How does Browning contrast public admiration and rejection in The Patriot In Robert Browning's - poem The Patriot the speaker shares his story of changing fortunes Once loved and celebrated he is now hated and punished The poem shows how public opinion can change quickly Browning contrasts admiration and rejection to highlight how people can be both supportive and cruel Celebration and Admiration At the beginning of the poem the speaker remembers a time of great love and respect The people decorated his path with roses and myrtle They waved flags and cheered for him The air was filled with the sound of bells and excitement He was treated like a hero and given everything he wanted Browning uses these joyful images to show how the public adores the speaker It was a moment of triumph and honor However this happiness did not last long Rejection and Punishment In the