Xi English Question 4 - Summary from Poetry Incident of French Camp

Introduction of the Poet
The poem The Incident of French Camp is composed by great English poet Robert browning. The browning was extremely religious and because of his religious opinions, he was excluded from university or public school. He was educated at home under a private tutor, and spends his modest time in gathering the best literature in English, French, Latin and Greek.

Introduction of the Poem
This is subjective poem; the incident reported in this dramatic poem happened in 1809. The poem for all its weaknesses is fast moving and exciting, the poem consisting of 35 lines of regular rhythm.

Summary
In this poem, Browning paints the picture of an incident of the French Camp, in dramatic version. He describes the heroic action of a wounded soldier, who’s heroic devotion to duty and his pride in it and inspiring and worthy of admiration. The poet has given a poetic amount of incidence that took place during the attack of French army on German City Ratisbon.

During the attack of French army on Ratisbon, Napoleon was much worried about the result. Germans were defending Ratisbon with great determination and coverage. Napoleon’s future plan depends upon the result. Napoleon was not able to conquer Germany and neighboring states. He was standing on mound near the battlefield watching the war.

All of sudden a rider appeared from the closed smoke and dust. Full galloping he approached near the mound where Napoleon was standing. As the came closer Napoleon notice that he was a young boy seriously wounded and not far from his death. As he came near he jumped of the horse and gave happy news of victory. He exclaimed with joy that French had conquered the Ratisbon and he himself has hoisted the flag of France on German city with a little touch of pride in lie tone he informed Napoleon that he has played an important role in the victory at the risk of his life. Actually he expected some words of appreciation from his Emperor.

“A work of real merit wants favour at last.”

_______________________________________________________A.B. Alcott


Napoleon was very much delighted by the news of victory. He reflected an expression of joy just for a moment but he quickly connected his feeling. In fact he had noticed showing concern he asked the young boy about his injuries.

The formula question was misunderstood by the young soldier. He thought that the Emperor had utterly ignored his remarkable courage.

“A killing tongue but a quite sword.”

_______________________________________________________ Shakespeare

The young soldier had done a great job for his homeland and hand almost bride down his life for the victory of France. Napoleon’s question deeply hurt his self respect. He announced:

“I am killed sire.”

After saying these words he fell before his master and died with a grateful smile on his face. He was proud that he had done his duty for his homeland at the cost of his life.