Summary of the poem “The Patriot”.

Summary of the poem “The Patriot”.

“The Patriot” (1855) by Robert Browning (1812-89) is a dramatic monologue that tells the story of a leader. He falls from glory to shame within a year. The poem reflects the fickleness of public opinion and contrasts worldly rewards with divine justice.

The poem begins with the speaker recalling his grand welcome a year ago. People cheered and decorated his path with roses and myrtle. They celebrated him as a hero and filled the air with bells and cries of joy. The speaker felt loved and honored by everyone.

Now, the speaker is being punished by the same people who once praised him. The streets are empty, and only a few sick people watch from their windows. The crowd has moved to the execution site to see him insulted. He is tied with ropes, bleeding, and pelted with stones for his so-called crimes.

Despite his suffering, the speaker feels hopeful. He believes the world has punished him unfairly, but God will judge him justly. He finds peace in leaving his fate to God, who will repay him for his good deeds.

The poem portrays the fleeting nature of fame and human betrayal. It ends with a spiritual message: while the world may turn against someone, divine justice will always stay.