'The Sewing-Girl' by Robert Service
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Ballads of a Bohemian (Book 1)The humble garret where I dwell
Is in that Quarter called the Latin;
It isn't spacious -- truth to tell,
There's hardly room to swing a cat in.
But what of that! It's there I fight
For food and fame, my Muse inviting,
And all the day and half the night
You'll find me writing, writing, writing.Now, it was in the month of May
As, wrestling with a rhyme rheumatic,
I chanced to look across the way,
And lo! within a neighbor attic,
A hand drew back the window shade,
And there, a picture glad and glowing,
I saw a sweet and slender maid,
And she was sewing, sewing, sewing.So poor the room, so small, so scant,
Yet somehow oh, so bright and airy.
There was a pink geranium plant,
Likewise a very pert canary.
And in the maiden's heart it seemed
Some fount of gladness must be springing,
For as alone I sadly dreamed
I heard her singing, singing, singing.God love her! how it cheered me then
To see her there so brave and pretty;
So she with needle, I with pen,
We slaved and sang above the city.
And as across my streams of ink
I watched her from a poet's distance,
She stitched and sang . . . I scarcely think
She was aware of my existence.And then one day she sang no more.
That put me out, there's no denying.
I looked -- she labored as before,
But, bless me! she was crying, crying.
Her poor canary chirped in vain;
Her pink geranium drooped in sorrow;
"Of course," said I, "she'll sing again.
Maybe," I sighed, "she will to-morrow."Poor child; 'twas finished with her song:
Day after day her tears were flowing;
And as I wondered what was wrong
She pined and peaked above her sewing.
And then one day the blind she drew,
Ah! though I sought with vain endeavor
To pierce the darkness, well I knew
My sewing-girl had gone for ever.And as I sit alone to-night
My eyes unto her room are turning . . .
I'd give the sum of all I write
Once more to see her candle burning,
Once more to glimpse her happy face,
And while my rhymes of cheer I'm ringing,
Across the sunny sweep of space
To hear her singing, singing, singing.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Sewing-Girl: A Masterpiece of Poetic Narration
Have you ever come across a poem that moves you to the core, evokes strong emotions, and leaves you in awe of the poet's mastery of language and storytelling? If not, then Robert Service's "The Sewing-Girl" is a must-read for you. This classic poem, first published in Service's collection of verses titled "Rhymes of a Red Cross Man" in 1916, is a powerful narrative that tells the story of a young woman's struggle for survival in the harsh realities of war-torn Europe.
Service, a renowned Canadian poet and novelist, was a prolific writer who gained fame for his vivid descriptions of the frontier life in the Yukon and Alaska. However, "The Sewing-Girl" is a departure from his usual themes and settings, as it deals with the devastating effects of World War I on ordinary people's lives. In this poem, Service showcases his exceptional talent for creating a compelling plot, well-drawn characters, and evocative imagery that transport the reader to another time and place.
Summary and Analysis
At its core, "The Sewing-Girl" is a poignant tale of love, sacrifice, and human resilience. The poem's central character is a young woman, who is referred to only as "the sewing-girl." She lives in a small village in France, where she works as a seamstress, making clothes for the soldiers in the nearby army camp. Despite the constant danger and uncertainty of war, the sewing-girl tries to maintain a sense of normalcy in her life. She dreams of finding true love and starting a family, like any young woman would.
One day, a wounded soldier comes to her shop, seeking refuge and medical attention. The sewing-girl takes pity on him and agrees to hide him from the authorities, risking her own life in the process. The soldier, whose name is Jean, soon recovers from his injuries and falls in love with the sewing-girl. They begin a secret romance, meeting in the woods and sharing tender moments together.
However, their happiness is short-lived. The war rages on, and the Germans come closer to the village. The sewing-girl realizes that she cannot keep Jean hidden forever and decides to send him away to safety. She gives him her savings and sews a French flag onto his uniform, hoping that it will protect him from the enemy's wrath. Jean leaves, promising to return and marry her once the war is over.
