'Bessie's Boil' by Robert Service

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Bar-Room BalladsSays I to my Missis: "Ba goom, lass! you've something I see, on your mind."
Says she: "You are right, Sam, I've something. It 'appens it's on me be'ind.
A Boil as 'ud make Job jealous. It 'urts me no end when I sit."
Says I: "Go to 'ospittel, Missis. They might 'ave to coot it a bit."
Says she: "I just 'ate to be showin' the part of me person it's at."
Says I: "Don't be fussy; them doctors see sights more 'orrid than that."So Misses goes off togged up tasty, and there at the 'ospittel door
They tells 'er to see the 'ouse Doctor, 'oose office is Room Thirty-four.
So she 'unts up and down till she finds it, and knocks and a voice says: "Come in,"
And there is a 'andsome young feller, in white from 'is 'eels to 'is chin.
"I've got a big boil," says my Missis. "It 'urts me for fair when I sit,
And Sam (that's me 'usband) 'as asked me to ask you to coot it a bit."
Then blushin' she plucks up her courage, and bravely she shows 'im the place,
And 'e gives it a proper inspection, wi' a 'eap o' surprise on 'is face.
Then 'e says wi' an accent o' Scotland: "Whit ye hae is a bile, Ah can feel,
But ye'd better consult the heid Dockter; they caw him Professor O'Niel.
He's special for biles and carbuncles. Ye'll find him in Room Sixty-three.
No charge, Ma'am. It's been a rare pleasure. Jist tell him ye're comin' from me."So Misses she thanks 'im politely, and 'unts up and down as before,
Till she comes to a big 'andsome room with "Professor O'Neil" on the door.
Then once more she plucks up her courage, and knocks, and a voice says: "All right."
So she enters, and sees a fat feller wi' whiskers, all togged up in white.
"I've got a big boil," says my Missis, "and if ye will kindly permit,
I'd like for to 'ave you inspect it; it 'urts me like all when I sit."
So blushin' as red as a beet-root she 'astens to show 'im the spot,
And 'e says wi' a look o' amazement: "Sure, Ma'am, it must hurt ye a lot."
Then 'e puts on 'is specs to regard it, and finally says wi' a frown:
"I'll bet it's as sore as the divvle, especially whin ye sit down.
I think it's a case for the Surgeon; ye'd better consult Doctor Hoyle.
I've no hisitation in sayin' yer boil is a hill of a boil."So Misses she thanks 'im for sayin' her boil is a hill of a boil,
And 'unts all around till she comes on a door that is marked: "Doctor Hoyle."
But by now she 'as fair got the wind up, and trembles in every limb;
But she thinks: "After all, 'e's a Doctor. Ah moosn't be bashful wi' 'im."
She's made o' good stuff is the Missis, so she knocks and a voice says: "Oos there?"
"It's me," says ma Bessie, an' enters a room which is spacious and bare.
And a wise-lookin' old feller greets 'er, and 'e too is togged up in white.
"It's the room where they coot ye," thinks Bessie; and shakes like a jelly wi' fright.
"Ah got a big boil," begins Missis, "and if ye are sure you don't mind,
I'd like ye to see it a moment. It 'urts me, because it's be'ind."
So thinkin' she'd best get it over, she 'astens to show 'im the place,
And 'e stares at 'er kindo surprised like, an' gets very red in the face.
But 'e looks at it most conscientious, from every angle of view,
Then 'e says wi' a shrug o' 'is shoulders: "Pore Lydy, I'm sorry for you.
It wants to be cut, but you should 'ave a medical bloke to do that.
Sye, why don't yer go to the 'orsespittel, where all the Doctors is at?
Ye see, Ma'am, this part o' the buildin' is closed on account o' repairs;
Us fellers is only the pynters, a-pyntin' the 'alls and the stairs."

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Bessie's Boil" by Robert Service: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Have you ever wondered how a mere boil can turn into a literary masterpiece? Well, wonder no more because Robert Service's "Bessie's Boil" is here to answer that question for you. This classic poem may seem like a simple and humorous anecdote about a woman's ailment, but it is actually a satirical commentary on society's obsession with physical appearance and the lengths people will go to conceal their imperfections.

The poem starts off with a lighthearted tone as the narrator introduces Bessie and her troublesome boil. He describes the boil as "a bulbous blister that nestled on her knee," and the reader can almost feel the discomfort Bessie must have been experiencing.

However, the poem quickly takes on a satirical tone as Bessie tries various methods to hide her boil from the judgmental eyes of society. She tries to cover it up with a dress, but the narrator points out that "The boil it made a bulge that would not be denied." Bessie then tries to use makeup to conceal the boil, but "the darn thing kept a-leaking, trundling down her leg."

