The Dauntless Three

This poem employs a narrative style to convey a political struggle, using the frame of an epic battle to cast its characters and events. The poem's central theme is a political contest, specifically one between the Labor Party, led by Chris Watson, and their opponents, represented by Horatius Gould, Herminius Millen, and Walker. The poet has utilized historical and mythological references, such as the term "myrmidons" and the heroic figure of Horatius, to invest this political battle with a sense of grandeur and significance, elevating it from a mere political dispute to a noble and epic struggle.

In terms of structure, the poem follows a regular rhyming scheme and rhythm, which lends it a distinct ballad-like quality. This, combined with the recurring direction motifs ("East and west and south and north"), gives the poem a sense of movement and urgency. The tone of the poem is one of high drama and tension, with a balance of both admiration and criticism for the various characters. Additionally, the use of dialogue helps to animate the conflict and bring the characters to life. The poet utilizes a range of literary devices, including metaphor (the "trumpet's blast" of the Socialists' message) and apostrophe (addressing the "false elector"), which contribute to the overall vivid and dynamic depiction of political struggle. The poem ends on a cliffhanger, adding a sense of suspense and anticipation for the reader.