The Warrior: A Poem Analysis

FORM: A slight smile lies upon the lips of the supposed dying warriors, a characteristic unanticipated in one experiencing major discomfort. Upon the west pediment, a warrior pierced with an arrow appears to be disregarding his agony. He props himself up on a single arm, body tense, regardless of his fresh wound. Regardless he is still obviously in anguish, his smile perhaps ore of a grimace. Dissimilarly, the warrior atop the east pediment seems to be actually responding to his terminal condition with a body form proposing pain. His shield lingers in his clutch, his spare arm gravely attempting to sustain his weight. Both are nude expressing their weakness, utterly bare and defenseless. The configuration of the two bodies uncovers the fragility of life as well as men; how easily breath can be snatched from the beholder.

SYMBOLISM: These ancient pieces aid in the belief men’s lives are delicate, frail and liable to death. The position both retain, primarily the warrior upon the east pediment, exhibit the pain men must endure until death. Unclothed bodies further advance the idea, due to the vulnerability a bare figure conveys. One with nothing concealing their body leads to the perceived impression of helplessness, a thought a

The warrior from the west pediment seemed to be part of a less destructive battle, neither a helmet nor any other mechanism defense worn. Perhaps the warrior from the east pediment was intertwined in a battle involving more gore, death more likely. Despite the war both combatted and met their demise in, both were willing to sacrifice their lives for their cause. Therefore, the warriors sacrificed their own lives for the benefit of their cause, an act bursting with valor. Examined from the view of a typical Grecian, the two warriors would have held a life of great value, for surrendering your life in war is a deed worthy of