Arcades Ambo

The poem presents a fascinating exploration of life, death, bravery, and cowardice through the lens of warfare. At its core, it is a dialogue, a conversation between two characters that offers contrasting perspectives on the concepts of fear and courage. The tone of the poem is conversational, peppered with a hint of sarcasm, lending a unique voice to the characters and their views.

In the first part of the poem, the speaker defends their decision to flee from battle. The theme of self-preservation is evident here. The speaker's argument is pragmatic, pointing out the reality of mortality - "we don’t live twice." The second part of the poem presents a counter viewpoint. Here, the speaker, while acknowledging the validity of fear, criticizes the cowardly. This part delves into the theme of bravery and sacrifice, suggesting that there are situations that demand courage and risk.

The poem is structured in two distinct stanzas, each representing a unique viewpoint. This structure contributes to the conversational tone of the poem and the contrasting themes it presents. One notable literary device used is the metaphor of 'cut up alive' in the second stanza, which vividly illustrates the peril and uncertainty of the battlefield. Overall, the poem is a thought-provoking commentary on the human instinct for survival and the moral complexities of courage and cowardice in extreme situations.