Central idea of the poem The Patriot Robert Browning's - poem The Patriot is a story of a sudden change in public opinion It tells the journey of a hero who falls from glory to disgrace within a year Through the speaker's voice Browning shows how people can celebrate a leader one moment and abandon them the next The poem also reflects hope in God s justice even when the world is unfair The Rise to Glory At the beginning of the poem the speaker recalls his popularity People welcomed him with flowers and cheers He was celebrated as a hero for his brave deeds The speaker believed he had given his best for the people However this glory lasted for a short time The Sudden Downfall The speaker describes how the same people who once loved him now hate him They blame him for wrongdoing and punish him Instead