'Oh, It Is Good' by Robert Service

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Ballads of a Bohemian (Book 3)Oh, it is good to drink and sup,
And then beside the kindly fire
To smoke and heap the faggots up,
And rest and dream to heart's desire.Oh, it is good to ride and run,
To roam the greenwood wild and free;
To hunt, to idle in the sun,
To leap into the laughing sea.Oh, it is good with hand and brain
To gladly till the chosen soil,
And after honest sweat and strain
To see the harvest of one's toil.Oh, it is good afar to roam,
And seek adventure in strange lands;
Yet oh, so good the coming home,
The velvet love of little hands.So much is good. . . . We thank Thee, God,
For all the tokens Thou hast given,
That here on earth our feet have trod
Thy little shining trails of Heaven.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, Oh, It Is Good: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Are you looking for a poem that will stir your heart and inspire your soul? Look no further than Robert Service's "Poetry, Oh, It Is Good." This classic poem celebrates the power and beauty of poetry, and offers a passionate defense of the art form against those who would dismiss it as frivolous or trivial.

Structure and Form

At first glance, "Poetry, Oh, It Is Good" may seem like a simple and straightforward poem. It consists of four stanzas, each with four lines, and follows a basic rhyming pattern (ABCB). However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that Service has crafted a poem that is both lyrical and complex.

For example, in the first stanza, the repeated use of the word "good" creates a sense of rhythm and momentum, while also emphasizing the poem's central theme. Meanwhile, the second stanza's use of alliteration ("gladly give and gain") and internal rhyme ("fain" and "gain") adds to the poem's musicality and helps to drive home its message.

Throughout the poem, Service's use of figurative language and vivid imagery add depth and richness to the text. For instance, in the third stanza, he describes poetry as a "goblet brimmed with wine," conjuring up images of celebration, abundance, and intoxication. This metaphor not only captures the joy that poetry can bring, but also suggests that it has the power to lift us up and transport us to a higher plane of existence.

Themes and Motifs

As mentioned earlier, the central theme of "Poetry, Oh, It Is Good" is the value and importance of poetry. Service makes this clear from the very first line, when he declares, "Oh, it is good to drink and sup." Here, he equates poetry with the pleasures of food and drink, suggesting that it is just as essential to our well-being.

Throughout the poem, Service uses a variety of motifs to reinforce this theme. For example, he compares poetry to "a flower that blooms in the heart of a waste," suggesting that it has the power to bring beauty and meaning to even the bleakest of situations. He also describes it as a "treasure," a "gleaming gem," and a "shield and a sword," highlighting its value and power.

Another important motif in the poem is the idea of poetry as a means of communication. Service writes, "Oh, it is good to talk and sing / In common speech with the folk you know," emphasizing the way in which poetry can bring people together and help us to connect with one another on a deeper level.

Interpretation and Significance

So, what does "Poetry, Oh, It Is Good" mean, and why is it significant? At its core, this poem is a celebration of the human spirit and our capacity for creativity, joy, and connection. It reminds us that poetry is not just a luxury, but a vital part of our cultural heritage and our individual lives.

In a world where we are often bombarded with noise, distraction, and negativity, poetry offers a quiet refuge where we can reflect, contemplate, and find solace. It allows us to express ourselves in a way that is both personal and universal, and to connect with others across time and space.

But perhaps most importantly, poetry reminds us of our common humanity, and of the many ways in which we are all connected. As Service writes in the final stanza of the poem:

"So let us drink and sing and laugh, And toss the ledger of life about; And though we're fools and may not have One penny to jingle or jolly on, We'll be rich -- oh, infinitely rich! -- With the wealth that a poem alone can bestow."

Here, he suggests that poetry is not just a luxury, but a necessity, and that it has the power to enrich our lives in ways that material wealth cannot. It is a reminder that, no matter what our circumstances, we all have access to the beauty and wonder of the world, and that poetry is a way to celebrate and share that with others.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Poetry, Oh, It Is Good" is a powerful and inspiring poem that celebrates the beauty, value, and importance of poetry. Through its use of vivid imagery, lyrical language, and complex structure, it captures the joy and wonder that poetry can bring, and offers a passionate defense of the art form against those who would dismiss it as trivial or unimportant.

Whether you are an avid poetry lover or a casual reader, this poem is sure to speak to your heart and remind you of the many ways in which poetry can enrich your life. So pour yourself a glass of wine (or your beverage of choice), settle in with a good poem, and let yourself be transported to a world of beauty, wonder, and connection.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Oh, It Is Good: A Masterpiece of Poetry by Robert Service

Poetry is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions, paint vivid pictures in our minds, and transport us to different worlds. Robert Service, a renowned poet, was a master of this art, and his poem "Oh, It Is Good" is a testament to his genius. In this 2000-word analysis, we will delve into the poem's structure, themes, and literary devices to understand why it is considered a classic.

Structure

The poem "Oh, It Is Good" is a narrative poem that tells the story of a man who has been wandering in the wilderness for days and is on the brink of death. The poem is divided into six stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which means that the first and second lines rhyme, as do the third and fourth lines. This rhyme scheme gives the poem a musical quality and makes it easy to remember.

The first stanza sets the scene and introduces the protagonist. We learn that he has been wandering in the wilderness for days and is exhausted. The second stanza describes his surroundings, which are bleak and desolate. The third stanza introduces the protagonist's thoughts, which are dark and despairing. The fourth stanza introduces the turning point of the poem, where the protagonist sees a glimmer of hope. The fifth stanza describes his transformation from despair to hope, and the final stanza concludes the poem with a message of hope and gratitude.

Themes

The poem "Oh, It Is Good" has several themes, including the power of nature, the resilience of the human spirit, and the importance of hope. The protagonist is lost in the wilderness, surrounded by the harshness of nature. However, he finds the strength to keep going, even when he is on the brink of death. This resilience is a testament to the power of the human spirit and its ability to overcome adversity.

The poem also highlights the importance of hope. The protagonist is initially consumed by despair and thoughts of death. However, when he sees a glimmer of hope, he is transformed. This transformation shows that hope can be a powerful force that can change our outlook on life.

Literary Devices

Robert Service uses several literary devices in "Oh, It Is Good" to enhance the poem's meaning and impact. One of the most prominent devices is imagery. The poem is full of vivid descriptions of the wilderness, which help to create a sense of place and atmosphere. For example, in the second stanza, Service writes, "The sky was like a sheet of lead, / The earth was brown and bare." This description creates a bleak and desolate image in the reader's mind, which helps to convey the protagonist's sense of hopelessness.

Another literary device that Service uses is repetition. The phrase "Oh, it is good" is repeated throughout the poem, and each time it is used, it takes on a different meaning. In the first stanza, the phrase is used to describe the protagonist's exhaustion. In the fifth stanza, it is used to describe his transformation from despair to hope. This repetition helps to create a sense of unity and coherence in the poem.

Service also uses symbolism in the poem. The glimmer of hope that the protagonist sees is represented by a "tiny flower." This flower symbolizes the possibility of new life and growth, even in the midst of desolation. The flower is also a symbol of hope, as it represents the possibility of a better future.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Oh, It Is Good" is a masterpiece of poetry that showcases Robert Service's talent for creating vivid imagery, using repetition, and incorporating symbolism. The poem's themes of the power of nature, the resilience of the human spirit, and the importance of hope are timeless and universal. The poem's structure, with its musical rhyme scheme and six stanzas, creates a sense of unity and coherence that enhances its impact. Overall, "Oh, It Is Good" is a classic poem that deserves to be read and appreciated by generations to come.

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