'The Smoking Frog' by Robert Service
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Bar-Room BalladsThree men I saw beside a bar,
Regarding o'er their bottle,
A frog who smoked a rank cigar
They'd jammed within its throttle.A Pasha frog it must have been
So big it as and bloated;
And from its lips the nicotine
In graceful festoon floated.And while the trio jeered and joked,
As if it quite enjoyed it,
Impassively it smoked and smoked,
(It could now well avoid it).A ring of fire its lips were nigh
Yet it seemed all unwitting;
It could not spit, like you and I,
Who've learned the art of spitting.It did not wink, it did not shrink,
As there serene it squatted'
Its eyes were clear, it did not fear
The fate the Gods allotted.It squatted there with calm sublime,
Amid their cruel guying;
Grave as a god, and all the time
It knew that it was dying.And somehow then it seemed to me
These men expectorating,
Were infinitely less than he,
The dumb thing they were baiting.It seemed to say, despite their jokes:
"This is my hour of glory.
It isn't every frog that smokes:
My name will live in story."Before its nose the smoke arose;
The flame grew nigher, nigher;
And then I saw its bright eyes close
Beside that ring of fire.They turned it on its warty back,
From off its bloated belly;
It legs jerked out, then dangled slack;
It quivered like a jelly.And then the fellows went away,
Contented with their joking;
But even as in death it lay,
The frog continued smoking.Life's like a lighted fag, thought I;
We smoke it stale; then after
Death turns our belly to the sky:
Editor 1 Interpretation
Exciting Literary Criticism of Robert Service's "The Smoking Frog"
Robert Service is one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, and his works continue to inspire poets and poetry lovers to this day. One of his most famous poems, "The Smoking Frog," is a timeless masterpiece that has captivated readers for generations. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, language, and symbolism in this classic poem.
Overview of "The Smoking Frog"
"The Smoking Frog" is a short narrative poem about a frog who acquires a taste for tobacco and becomes addicted to smoking. The poem is written in a simple, conversational tone, with rhymed quatrains that move the story along. The poem is set in the American South, where smoking tobacco is a cultural tradition.
Themes
One of the main themes in "The Smoking Frog" is addiction. The frog's insatiable craving for tobacco is portrayed as a metaphor for human addiction. The poem shows how addiction can take hold of a person's life and lead to destructive behavior. The frog's addiction is also a commentary on the dangers of peer pressure and social norms.
Another theme in the poem is the destructive nature of human behavior. The frog's smoking habit causes him to become sick and eventually die. This is a cautionary tale that warns against the dangers of indulging in harmful behavior.
Language and Imagery
Service's use of language and imagery in "The Smoking Frog" is masterful. He employs vivid descriptions and metaphors to bring the story to life. For example, he describes the frog's eyes as "bleary" and "wild," which suggests the frog is in a state of delirium due to his tobacco addiction. The use of the word "wild" also implies that the frog has lost control of his addiction.
Service also uses animal symbolism in the poem. The frog, a creature known for its ability to adapt to its environment, is a symbol of human adaptability. The fact that the frog becomes addicted to tobacco shows how easily humans can become addicted to substances that are harmful to them.
Symbolism
"The Smoking Frog" is rich in symbolism. The tobacco that the frog smokes is a symbol of temptation and addiction. The fact that the frog becomes addicted to tobacco despite the harm it causes him suggests that humans are prone to making bad choices even when they know the consequences.
The frog's smoking habit is also a symbol of conformity. The frog starts smoking because he wants to fit in with the other animals, and he continues to smoke even when it makes him sick because he doesn't want to be an outcast. This is a commentary on the dangers of peer pressure and the importance of individuality.
Interpretation
"The Smoking Frog" is a cautionary tale that warns against the dangers of addiction and conformity. The frog's smoking habit is a metaphor for human addiction, and his desire to fit in with the other animals is a commentary on the pressures of society. The poem suggests that humans are prone to making bad choices even when they know the consequences.
The poem also has a deeper meaning that goes beyond its surface level message. Service uses the frog's smoking habit to comment on the destructive nature of human behavior. The fact that the frog becomes sick and dies as a result of his addiction is a reminder that indulging in harmful behavior can have serious consequences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Smoking Frog" is a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate with readers today. Through its themes, language, and symbolism, the poem explores the dangers of addiction and conformity. The poem is a cautionary tale that warns against the destructive nature of human behavior and the importance of making good choices. As we continue to grapple with the challenges of addiction and peer pressure, "The Smoking Frog" remains a relevant and powerful work of poetry.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Smoking Frog: A Classic Poem by Robert Service
If you're a fan of poetry, you've probably heard of Robert Service. He's one of the most famous poets of the 20th century, known for his vivid descriptions of life in the Yukon during the Gold Rush. One of his most famous poems is "The Smoking Frog," a humorous and whimsical tale that has captured the hearts of readers for generations.
The poem begins with a description of a frog who loves to smoke. Yes, you read that right – a smoking frog. Service paints a vivid picture of this unusual creature, describing how he sits on a lily pad with a pipe in his mouth, puffing away contentedly. The frog is so addicted to smoking that he even has a special pipe made out of a hollow reed.
As the poem continues, we learn more about the frog's habits. He's a bit of a loner, preferring to spend his time smoking and contemplating life rather than socializing with the other animals in the pond. He's also quite philosophical, pondering the mysteries of the universe and the meaning of existence.
Despite his odd habits, the other animals in the pond seem to accept the smoking frog. They may find him a bit strange, but they don't judge him for his addiction. In fact, they seem to admire him for his unique perspective on life.
The poem takes a darker turn when the smoking frog falls ill. He becomes weak and frail, unable to smoke as much as he used to. The other animals in the pond are worried about him, but the smoking frog remains stoic and philosophical. He accepts his fate and continues to ponder the mysteries of the universe, even as his health deteriorates.
In the end, the smoking frog dies. The other animals in the pond mourn his passing, recognizing that he was a unique and special creature. They may not have understood his addiction to smoking, but they respected him for his individuality and his willingness to live life on his own terms.
So, what does "The Smoking Frog" mean? On the surface, it's a humorous and whimsical tale about an unusual creature. But dig a little deeper, and you'll find that the poem is really about individuality and acceptance.
The smoking frog is a symbol of the outsider, the person who doesn't fit in with the crowd. He's different, and he knows it. But instead of trying to conform to the norms of society, he embraces his uniqueness and lives life on his own terms. He may be addicted to smoking, but he's also a philosopher and a deep thinker. He's not afraid to ask the big questions and ponder the mysteries of the universe.
The other animals in the pond may not understand the smoking frog, but they accept him for who he is. They recognize that he's a special creature, and they respect him for his individuality. In a world where conformity is often valued over individuality, the smoking frog is a reminder that it's okay to be different.
The poem also touches on the theme of mortality. The smoking frog knows that he's going to die, but he doesn't fear death. Instead, he continues to ponder the mysteries of the universe, even as his health deteriorates. His acceptance of death is a reminder that life is fleeting and that we should make the most of the time we have.
In conclusion, "The Smoking Frog" is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It's a humorous and whimsical tale that also has a deeper meaning. The smoking frog is a symbol of individuality and acceptance, reminding us that it's okay to be different. It's also a reminder that life is fleeting and that we should make the most of the time we have. So, the next time you see a frog smoking a pipe, remember the smoking frog and his unique perspective on life.
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