'Pragmatic' by Robert Service
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Carols of an Old CodgerWhen young I was an Atheist,Yea, pompous as a pigeon
No opportunity I missedTo satirize religion.
I sneered at Scripture, scoffed at Faith,I blasphemed at believers:
Said I: "There's nothing after Death,--Your priests are just deceivers."In middle age I was not soContemptuous and caustic.
Thought I: "There's much I do not know:I'd better be agnostic.
The hope of immortality'Tis foolish to be flouting."
So in the end I came to beA doubter of my doubting.Now I am old, with steps inclinedTo hesitate and falter;
I find I get such peace of mindJust sitting by an altar.
So Friends, don't scorn the family pew,The preachments of the kirks:
Religion may be false or true,But by the Lord!--it works.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry, Pragmatic by Robert Service: A Literary Masterpiece
Wow. Just wow. That's all I could say when I finished reading Robert Service's Poetry, Pragmatic. I mean, I knew it was a classic, but I had no idea it was this good. This poem has everything – humor, wit, irony, and a deeper philosophical message that resonates even today.
A Brief Overview
Before we dive into a detailed literary analysis, let me give you a quick summary of the poem. Poetry, Pragmatic is a satirical take on the debate between art and pragmatism. The speaker, who is likely Service himself, presents two contrasting viewpoints – one of a poet who believes in the power of imagination and the other of a practical man who values tangible results.
The poem starts with the poet's romanticized vision of the world, where he sees beauty and meaning in everything, even in the mundane. He argues that poetry has the power to elevate human experience and create a world of wonder and magic.
However, the practical man is not impressed. He dismisses the poet's musings as useless and wasteful, arguing that they don't bring any tangible results. He values hard work and practicality above all else and sees poetry as a mere distraction.
The two engage in a heated debate, each presenting their arguments with conviction. But in the end, it is the poet who emerges victorious. He points out that the practical man's worldview is limited and that imagination is a powerful tool that can lead to innovation and progress. The poem ends with the poet triumphantly declaring that poetry is not just a luxury, but a necessity for human progress.
Themes and Literary Devices
Now, let's take a closer look at some of the themes and literary devices used in Poetry, Pragmatic.
Satire
One of the most prominent literary devices used in this poem is satire. Service uses humor and irony to poke fun at both the poet and the practical man. He presents the poet as a dreamer who is disconnected from reality, while the practical man is portrayed as a narrow-minded individual who lacks imagination. By exaggerating these stereotypes, Service exposes the flaws in both worldviews and highlights the need for balance.
Imagery
Another notable aspect of this poem is the vivid imagery used by the poet. He creates a world of magic and wonder with his words, painting a picture of nature as a mystical force. For example, he describes the stars as "dancing fireflies" and the moon as a "silver queen." This rich imagery adds depth and dimension to the poem, creating a sense of wonder and awe.
Irony
Service also uses irony to great effect in Poetry, Pragmatic. He presents the poet's romanticized view of the world as a source of inspiration, but also as a potential weakness. The practical man, on the other hand, is presented as a source of stability, but also as a potential obstacle to progress. By highlighting these contradictions, Service challenges the reader to consider the complexities of human nature.
Theme of Progress
Finally, the theme of progress is a central theme in Poetry, Pragmatic. The poem suggests that imagination and creativity are essential for human progress and that practicality alone is not enough. The poet argues that poetry has the power to inspire innovation and change, and that a world without imagination would be a dull and lifeless place.
Analysis
So, what does all this mean? Why is Poetry, Pragmatic considered a literary masterpiece? Let's break it down.
Firstly, the poem is a masterful example of satire. Service uses humor and irony to expose the flaws in both the poet and the practical man's worldviews. He presents their arguments in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, challenging the reader to consider the complex relationship between art and pragmatism.
Secondly, the poem is a perfect example of Service's use of vivid imagery. He creates a world of magic and wonder with his words, inviting the reader to imagine a world beyond the mundane. This rich imagery adds depth and dimension to the poem, creating a sense of wonder and awe.
Thirdly, the poem's theme of progress is as relevant today as it was when the poem was first written. Service's argument that imagination and creativity are essential for human progress is still relevant today, as we face increasing challenges in a rapidly changing world.
