The Banner Of Progress

Author: Arthur Conan Doyle

    There's a banner in our van,
    And we follow as we can,
    For at times we scarce can see it,
    And at times it flutters high.
    But however it be flown,
    Still we know it as our own,
    And we follow, ever follow,
    Where we see the banner fly.

    In the struggle and the strife,
    In the weariness of life,
    The banner-man may stumble,
    He may falter in the fight.
    But if one should fail or slip,
    There are other hands to grip,
    And it's forward, ever forward,
    From the darkness to the light.
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Type of Poem: Ballad

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This is a deeply stirring piece that evokes themes of perseverance, resilience, unity, and hope. The 'banner in the van' serves as a central symbol, representing a shared goal or cause that the community is striving towards. The use of the banner is a powerful metaphor, projecting a sense of collective action and shared fate, and the varying visibility of the banner suggests the challenges and uncertainties that often accompany any journey.

The poem's tone is both solemn and inspiring, acknowledging the hardships and 'weariness' of life, yet emphasizing the importance of pressing on. The second stanza introduces the idea of struggle and potential failure. However, it ultimately reinforces the collective spirit in the face of adversity, as 'other hands' are ready to continue the fight when one falters. The repeated phrase, 'forward, ever forward,' underscores this feeling of relentless progress.

The structure of the poem—two quatrains with an ABAB rhyme scheme—lends a rhythmic quality that mirrors the forward movement described in the verse. The poem also employs alliteration, such as in 'forward, ever forward,' enhancing the musicality of the piece and emphasizing its central message. The final line, transitioning 'From the darkness to the light,' offers a hopeful conclusion, encapsulating the poem's overarching theme: the unwavering pursuit of a brighter future, regardless of the obstacles encountered along the way.

Understanding Ballads

A ballad is a form of verse, often a narrative set to music, that has been a cornerstone of storytelling across various cultures. Traditionally passed down orally, ballads are known for their rhythmic structure and often tell tales of love, adventure, and heroism.

Ballads are characterized by their strong rhythm and repetition, making them both memorable and engaging. Here are some defining features:

  • Narrative Structure: Ballads typically tell a story, often a dramatic or emotional tale that unfolds in a straightforward, chronological order.
  • Quatrain Stanzas: Most ballads are composed of quatrains (four-line stanzas) with a rhyme scheme of ABAB or ABCB, which adds to the musicality of the verse.
  • Repetition: Refrains or repeated lines are common in ballads, helping to emphasize key themes or emotions and making the ballad easier to remember.
  • Oral Tradition: Many ballads originated from oral traditions, which means they were passed down through generations by word of mouth before being written down.

From medieval minstrels to contemporary songwriters, ballads have continued to evolve, remaining a beloved form of expression that captures the human experience in a way that is both poetic and accessible.