'Fortitude' by Robert Service

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Songs of a Sun-LoverTime, the Jester, jeers at you;
Your life's a fleeting breath;
Your birthday's flimsy I.O.U.
To that old devil, Death.
And though to glory you attain,
Or be to beauty born,
Your pomp and vanity are vain:
Time ticks you off with scorn.Time, the Cynic, sneers at you,
And stays you in your stride;
He flouts the daring deeds you do,
And pillories your pride.
The triumph of your yesterday
He pages with the Past;
He taunts you with the grave's decay
And calls the score at last.All this I now, yet what care I!
Despite his dusty word,
I hold my tattered banner high,
And swing my broken sword.
In blackest night I glimpse a gleam,
And nurse a faith sublime,
To do, to dare, to hope, to dream,
to fight you, Foeman Time;
Yea, in the dark, a deathless beam
To smite you, Tyrant Time.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Fortitude by Robert Service: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Have you ever wondered what it takes to have the strength to endure hardship and overcome life's obstacles? In Robert Service's poem, "Fortitude," the author explores the concept of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. The poem is a masterpiece of literary art, and this literary criticism and interpretation will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in "Fortitude."

Synopsis

The poem "Fortitude" is about an individual who has faced numerous challenges in life, but despite the difficulties, they continue to persevere. The speaker describes the person as having "fortitude" and "resilience" and admires their ability to rise above the adversities that life throws at them. The poem is a tribute to the human spirit and the strength of character that we all possess.

Themes

One of the most significant themes in "Fortitude" is resilience. The poem highlights the importance of being able to weather the storm and carry on. The speaker admires the person's ability to bounce back from setbacks and face each new challenge with courage and determination.

Another theme in the poem is the power of the human spirit. Despite facing numerous challenges, the person described in the poem never loses hope or gives up. They continue to push forward, even when things seem impossible. This theme shows us the incredible strength that we all possess when we tap into our inner reserves of courage and perseverance.

Finally, the poem touches on the idea of heroism. The speaker describes the person as a hero, not because they have superhuman strength or powers, but because they possess an inner strength that allows them to face adversity head-on. This theme shows us that heroism is not just about physical strength, but about the strength of character and the will to endure.

Imagery

The imagery in "Fortitude" is vivid and powerful. The poem is filled with metaphors and similes that help to create a rich and evocative picture in the reader's mind. For example, the speaker describes the person's resilience as being like a "rock against the tide," which gives us a strong visual image of someone standing firm in the face of adversity.

The poem also uses imagery to convey a sense of motion and change. The speaker describes the person as moving forward, even when things are tough. They "climb the crag, they breast the wave," and "pluck the flower, scale the height." This imagery conveys a sense of progress and momentum, as if the person is always moving forward, no matter what obstacles they may face.

Finally, the poem uses imagery to create a sense of contrast between the person's inner strength and the external challenges they face. For example, the speaker describes the person as having a "heart of oak," which is a strong and durable symbol of resilience. This contrasts with the challenges the person faces, which are described as "storms" and "frost." This imagery helps to highlight the person's inner strength and resilience in the face of external difficulties.

Language

The language in "Fortitude" is simple and straightforward, but it is also powerful and evocative. The poem is written in free verse, which gives the poet the freedom to play with language and create a unique rhythm and structure.

One of the most striking features of the language in the poem is the use of repetition. The phrase "They have fortitude," is repeated several times throughout the poem, creating a sense of emphasis and reinforcing the central theme of resilience.

Another notable feature of the language in "Fortitude" is the use of alliteration and assonance. For example, the line "To do full well, to face the blast," uses both alliteration and assonance to create a sense of momentum and power.

Finally, the language in the poem is filled with strong, evocative words that help to create a vivid picture in the reader's mind. Words like "crags," "frost," and "tempest" create a sense of ruggedness and harshness, while words like "flower," "sun," and "height" create a sense of beauty and elevation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Fortitude" is a powerful poem that explores the themes of resilience, the power of the human spirit, and heroism. Through vivid imagery and evocative language, the poem celebrates the strength of character that allows us to face adversity with courage and determination. Whether we are facing personal challenges or dealing with larger societal issues, the poem reminds us that we all possess the inner strength to weather the storm and carry on.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Fortitude: A Masterpiece by Robert Service

Robert Service, the renowned poet, is known for his ability to capture the essence of human emotions and experiences in his works. One of his most celebrated poems, "Fortitude," is a prime example of his mastery of language and his ability to convey complex emotions through simple yet powerful words. In this analysis, we will delve into the meaning, structure, and literary devices used in "Fortitude" to understand why it has stood the test of time and continues to inspire readers today.

The poem "Fortitude" is a tribute to the human spirit and its ability to endure even the most challenging of circumstances. It is a reflection on the strength and resilience that we possess as individuals, and how we can draw upon that strength to overcome adversity. The poem begins with the lines, "I have not quailed to danger's brow / When high and happy winds are blowing," setting the tone for the rest of the piece. The speaker is someone who has faced danger before and has not been intimidated by it. This sets the stage for the central theme of the poem, which is the idea of fortitude or courage in the face of adversity.

The poem is structured in four stanzas, each with four lines. This structure is known as a quatrain and is a common form in poetry. The use of this structure in "Fortitude" gives the poem a sense of balance and symmetry, which is fitting for a poem about inner strength and resilience. The rhyme scheme of the poem is AABB, which means that the first and second lines rhyme with each other, as do the third and fourth lines. This creates a sense of musicality and rhythm in the poem, which adds to its overall impact.

One of the most striking literary devices used in "Fortitude" is the use of personification. The speaker describes danger as having a "brow" and "happy winds" as blowing. This personification gives the poem a sense of life and energy, as if danger and happiness are living entities that can affect us. This use of personification is also seen in the line, "I have not flinched from laughter's lash / Through bitter, scant and biting years." Here, laughter is personified as having a "lash," which is a powerful image that conveys the idea of laughter being a force that can hurt us. This use of personification adds depth and complexity to the poem, making it more than just a simple reflection on courage.

Another literary device used in "Fortitude" is the use of metaphor. The speaker compares the human spirit to a "rocky crag" that can withstand the "buffeting storm." This metaphor is a powerful image that conveys the idea of inner strength and resilience. The use of the word "crag" also gives the metaphor a sense of solidity and permanence, which adds to its impact. The metaphor of the "buffeting storm" is also significant, as it conveys the idea of adversity and challenges that we face in life. This metaphor is used throughout the poem, and it is a powerful reminder that we all face storms in our lives, but we can withstand them if we have the fortitude to do so.

The use of repetition is another literary device used in "Fortitude." The phrase "I have not" is repeated throughout the poem, creating a sense of rhythm and emphasis. This repetition also reinforces the central theme of the poem, which is the idea of fortitude or courage in the face of adversity. The repetition of this phrase also gives the poem a sense of unity and coherence, making it a cohesive whole.

The language used in "Fortitude" is simple yet powerful. The poem is written in a straightforward style, with no unnecessary words or complicated syntax. This simplicity adds to the impact of the poem, as it makes it accessible to a wide range of readers. The use of short, declarative sentences also adds to the power of the poem, as it conveys a sense of confidence and strength.

In conclusion, "Fortitude" is a masterpiece of poetry that continues to inspire readers today. Its central theme of inner strength and resilience is one that resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds. The use of literary devices such as personification, metaphor, repetition, and simple yet powerful language adds to the impact of the poem, making it a timeless work of art. Robert Service's ability to capture the essence of the human experience in his works is what makes him one of the greatest poets of all time, and "Fortitude" is a shining example of his talent.

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