'Dolls' by Robert Service


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Bar-Room BalladsShe said: "I am too old to play
With dolls," and put them all away,
Into a box, one rainy day.I think she must have felt some pain,
She looked so long into the rain,
Then sighed: "I'll bring you out again;"For I'll have little children too,
With sunny hair and eyes of blue
And they will play and play with you."And now good-bye, my pretty dears;
There in the dark for years and years,
Dream of your little mother's tears."

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Dolls" by Robert Service: A Poetic Masterpiece

Have you ever read a poem that speaks to your soul? A poem that captures the essence of your childhood memories and transports you back in time? If not, then "Dolls" by Robert Service is the perfect poem for you.

In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will delve deep into the meaning of "Dolls" and explore Service's use of imagery, symbolism, and poetic devices to create a masterpiece that is both beautiful and haunting.

The Poem

Before we begin our journey into the world of "Dolls," let's take a moment to read the poem in its entirety:

A doll in the doll-maker's house
Looks at the cradle and bawls:
"That is an insult to us.
I don't know what you're about,
You're a traitor, you're a renegade."
Hush, hush, doll,
Death is kind and all is forgotten.

At first glance, the poem may seem simple and straightforward, but upon closer inspection, it becomes evident that there is much to unravel here. Let's dig deeper.

Imagery

Service's use of imagery in "Dolls" is nothing short of remarkable. From the very first line, we are transported into the world of the doll-maker's house, where we see a doll looking at a cradle and bawling. This image is both vivid and powerful, as it immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem.

The image of the doll is also significant, as it represents the innocence and naivety of childhood. The doll is a symbol of childhood memories, and its tears represent the pain and sadness that we experience as we grow older.

The cradle, on the other hand, represents new life and the passage of time. It is a reminder that nothing stays the same forever and that everything must eventually come to an end.

Symbolism

In addition to imagery, Service also uses symbolism to convey the deeper meaning of "Dolls." One of the most significant symbols in the poem is the doll itself. As I mentioned earlier, the doll represents childhood memories and innocence. It is a reminder of a time when life was simple and carefree.

The doll is also a symbol of our vulnerabilities and fears. It reminds us of the pain and sadness that we experience in life, and the tears of the doll represent the tears that we shed as we navigate the challenges of adulthood.

The cradle, as I mentioned earlier, represents new life and the passage of time. It is a symbol of hope and promise, but it also serves as a reminder that everything must eventually come to an end.

Poetic Devices

Service's use of poetic devices in "Dolls" is also noteworthy. One of the most significant poetic devices in the poem is repetition. The repetition of the word "hush" at the end of the poem creates a sense of finality and closure. It is a reminder that death is kind, and all is forgotten.

Another significant poetic device in the poem is personification. The doll is personified, giving it a sense of life and agency. It is no longer an inanimate object, but a living, breathing entity with thoughts and feelings.

Interpretation

So, what does "Dolls" mean? What message is Service trying to convey to his readers?

At its core, "Dolls" is a poem about the passage of time and the inevitability of death. It is a reminder that everything must eventually come to an end, and that we must cherish the memories of our childhood while we still can.

The doll's tears represent the pain and sadness that we experience in life, but the repetition of the word "hush" at the end of the poem reminds us that death is kind, and all is forgotten. It is a message of hope and peace, a reminder that even in death, there is beauty and closure.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Dolls" by Robert Service is a poetic masterpiece that uses imagery, symbolism, and poetic devices to create a haunting and beautiful work of art. It is a reminder of the importance of cherishing our childhood memories and appreciating the fleeting nature of life.

As I read this poem, I am reminded of the dolls that I used to play with as a child, and the tears that I shed as I grew older. But I am also reminded of the beauty and peace that come with death, and the hope that comes with the passage of time.

"Dolls" is a poem that will stay with me for years to come, and I am grateful to Robert Service for creating such a beautiful work of art.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Dolls: A Masterpiece by Robert Service

If you are a poetry enthusiast, you must have heard of Robert Service, the famous poet who wrote some of the most memorable poems of the 20th century. His works are known for their simplicity, humor, and emotional depth. Among his many poems, one that stands out is the classic "Poetry Dolls."

"Poetry Dolls" is a poem that captures the essence of childhood innocence and imagination. It is a nostalgic journey back to the days when we were young and carefree, and everything seemed possible. The poem is a celebration of the power of imagination and the joy of creativity.

The poem begins with the speaker reminiscing about his childhood days when he used to play with his poetry dolls. These dolls were not ordinary dolls but were made of words and rhymes. They were his companions, his friends, and his confidants. He would spend hours playing with them, creating stories, and reciting poems.

The speaker describes the dolls in vivid detail, highlighting their unique features and personalities. He talks about how they were made of "rhyme and reason," and how they had "eyes that shone like stars." He also mentions how they had different names, such as "Joy" and "Sorrow," and how they would come to life when he played with them.

The poem then takes a darker turn as the speaker talks about how he lost his poetry dolls. He describes how he grew up and became too busy with life to play with them anymore. He also talks about how he lost his imagination and his ability to create stories and poems.

The loss of the poetry dolls represents the loss of childhood innocence and imagination. It is a poignant reminder of how we often lose touch with our creative selves as we grow older and become more focused on the practicalities of life.

However, the poem ends on a hopeful note as the speaker talks about how he still remembers his poetry dolls and how they continue to inspire him. He talks about how he still hears their voices in his head and how they continue to guide him in his writing.

The poem is a beautiful tribute to the power of imagination and the importance of creativity in our lives. It reminds us that even as adults, we can still tap into our creative selves and find inspiration in the world around us.

Robert Service's use of language in the poem is simple yet powerful. He uses vivid imagery and metaphors to bring the poetry dolls to life and to convey the emotions of the speaker. The poem is also structured in a way that creates a sense of nostalgia and longing, with the darker tone of the middle section contrasting with the hopeful ending.

In conclusion, "Poetry Dolls" is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the essence of childhood innocence and imagination. It is a reminder of the importance of creativity in our lives and the power of imagination to inspire us. Robert Service's use of language and structure in the poem is masterful, creating a sense of nostalgia and longing that is both poignant and hopeful. If you haven't read "Poetry Dolls" yet, I highly recommend it. It is a poem that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it.

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