Chio is levelled, and loathed by the hounds,
For shivered yest'reen was her lance;
Sulphurous vapors envenom the place
Where her true beauties of Beauty's true race
Were lately linked close in the dance.
Dark is the desert, with one single soul;
Cerulean eyes! whence the burning tears roll
In anguish of uttermost shame,
Under the shadow of one shrub of May,
Splashed still with ruddy drops, bent in decay
Where fiercely the hand of Lust came.
"Soft and sweet urchin, still red with the lash
Of rein and of scabbard of wild Kuzzilbash,
What lack you for changing your sob —
If not unto laughter beseeming a child —
To utterance milder, though they have defiled
The graves which they shrank not to rob?
"Would'st thou a trinket, a flower, or scarf,
Would'st thou have silver? I'm ready with half
These sequins a-shine in the sun!
Still more have I money — if you'll but speak!"
He spoke: and furious the cry of the Greek,
"Oh, give me your dagger and gun!"
Poem Analysis:
Victor Hugo, renowned for his epic novels like "Les Misérables" and "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame," also crafted powerful poetry that delved into themes of injustice, suffering, and human resilience. "The Greek Boy" is one such poem, reflecting on the devastating aftermath of the Chios Massacre during the Greek War of Independence in the early 19th century.
Historical Context: The poem is set against the backdrop of the Chios Massacre of 1822, a brutal event during the Greek War of Independence. The island of Chios was subjected to a massacre and plunder by Ottoman forces, resulting in the death and enslavement of thousands of Greeks.
Desolation and Ruin: Hugo vividly depicts the desolation and ruin left in the wake of the massacre. Chio (Chios) is described as "levelled" and "loathed by the hounds," symbolizing the destruction and degradation wrought by violence and oppression.
Beauty and Barbarity: The poem juxtaposes images of beauty with scenes of barbarity. References to the "true beauties of Beauty's true race" evoke the elegance and grace of Greek culture, which contrasts starkly with the brutality and savagery of the massacre.
Suffering and Shame: The suffering and shame endured by the Greek people are palpable throughout the poem. The "burning tears" and "uttermost shame" reflect the anguish and humiliation experienced by the survivors of the massacre, whose lives and dignity have been ravaged by violence.
The Greek Boy's Anguish: The titular Greek boy serves as a poignant symbol of innocence corrupted by violence and oppression. His plea for a dagger and gun signifies a desire for revenge and justice in the face of unspeakable atrocities.
Offer of Trinkets and Money: The offer of trinkets, flowers, and money by the oppressor serves as a stark contrast to the profound suffering endured by the Greek people. The disparity between material wealth and moral decay underscores the hypocrisy and cruelty of the oppressors.
Desire for Justice: The Greek boy's impassioned cry for a dagger and gun encapsulates a yearning for justice and retribution. His demand symbolizes a refusal to accept subjugation and a determination to resist oppression at any cost.
Themes of Resistance and Resilience: Despite the overwhelming devastation depicted in the poem, there is an underlying theme of resistance and resilience. The Greek people, though battered and broken, retain a fierce spirit of defiance and a steadfast commitment to their freedom and dignity.
Symbolism and Imagery: Hugo employs vivid imagery and powerful symbolism to evoke the horrors of the Chios Massacre and the indomitable spirit of its survivors. The poem's imagery, from the "sulphurous vapors" to the "cerulean eyes" of the Greek boy, creates a haunting and unforgettable portrait of human suffering and endurance.
In summary, "The Greek Boy" by Victor Hugo is a poignant meditation on the aftermath of the Chios Massacre and the enduring spirit of resistance in the face of oppression. Through its evocative imagery and profound themes, the poem serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a condemnation of the brutality of war and injustice.