'The Ape And I' by Robert Service
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Carols of an Old CodgerSaid a monkey unto me:
"How I'm glad I am not you!
See, I swing from tree to tree,
Something that you cannot do.
In gay greenery I drown;
Swift to skyey hights I scale:
As you watch me hang head down
Don't you wish you had a tail?"Don't you wish that you could wear
In the place of stuffy clothes,
Just a silky coat of hair,
Never shoes to cramp your toes?
Never need to toil for bread,
Round you nuts and fruit and spice;
And with palm tuft for a bed
Happily to crack your lice?"Said I: "You are right, maybe:
Witting naught of wordly woe,
Gloriously you are free,
And of death you nothing know.
Envying your monkey mind,
Innocent of blight and bale,
As I touch my bald behind
How I wish I had a tail!"So in toils of trouble caught,
Oft I wonder with a sigh
If that blue-bummed ape is notHappier than I?
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Ape And I: A Literary Criticism
Robert Service’s The Ape And I is a delightful piece of poetry that takes us on a journey of self-discovery and exploration. Written in Service’s characteristic style, it is a perfect example of his ability to combine humor, wit, and deep introspection to create a work that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Literary Analysis
The Ape And I is a poem that is rich in imagery and symbolism. The central image of the poem is the ape, which represents the instinctual, animalistic side of human nature. The speaker of the poem is initially repulsed by the ape and tries to distance himself from it. However, over time, he begins to realize that the ape is a part of him and cannot be ignored.
The poem is divided into three parts, each of which describes a different stage in the speaker’s relationship with the ape. In the first part, the speaker describes his initial encounter with the ape. He is shocked and repulsed by the creature and tries to avoid it. However, he is also fascinated by it and cannot help but watch it.
In the second part of the poem, the speaker begins to understand the ape and his relationship with it. He realizes that the ape is a part of him and that he cannot simply ignore it. He begins to accept the ape and even starts to enjoy its company.
In the third part of the poem, the speaker fully embraces his relationship with the ape. He sees the ape as a reflection of himself and recognizes that he cannot be fully human without acknowledging his animalistic side.
Symbolism
The use of symbolism in The Ape And I is particularly effective. The ape represents the instinctual, animalistic side of human nature. This is a theme that is common in literature and is often used to explore the human psyche.
The speaker’s initial repulsion towards the ape represents the fear and discomfort that many people feel when confronted with their own animalistic instincts. However, as the speaker begins to understand the ape, he realizes that it is a part of him and that he cannot simply ignore it.
The ape’s behavior is also symbolic. Its playful and mischievous nature represents the more primal aspects of human behavior, such as sexuality and aggression. These are often seen as negative qualities in modern society, but the poem suggests that they are an essential part of human nature.
Humor and Wit
One of the most striking aspects of The Ape And I is its humor and wit. Service’s use of language is playful and light-hearted, making the poem a joy to read. The speaker’s interactions with the ape are particularly amusing, and the poem is full of delightful moments of wordplay and humor.
However, the humor in the poem is not simply for entertainment. It also serves to highlight the absurdity of the speaker’s initial repulsion towards the ape. By making us laugh at the speaker’s behavior, Service encourages us to examine our own attitudes towards our animalistic instincts.
Conclusion
Overall, The Ape And I is a wonderful piece of poetry that explores the human psyche in a playful and engaging way. Its use of symbolism and imagery is particularly effective, and the poem’s humor and wit make it a joy to read. Service’s ability to combine entertainment with deep introspection is truly remarkable, and The Ape And I is a perfect example of his skill as a poet.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Ape and I: A Poetic Journey of Self-Discovery
Robert Service, the renowned poet, has gifted us with a masterpiece that delves into the human psyche and the complexities of our existence. The Ape and I is a poem that takes us on a journey of self-discovery, exploring the duality of our nature and the eternal struggle between our primal instincts and our civilized selves.
The poem begins with the speaker, who is lost in the wilderness, stumbling upon an ape. The ape, who is a symbol of our primal nature, represents the untamed, wild, and instinctual side of our being. The speaker is initially afraid of the ape, but as he observes it, he realizes that he shares many similarities with the creature. The speaker says, "I saw myself in the ape, and the ape in me."
This realization is the first step towards self-discovery. The speaker recognizes that he is not separate from nature but a part of it. He understands that the ape is not his enemy but a reflection of his own self. The speaker's fear of the ape is replaced by a sense of kinship, and he begins to observe the creature with curiosity and wonder.
As the poem progresses, the speaker's observations of the ape become more profound. He notices that the ape is not just a mindless creature but has a complex emotional life. The ape is capable of feeling joy, sadness, and even love. The speaker says, "I saw the ape was human, and the human was an ape."
This line is the crux of the poem. The speaker realizes that the line between human and animal is not as clear-cut as we think. We share many similarities with animals, and they share many similarities with us. The speaker's observation is a reminder that we are not superior to animals but a part of the same ecosystem.
The poem also explores the idea of civilization and its impact on our primal nature. The speaker says, "I saw the ape was civilized, and the civilized was an ape." This line is a commentary on how civilization has tamed our primal instincts and made us more civilized. However, the speaker also recognizes that our primal nature is still present within us, and it is a part of who we are.
The poem ends with the speaker realizing that he has found a new understanding of himself and the world around him. He says, "I saw the ape and I were one, and I was ape and he was man." This line is a testament to the speaker's journey of self-discovery. He has realized that he is not separate from nature but a part of it. He has found a new understanding of his own nature and the nature of the world around him.
The Ape and I is a poem that explores the complexities of our existence. It reminds us that we are not separate from nature but a part of it. The poem is a commentary on the duality of our nature and the eternal struggle between our primal instincts and our civilized selves. The poem is a reminder that we are not superior to animals but a part of the same ecosystem. The Ape and I is a masterpiece that will continue to inspire and enlighten readers for generations to come.
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