Anticipation
Anticipation - meaning Summary
Triumphant Yet Uneasy Celebration
The poem urges public rejoicing after a decisive victory over invaders, calling all ages—old men, sons, wives, children—to celebrate. Yet its tone holds a moral tension: the speaker admits that part of the pleasure comes from the defeat and death of foes and the prospect of brethren slain. The poem resolves that the fallen will rest in sanctity, presenting communal triumph alongside uneasy awareness of war's human cost.
Read Complete AnalysesSHOUT, for a mighty Victory is won! On British ground the Invaders are laid low; The breath of Heaven has drifted them like snow, And left them lying in the silent sun, Never to rise again!-the work is done. Come forth, ye old men, now in peaceful show And greet your sons! drums beat and trumpets blow! Make merry, wives! ye little children, stun Your grandame's ears with pleasure of your noise! Clap, infants, clap your hands! Divine must be That triumph, when the very worst, the pain, And even the prospect of our brethren slain, Hath something in it which the heart enjoys:- In glory will they sleep and endless sanctity.
October 1803
Feel free to be first to leave comment.