Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Defiance" is a poem by John Drinkwater, an English poet and playwright who lived from 1882 to 1937. The poem was published in 1914, the year that World War I began. The poem is a reflection on the courage and resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity and challenge.

Context:

The poem was written during a time of great political and social upheaval, with the outbreak of World War I leading to widespread uncertainty and anxiety. Many poets and writers of the time were deeply affected by the war and its aftermath, and the poem can be seen as a reflection on the need for courage and resilience in the face of hardship.

Content:

"Defiance" is a poem that celebrates the courage and resilience of the human spirit. The poem is structured around the idea of defiance, with the speaker urging the reader to stand firm in the face of adversity and challenge. The poem reflects on the idea that life is full of hardships and obstacles, but that the human spirit is capable of enduring and overcoming these challenges.

Form:

The poem is written in free verse, with no consistent rhyme scheme or meter. The lack of formal structure reflects the idea that the human experience is both infinite and chaotic. The poem is also notable for its use of imagery and metaphor, which help to convey the speaker's message of courage and resilience.

Poetic Elements:

Drinkwater makes use of a variety of poetic devices in "Defiance," including imagery, metaphor, and repetition. The poem is filled with vivid descriptions of the natural world, including images of mountains, storms, and the sea. The repetition of the word "defy" throughout the poem helps to emphasize the speaker's message of courage and resilience, and underscores the idea that the human spirit is capable of overcoming even the most daunting challenges.

Summary:

"Defiance" is a powerful and inspiring poem that celebrates the courage and resilience of the human spirit. Drinkwater's use of language and imagery is particularly effective in conveying the speaker's message of courage and defiance, and his use of repetition helps to emphasize the importance of standing firm in the face of adversity. Overall, "Defiance" is a beautifully written poem that speaks to the universal experiences of human struggle and the enduring power of the human spirit.

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...