Poems about courage often depict the human spirit’s resilience and bravery in the face of adversity. These verses celebrate the strength to overcome fears, tackle challenges, and make bold choices, inspiring readers with tales of heroism and personal fortitude.
‘A Century Later’ reflects on the modern ways violent oppression tries to use terror as a form of control and the defiance with which the young women fearlessly oppose it.
Dharker's poem communicates the harrowing courage required of young girls whose pursuit of education makes them targets for bloody violence. The last three stanzas champion the defiance, bravery, and perseverance possessed by these girls. Yet the poem also somewhat laments the circumstances that force children to bear such burdens with stalwart courage in the first place.
‘Horatius’ by Thomas Babington Macaulay is a long narrative ballad about Horatius Cocles, a legendary hero from early Roman history.
The myth of Horatius Cocles lives on because of his courageous nature. This hero's inspiring plight to protect Rome and his selfless volunteerism make him an aspirational figure who can invoke strength, bravery, and courage in any listener. If here were not such a strong character, we wouldn't still be telling this story over 2,500 years after Cocles lived.
Christina Rossetti’s ‘Goblin Market,’ narrates the fantastical tale of Laura and Lizzie, delving into sin, redemption, and sisterhood.
Though Lizzie makes a brave move after seeing Laura's deteriorating condition, she is thoughtful while interacting with goblins despite the overwhelming danger, showing courage. The poem tells that she was 'mindful of Jeanie' while interacting with the Goblins, indicating her knowledge and foresight of the risks involved, allowing calculated moves; for instance, she makes sure to buy the fruits with a silver penny and not eat them. Even when goblins resorted to physical violence, Lizzie stood her ground; she didn't open her mouth when the goblins forced the fruits on her, displaying immense courage as she braved known threats with smartness and determination.
‘Still Here’ by Langston Hughes is a poem that is grounded in varying grammar concepts to indicate weariness through struggle and clarity after the struggle concludes.
This poem evokes the emotion of courage through the speaker's unwavering defiance against adversity. The poem portrays harsh conditions and personal struggles as challenges that could easily break spirit. However, the speaker's resolute declaration, "I'm still here!" signifies courage and strength. This emotional resonance highlights the speaker's bravery in facing life's difficulties with resilience and determination.
‘The Bard: A Pindaric Ode’ written by Thomas Gray, depicts the ruthless torment unleashed upon poets by the tyrant King Edward I.
The poem is a powerful expression of resistance against oppression and a call for freedom and justice, and courage is a necessary quality for those who would stand up against tyranny. As a representative of the Welsh people, the bard is portrayed as a courageous and defiant figure who refuses to accept defeat and curses the English king, and predicts his downfall.
‘Charge of the Light Brigade’ by Alfred Lord Tennyson is a historically important poem that tells of the incredible bravery of the British cavalry during the Battle of Balaclava.
This poem captures the real attack of British cavalry who were sent into heavy enemy fire during the Crimean War. Even though the soldiers knew they were charging toward death because of a mistake, they followed orders without hesitation. Tennyson shows their courage through the repeated line “Theirs but to do and die.” These men chose to act with bravery in the face of danger, and the poem recognizes this moment of extreme strength and duty.
Plath’s ‘Mushrooms’ uses a creative metaphor of mushrooms to represent the struggle of marginalized sections, widely interpreted to be women.
The mushrooms are pushed to the margins, used, deprived, and rendered invisible, yet they never give up and continue to fight back, showing fearlessness and courage while secretly working at night, symbolizing a rebellion. The strength of their courage lies in their endurance, persistence, patience, perseverance, and resilience as they continue to push through and make space for themselves, even if it is slowly pushing small grains of soil or fighting with their 'soft fists.' The mushrooms' inner strength and indomitable will, channeled by fierce courage, get their foot 'in the door,' inspiring readers to be courageous in the face of adversity.
‘Australia 1970’ by Judith Wright speaks on the changing landscape of Australia in the 1970s. It promotes a fierce, wild, and dangerous version of Australia like the animals that have always lived within its boundaries.
Through this poem, the poet tries to infuse courage into Australia, her motherland. She asks her of nothing but to fight like the wild creatures that live within its boundaries.
‘Outward Bound’ by Helen Hunt Jackson is a rousing sonnet that dispels one’s fears of traveling into the unknown with a reminder that we make the same bold excursions every day of our lives without ever acknowledging it.
By the end of the poem, the reader will no doubt feel themselves imbued with a newfound sense of courage with which to approach life. The speaker's confident tone buoys the urgency of Jackson's diction and sweeping imagery. It's difficult to not find yourself caught up in its breathless beauty.
‘Sacred Emily’ is an avant-garde poem that challenges conventional language with the iconic phrase, “Rose is a rose is a rose is a rose.”
Courage manifests in Stein's bold departure from conventional poetry in 'Sacred Emily.' Her avant-garde style, characterized by abstraction and repetition, requires courage to challenge literary norms. By fearlessly experimenting with language, Stein inspires readers to approach the poem with courage, embracing the unfamiliar and intellectual challenges it presents.
‘The Choir Invisible’ by George Eliot describes the hopes a speaker has for the afterlife and the impact her memory might have on those still living.
The poem embodies the courage required to strive for higher ideals and moral rectitude. Eliot acknowledges the struggles and failures inherent in this pursuit but encourages perseverance. The portrayal of courage is compelling, motivating readers to overcome personal limitations for the greater good.
‘For Heidi With Blue Hair’ is a six-stanza poem that uses action and dialogue to paint a literary picture where little to no physical setting is provided.
This poem evokes courage through Heidi's bold defiance of school norms by dyeing her hair blue. Her willingness to stand out despite potential consequences illustrates bravery in challenging societal expectations. The poem highlights courage as a catalyst for self-expression and individuality, showcasing Heidi's determination to assert her identity and navigate the complexities of societal judgment with resilience.
‘Our Deepest Fear’ by Marianne Williamson is a popular contemporary poem. It addresses themes of spirituality and inner power.
The text demands courage not just to face adversity but to embrace excellence. Williamson's interpretation of courage is unique - it's the bravery to accept our own brilliance and potential. This isn't about fighting external battles but having the fortitude to step into our full power and inspire others.
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
‘The Man from Snowy River’ by Banjo Paterson is an example of a Bush Ballad. It deals with the Australian ideology of horsemanship.
The poem invokes courage through the young rider's fearless determination to tackle the wild horses. Despite his small size, he takes on a seemingly impossible challenge. This action stirs feelings of admiration for his bravery, showing that courage is not about physical strength but about facing daunting tasks with resilience and resolve.
There was movement at the station, for the word had passed around
That the colt from Old Regret had got away,
And had joined the wild bush horses - he was worth a thousand pound,
‘In Paths Untrodden’ champions the necessity of companions, defining it as an affectionate and possibly romantic bond between men that defies societal standards.
'In Paths Untrodden' evokes the emotion of courage through the speaker's bold departure from societal norms and embrace of authenticity. The act of venturing into uncharted paths symbolizes a courageous leap into the unknown, driven by a desire for liberation and self-discovery. Whitman's vivid imagery and lyrical language inspire readers to embrace their inner strength and confront challenges fearlessly.
In paths untrodden,
In the growth by margins of pond-waters,
Escaped from the life that exhibits itself,
From all the standards hitherto publish'd—from the
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