Attitudes and Behaviors in Selected 20th Century Poems

The four poems we have studied: "How They Brought The Good News From Ghent To Aix" by Robert Browning, "The Revenge" by Alfred, Lord Tennyson, "The Inchcape Rock" by Robert Southey, and "The Charge of The Light Brigade" by Alfred, Lord Tennyson, present various attitudes and behaviors displayed by their characters, ranging from envy to patriotism and heroism.

"The Inchcape Rock" by Robert Southey

In "The Inchcape Rock," Sir Ralph the Rover is portrayed as a malevolent and envious character. He harbors jealousy towards the Abbott of Aberbrothok, who is widely admired for a noble deed.

However, the irony lies in how his malevolent actions eventually backfire.

Southey vividly portrays Sir Ralph's wickedness as he is willing to put others in harm's way to humiliate the Abbott and claim the spotlight for himself. His jealousy drives him to endanger the lives of innocent people.

The poem highlights the consequences of envy and recklessness, demonstrating how one's malicious intent can ultimately lead to their own downfall.

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"The Inchcape Rock" does not showcase patriotism or heroism; instead, it serves as a cautionary tale against destructive behavior.

"The Charge of The Light Brigade" by Alfred, Lord Tennyson

In "The Charge of The Light Brigade," the six hundred soldiers are depicted as brave patriots who willingly risk their lives for a just cause. Tennyson composed this poem to honor their valor and dedication.

The poem emphasizes their unwavering commitment to their mission, regardless of the peril they faced. The repeated refrain, "Honour the charge they made! Honour the Light Brigade, Noble six hundred!" underscores their heroism.

Tennyson uses powerful metaphors and alliteration to convey the intensity of the battle and the valor of the soldiers.

The poem's rhythmic pattern mirrors the relentless galloping of horses and the thundering of cannons, creating a vivid and dynamic portrayal of the battlefield.

"The Charge of The Light Brigade" serves as a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of these soldiers, highlighting their patriotism and heroism in the face of adversity.

"How They Brought The Good News From Ghent To Aix" by Robert Browning

In "How They Brought The Good News From Ghent To Aix," the horse Roland is depicted as a strong and intelligent stallion. Browning portrays Roland as not only physically robust but also mentally astute, able to anticipate and navigate obstacles during the journey.

Roland's loyalty and deep connection with the narrator are evident throughout the poem. The horse's intelligence is emphasized as he responds to the narrator's commands and even anticipates potential dangers on the road.

The poem underscores the bond between the narrator and Roland, illustrating how the horse's determination and unwavering loyalty contribute to the successful completion of their mission.

"The Revenge" by Alfred, Lord Tennyson

In "The Revenge," Sir Grenville is portrayed as a compassionate leader who cares deeply for his crew. He puts the well-being of his sick men above his desire for battle, demonstrating his sense of duty and responsibility.

Sir Grenville's courage and optimism are evident throughout the poem, as he leads his crew in the face of overwhelming odds. He instills confidence and determination in his men, fostering a spirit of unity and resilience.

Even when severely wounded, Sir Grenville continues to inspire his crew to fight on, exemplifying his unwavering commitment to his mission and his country. His decision to go down with his ship rather than be captured by the enemy reflects his patriotism and honor.

"The Revenge" celebrates the qualities of leadership, courage, and sacrifice, highlighting Sir Grenville's role as a noble and heroic figure.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the four poems we have examined present a range of attitudes and behaviors in their respective characters. "The Inchcape Rock" serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of envy and recklessness. "The Charge of The Light Brigade" pays tribute to the patriotism and heroism of soldiers in the face of danger. "How They Brought The Good News From Ghent To Aix" celebrates the bond between a man and his horse, highlighting intelligence and loyalty. "The Revenge" portrays a compassionate leader who embodies courage and sacrifice.

These poems provide valuable insights into the complexities of human nature and the various ways individuals respond to challenges and adversity. Whether driven by envy, patriotism, loyalty, or duty, the characters in these poems offer a diverse range of perspectives on human behavior and the enduring qualities of heroism and sacrifice.