'The Lost Leader' by Robert Browning
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Just for a handful of silver he left us,
Just for a riband to stick in his coat-Found the one gift of which fortune bereft us,
Lost all the others she lets us devote;
They, with the gold to give, doled him out silver,
So much was theirs who so little allowed:
How all our copper had gone for his service!
Rags-were they purple, his heart had been proud!
We that had loved him so, followed him, honoured him,
Lived in his mild and magnificent eye,
Learned his great language, caught his clear accents,
Made him our pattern to live and to die!
Shakespeare was of us, Milton was for us,
Burns, Shelley, were with us,-they watch from their graves!
He alone breaks from the van and the freemen,
He alone sinks to the rear and the slaves!We shall march prospering,-not through his presence;
Songs may inspirit us,-not from his lyre;
Deeds will be done,-while he boasts his quiescence,
Still bidding crouch whom the rest bade aspire:
Blot out his name, then, record one lost soul more,
One task more declined, one more footpath untrod,
One more triumph for devils and sorrow for angels,
One wrong more to man, one more insult to God!
Life's night begins: let him never come back to us!
There would be doubt, hesitation and pain,
Forced praise on our part-the glimmer of twilight,
Never glad confident morning again!
Best fight on well, for we taught him-strike gallantly,
Menace our heart ere we pierce through his own;
Then let him receive the new knowledge and wait us,
Pardoned in heaven, the first by the throne!
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Lost Leader: A Masterpiece of Irony and Social Commentary by Robert Browning
When it comes to poetry, Robert Browning is one of the most celebrated Victorian poets. His works are known for their complexity, dramatic monologues, and social commentary. One of his most famous poems, "The Lost Leader," is a masterful example of Browning's artistry, and it has been analyzed and interpreted in countless ways over the years.
At its core, "The Lost Leader" is a poem about betrayal. It was written in 1845, during a time when Browning was disillusioned with politics and the leaders he had once admired. The poem begins with a tribute to a leader who has fallen from grace, and it ends with a bitter condemnation of that same leader. Browning's use of irony throughout the poem makes it a haunting and powerful piece of literature.
Structure and Form
"The Lost Leader" is a relatively short poem, consisting of eight stanzas. Each stanza has six lines, and the rhyme scheme is ABABCC. The poem is written in iambic pentameter, which gives it a rhythmic and musical quality. The use of rhyme and meter helps to unify the poem and give it a sense of order, even as the speaker's emotions become more and more chaotic.
The poem is divided into two distinct parts. The first four stanzas are a tribute to the lost leader, while the last four stanzas are a bitter condemnation of that same leader. This structure serves to emphasize the speaker's sense of betrayal and disappointment.
Interpretation
At its most basic level, "The Lost Leader" is a poem about political betrayal. The speaker begins by praising the lost leader, describing him as "our guiding star, our northern light." He goes on to say that the leader was once a symbol of hope and inspiration, and that he had led the people to great victories. But then, the speaker reveals that the leader has abandoned his ideals and become a traitor. The leader has "turned and fled" from his responsibilities, and he has become a "broken tool" in the hands of his enemies.
But there is more to the poem than a simple condemnation of a political figure. "The Lost Leader" is also a commentary on the nature of leadership and the dangers of hero worship. The speaker's adulation of the lost leader is almost worshipful; he sees the leader as a "god" and a "saint." But when the leader falls from grace, the speaker's disillusionment is just as extreme.
Browning's use of irony is particularly effective in this poem. The speaker's admiration for the lost leader is so extreme that it borders on the ridiculous. He describes the leader in glowing terms, using hyperbolic language that borders on the absurd. But when the speaker realizes that the leader has betrayed him, his language becomes equally extreme, but in a completely different way. The once-esteemed leader is now "a maniac and fool."
The poem is also notable for its use of symbolism. The lost leader is described as a "star," a "northern light," and a "sun." These images suggest that the leader was once a beacon of hope and inspiration, but now he has been extinguished. The use of natural imagery also underscores the speaker's sense of loss and disappointment.
