'Violet De Vere' by Robert Service

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Carols of an Old CodgerYou've heard of Violet de Vere, strip-teaser of renown,
Whose sitting-base out-faired the face of any girl in town;
Well, she was haled before the Bench for breachin' of the Peace,
Which signifies araisin' Cain, an' beatin' up the police.
So there she stood before the Court of ruddy Judge McGraw
Whom folks called Old Necessity, because he knew no law.
Aye, crackin' in a silken gown, an' sheddin' of a tear,
Ashine wi' gold an' precious stones sat Violet de Vere.
Old Judge McGraw looked dourly down an' stroked his silver beard.
Says he: "Although the Sheriff's bruised, the lady should be heared.
What can you say in your defence? We'll give you a square deal."
"I jest forget," said Violet. "Maybe it was my heel.
I always want to kick the gong when I am feelin' gay;
It's most unfortunate, I guess, his face was in the way."
Then scratchin' of his snowy pow the Judge looked down severe,
Where bright wi' paint like plaster saint sat Violet de Vere.Says he: "I'm going to impose a twenty dollar fine."
Says Violet: "Your Honour, to your judgement I resign.
I realize I should not my agility reveal:
Next time I'll kick the Sheriff with my toe and not my heel.
I'm grateful to the Court because I'm not put in the clink;
There's twenty plunks to pay my fine,--but now I come to think:
Judge, darlin', you've been owin' me five bucks for near a year:
Take fifteen,--there! We'll call it square," said Violet de Vere.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Allure of Violet De Vere: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Oh, the allure of Violet De Vere! Robert Service's poem about the charming courtesan has captivated readers for over a century. With its vivid imagery, playful language, and subtle exploration of societal norms, it remains a classic of English literature. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will examine the various literary elements that make Violet De Vere such a compelling poem.

A Brief Summary

Before we dive into the analysis, let's give a brief summary of the poem. Violet De Vere is a narrative poem that tells the story of a beautiful and alluring courtesan named Violet. The speaker, a gentleman, is entranced by her beauty and her charm, and he spends his time with her in cafes and ballrooms. However, he knows that Violet is not interested in him for his own sake; she is only interested in his money. Eventually, he realizes that he cannot afford to keep up with her extravagant lifestyle, and he leaves her. The poem ends with the speaker reflecting on his time with Violet and the allure of the courtesan lifestyle.

The Allure of Violet

The allure of Violet De Vere lies in the way that Robert Service depicts Violet as a captivating personality. The speaker is drawn to her beauty and charm, even though he knows that she is only interested in him for his money. He describes her as "dazzlingly fair" and notes that her "smile was a wondrous thing" (lines 7-8). The use of sensory imagery here is striking; we can almost see Violet's radiant smile, and we can feel the speaker's fascination with her.

As the poem progresses, the speaker becomes more and more infatuated with Violet. He spends his time with her in cafes and ballrooms, even though he knows that her interest in him is purely financial. We see this in lines 13-14, where he notes that "she never cared a rap for me / And yet, how sweet her company!" The use of the word "yet" here is significant; it suggests that the speaker is aware of the transactional nature of their relationship, but he still finds Violet's company irresistible.

What is it about Violet that makes her so alluring? One possible interpretation is that she represents a kind of freedom for the speaker. He is a wealthy gentleman who is constrained by societal norms and expectations. Violet, on the other hand, is a courtesan who flouts those norms and lives life on her own terms. She is a symbol of rebellion and independence, and the speaker is drawn to her because she represents a way of life that he cannot have.

The Language of the Poem

Another element of Violet De Vere that contributes to its allure is the language that Robert Service uses. The poem is written in rhyming couplets, which gives it a playful, sing-song quality. The use of internal rhyme and alliteration further adds to the musicality of the poem. For example, in lines 11-12, we have the phrase "Her gowns were works of art, I vow, / And her hats--Oh, those hats of Frau!" The repetition of the "w" sound in "works of art" and the "h" sound in "hats of Frau" gives the phrase a delightful, tongue-twister quality.

