Courage
Courage - meaning Summary
Individual Risk Versus Collective Safety
The poem contrasts conformity and solitary risk. A crowd moves together without clear direction, sharing the same fate by default. One individual breaks away to find a different path, faces danger alone, and dies. His death is singled out and labeled "courage," suggesting society values bold, solitary action even when it brings personal disaster. The poem questions whether bravery is inherent or a social verdict imposed after loss.
Read Complete AnalysesThere were many who went in huddled procession, They knew not whither; But, at any rate, success or calamity Would attend all in equality. There was one who sought a new road. He went into direful thickets, And ultimately he died thus, alone; But they said he had courage.
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