'The Coward' by Robert Service
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Rhymes of a Red Cross Man'Ave you seen Bill's mug in the Noos to-day?
'E's gyned the Victoriar Cross, they say;
Little Bill wot would grizzle and run away,If you 'it 'im a swipe on the jawr.
'E's slaughtered the Kaiser's men in tons;
'E's captured one of their quick-fire guns,
And 'e 'adn't no practice in killin' 'UnsAfore 'e went off to the war.Little Bill wot I nussed in 'is by-by clothes;
Little Bill wot told me 'is childish woes;
'Ow often I've tidied 'is pore little noseWiv the 'em of me pinnyfore.
And now all the papers 'is praises ring,
And 'e's been and 'e's shaken the 'and of the King
And I sawr 'im to-day in the ward, pore thing,Where they're patchin' 'im up once more.And 'e says: "Wot d'ye think of it, Lizer Ann?"
And I says: "Well, I can't make it out, old man;
You'd 'ook it as soon as a scrap began,When you was a bit of a kid."
And 'e whispers: "'Ere, on the quiet, Liz,
They're makin' too much of the 'ole damn biz,
And the papers is printin' me ugly phiz,But . . . I'm 'anged if I know wot I did."Oh, the Captain comes and 'e says: 'Look 'ere!
They're far too quiet out there: it's queer.
They're up to somethin' -- 'oo'll volunteerTo crawl in the dark and see?'
Then I felt me 'eart like a 'ammer go,
And up jumps a chap and 'e says: 'Right O!'
But I chips in straight, and I says 'Oh no!'E's a missis and kids -- take me.'"And the next I knew I was sneakin' out,
And the oozy corpses was all about,
And I felt so scared I wanted to shout,And me skin fair prickled wiv fear;
And I sez: 'You coward! You 'ad no right
To take on the job of a man this night,'
Yet still I kept creepin' till ('orrid sight!)The trench of the 'Uns was near."It was all so dark, it was all so still;
Yet somethin' pushed me against me will;
'Ow I wanted to turn! Yet I crawled untilI was seein' a dim light shine.
Then thinks I: 'I'll just go a little bit,
And see wot the doose I can make of it,'
And it seemed to come from the mouth of a pit:'Christmas!' sez I, 'a mine.'"Then 'ere's the part wot I can't explain:
I wanted to make for 'ome again,
But somethin' was blazin' inside me brain,So I crawled to the trench instead;
Then I saw the bullet 'ead of a 'Un,
And 'e stood by a rapid-firer gun,
And I lifted a rock and I 'it 'im one,And 'e dropped like a chunk o' lead."Then all the 'Uns that was underground,
Comes up with a rush and on with a bound,
And I swings that giddy old Maxim roundAnd belts 'em solid and square.
You see I was off me chump wiv fear:
'If I'm sellin' me life,' sez I, 'it's dear.'
And the trench was narrow and they was near,So I peppered the brutes for fair."So I 'eld 'em back and I yelled wiv fright,
And the boys attacked and we 'ad a fight,
And we 'captured a section o' trench' that nightWhich we didn't expect to get;
And they found me there with me Maxim gun,
And I'd laid out a score if I'd laid out one,
And I fainted away when the thing was done,And I 'aven't got over it yet."So that's the 'istory Bill told me.
Of course it's all on the strict Q. T.;
It wouldn't do to get out, you see,As 'e hacted against 'is will.
But 'e's convalescin' wiv all 'is might,
And 'e 'opes to be fit for another fight --
Say! Ain't 'e a bit of the real all right?Wot's the matter with Bill!
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Coward by Robert Service: A Masterpiece of Narrative Poetry
Robert Service's "The Coward" is the quintessential poem of the underdog, the tale of a man who is given a second chance at redemption and courage. It is a timeless classic, with its themes of cowardice, bravery, and the human spirit resonating with readers of all ages and backgrounds. The poem is a masterful example of narrative poetry, weaving a compelling story with vivid imagery and powerful emotions. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the many facets of "The Coward," from its use of form and structure to its themes and symbolism.
Form and Structure
"The Coward" is written in quatrains, with a consistent rhyme scheme of ABAB. This traditional form gives the poem a sense of stability and order, which is contrasted with the chaos and uncertainty of the story it tells. Each stanza is a self-contained unit, yet they flow together seamlessly to create a cohesive narrative. The rhythm of the poem is also consistent, with a steady beat that propels the story forward. This creates a sense of momentum that builds as the poem progresses, leading to a climax that is both thrilling and satisfying.
Themes
One of the central themes of "The Coward" is courage. The poem examines what it means to be brave, and how courage can be found in unexpected places. The protagonist is initially presented as a coward, running from a fight and earning the scorn of his fellow soldiers. However, when he is given a second chance to prove himself, he rises to the occasion and displays true bravery. This transformation shows that courage is not just a matter of physical strength or bravado, but a state of mind that can be cultivated and nurtured.
