'My Rocking-Chair' by Robert Service
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Carols of an Old CodgerWhen I am old and worse for wear
I want to buy a rocking-chair,
And set it on a porch where shine
The stars of morning-glory vine;
With just beyond, a gleam of grass,
A shady street where people pass;
And some who come with time to spare,
To yarn beside my rocking-chair.
Then I will light my corn-cob pipe
And dose and dream and rarely gripe.
My morning paper on my knee
I won't allow to worry me.
For if I know the latest news
Is bad,--to read it I'll refuse,
Since I have always tried to see
The side of life that clicks with glee.And looking back with days nigh done,
I feel I've had a heap of fun.
Of course I guess that more or less
It's you yourself make happiness
And if your needs are small and few,
Like me you may be happy too:
And end up with a hope, a prayer,
A chuckle in a rocking-chair.
Editor 1 Interpretation
My Rocking-Chair: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
by Robert Service
My Rocking-Chair is a beautiful poem that captures the essence of old age and the joys of looking back on a life well-lived. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, literary devices, and historical context of this classic poem by Robert Service.
Background and Historical Context
Robert Service was a Scottish-Canadian poet and writer who became famous for his poems about the Yukon Gold Rush in the late 19th century. He wrote many poems during his lifetime, including My Rocking-Chair, which was published in his book Rhymes of a Red Cross Man in 1916.
The poem is set in the early 20th century, a time of great change and upheaval. The First World War was raging, and the world was in a state of turmoil. Against this backdrop, My Rocking-Chair offers a glimpse into the life of an old man who has lived through many years of change and upheaval.
Themes
The central theme of My Rocking-Chair is the passage of time and the wisdom that comes with age. The poem is a celebration of the joys of looking back on a life well-lived, and the pleasures of reminiscing about the past.
Another theme that runs through the poem is the idea of home and belonging. The old man in the poem is firmly rooted in his home, and his rocking-chair becomes a symbol of the comfort and security that he finds there.
Finally, the poem touches on the idea of mortality and the inevitability of death. While the old man is content with his life, he knows that his time is running out, and he is at peace with the idea of death.
Literary Devices
Robert Service uses a number of literary devices to create a vivid and memorable image of the old man in his rocking-chair. One of the most striking is the use of imagery, particularly the image of the rocking-chair itself. The rocking-chair becomes a symbol of the old man's life, and the rocking motion represents the passage of time.
Service also uses alliteration and rhyme to create a musical quality to the poem. The repeated use of the "r" sound in lines such as "My rocker it is cherry" and "I hear the robins billing" creates a sense of rhythm and melody in the poem.
Finally, the poem makes use of repetition to emphasize certain themes and ideas. The repeated use of the phrase "I sit and rock" reinforces the idea of the passage of time and the comfort of the familiar.
Interpretation
My Rocking-Chair is a poem that celebrates the joys of old age and the wisdom that comes with a life well-lived. The old man in the poem is content with his life, and finds comfort in the familiar routines of his daily life.
At the same time, however, the poem also touches on the idea of mortality and the inevitability of death. The old man knows that his time is running out, but is at peace with the idea of death. He takes comfort in the knowledge that he has lived a good life, and that his memory will live on after he is gone.
The rocking-chair becomes a symbol of the old man's life, and the rocking motion represents the passage of time. The old man's life is like the gentle rocking of the chair, moving inevitably towards the end. But just as the chair will continue to rock on long after he is gone, so too will his memory live on.
Conclusion
In conclusion, My Rocking-Chair is a beautiful and poignant poem that captures the essence of old age and the joys of looking back on a life well-lived. Through the use of imagery, alliteration, and repetition, Robert Service creates a vivid and memorable image of the old man in his rocking-chair.
The poem is a celebration of the passage of time, and the wisdom that comes with age. At the same time, however, it also touches on the idea of mortality and the inevitability of death. The old man in the poem is content with his life, and takes comfort in the knowledge that his memory will live on long after he is gone.
Overall, My Rocking-Chair is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today. Its themes of home, belonging, and mortality are universal, and its message of the importance of living a good life is as relevant now as it was when the poem was first written over a century ago.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry My Rocking-Chair: A Timeless Classic
Robert Service, the renowned poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his timeless works. Among his many masterpieces, one poem that stands out is "My Rocking-Chair." This poem is a beautiful ode to the joys of old age, and it captures the essence of life's simple pleasures. In this article, we will delve into the poem's meaning, structure, and literary devices, and explore why it has become a classic.
The poem begins with the speaker describing his rocking-chair, which he calls his "old friend." The chair has been with him through thick and thin, and he has spent countless hours sitting in it, reflecting on his life. The speaker then goes on to describe the various sights and sounds that he has experienced while sitting in his chair. He talks about the birds singing, the leaves rustling, and the sun setting. These images create a vivid picture of the speaker's surroundings and evoke a sense of peace and tranquility.
As the poem progresses, the speaker reflects on his life and the experiences that have shaped him. He talks about the joys and sorrows that he has experienced, and how they have made him the person he is today. He also talks about the people who have been important to him, and how they have influenced his life. Through these reflections, the speaker conveys a sense of wisdom and maturity that comes with old age.
The poem's structure is simple and straightforward, with four stanzas of four lines each. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which gives the poem a sing-song quality. The language is also simple and easy to understand, which makes the poem accessible to readers of all ages. However, despite its simplicity, the poem is rich in literary devices that add depth and meaning to the text.
One of the most prominent literary devices used in the poem is imagery. The speaker uses vivid descriptions of his surroundings to create a sense of atmosphere and mood. For example, when he talks about the birds singing, he writes, "The birds sang sweet as honey, / The leaves rustled in the breeze." This image of birds singing and leaves rustling creates a sense of peace and tranquility that is central to the poem's theme.
Another literary device used in the poem is metaphor. The speaker compares his rocking-chair to an old friend, which is a metaphor for the comfort and familiarity that the chair provides. He also compares his life to a book, which is a metaphor for the experiences that have shaped him. These metaphors add depth and meaning to the text, and help to convey the poem's central message.
The poem's central message is one of the joys of old age. The speaker celebrates the simple pleasures of life, such as sitting in his rocking-chair and reflecting on his experiences. He also celebrates the wisdom and maturity that comes with age, and the importance of the people who have been important to him. Through these reflections, the speaker conveys a sense of contentment and fulfillment that is central to the poem's theme.
In conclusion, "My Rocking-Chair" is a timeless classic that celebrates the joys of old age. Through vivid imagery, metaphor, and simple language, the poem conveys a sense of peace and tranquility that is central to the poem's theme. The poem's structure is simple and straightforward, but it is rich in literary devices that add depth and meaning to the text. Overall, "My Rocking-Chair" is a beautiful ode to the simple pleasures of life, and it is a testament to Robert Service's skill as a poet.
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