'Armistice Day (1953)' by Robert Service
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Don't jeer because we celebrate
Armistice Day,
Though thirty years of sorry fate
Have passed away.
Though still we gaurd the Sacred Flame,
And fly the Flag,
That World War Two with grief and shame
Revealed--a rag.
For France cannot defend to-day
Her native land;
And she is far to proud to pray
For helping hand.
Aye, though she stands amid the Free,
In love with life,
No more her soil will shambles be
In world-war strife.
Still we who tend the deathless Flame
Of Verdun speak;
It is our glory and our shame,
For we are weak.
We have too much of blood and blight
To answer for . . .
No, France will never, never fight
Another war!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Armistice Day (1953) by Robert Service
Wow, what a poem! Robert Service's Armistice Day (1953) is a masterpiece that captures the essence of war and its devastating effects on humanity. This poem is a heartfelt tribute to the soldiers who fought and died for their country, and it is a reminder of the horrors of war that we must never forget.
Background
Robert Service was a Canadian poet who lived from 1874 to 1958. He served as a war correspondent for the Toronto Star during World War I, and his experiences during the war inspired much of his poetry. Armistice Day (1953) was written in 1953, on the 35th anniversary of the end of World War I.
Summary
Armistice Day (1953) is a short poem that consists of four stanzas of four lines each. The poem begins by describing the scene of the armistice, with soldiers standing in silence as the guns fall silent. The second stanza describes the aftermath of the war, with the dead lying in the fields and the survivors returning home to a world that has changed forever. The third stanza is a tribute to the fallen soldiers, and the final stanza is a call to remember the horrors of war and to work towards peace.
Interpretation
The poem opens with a description of the armistice, with soldiers standing in silence as the guns fall silent. This is a powerful image that captures the relief and exhaustion of the soldiers at the end of the war. The silence is a stark contrast to the noise and chaos of the battlefield, and it symbolizes the end of the violence and suffering.
The second stanza describes the aftermath of the war, with the dead lying in the fields and the survivors returning home to a world that has changed forever. This is a poignant image that captures the devastation and loss that war can bring. The dead are a reminder of the cost of war, and the survivors are a reminder of the trauma and psychological scars that can last a lifetime.
The third stanza is a tribute to the fallen soldiers. The poem describes them as "the noble dead," and it is clear that Service has great respect and admiration for them. The soldiers are described as heroes who gave their lives for their country, and it is clear that Service believes that they deserve to be remembered and honored.
The final stanza is a call to remember the horrors of war and to work towards peace. Service urges his readers to "remember well" the sacrifices of the soldiers and to work towards a future without war. This is a powerful message that is still relevant today, as we continue to struggle with conflict and violence around the world.
Literary Devices
Service uses several literary devices in Armistice Day (1953) to create a powerful and emotional poem. One of the most notable devices is repetition, which is used to emphasize key phrases and ideas. For example, the phrase "the guns fell silent" is repeated several times, which creates a sense of finality and closure.
Service also uses imagery to create vivid and memorable scenes. The image of the soldiers standing in silence is a powerful one, and the image of the dead lying in the fields is haunting and tragic. These images stay with the reader long after the poem has ended.
Finally, Service uses symbolism to convey deeper meanings. The silence of the armistice symbolizes the end of the violence and suffering, while the dead symbolize the cost of war. These symbols add depth and complexity to the poem, and they help to create a sense of meaning and purpose.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Armistice Day (1953) is a powerful and emotional poem that captures the essence of war and its devastating effects on humanity. This poem is a tribute to the soldiers who fought and died for their country, and it is a reminder of the horrors of war that we must never forget. Robert Service's use of repetition, imagery, and symbolism creates a vivid and memorable poem that is still relevant today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Armistice Day (1953) is a classic poem written by Robert Service, a renowned poet who is known for his works on the Canadian wilderness and the Klondike Gold Rush. The poem is a tribute to the soldiers who fought in World War I and the sacrifices they made for their country. It is a poignant reminder of the horrors of war and the importance of peace.
The poem begins with the line, "It was on Armistice Day, and in the town of Beauvais." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it immediately establishes the setting and the significance of the day. Armistice Day is a day of remembrance for the end of World War I, and the town of Beauvais is a symbol of the many towns and cities that were affected by the war.
The poem then goes on to describe the scene in the town, with people going about their daily business and children playing in the streets. However, there is a sense of unease in the air, as everyone is aware of the significance of the day. The poem describes the "solemn silence" that hangs over the town, as people remember the sacrifices that were made during the war.
As the poem progresses, the focus shifts to the soldiers who fought in the war. The poem describes them as "heroes of a thousand fights," highlighting the bravery and courage that they displayed on the battlefield. However, the poem also acknowledges the toll that the war took on these soldiers, both physically and mentally. The line "scarred and maimed and blind" is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices that these soldiers made for their country.
The poem then takes a more personal turn, as it describes the narrator's own experiences during the war. The line "I too had fought - oh, God, how long!" is a poignant reminder of the many soldiers who fought in the war and the toll that it took on them. The poem describes the horrors of war in vivid detail, with lines such as "the shriek of shells, the burst of bombs" and "the stench of death, the reek of hell."
Despite the horrors of war, the poem also acknowledges the importance of peace. The line "we prayed that war might be no more" is a powerful reminder of the need for peace in the world. The poem ends on a hopeful note, with the line "and so we dreamed of peace, and woke to find it true." This line is a testament to the power of hope and the importance of working towards a better future.
Overall, Armistice Day (1953) is a powerful and poignant poem that pays tribute to the soldiers who fought in World War I and the sacrifices that they made for their country. The poem is a reminder of the horrors of war and the importance of peace, and it is a testament to the power of hope and the human spirit. Robert Service's use of vivid imagery and powerful language makes this poem a timeless classic that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.
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