'Fisherfolk' by Robert Service

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Carols of an Old CodgerI like to look at fishermenAnd oftentimes I wish
One would be lucky now and thenAnd catch a little fish.
I watch them statuesquely stand,And at the water look;
But if they pull their float to landIt's just to bait a hook.I ponder the psychologyThat roots them in their place;
And wonder at the calm I seeIn ever angler's face.
There is such patience in their eyes,Beside the river's brink;
And waiting for a bite or riseI do not think they think.Or else they are just gentle men,Who love--they know not why,
Greeen grace of trees or water whenIt wimples to the sky . . .
Sweet simple souls! As vain I watchMy heart to you is kind:
Most precious prize of all you catch,--Just Peace of Mind.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Fisherfolk by Robert Service: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Are you ready to immerse yourself in the world of Robert Service's Fisherfolk? This classic poem, written in 1926, is a celebration of the fishing life and the hardy souls who make their living on the sea. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes and motifs of Fisherfolk and examine how Service's use of language and imagery creates a vivid and compelling portrait of the fishing communities.

The Setting: Life on the Sea

From the opening lines of the poem, Service plunges us into the world of the fisherfolk:

The fisherfolk live by the sea,
As it has been, will always be.
They see the dawn as it breaks
Over the wave-washed eastern lakes,
And in the dusk at the end of day
They watch the last low light decay.

The sea is not just a backdrop for the poem; it is a character in its own right, with its moods and rhythms shaping the lives of the fisherfolk. Service captures the essence of the fishing life: the early mornings and long, hard days on the water, the ever-present danger of storms and rough seas, the camaraderie and resilience of the fishing crews.

The Characters: The Fisherfolk

Service's poem is populated with a cast of characters who embody the spirit of the fishing communities. There is the "skipper" who "knows the course to steer" and the "oilskin-clad" crew who "bend and pull and heave and haul." There are the "womenfolk" who "wait and pray and bake and spin" and the "little children" who "play about the pier." Each character is brought to life through Service's vivid descriptions and attention to detail.

The Themes: Hardship and Resilience

At the heart of Fisherfolk is the theme of hardship and resilience. The fishing life is not an easy one, and the poem does not shy away from depicting the challenges and dangers that come with it. The fisherfolk face long hours, rough seas, and the constant threat of disaster. Yet they endure, drawing strength from their connection to the sea and to each other.

Service also explores the theme of mortality in Fisherfolk. The sea is a powerful force that can bring both life and death, and the fisherfolk are acutely aware of this. In the final stanza of the poem, Service writes:

And when at last their race is run
And they lay by the shore in the sun,
They'll hear from the murmuring tide
The whisper: "We are satisfied."

This passage captures the acceptance of death that is part of the fishing life. The fisherfolk know that their time on this earth is limited, but they find solace in the knowledge that they have lived their lives in harmony with the sea.

The Imagery: A World of Sound and Motion

Service's use of language and imagery in Fisherfolk is masterful. He creates a world of sound and motion that immerses the reader in the fishing life. The poem is full of onomatopoeia, with words like "squelch" and "slosh" evoking the sounds of the sea and the boats. The imagery is also rich and evocative, with lines like "the glittering spray that drenches them through and through" painting a vivid picture of the fishing crews at work.

Another element of Service's imagery is the use of contrast. The beauty and majesty of the sea are set against the harshness and danger of the fishing life. The "gleaming pink of dawn" is followed by "the blackness of the storm," and the "silver fish that leap and shine" are contrasted with the "deadly nets that sweep and twine."

The Style: Simple and Poignant

Service's style in Fisherfolk is simple and poignant. He uses straightforward language and a straightforward structure to convey the essence of the fishing life. Yet the poem is also deeply emotional, capturing the joy and the sadness that are part of the fisherfolk's existence.

Service's use of repetition is another notable feature of his style. The lines "As it has been, will always be" and "They see the dawn as it breaks" recur throughout the poem, reinforcing the idea of the continuity and timelessness of the fishing life.

Conclusion: A Tribute to the Fisherfolk

In Fisherfolk, Robert Service pays tribute to the hardworking and resilient people who make their living on the sea. Through his use of language and imagery, he creates a vivid and compelling portrait of the fishing communities, capturing their struggles, their joys, and their deep connection to the sea. This classic poem is a testament to the enduring spirit of the fisherfolk, and it continues to resonate with readers today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Fisherfolk: A Masterpiece by Robert Service

If you are a lover of poetry, then you must have heard of Robert Service, the Canadian poet who is renowned for his captivating and evocative poems. Among his many works, one that stands out is "Fisherfolk," a poem that tells the story of the hardworking fishermen who brave the rough seas to provide for their families. In this article, we will delve into the depths of this masterpiece, exploring its themes, structure, and language.

Themes

At its core, "Fisherfolk" is a poem about the resilience and determination of the human spirit. The fishermen in the poem are portrayed as hardworking and dedicated individuals who are willing to risk their lives to provide for their families. They are not deterred by the dangers of the sea, nor are they discouraged by the long hours and hard work that their profession demands. Instead, they embrace their calling with a sense of pride and purpose, knowing that their labor is essential to the survival of their community.

Another theme that runs through the poem is the power of nature. The sea is depicted as a force to be reckoned with, one that can be both beautiful and deadly. The fishermen are acutely aware of this fact, and they respect the sea even as they seek to conquer it. They know that their lives are in the hands of the elements, and they must be constantly vigilant and prepared for whatever challenges come their way.

Structure

The structure of "Fisherfolk" is simple yet effective. The poem consists of four stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which gives the poem a sense of rhythm and flow. The language is straightforward and accessible, with no complex metaphors or obscure references. This simplicity is intentional, as it allows the reader to focus on the message of the poem without being distracted by ornate language or convoluted syntax.

Language

Despite its simplicity, the language of "Fisherfolk" is rich and evocative. Service uses vivid imagery to bring the world of the fishermen to life, painting a picture of a rugged and unforgiving landscape. Consider the following lines:

"Where the wild winds whistle o'er the bay, And the waves are capped with white, And the hurrying rollers thundering play To the breakers on the Bight."

These lines are a perfect example of Service's ability to create a sense of place through language. We can almost feel the wind on our faces and hear the roar of the waves as they crash against the shore. The use of alliteration and onomatopoeia adds to the sensory experience, making the poem feel almost like a song.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Fisherfolk" is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the spirit of the hardworking fishermen who brave the sea to provide for their families. Through its themes of resilience, determination, and the power of nature, the poem speaks to the universal human experience of struggle and triumph. Its simple yet effective structure and rich language make it a joy to read and a testament to the power of poetry to move and inspire us.

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