30+ Poems about Bravery - Poem Analysis

Horatius

by Thomas Babington Macaulay

‘Horatius’ by Thomas Babington Macaulay is a long narrative ballad about Horatius Cocles, a legendary hero from early Roman history.

Horatius Cocles' bravery is what makes him such a memorable and heroic character. He seems dauntless in his defense of the Sublician Bridge during the Etruscan attack, and his willingness to die for the cause only makes him more honorable. Cocles has long been used as a model of what a good citizen looks like due to this extreme bravery.

Lochinvar

by Sir Walter Scott

‘Lochinvar’ is a ballad about a young and courageous knight who saves his beloved, the fair lady Ellen, from marrying another man.

Lochinvar's bravery and boundless courage are infectious. Every other character in the poem is timid and lazy compared to him. His rapid riding, incredible dance skills, and loud, quick movements just go to show that fortune favors the bold.

To Beachey, 1912

by Carl Sandburg

‘To Beachey, 1912‘ by Carl Sandburg is a poem that expresses the author’s appreciation for aviation. The main character of the poem is flying in an airplane, and from high up, he is able to really appreciate the beauty of the blue sky.

The poem celebrates the bravery of Lincoln Beachey, who faces danger with a "death-laughter" in his throat and a love of flying in his heart.

Not my Best Side

by U.A. Fanthorpe

‘Not my Best Side’ by U. A. Fanthorpe depicts a humorous transformation of the dynamic between the characters in Paolo Uccello’s Saint George and the Dragon.

'Not My Best Side' by UA Fanthorpe touches on the theme of bravery through tknight's characterght, who is determined to rescue the damsel in distress despite facing a fearsome dragon. The poem also explores the idea of bravery as a societal expectation.

Hiawatha’s Childhood

by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

‘Hiawatha’s Childhood’ by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow describes how the protagonist of ‘The Song of Hiawatha’ grew up and learned about his surroundings. It also focuses on the life of his grandmother.

Bravery and courage are two integral parts of this epic poem, although they are seen to a lesser degree in this section than in others. It's fairly obvious how Hiawath's youth is going to impact his adulthood.

The Tale of Custard the Dragon

by Ogden Nash

‘The Tale of Custard the Dragon’ by Ogden Nash is a ballad about a young girl, Belinda, and her four pets, one of whom is a cowardly dragon named Custard.

While Custard the dragon is initially cowardly, he ultimately finds the courage to defeat the pirate and save the day. This pleasing piece of character development suits the poem's intentions of entertaining a young reader.

Far over the misty mountains cold

by J.R.R. Tolkien

‘Far over the misty mountains cold’ by J.R.R. Tolkien depicts the destruction of Thorin Oakenshield’s home and his desire to win it back from Smaug.

This poem alludes to the immense bravery it takes on the dwarves' part to follow their plan to reclaim their home. The journey to take back the treasure is dangerous and requires great courage.

Chorus of the Captains

by Amanda Gorman

Amanda Gorman’s ‘Chorus of the Captains’ is an occasional poem written for and performed at the 52nd Super Bowl. It describes the work of three American heroes in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

One of the parts of this poem that Gorman highlights is the bravery that everyday American citizens exhibit. The poet hoped to leave readers feeling inspired to be better people and show courage.

Be Strong

by Maltbie D. Babcock

‘Be Strong’ by Maltbie D. Babcock describes a certain way of living in the world in which one faces down all their troubles bravely.

Being Brave at Night

by Edgar Guest

‘Being Brave at Night’ is written by the American poet Edgar Albert Guest and it was published in his poetry collection Rhymes of Childhood. The speaker of this piece talks about how he is not afraid of anything that comes across to terrify him at night.

Caged Bird

by Maya Angelou

‘Caged Bird’, or ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings’ as the poem is sometimes referred to, by Maya Angelou, is arguably one of the most moving and eye-opening poems ever written.

Courage

by Anne Sexton

‘Courage’ by Anne Sexton conveys the different ways in which a person can show courage, ranging from the seemingly insignificant to the much more heroic.

Coward

by Archie Randolph Ammons

‘Coward’ by A.R. Ammons is a very short poem that speaks about bravery and asks the reader to analyze the truth of a single statement.

Departed To The Judgment

by Emily Dickinson

‘Departed To The Judgment’ by Emily Dickinson discusses death and the afterlife. The speaker explores their beliefs about both and how they contrast with others’.

Epic Simile

by A. E. Stallings

‘Epic Smilie’ by A.E. Stallings uses a simile of an epic hero longing for a hero’s death to depict how as one seeks out happiness it may become more allusive and harder to enjoy than it was to begin with.

Fee-fi-fo-fum

by Anonymous

‘Fee-fi-fo-fum’ is a well-known chant from the story of “Jack the Giant Killer.” Dating back to at least the early 1700s, the compelling and entertaining story tells of a young boy’s daring feats and his bravery.

I can wade Grief-

by Emily Dickinson

‘I can wade Grief-‘ by Emily Dickinson is a fairly simple poem about strength in the face of sorrow. The speaker describes the detrimental effect of happiness during a period of struggle.

I did not reach Thee

by Emily Dickinson

‘I did not reach Thee’ by Emily Dickinson is a complex poem about a speaker’s journey through life. She expresses both optimism and hesitation in the face of her death and attempts to reach God.

I Hear America Singing

by Walt Whitman

Walt Whitman’s poetic prose, ‘I hear America Singing’, free-flows with vibrancy, energy, and sheer respect for proletariat members of America.

Into My Own

by Robert Frost

Robert Frost’s ‘Into My Own’ explores the concepts of maturity and growing up. The poet delves into the exploration of childhood and self.

Lion Heart

by Amanda Chong

Live Your Life

by Chief Tecumseh

‘Live Your Life’ by Chief Tecumseh is an easy-to-read and powerful poem. It was written with the intention of sharing the poet’s beliefs about how to live life and embrace death without fear.

Prospice

by Robert Browning

In ‘Prospice’ by Robert Browning, the speaker talks of facing death bravely and being reunited with his soulmate. Read the poem, with a complete analysis.

Rosa

by Rita Dove

In the poem, ‘Rosa’ by Rita Dove is a short and powerful piece that relays the story of Rosa Parks in simple and memorable terms.

The Ballad of William Sycamore

by Stephen Vincent Benét

‘The Ballad of William Sycamore’ by Stephen Vincent Benet is a nostalgic articulation of a dead person about his eventful mortal days.

The Charge of the Light Brigade

by Alfred Lord Tennyson

‘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.

The Eagle

by Alfred Lord Tennyson

‘The Eagle’ is a powerful poem that captures the majesty and strength of the majestic bird, inspiring readers to reach for the heights of their own potential.

The Forced Recruit

by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

‘The Forced Recruit’ by Elizabeth Barrett Browning tells the very real story of a brave Italian man who was forced to fight against his country.

The Tyger

by William Blake

‘The Tyger’ is a well-known poem by William Blake. It explores the dark and destructive side of God and his creation.

The Undertaking

by John Donne

‘The Undertaking’ by John Donne is a poem about an elevated form of love that makes the speaker’s relationship superior to other people’s.

Bravery Poems