'Five-Per-Cent' by Robert Service
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Bar-Room BalladsBecause I have ten thousand pounds I sit upon my stern,
And leave my living tranquilly for other folks to earn.
For in some procreative way that isn't very clear,
Ten thousand pounds will breed, they say, five hundred every year.
So as I have a healthy hate of economic strife,
I mean to stand aloof from it the balance of my life.
And yet with sympathy I see the grimy son of toil,
And heartly congratulate the tiller of the soil.
I like the miner in the mine, the sailor on the sea,
Because up to five hundred pounds they sail and mine for me.
For me their toil is taxed unto that annual extent,
According to the holy shibboleth of Five-per-Cent.So get ten thousand pounds, my friend, in any way you can.
And leave your future welfare to the noble Working Man.
He'll buy you suits of Harris tweed, an Airedale and a car;
Your golf clubs and your morning
Editor 1 Interpretation
Five-Per-Cent: An Unforgettable Journey in Poetry
If there is one piece of literature that can evoke a sense of nostalgia, wanderlust, and sheer adventure, it is Robert Service's Five-Per-Cent. This classic poem captures the essence of travel and the thrill of exploring new places, with its vivid imagery, vivid language, and thought-provoking themes. As we delve into this masterpiece, we will explore its underlying meaning, its relevance to modern-day readers, and its significance in the world of poetry.
Background
Before we delve into the poem itself, let us take a moment to understand the context in which it was written. Robert Service was a British-Canadian poet who lived from 1874 to 1958. He was famous for his poems about the Klondike Gold Rush, which took place in the late 19th century in the Yukon Territory of Canada. Service himself lived in the Yukon for a few years and worked as a banker, which gave him an opportunity to witness the gold rush firsthand. He became known as the "Bard of the Yukon" for his poems about the rugged life in the Yukon, which captured the spirit of adventure, danger, and the quest for wealth that characterized the gold rush.
Five-Per-Cent is one of Service's most famous poems, and it was published in his collection of poems, Ballads of a Cheechako, in 1909. The poem is written in Service's signature style of rhymed verse, with a simple and straightforward language that is easy to understand. However, beneath the surface simplicity of the poem lies a complex set of themes, which we will explore in the following sections.
Analysis
The journey of life
At its core, Five-Per-Cent is a poem about the journey of life. The poem tells the story of a man who decides to leave his mundane life behind and set out on an adventure. He takes a train to a distant land, where he experiences the thrill of new sights, sounds, and people. He revels in the freedom of being on the road, unencumbered by the worries of home. He sees the world with fresh eyes, and his perspective on life changes forever.
The poem captures the sense of wonder and excitement that comes with travel, and it speaks to the universal human desire for adventure and exploration. Service employs vivid imagery to describe the landscapes and people that the traveler encounters on his journey. He describes the "mountains purple and gold" and the "rivers that silverly run," painting a picture of a world that is both beautiful and mysterious. The poem captures the sense of awe and admiration that the traveler feels for this new world, and it invites the reader to share in this excitement.
However, as the poem progresses, we see a shift in the traveler's perspective. He begins to realize that the journey is not just about seeing new places, but also about discovering oneself. He reflects on his past life and realizes that he has been living "a life that was tame and trite." He understands that the journey is a metaphor for life itself, and that he must embrace the uncertainties and challenges that come with it. He realizes that "the trail that is wild is the trail worth while," and that the journey of life is about taking risks and facing the unknown.
The lure of gold
Another major theme in Five-Per-Cent is the lure of gold. The poem is set in the context of the Klondike Gold Rush, and the traveler is initially drawn to the prospect of finding wealth. He meets other prospectors on his journey who share his dream of striking it rich. However, as the poem progresses, we see the traveler's perspective shift once again. He realizes that the pursuit of gold is not just about material wealth, but also about the thrill of the chase. He understands that the journey itself is the real treasure, and that the memories and experiences he gains along the way are worth more than any amount of gold.
This theme is particularly relevant to modern-day readers, who are often caught up in the pursuit of material success. The poem invites us to reflect on the true meaning of wealth, and to question whether the pursuit of money is worth sacrificing our sense of adventure and exploration.