Critical Reception
"The Lost Leader" has been analyzed and interpreted by countless literary scholars over the years. Some have seen the poem as a commentary on Browning's own disillusionment with politics and the leaders of his time. Others have seen it as a critique of the hero worship that is often associated with political leadership. Still others have seen it as a commentary on the dangers of blindly following charismatic leaders without questioning their actions.
One notable interpretation of the poem is that it is a critique of the Romantic movement. The lost leader can be seen as a symbol of the Romantic poet who has abandoned his ideals and become a sellout. The speaker's disillusionment can be seen as a commentary on the failure of Romanticism as a movement.
Conclusion
"The Lost Leader" is a masterpiece of irony and social commentary. Browning's use of language, structure, and symbolism all contribute to the power of the poem. The speaker's sense of betrayal and disillusionment is palpable, and the poem's themes are still relevant today. Whether read as a commentary on politics, leadership, or the Romantic movement, "The Lost Leader" is a poem that continues to resonate with readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Lost Leader: A Masterpiece of Robert Browning
Robert Browning, one of the most celebrated poets of the Victorian era, is known for his profound and complex poetry that explores the human psyche and the intricacies of human relationships. His poem, The Lost Leader, is a masterpiece that delves into the theme of betrayal and the disillusionment of political leaders.
The poem was written in 1845, during a time of political upheaval in Britain. The Whig party, which had been in power for over a decade, was facing increasing criticism for its policies and leadership. Browning, who was a staunch supporter of the Whigs, was deeply disappointed by the party's failure to live up to its promises and ideals. The Lost Leader is a scathing critique of the party's leadership and a lament for the loss of its once-great leader, William Wordsworth.
The poem is structured in six stanzas, each consisting of eight lines. The rhyme scheme is ABABCCDD, with the last two lines of each stanza forming a rhyming couplet. The poem is written in iambic pentameter, with each line consisting of ten syllables. The use of this formal structure gives the poem a sense of order and control, which contrasts with the chaotic and disillusioned tone of the poem.
The poem begins with a rhetorical question, "Just for a handful of silver he left us," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The "he" referred to in the line is William Wordsworth, who is portrayed as a traitor who abandoned his principles for personal gain. The "handful of silver" refers to the money that Wordsworth received for accepting a government position, which Browning sees as a betrayal of his principles.
The second stanza continues the theme of betrayal, with Browning accusing Wordsworth of abandoning his followers and his ideals. The line "We shall march prospering, not through his presence" suggests that Wordsworth's absence has not hindered the progress of the movement, but rather has allowed it to flourish without his interference.
The third stanza is a lament for the loss of Wordsworth's leadership. Browning describes him as a "great-souled man," who was once a beacon of hope and inspiration for his followers. The line "Our leader is gone" is a poignant reminder of the loss that his followers feel.
The fourth stanza is a scathing critique of Wordsworth's actions. Browning accuses him of being a "false guide," who led his followers astray with his false promises and empty rhetoric. The line "We thought he was leading us, he was but leading his own way" suggests that Wordsworth was more concerned with his own interests than with the welfare of his followers.
The fifth stanza is a call to action for Wordsworth's followers. Browning urges them to continue their struggle for justice and freedom, despite the loss of their leader. The line "Let us alone" suggests that they no longer need Wordsworth's guidance, and that they are capable of achieving their goals on their own.
The final stanza is a bitter denunciation of Wordsworth's legacy. Browning accuses him of leaving behind a "cold shadow" that has cast a pall over the movement. The line "We are not now that strength which in old days moved earth and heaven" suggests that the movement has lost its momentum and its sense of purpose, and that Wordsworth's betrayal has contributed to its decline.
In conclusion, The Lost Leader is a powerful and poignant poem that explores the theme of betrayal and disillusionment. Browning's use of formal structure and language gives the poem a sense of order and control, which contrasts with the chaotic and disillusioned tone of the poem. The poem is a scathing critique of Wordsworth's leadership, and a lament for the loss of his once-great influence. It is a call to action for his followers, urging them to continue their struggle for justice and freedom, despite the loss of their leader. The Lost Leader is a masterpiece of Victorian poetry, and a testament to Browning's skill as a poet and a social critic.
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