Prelude by Robert Louis Stevenson

Name: Prelude
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson

The poem presents a narrator who embodies the role of a recruiter, using a drum to attract new soldiers for an idealized vision of war. The imagery of a vibrant marketplace and the narrator's red coat with fluttering ribbons creates a lively scene, emphasizing the allure of adventure and camaraderie. The drum symbolizes both a call to arms and a means of instilling hope and courage in potential recruits. The narrator reflects on their own past, describing a sense of aimlessness and idleness before the call of the drum. This suggests a deeper commentary on the human condition, where individuals often seek purpose and belonging through collective endeavors, even if those endeavors involve the risks of war. The mention of "slaughterless wars" hints at a romanticized view of conflict, where the focus is on glory and honor rather than the grim realities of battle. As the poem progresses, the narrator expresses confidence in their ability to gather recruits, suggesting a belief in the power of persuasion and the shared desire for meaning in life. The imagery of the "roar of the march" evokes a sense of unity and strength, reinforcing the idea that the act of joining together for a common cause can provide a sense of identity and purpose. Ultimately, the work explores themes of ambition, the search for belonging, and the complexities of human motivations in the face of conflict. The narrator's journey from idleness to active recruitment serves as a metaphor for the transformative power of purpose, illustrating how individuals can find direction and meaning through collective action, even in the context of war.

By Robert Louis Stevenson · First published 1887 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, War Literature · 159 words

First lines

BY sunny market-place and street Wherever I go my drum I beat, And wherever I go in my coat of red The ribbons flutter about my head.

I seek recruits for wars to come- For slaughterless wars I beat the drum, And the shilling I give to each new ally Is hope to live and courage to die.

I know that new recruits shall come Wherever I beat the sounding drum, Till the roar of the march by country and town Shall shake the tottering Dagons down.

For I was objectless as they And loitering idly day by day; But whenever I heard the recruiters come, I left my all to follow the drum.

What this Textopian page supports

Prelude is listed on Textopian as a poem by Robert Louis Stevenson, dated 1887 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
Date: 1887 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, War Literature, Romanticism, Social Commentary
Length: 159 words
Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs rhythmic and lyrical qualities typical of poetry.
Literary Fiction — The themes of recruitment, hope, and existential reflection align with the characteristics of literary fiction.
War Literature — The poem addresses themes of war and recruitment, making it relevant to the genre of war literature.
Romanticism — The focus on individual emotion and the idealization of the soldier's journey reflects romantic themes.