Another theme of the poem is redemption. The protagonist's initial failure is a source of shame and regret, but he is given a chance to redeem himself and make amends. This theme is closely tied to the idea of second chances, and the poem suggests that even the most cowardly among us can find a way to overcome our fears and do the right thing.
Symbolism
"The Coward" is rich in symbolism, with several key images and motifs that help to deepen the meaning of the poem. One of the most significant symbols is the battlefield itself, which represents the ultimate test of courage and valor. The soldiers who fight on the battlefield are engaged in a life-or-death struggle, and their actions have a profound impact on the course of history. The battlefield also represents the harsh realities of war, with its brutal violence and senseless destruction.
Another important symbol in the poem is the protagonist's horse. The horse is a symbol of strength and courage, and its presence gives the protagonist the courage he needs to face his fears. The horse also represents the bond between man and animal, and the trust that develops between them.
Interpretation
"The Coward" is a powerful and moving poem that speaks to the human condition in a profound way. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and the ability of even the most flawed and cowardly among us to find the strength to do what is right. The poem is also a critique of the glorification of war and violence, reminding us of the terrible cost of conflict and the toll it takes on the lives of those who fight and die on the battlefield.
At its core, "The Coward" is a story of transformation and redemption. It shows us that no matter how low we may sink, there is always the possibility of redemption and the chance to make amends. It is a message of hope and perseverance, urging us to never give up in the face of adversity and to always strive to be our best selves.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Robert Service's "The Coward" is a masterpiece of narrative poetry that speaks to the human experience in a profound way. Its themes of courage, redemption, and the human spirit are as relevant today as they were when the poem was first written. The poem's form and structure, as well as its use of symbolism, deepen the meaning of the story and create a powerful emotional impact. "The Coward" is a timeless classic that will continue to inspire and move readers for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry has always been a medium of expression for the deepest emotions and thoughts of the human mind. It has the power to evoke feelings of love, joy, sadness, and even fear. One such poem that captures the essence of fear is "The Coward" by Robert Service. This classic poem is a masterpiece of storytelling that takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery and redemption.
The poem begins with the narrator describing a man who is a coward. The man is afraid of everything, from the dark to the sound of his own heartbeat. He is so afraid that he cannot even look at himself in the mirror. The narrator paints a vivid picture of the man's fear, using powerful imagery to convey the depth of his terror.
The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, with the narrator describing the man's fear in detail. The use of words like "quaking," "shivering," and "trembling" creates a sense of unease in the reader. The man's fear is so intense that he cannot even face his own reflection, a powerful metaphor for his lack of self-confidence.
In the second stanza, the narrator describes the man's attempts to overcome his fear. He tries to be brave, but his fear always gets the better of him. The man is so afraid that he cannot even speak, let alone act. The narrator uses repetition to emphasize the man's fear, with the phrase "he dared not" repeated several times.
The third stanza is where the poem takes a turn. The man meets a woman who is not afraid of anything. She is brave and fearless, and the man is immediately drawn to her. The woman becomes a symbol of hope for the man, a beacon of light in his dark world.
The fourth stanza is the climax of the poem. The man and the woman are walking in the woods when they come across a bear. The man is paralyzed with fear, but the woman stands her ground. She is not afraid of the bear, and her bravery inspires the man to overcome his fear. He picks up a stick and joins the woman in facing the bear.
The final stanza is a reflection on the man's transformation. He is no longer a coward, but a brave and courageous man. The narrator describes the man's newfound confidence, using words like "bold" and "fearless." The man has overcome his fear and found redemption through the woman's bravery.
"The Coward" is a powerful poem that explores the theme of fear and redemption. The narrator uses vivid imagery and powerful metaphors to convey the depth of the man's fear, and the woman becomes a symbol of hope and inspiration for the man. The climax of the poem, where the man faces his fear and finds redemption, is a powerful moment that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
The poem is also a commentary on the human condition. We all have fears and insecurities, but it is our ability to overcome them that defines us. The man in the poem is a representation of all of us, and his transformation is a reminder that we too can overcome our fears and find redemption.
In conclusion, "The Coward" is a classic poem that explores the theme of fear and redemption. The narrator's use of vivid imagery and powerful metaphors creates a sense of unease in the reader, while the woman becomes a symbol of hope and inspiration for the man. The climax of the poem, where the man faces his fear and finds redemption, is a powerful moment that leaves a lasting impression on the reader. The poem is a commentary on the human condition, reminding us that we all have fears and insecurities, but it is our ability to overcome them that defines us.
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