This is where the poem really starts to shine as Service uses Bessie's plight to comment on the absurdity of society's obsession with physical appearance. Bessie is willing to go to extreme lengths to hide her imperfection, but no matter what she does, the boil refuses to be concealed.

The narrator also takes jabs at society's double standards when it comes to appearances. He points out that "though her boil was big as a marrow, she was dainty, neat and clean," and yet she is still judged for her appearance. This is a commentary on how society often values physical appearance over character and personality.

The poem also has a subtle feminist undertone as Bessie takes matters into her own hands and refuses to let the boil hold her back. She may be ridiculed and judged by society, but she refuses to let that stop her from living her life. This is exemplified in the lines, "So she made the best of it, and didn't give a damn."

The poem's use of rhyme and meter adds to its comedic tone, but also serves to emphasize the absurdity of Bessie's situation. The rhyme scheme is AABBA, and the meter is primarily iambic tetrameter, with occasional variations. This creates a sing-song rhythm that makes the poem easy to read aloud and adds to its humor.

In conclusion, "Bessie's Boil" may seem like a simple and humorous poem, but it is actually a satirical commentary on society's obsession with physical appearance and the lengths people will go to conceal their imperfections. Service uses Bessie's plight to highlight the absurdity of these societal expectations and the double standards that often come with them. The poem's use of rhyme and meter adds to its comedic tone and makes it an enjoyable read. So, next time you see someone with a boil, think twice before judging them because, as Bessie would say, "It's all in the way you take it."

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Bessie's Boil: A Classic Poem by Robert Service

If you're a fan of classic poetry, you've probably heard of Robert Service. He was a Scottish-Canadian poet who wrote some of the most memorable and beloved poems of the 20th century. One of his most famous works is "Bessie's Boil," a humorous and lighthearted poem that tells the story of a woman's unfortunate encounter with a boil.

At first glance, "Bessie's Boil" may seem like a simple and silly poem, but upon closer examination, it reveals a deeper meaning and message. In this analysis, we'll take a closer look at the poem and explore its themes, symbolism, and literary devices.

The poem begins with the speaker introducing us to Bessie, a woman who has a boil on her neck. The boil is described as "big as a walnut, red as a rose," and it's clear that it's causing Bessie a great deal of discomfort. She tries various remedies to get rid of it, including applying a poultice of bread and milk, but nothing seems to work.

As the poem progresses, we see Bessie's boil become a source of fascination and amusement for the people around her. They gather around her to inspect the boil, offer their own remedies, and make jokes at her expense. Bessie becomes increasingly embarrassed and self-conscious, and she longs for the day when the boil will finally disappear.

The poem's central theme is the power of gossip and the way in which it can turn a small problem into a major source of embarrassment and shame. Bessie's boil is a physical manifestation of this idea, as it starts out as a minor inconvenience but quickly becomes a source of ridicule and humiliation.

Service uses a number of literary devices to convey this theme, including irony, humor, and symbolism. The irony is evident in the fact that Bessie's attempts to get rid of the boil only seem to make it worse, and the humor comes from the absurdity of the situation. The symbolism is perhaps the most interesting aspect of the poem, as the boil can be seen as a metaphor for the way in which small problems can fester and grow if they're not dealt with properly.

Another interesting aspect of the poem is the way in which it portrays Bessie as a victim of circumstance. She's not a bad person, nor has she done anything to deserve the ridicule and humiliation that she's subjected to. Instead, she's simply unlucky enough to have a boil on her neck at the wrong time and in the wrong place.

This idea of victimhood is further reinforced by the way in which the other characters in the poem treat Bessie. They're not necessarily malicious or cruel, but they're certainly insensitive and thoughtless. They don't seem to realize the impact that their words and actions are having on Bessie, and they're more interested in making jokes and having a good time than in helping her.

Despite the serious themes that underlie the poem, "Bessie's Boil" is ultimately a lighthearted and enjoyable read. Service's use of rhyme and rhythm gives the poem a playful and musical quality, and his clever wordplay and puns add to the humor and wit of the piece.

In conclusion, "Bessie's Boil" is a classic poem that offers a humorous and insightful commentary on the power of gossip and the way in which small problems can become big ones if they're not dealt with properly. Through its use of irony, humor, and symbolism, the poem conveys a deeper message about the human condition and the way in which we interact with one another. Whether you're a fan of classic poetry or simply looking for a fun and entertaining read, "Bessie's Boil" is a poem that's sure to leave you smiling.

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