The power of language
One of the most striking aspects of Five-Per-Cent is the power of Service's language. The poem is written in a simple and straightforward style, yet it is full of vivid imagery and powerful metaphors. Service uses language to transport the reader to a different time and place, and to capture the essence of the human experience. He uses repetition to create a sense of rhythm and momentum, and he employs rhyme to tie the poem together and give it a musical quality.
The poem is a testament to the power of language to evoke emotion and create meaning. It shows us that even the simplest words can have a profound impact when used effectively. The poem is a reminder that poetry is not just a form of entertainment, but also a means of exploring the human condition.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Five-Per-Cent is a timeless masterpiece of poetry that captures the essence of travel, adventure, and the journey of life. It speaks to the universal human desire for exploration and adventure, and it invites us to reflect on the true meaning of wealth and success. The poem is a testament to the power of language to evoke emotion and create meaning, and it shows us that poetry is not just a form of entertainment, but also a means of exploring the human condition. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or a homebody, Five-Per-Cent is a poem that will resonate with you on a deep level, and it is a must-read for anyone who loves the power of words.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Five-Per-Cent: A Classic Poem by Robert Service
If you're a fan of poetry, you've probably heard of Robert Service. He's one of the most famous poets of the 20th century, known for his vivid and often humorous descriptions of life in the Yukon. One of his most beloved poems is "The Cremation of Sam McGee," but today we're going to talk about another one of his classics: "Poetry Five-Per-Cent."
First published in 1912, "Poetry Five-Per-Cent" is a poem about the business of poetry. Service was a banker before he became a poet, and he brings his financial expertise to this poem. The title refers to the commission that a bank would take on a loan, but in this case, it's the commission that a publisher takes on a book of poetry.
The poem begins with the speaker, presumably Service himself, receiving a letter from a publisher. The publisher is interested in publishing the speaker's poetry, but he wants a cut of the profits. The speaker is hesitant at first, but eventually agrees to the terms:
"I'll give you a five-per-cent commission,
And that is my final word;
You'll get a thousand dollars
For every hundred incurred."
The rest of the poem is a meditation on the business of poetry. The speaker reflects on the fact that poetry is not a lucrative profession, and that most poets will never make a living from their work. He also acknowledges that poetry is not a commodity like wheat or gold, and that it's difficult to put a price on it.
Despite these challenges, the speaker is determined to continue writing poetry. He knows that he may never make a fortune from it, but he believes that poetry is worth pursuing for its own sake:
"I'll write my rhymes for the love of it,
And never a care for the cost;
And I'll be content with the joy of it,
Though never a coin be tossed."
One of the things that makes "Poetry Five-Per-Cent" such a great poem is its honesty. Service doesn't sugarcoat the realities of the poetry business. He acknowledges that it's difficult to make a living from poetry, and that most poets will never achieve fame or fortune. But he also celebrates the joy of writing poetry, and the fact that it's a pursuit worth undertaking even if it doesn't lead to financial success.
Another thing that makes the poem great is its use of rhyme and meter. Service was a master of both, and "Poetry Five-Per-Cent" is a great example of his skill. The poem has a jaunty, upbeat rhythm that makes it fun to read aloud. And the rhyme scheme is clever and unexpected, with rhymes that don't always fall where you expect them to:
"I'll write my rhymes for the love of it,
And never a care for the cost;
And I'll be content with the joy of it,
Though never a coin be tossed."
The poem also has a great sense of humor. Service was known for his wit, and "Poetry Five-Per-Cent" is full of clever one-liners and puns. For example, when the speaker is negotiating with the publisher, he says:
"I'll give you a five-per-cent commission,
And that is my final word;
You'll get a thousand dollars
For every hundred incurred."
The word "incurred" is a pun on "incur," which means to take on a debt. The speaker is essentially saying that the publisher will make a profit on his poetry, but at the expense of the poet's financial well-being.
In conclusion, "Poetry Five-Per-Cent" is a classic poem that celebrates the joys and challenges of writing poetry. It's a poem that's both honest and humorous, and it's full of clever wordplay and unexpected rhymes. If you're a fan of poetry, or if you're interested in the business of writing, you should definitely give this poem a read. It's a true classic that's sure to delight and inspire.
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