'Old David Smail' by Robert Service
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Ballads of a Bohemian (Book 3)He dreamed away his hours in school;
He sat with such an absent air,
The master reckoned him a fool,
And gave him up in dull despair.When other lads were making hay
You'd find him loafing by the stream;
He'd take a book and slip away,
And just pretend to fish . . . and dream.His brothers passed him in the race;
They climbed the hill and clutched the prize.
He did not seem to heed, his face
Was tranquil as the evening skies.He lived apart, he spoke with few;
Abstractedly through life he went;
Oh, what he dreamed of no one knew,
And yet he seemed to be content.I see him now, so old and gray,
His eyes with inward vision dim;
And though he faltered on the way,
Somehow I almost envied him.At last beside his bed I stood:
"And is Life done so soon?" he sighed;
"It's been so rich, so full, so good,
I've loved it all . . ." -- and so he died.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Adventures of Old David Smail: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Robert Service's poetry has captured the hearts of many, and Old David Smail is no exception. This epic tale of adventure and survival in the untamed wilderness of the Yukon is a masterpiece of poetic storytelling. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deep into the themes, motifs, and symbols of Old David Smail, and explore the poetic techniques used by Service to bring this epic tale to life.
Overview
Old David Smail is a narrative poem that tells the story of an aging trapper who has spent his entire life in the Yukon wilderness. David Smail is a man who has faced countless challenges, from the harsh weather conditions to the danger of wild animals. Despite this, he has managed to survive and thrive in this unforgiving environment. The poem takes us through a series of adventures that David Smail has experienced in his life, from his youth to his old age.
Themes
The theme of survival is central to Old David Smail. David Smail is a survivor, and his story is one of resilience and perseverance. He has faced countless challenges, and yet he has managed to overcome them all. His story is an inspiration to anyone facing adversity, and it reminds us that we are capable of more than we think.
Another theme that runs through the poem is the theme of nature. The Yukon wilderness is a harsh and unforgiving environment, and yet it is also beautiful and awe-inspiring. Service's descriptions of the landscape are vivid and evocative, and they bring the wilderness to life in a way that few other writers can.
Finally, the poem also explores the theme of aging. David Smail is an old man, and his body is starting to fail him. He is aware that his time is running out, and yet he still has a thirst for adventure and a desire to live life to the fullest. His story is a reminder that age is just a number, and that there is always more to life than what we see on the surface.
Motifs and Symbols
One of the most striking motifs in Old David Smail is the motif of fire. Fire is a symbol of warmth, comfort, and survival in the wilderness. David Smail is a master of fire, and he is able to start a fire in even the most adverse conditions. The motif of fire is used to highlight David Smail's survival skills, and it is also a symbol of his resilience and determination.
Another important motif in the poem is the motif of animals. The wilderness is full of wild animals, and David Smail has had many encounters with them over the years. The animals in the poem are not just background characters, they are active participants in the story. They are a symbol of the wild and untamed nature of the Yukon, and they represent the danger and unpredictability of the wilderness.
Finally, the poem also uses the motif of the seasons to great effect. The changing seasons are a symbol of the passing of time, and they are also a reminder that life is constantly changing. The harshness of winter is contrasted with the beauty of spring, and the poem shows us that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for renewal and growth.
Poetic Techniques
Service's poetic techniques are what make Old David Smail such a powerful and evocative poem. The use of imagery is particularly effective, with vivid descriptions of the landscape and the wildlife bringing the story to life in the reader's mind. The use of repetition is also notable, with certain lines and phrases repeated throughout the poem for emphasis.
Another poetic technique used by Service is the use of rhythm and meter. The poem has a strong and steady rhythm that mimics the heartbeat of the wilderness. The meter is also carefully crafted, with the use of iambs and anapaests creating a sense of movement and momentum in the poem.
Finally, the use of rhyme is also notable. Service uses rhyme throughout the poem, but he does not rely on it exclusively. Instead, he uses it sparingly, using half-rhymes and slant rhymes to create a sense of subtlety and nuance in the poem.
Conclusion
Old David Smail is a masterpiece of poetic storytelling. This epic tale of survival, nature, and aging is a reminder of the power of the human spirit, and the beauty of the natural world. Service's poetic techniques are masterful, and his use of imagery, repetition, and rhythm bring the story to life in a way that few other writers can. If you have not read Old David Smail, then you are missing out on one of the greatest poems of the 20th century.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Old David Smail: A Poem of Life and Legacy
Robert Service’s “Old David Smail” is a timeless poem that captures the essence of life and legacy. It is a beautiful tribute to a man who lived a simple life, yet left a profound impact on those around him. The poem is a celebration of the human spirit and the power of one person to make a difference in the world.
The poem begins with a vivid description of Old David Smail, a man who lived in a small cottage on the edge of town. He is described as a “gnarled and wrinkled” man with “eyes like a hawk” and a “voice like a bell”. Despite his age and physical appearance, Old David Smail exudes a sense of strength and vitality that is both inspiring and humbling.
As the poem progresses, we learn more about Old David Smail’s life and legacy. He is a man who has lived a simple life, working hard and living frugally. He has never married or had children, but he has touched the lives of many people in his community. He is a man who has lived with integrity and purpose, and his legacy is one of kindness, generosity, and wisdom.
The poem is filled with beautiful imagery and metaphors that bring Old David Smail’s story to life. For example, Service describes Old David Smail as a “tree that has weathered the storm” and a “rock that has stood the test of time”. These metaphors capture the essence of Old David Smail’s character and the impact he has had on those around him.
One of the most powerful aspects of the poem is the way it celebrates the power of one person to make a difference in the world. Old David Smail is not a famous person or a wealthy person, but he has touched the lives of many people in his community. He has done this through his kindness, his wisdom, and his willingness to help others. He is a reminder that we all have the power to make a difference in the world, no matter how small or insignificant we may feel.
The poem also explores the theme of mortality and the inevitability of death. Old David Smail is an old man, and his time on earth is coming to an end. However, his legacy will live on long after he is gone. The poem is a reminder that our time on earth is limited, and that we should strive to make the most of every moment we have.
In conclusion, “Old David Smail” is a beautiful poem that celebrates the power of one person to make a difference in the world. It is a tribute to a man who lived a simple life, but left a profound impact on those around him. The poem is a reminder that we all have the power to make a difference in the world, and that our legacy is determined by the way we live our lives. Robert Service’s “Old David Smail” is a timeless poem that will continue to inspire and uplift readers for generations to come.
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