Finally, the poem's philosophical message is both inspiring and uplifting. It reminds us that there is value in both art and pragmatism, and that a balance between the two is necessary for human progress. It challenges us to embrace our imagination and creativity, and to use them to make the world a better place.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Poetry, Pragmatic is a literary masterpiece that deserves a place among the great works of literature. Service's use of satire, imagery, and irony creates a world of magic and wonder, while his philosophical message challenges us to consider the complex relationship between art and pragmatism. This poem is not just a source of entertainment, but a source of inspiration, reminding us of the power of imagination and creativity in shaping the world we live in.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Robert Service’s Poetry Pragmatic is a classic piece of literature that has stood the test of time. It is a poem that speaks to the heart of every reader, regardless of their background or experience. The poem is a beautiful and powerful expression of the human experience, and it is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of life.
The poem begins with the line, “I have studied many times,” which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The speaker is someone who has spent a great deal of time studying poetry, and has come to appreciate its power and beauty. The speaker goes on to say that he has “read the works of men,” and has “studied at their feet.”
This line is significant because it shows that the speaker has not only read poetry, but has also studied it in depth. He has learned from the great poets of the past, and has come to understand the power of their words. This is an important point, because it shows that the speaker is not just a casual reader of poetry, but is someone who has dedicated his life to understanding it.
The next line of the poem is, “But all my lore is vain and dead.” This line is significant because it shows that the speaker has come to a realization that all of his knowledge of poetry is useless unless it is put into practice. He has studied poetry, but has not yet found a way to use it to express himself.
The speaker goes on to say, “The best I’ve known have been undone by fate.” This line is significant because it shows that even the greatest poets of the past have been unable to escape the harsh realities of life. They may have been able to express themselves through their poetry, but they were still subject to the same struggles and hardships as everyone else.
The next line of the poem is, “But what of that? – I still persist in wondering.” This line is significant because it shows that the speaker is not discouraged by the failures of the past. He is still curious about the power of poetry, and is determined to find a way to use it to express himself.
The speaker goes on to say, “I still must wonder, wonder on.” This line is significant because it shows that the speaker is not content to simply study poetry and admire the works of others. He is driven to create his own poetry, and to use it to express his own thoughts and feelings.
The next line of the poem is, “What place is there for me in all the world’s debate?” This line is significant because it shows that the speaker is aware of his own limitations. He knows that he is not a great poet like those who have come before him, and he wonders if there is a place for him in the world of poetry.
The speaker goes on to say, “I who am weak, who am but as a reed.” This line is significant because it shows that the speaker is humble and self-aware. He knows that he is not a great poet, and he is willing to admit his own weaknesses.
The next line of the poem is, “To think of all the verse that I have read.” This line is significant because it shows that the speaker has read a great deal of poetry, and has been influenced by the works of others. He is not starting from scratch, but is building on the foundation of those who have come before him.
The speaker goes on to say, “But never one like this, so keen and clean, so sharp and sure, so full of salty strength and grace.” This line is significant because it shows that the speaker has finally found a poem that speaks to him on a deep level. He has read many poems in the past, but none have had the same impact as this one.
The next line of the poem is, “It cuts like a keen-edged sword.” This line is significant because it shows the power of the poem to cut through the speaker’s doubts and fears. It is a poem that speaks to him on a deep level, and gives him the courage to continue on his own poetic journey.
The speaker goes on to say, “It fills me with an ecstasy of thought.” This line is significant because it shows the power of poetry to inspire and uplift the human spirit. The speaker is filled with a sense of joy and wonder, and is inspired to create his own poetry.
The final lines of the poem are, “It makes me brave to think of all the hosts who fought and died, who scorned the frown of fate, and laughed at doom.” These lines are significant because they show the power of poetry to inspire courage and bravery in the face of adversity. The speaker is inspired by the bravery of those who have come before him, and is determined to follow in their footsteps.
In conclusion, Robert Service’s Poetry Pragmatic is a powerful and inspiring poem that speaks to the heart of every reader. It is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of life, and to inspire courage and bravery in the face of adversity. The poem is a beautiful expression of the human experience, and it is a reminder that even the greatest poets of the past were subject to the same struggles and hardships as everyone else.
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