Years pass, and the sewing-girl waits in vain for Jean's return. She hears rumors of his death and mourns him deeply. However, she never loses hope and continues to sew clothes for the soldiers, hoping to contribute to the war effort in some way. One day, a group of soldiers comes to her shop, and she recognizes one of them as Jean. He is alive and well, having survived the war and returned to her, as promised. They embrace and kiss, and the sewing-girl realizes that her sacrifice and love have been rewarded.
"The Sewing-Girl" is a beautiful and moving narrative that captures the essence of war and its impact on human lives. Service's use of simple and direct language enhances the poem's emotional impact, as it allows the reader to connect with the characters on a deeper level. The sewing-girl's courage, kindness, and selflessness are admirable, and her love for Jean is a testament to the enduring power of human connection.
Themes and Motifs
"The Sewing-Girl" touches on several themes that are relevant to the war context and human experience in general. One of the main themes of the poem is sacrifice, as the sewing-girl puts her own safety and well-being on the line to help Jean. Her act of kindness is a reminder that even in the midst of war, there are still people who are willing to help others, even strangers, in their hour of need.
Love is another central theme of the poem, as the sewing-girl and Jean's relationship is the driving force behind the narrative. Their love is portrayed as pure and genuine, despite the obstacles they face. The poem celebrates the power of love to overcome adversity and bring people together, even in the darkest of times.
The motif of sewing is also prevalent throughout the poem, as it is the sewing-girl's profession and her way of contributing to the war effort. Service uses this motif to highlight the importance of small acts of kindness and the role that ordinary people can play in making a difference. The sewing-girl's work is a symbol of hope and resilience, as she continues to sew even in the face of war and hardship.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Sewing-Girl" is a masterpiece of poetic narration that tells a powerful and touching story of love and sacrifice. Robert Service's skillful use of language, imagery, and characterization creates a vivid and engaging narrative that captures the essence of war and human resilience. The poem's themes of sacrifice, love, and hope resonate with readers, as they remind us of the enduring power of human connection, even in the face of adversity.
So why not take a break from your busy life and immerse yourself in the world of "The Sewing-Girl"? You won't regret it.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Sewing-Girl: A Classic Poem by Robert Service
Robert Service, the renowned poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his timeless works. One of his most celebrated poems is "The Sewing-Girl," which is a beautiful and poignant ode to the struggles of a young girl who works tirelessly to make a living. This poem is a masterpiece that captures the essence of the human spirit and the power of perseverance.
The poem tells the story of a young girl who works as a seamstress to support herself and her family. She is described as being "slender and pale" with "eyes that are weary and worn." Despite her hardships, she is determined to make a better life for herself and her loved ones. She works long hours, often late into the night, sewing clothes for others. Her hands are calloused, and her eyes are strained from the constant strain of her work.
The poem is written in a simple and straightforward style, which makes it easy to understand and appreciate. Service's use of vivid imagery and descriptive language paints a vivid picture of the young girl's life and struggles. He describes her as being "like a lily in the shade" and "like a bird in a cage." These metaphors convey the sense of confinement and isolation that the girl feels in her life.
The poem is also notable for its use of repetition, which adds to its emotional impact. The phrase "sewing, sewing, sewing" is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the girl's tireless work and the monotony of her life. This repetition also serves to highlight the girl's determination and resilience in the face of adversity.
One of the most powerful aspects of the poem is its portrayal of the girl's inner strength and resilience. Despite her difficult circumstances, she remains steadfast in her determination to succeed. She is described as having a "spirit that never will yield," which is a testament to her unwavering resolve. This resilience is a recurring theme in Service's work, and it is a quality that he greatly admired in people.
Another notable aspect of the poem is its commentary on the social and economic conditions of the time. The girl's poverty and struggle to make ends meet are indicative of the widespread poverty and inequality that existed in the early 20th century. Service's poem serves as a reminder of the struggles that many people faced during this time and the resilience that they exhibited in the face of adversity.
In conclusion, "The Sewing-Girl" is a timeless poem that captures the essence of the human spirit and the power of perseverance. Service's use of vivid imagery, repetition, and descriptive language creates a powerful and emotional portrait of a young girl's struggle to make a better life for herself and her family. The poem is a testament to the resilience and determination of the human spirit, and it serves as a reminder of the struggles that many people faced during the early 20th century.
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