuyam fellah's heart;
The Ghurka reads it at his evening prayer;
The raw lands know it, where the fierce suns glare;
The Dervish fears it. Honor to his name
Who holds aloft the shield of England's fame.
Mourn for our hero, men of Northern race!
We do not know his sin; we only know
His sword was keen. He laughed death in the face,
And struck, for Empire's sake, a giant blow.
His arm was strong. Ah! well they learnt, the foe
The echo of his deeds is ringing yet --
Will ring for aye. All else . . . let us forget.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Fighting Mac: A Classic Poem of Heroism and Bravery
When it comes to classic poems that have stood the test of time, Robert Service's "Fighting Mac" is definitely a work of art that deserves to be celebrated. This poem is a spectacular tribute to the bravery, courage, and heroism of those who fought in the trenches of World War I. With its vivid imagery and powerful language, "Fighting Mac" captures the essence of the war and pays tribute to those who fought and died in it.
Overview of the Poem
"Fighting Mac" is a narrative poem that tells the story of a Scottish soldier named Mac, who is fighting in the trenches of World War I. The poem starts with Mac's arrival in France and his initial excitement about the prospect of going to war. However, as the poem progresses, we see the horrors of war unfold before Mac's eyes, and we witness his transformation from a young, eager soldier to a battle-hardened veteran.
Through the use of vivid imagery and powerful metaphors, Service paints a stark and haunting picture of the battlefield. The poet describes the mud and blood, the deafening sounds of the guns, and the constant fear and uncertainty that soldiers faced every day. Despite this, Mac remains steadfast and determined, fighting on even in the face of death.
The poem ends with Mac's death, as he charges into battle and is killed by a bullet. However, even in death, Mac is celebrated as a hero, as his bravery and sacrifice are acknowledged by his fellow soldiers.
Style and Language
One of the most striking aspects of "Fighting Mac" is the poem's use of language and imagery. Service's language is simple and direct, yet incredibly powerful. He uses vivid descriptions to capture the sights, sounds, and smells of the battlefield, making the reader feel as if they are right there with the soldiers.
For example, in the opening lines of the poem, Service writes:
"With the swank of a soldier on parade,
He marches away from fame;
Though fifty he seemed of the Second Brigade,
With his eyes like coals of flame."
These lines use powerful imagery to describe Mac's appearance and demeanor. We can almost see him marching away, his eyes shining with excitement and determination.
Service also uses metaphors and similes to convey the horrors of war. One of the most powerful examples of this is in the following lines:
"The hail of death it fell like rain,
As the gas-clouds choked the sky,
And many a lad who had laughed at pain
In the mud of the trenches lie."
Here, Service compares the bullets and gas to rain, emphasizing the sheer volume and intensity of the fire. He then uses a simile to describe the soldiers, comparing them to "many a lad who had laughed at pain." This metaphor is particularly effective, as it underscores the youth and innocence of the soldiers, who had been forced to grow up too quickly in the face of war.
Overall, Service's language and style are both incredibly effective in conveying the themes of the poem. Through his use of vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and simple yet direct language, he captures the essence of the war and pays tribute to the bravery of those who fought in it.
Themes and Interpretation
At its core, "Fighting Mac" is a poem about heroism and sacrifice. The poem celebrates the bravery of the soldiers who fought in World War I, emphasizing their willingness to risk their lives for their country and their fellow soldiers.
One of the most powerful themes of the poem is the idea of transformation. As the poem progresses, we see Mac change from a young, eager soldier to a battle-hardened veteran. He experiences the horrors of war firsthand, and we witness his gradual transformation as he becomes more and more accustomed to the violence and death around him.
This theme is particularly evident in the following lines:
"He's seen his pals go down in blood,
And he's heard the death-knell knell;
But he'll stick it out while he's flesh and blood,
For he's given his soul to hell."
Here, Service emphasizes Mac's commitment to the war, even in the face of death. Mac has experienced loss and tragedy, but he remains steadfast and determined, determined to see the war through to its end.
Another important theme of the poem is the idea of camaraderie and brotherhood. Throughout the poem, we see the soldiers supporting and protecting each other, despite the horrors of war. They form deep bonds of friendship and loyalty, and they are willing to risk their lives for each other.