Service also uses vivid imagery to bring the poem to life. We can see Violet's "gowns of silk and guipure" (line 10) and her "jewels of flashing fire" (line 15). We can feel the "clamor and glitter and strife" of the ballroom (line 17) and the "luxury, ease, and grace" of Violet's lifestyle (line 22). The use of sensory imagery makes the poem more immersive; we can almost see, hear, and feel the world of Violet De Vere.

The Subtle Critique of Society

One of the most interesting aspects of Violet De Vere is the way that it subtly critiques societal norms and expectations. The speaker is a wealthy gentleman who is expected to behave a certain way; he is supposed to court a respectable woman and marry her. However, he is drawn to Violet, a courtesan who is seen as scandalous and immoral. The poem suggests that the speaker is attracted to Violet precisely because she represents a way of life that is outside of societal norms.

At the same time, the poem acknowledges the limitations of this lifestyle. Although the speaker is drawn to Violet, he eventually realizes that he cannot afford to keep up with her extravagant lifestyle. He notes that "her life was an endless round of pleasure, / A fairy tale spun for her measure" (lines 20-21). The use of the word "fairy tale" here is significant; it suggests that Violet's lifestyle is not sustainable or real. It is a fantasy that cannot be sustained in the long term.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Violet De Vere is a classic poem that continues to captivate readers over a century after it was written. The allure of Violet lies in the way that Robert Service depicts her as a captivating personality, and the use of playful language and vivid imagery further adds to the poem's charm. At the same time, the poem offers a subtle critique of societal norms and expectations, suggesting that the allure of a rebellious lifestyle is tempered by its limitations. All in all, Violet De Vere is a masterful work of literary art that continues to resonate with readers today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Violet De Vere: A Classic Poem by Robert Service

Robert Service, the renowned poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his exceptional works. One of his most celebrated poems is Violet De Vere, which is a masterpiece of romantic poetry. This poem is a beautiful portrayal of the love between two people, and it captures the essence of the Victorian era. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail.

The poem begins with the introduction of the protagonist, Violet De Vere, who is described as a beautiful and charming woman. The poet uses vivid imagery to describe her beauty, and he compares her to a flower in bloom. The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, and it establishes the theme of love and romance.

The second stanza introduces the male protagonist, who is deeply in love with Violet. The poet describes his feelings of love and admiration for her, and he compares her to a goddess. The use of imagery in this stanza is particularly striking, as the poet compares the male protagonist's love for Violet to a flame that burns bright and strong.

The third stanza is where the poem takes a dramatic turn. The poet describes how Violet's father disapproves of the relationship between his daughter and the male protagonist. He forbids them from seeing each other, and this creates a sense of tension and conflict in the poem. The use of the word "forbid" in this stanza is particularly powerful, as it conveys the sense of authority and control that Violet's father has over her life.

The fourth stanza is where the male protagonist expresses his despair and sadness at being separated from Violet. He compares his love for her to a bird that is trapped in a cage, unable to fly free. The use of the metaphor in this stanza is particularly effective, as it conveys the sense of helplessness and confinement that the male protagonist feels.

The fifth stanza is where the poem reaches its climax. The male protagonist decides to take matters into his own hands and elope with Violet. The poet describes their escape in vivid detail, and he uses imagery to convey the sense of freedom and liberation that they feel. The use of the word "flee" in this stanza is particularly powerful, as it conveys the sense of urgency and desperation that the male protagonist feels.

The sixth and final stanza is where the poem reaches its conclusion. The poet describes how Violet and the male protagonist are now free to love each other without any restrictions or obstacles. He compares their love to a flame that burns bright and strong, and he uses imagery to convey the sense of passion and intensity that they feel for each other. The use of the word "blaze" in this stanza is particularly effective, as it conveys the sense of intensity and heat that their love generates.

Overall, Violet De Vere is a beautiful and powerful poem that captures the essence of love and romance. The use of vivid imagery and metaphors is particularly effective, as it conveys the emotions and feelings of the characters in a powerful and evocative way. The poem is a testament to Robert Service's skill as a poet, and it continues to be celebrated and admired by readers all over the world.

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