Rule Britannia
By James Thomson
When Britain first at heaven’s command,
Arose from out the azure main,
This was the charter of the land,
And guardian angels sung this strain,
“Rule, Britannia, rule the waves;
Britons never will be slaves.”The nations, not so blessed as thee,
Must in their turns to tyrants fall;
While thou shalt flourish great and free,
The dread Britannia will rule the waves;
Britons never will be slaves.Still more majestic shalt thou rise,
More dreadful from each foreign stroke;
As the loud blast that tears the skies
Serves but to root thy native oak.
“Rule, Britannia, rule the waves;
Britons never will be slaves.”Thee haughty tyrants ne’er shall tame;
All their attempts to bend thee down,
Will but arouse thy generous flame,
But work their woe and thy renown.
“Rule, Britannia, rule the waves;
Britons never will be slaves.”To thee belongs the rural reign;
Thy cities shall with commerce shine;
All thine shall be the subject main,
And every shore that circles it shall be thine.
“Rule, Britannia, rule the waves;
Britons never will be slaves.”The Muses, still with freedom found,
Shall to thy happy coast repair:
Blessed isle! with matchless beauty crowned,
And manly hearts to guard the fair.
“Rule, Britannia, rule the waves;
Britons never will be slaves.”
Summary of Rule Britannia
- Popularity of “Rule, Britannia!”: James Thomson’s “Rule, Britannia!” is a profoundly nationalistic poem, published in 1740. The setting of the poem to music by Thomas Arne in 1740 further cemented its popularity, evolving from a naval song to a broader anthem representing all branches of the British armed forces. The poem’s enduring appeal lies in its fervent belief in British resilience, democratic ideals, and defiance against tyrannical forces. It extends beyond simple patriotism, exploring themes of destiny and national character.
- “Rule, Britannia!” as a Representative of Great Britain’s Power: The poem establishes a sense of divine favor bestowed upon Britain, suggesting its rise from the sea was not accidental but divinely ordained. The refrain, “Rule, Britannia, rule the waves; Britons never will be slaves,” functions as both a declaration of power and a promise of freedom. Thomson portrays Britain as unique, destined to flourish while other nations succumb to tyranny. He envisions a future where Britain’s power extends across the globe, dominating the seas and thriving both economically and culturally. The poem’s final stanza invokes the Muses, symbolizing artistic and intellectual flourishing, reinforcing the idea of a nation blessed with both strength and refinement.
- Major Themes in “Rule, Britannia!”: Patriotism, national pride, and a celebration of freedom are central to the poem. The unwavering belief in Britain’s inherent greatness and its destiny to rule the waves fuels the entire work. Thomson emphasizes the importance of defending liberty, not only for Britain itself but as a universal ideal. The poem also explores the contrast between a free nation and those subject to tyrannical rule, celebrating the strength and virtue of the British people.
Analysis of Literary Devices Used in Rule Britannia
Literary devices enhance the impact and depth of a poem, allowing the writer to communicate ideas in more compelling ways. James Thomson skillfully employs several literary techniques in “Rule, Britannia!”
- Assonance: The repetition of vowel sounds within words. The short “i” sound appears repeatedly, creating a melodic effect.
- Alliteration: The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words. The “r” sound in “rural reign” adds emphasis and musicality.
- Consonance: The repetition of consonant sounds within words. In “While thou shalt flourish great and free,” the “l” and “r” sounds contribute to the poem’s rhythm.
- Imagery: The use of vivid language to create mental pictures. Phrases like “arose from out the azure main” and “root thy native oak” evoke strong visual impressions.
- Metaphor: An implied comparison between unlike things. The entire poem functions as an extended metaphor, portraying Britain as a powerful, flourishing entity destined for greatness.
- Personification: Giving human qualities to inanimate objects. Describing the oak being “rooted” by the blast implies a strength and resilience characteristic of living beings.
- Symbolism: The use of symbols to represent abstract ideas. The waves symbolize Britain’s naval power and dominion over the seas, while the oak represents strength, endurance, and national identity.
Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in Rule Britannia
Poetic devices, while often overlapping with literary devices, are specifically tools used by poets to create rhythm, sound, and meaning in their verses.
- Diction: The poet’s choice of words. Thomson’s diction is elevated and formal, lending a sense of grandeur and importance to the poem. The language is evocative and designed to inspire patriotic feeling.
- Rhyme Scheme: The pattern of rhymes in a poem. “Rule, Britannia!” employs an ABABCC rhyme scheme in each six-line stanza. This consistent pattern contributes to the poem’s musicality and memorability.
- Repetition: The intentional repeating of words or phrases. The recurring refrain, “Rule, Britannia, rule the waves; Britons never will be slaves,” reinforces the poem’s central theme and creates a sense of unity.
- Refrain: A phrase or line repeated at regular intervals in a poem. The repeated refrain acts as a powerful chorus, emphasizing the poem’s core message of British strength and freedom.
- Stanza: A group of lines forming a unit in a poem. “Rule, Britannia!” consists of six stanzas, each comprising six lines, creating a structured and balanced composition.
Quotes to be Used
The following lines powerfully express the themes of resistance and freedom, making them suitable for discussions about democratic principles.
Thee haughty tyrants ne’er shall tame;
All their attempts to bend thee down,
Will but arouse thy generous flame,
But work their woe and thy renown.
“Rule, Britannia, rule the waves;
Britons never will be slaves.”
These lines encapsulate the spirit of defiance and the unwavering commitment to liberty that lies at the heart of the poem.