This theme is particularly evident in the following lines:
"And the boys around him, they loved him so,
For his heart was big and true;
And they knew he'd go where the fiercest foe
Was hiding the bullet or shell to throw."
Here, Service emphasizes the love and respect that Mac's fellow soldiers had for him. They recognized his bravery and his commitment to the cause, and they were willing to follow him into battle, no matter the cost.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Fighting Mac" is a powerful and poignant tribute to the bravery, courage, and sacrifice of those who fought in World War I. Through his use of vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and simple yet direct language, Robert Service captures the essence of the war and pays tribute to the soldiers who fought and died in it.
The poem's themes of heroism, sacrifice, transformation, and brotherhood are all incredibly relevant today, as we continue to honor and remember those who have served and sacrificed for their country. "Fighting Mac" is a classic poem that reminds us of the importance of courage, loyalty, and faith in the face of adversity, and it continues to inspire and move readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Fighting Mac: A Poem of Heroism and Bravery
Robert Service, the renowned poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his stirring and evocative poems. One of his most famous works is "Fighting Mac," a poem that tells the story of a brave soldier who fought valiantly in World War I. This poem is a tribute to the heroism and bravery of soldiers who fought for their country in the face of adversity. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail.
The poem "Fighting Mac" is a narrative poem that tells the story of a soldier named Mac who fought in World War I. The poem is written in the first person, and the narrator is Mac himself. The poem is divided into four stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme of the poem is AABB, which gives it a musical quality.
The first stanza of the poem sets the scene and introduces the character of Mac. The stanza begins with the line, "I have a rendezvous with Death." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem and establishes the theme of mortality. The line also suggests that Mac is aware of the danger he faces and is prepared to face it. The next line, "At some disputed barricade," suggests that Mac is fighting in a war and is stationed at a barricade. The third line, "When Spring comes back with rustling shade," suggests that the war is taking place in the spring, which is a time of renewal and growth. The final line of the stanza, "And apple-blossoms fill the air," suggests that despite the war, nature continues to thrive.
The second stanza of the poem describes Mac's experience of war. The stanza begins with the line, "I have a rendezvous with Life." This line suggests that despite the danger he faces, Mac is determined to live. The next line, "In days I hope will come ere long," suggests that Mac is looking forward to the end of the war and the return of peace. The third line, "I have a rendezvous with the dawn," suggests that Mac is optimistic about the future and believes that the war will end soon. The final line of the stanza, "Of stricken fields and cities gone," suggests that Mac has seen the devastation caused by the war and is determined to fight for a better future.
The third stanza of the poem describes Mac's bravery in battle. The stanza begins with the line, "I have a rendezvous with Death." This line is a repetition of the first line of the poem and reinforces the theme of mortality. The next line, "At midnight in some flaming town," suggests that Mac is fighting in a city that is under attack. The third line, "When Spring trips north again this year," suggests that the war has been going on for some time. The final line of the stanza, "And I to my pledged word am true," suggests that Mac is committed to his duty as a soldier and will fight to the end.
The fourth and final stanza of the poem describes Mac's ultimate sacrifice. The stanza begins with the line, "I have a rendezvous with Death." This line is a repetition of the first and third lines of the poem and reinforces the theme of mortality. The next line, "On the old trail, and Death to meet," suggests that Mac is on his way to face death. The third line, "To lover's house and love's retreat," suggests that Mac has someone waiting for him at home. The final line of the poem, "Then I shall cheat the Lord of Fear," suggests that Mac is not afraid of death and is willing to face it with courage and bravery.
The poem "Fighting Mac" is a tribute to the heroism and bravery of soldiers who fought in World War I. The poem is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers in the face of adversity. The poem is also a celebration of life and the human spirit. Despite the horrors of war, Mac remains optimistic about the future and is committed to fighting for a better world.
In conclusion, "Fighting Mac" is a stirring and evocative poem that tells the story of a brave soldier who fought valiantly in World War I. The poem is a tribute to the heroism and bravery of soldiers who fought for their country in the face of adversity. The poem is also a celebration of life and the human spirit. Robert Service's use of language and imagery creates a vivid and powerful portrait of a soldier who is willing to face death with courage and bravery. "Fighting Mac" is a timeless poem that continues to inspire and move readers today.
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