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‘Goliath and David’ by Robert Graves retells the story of “David and Goliath” in a darker, more realistic manner in which David does not prevail over the giant. The poem begins with the speaker describing the actions of the young David before the battle.
Striding within javelin range, Goliath marvels at this strange Goodly-faced boy so proud of strength. David’s clear eye measures the length; With hand thrust back, he cramps one knee, Poises a moment thoughtfully, And hurls with a long vengeful swing.
An analysis of the Goliath and David poem by Robert Graves including schema, poetic form, metre, stanzas and plenty more comprehensive statistics.
Unlike other poems that glorify David's triumph, this work portrays a tragic outcome. The poem evokes a sense of injustice, as the underdog David, despite his bravery and unwavering faith, is defeated by the formidable Goliath. The poem's style is characterized by conciseness and directness.
Striding within javelin range, Goliath marvels at this strange Goodly-faced boy so proud of strength. David’s clear eye measures the length; With hand thrust back, he cramps one knee, Poises a moment thoughtfully, And hurls with a long vengeful swing.
Goliath and David. (For D. C. T., Killed at Fricourt, March, 1916) Yet once an earlier David took. Smooth pebbles from the brook: Out between the lines he went. To that one—sided tournament, A shepherd boy who stood out fine. And young to fight a Philistine. Clad all in brazen mail.
Striding within javelin range, Goliath marvels at this strange. Goodly-faced boy so proud of strength. David’s clear eye measures the length; With hand thrust back, he cramps one knee, Poises a moment thoughtfully, And hurls with a long vengeful swing. The pebble, humming from the sling.
