Patriot into Traitor by Robert Browning – Summary Analysis Questions

Introduction

Patriot into Traitor by Robert Browning is a renowned poem. Robert Browning is known for his mastery of ‘dramatic monologue’. Dramatic monologue requires uncanny skills on the poet’s part for its appropriate execution. Browning, doubtlessly, is matchless in this respect. Patriot into Traitor by Robert Browning is a part of the English syllabi of BA/ADA Part I classes of the University of the Punjab. This article, Patriot into Traitor by Robert Browning – Summary Analysis Questions, aims to facilitate the students preparing for examinations. It will also assist the teachers who believe in recommending quality material. This article, Patriot into Traitor by Robert Browning – Summary Analysis Questions, will discuss some significant themes and techniques employed by the poet. A summary of the poem, Patriot into Traitor, will help you understand the poet’s line of thought.

The Poet

Patriot into Traitor by Robert Browning – Summary Analysis Questions

Robert Browning, a renowned English poet of the Victorian era, was born on May 7, 1812, in Camberwell which is a middle-class suburb of London. His early creations did receive public acclaim, but his overall impact remained obscure. However, in the later period of his life as a poet, he earned great fame for his dramatic monologues. He influenced generations of poets with his irony, dark humour, comments on social life, the art of characterization, and historical settings. Browning was a prolific poet. He wrote a large number of poems. He used metaphors and similes extensively in his poems. It made his poems appealing to literary minds. Browning died on December 12, 1889.

Dramatic Monologue

Before we study the summary of the poem Patriot into Traitor, let’s have a look at the definition of Dramatic Monologue.

A Dramatic Monologue is a type of narrative poem in which a character addresses a passive listener. The speaker comments on a situation or describes it. The situation is conflicting in its nature. It is an indirect method of narration in which the speaker is the spokesman of the poet.

Patriot into Traitor by Robert Browning Text

Patriot into Traitor by Robert Browning – Summary Analysis Questions
Patriot into Traitor by Robert Browning – Summary Analysis Questions
Patriot into Traitor by Robert Browning – Summary Analysis Questions

Summary of the poem Patriot into Traitor

Introduction to Summary

Patriot into Traitor by Robert Browning is a dramatic monologue. In this poem, a leader comments on the present situation and contrasts it with past events. This leader was once a patriot. But, as a result of some political conspiracy, people have lost faith in him. Now, they call him a traitor. The poem presents the political situation of the Third World countries. In these countries, political affiliations are a commodity. People exchange affiliations for petty personal benefits.

Recollection of the Past

A political leader, on his way to the gallows, recalls the events of the past year. Only a year ago, when he passed through the same streets, people welcomed him warmly. They were mad in his love as they considered him a true patriot. To express their love and respect for this leader, people showered roses and myrtle on his path. They raised slogans to greet this leader in a loud tone. It created a kind of mist of noise in the air. People gathered not only in the streets but also on rooftops. It seemed as if the roofs and walls of the houses rocked with the weight and the noise of the public.

In his fandom, People would do whatever he commanded. Had he asked them to pluck the sun off the sky, they would have obeyed. But this leader himself leapt at the sun to bring it to his beloved people. It means that this leader did his best to serve his people.

The Present Situation

However, the result of his pains was not favourable. They have branded him as a traitor. He has been sentenced to death. They have tied his hands tightly behind his back, and they hurl stones at him. The rooftops are empty for the people have gathered at the Shamble’s gate to see the hanging of a traitor.

Conclusion

This leader, however, is optimistic. He believes in Divine justice and leaves his case to God. He believes that it is better to be paid in the next world than in this one.

Important Questions

Q1: What is a dramatic monologue? Discuss Patriot into Traitor as a dramatic monologue.

Q2: Patriot into Traitor by Robert Browning presents the picture of political uncertainty in Third World countries. Discuss.

Dramatic Monologue

A Dramatic Monologue is a type of narrative poem in which a character addresses a passive listener. The speaker comments on a situation or describes it. The situation is conflicting in its nature. It is an indirect method of narration in which the speaker is the spokesman of the poet.

Welcome as a Patriot

We may refer to Patriot into Traitor by Robert Browning as a fine example of a dramatic monologue. In this poem, we find a political leader recalling and describing the days of the climax of his political career. He remembers how people welcomed him warmly. There were huge crowds to the end of the eyesight. People decorated his path with roses and myrtle. They encouraged this leader with their supporting slogans. They were ready to obey him through thick and thin.

Plight as a Traitor

Nevertheless, the situation has changed utterly. As a consequence of some political change, people do not trust him now. The patriot of yesterday is a traitor of today. The new regime has decided to hang him, and people have gathered to see this scene. His services to the nation have lost all meaning and worth. He is facing humiliation at the hands of the same people that he served.

Optimism

This leader, however, does not let his hope die. He optimistically believes that God will repay him for his services to humanity.

Political Situation of Third World Countries

The poem is a sharp comment on the political uncertainty of Third World countries. It highlights the political immaturity of the people living in underdeveloped countries. People in these countries may become a turncoat for personal interests. Those with social influence may anchor the ideas of others to gain material benefits. Lack of education and inability to reason may lead to the political fiascos we often witness in these countries. Patriot into Traitor by Robert Browning also presents the same scene.

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