'Baby Sitter' by Robert Service

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Carols of an Old CodgerFrom torrid heat to frigid coldI've rovered land and sea;
And now, with halting heart I holdMy grandchild on my knee:
Yet while I've eighty years all told,Of moons she has but three.She sleeps, that fragile miniatureOf future maidenhood;
She will be wonderful, I'm sure,As over her I brood;
She is so innocent, so pure,I know she will be good.My way I've won from woe to weal,And hard has been the fight;
Yet in my ingle-nook I feelA wondrous peace to-night;
And over me serenely stealWarm waves of love and light."What sloppy stuff!" I hear you say."Give us a lusty song."
Alas! I'm bent and gnarled and grey,--My life may not be long:
Yet let its crown of glory beThis child upon me knee.

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Baby Sitter" by Robert Service

When it comes to poetry that packs a punch, Robert Service's "Baby Sitter" is definitely one that stands out. This poem, which tells the story of a babysitter who falls asleep on the job, only to be awoken by a burglar, is filled with suspense, humor, and a touch of irony. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the various themes, symbols, and literary devices used in this poem, and how they contribute to its overall meaning and impact.

Themes

At its core, "Baby Sitter" is a poem about responsibility, trust, and the consequences of neglect. The babysitter in the poem is entrusted with the care of two young children, and yet she fails to fulfill her duties, instead choosing to fall asleep on the job. When she is awoken by the burglar, she realizes the gravity of her mistake and must face the consequences of her actions.

Another theme that runs throughout the poem is the idea of justice. The burglar is portrayed as an antagonist, a villain who is out to steal and cause harm. However, when he discovers the babysitter's mistake and sees the danger that the children are in, he decides to help them instead of robbing them. This unexpected turn of events highlights the fact that justice is not always black and white, and that sometimes even the most unlikely of characters can surprise us.

Symbols

One of the most prominent symbols in "Baby Sitter" is the house itself. The house represents safety, security, and comfort. However, when the babysitter falls asleep, the house becomes a symbol of danger and vulnerability. The fact that the burglar is able to enter the house undetected highlights the fragility of this supposed safe haven.

Another symbol that is used in the poem is the baby carriage. This carriage represents innocence and vulnerability, as it is where the youngest child is sleeping. When the burglar sees the baby carriage, he is reminded of his own child and is moved to compassion. The fact that the carriage serves as a catalyst for the burglar's change of heart emphasizes the power of empathy and human connection.

Literary Devices

One of the most notable literary devices used in "Baby Sitter" is irony. The poem is filled with ironic twists and turns, such as the fact that the babysitter is awoken by the burglar, who then proceeds to help her protect the children. This irony serves to keep the reader engaged and guessing, as they never quite know what to expect.

Another literary device used in the poem is foreshadowing. From the very beginning, the reader is given hints that something is not quite right, such as the fact that the babysitter is "drowsy" and "nodding". This foreshadowing creates a sense of tension and unease, as the reader knows that something is bound to go wrong.

Interpretation

At its core, "Baby Sitter" is a cautionary tale about the importance of responsibility and the consequences of neglect. The babysitter in the poem is a classic example of someone who takes on a task without fully understanding the gravity of the situation. She sees babysitting as a way to make some money, but she fails to realize that she is responsible for the lives and safety of two young children.

The burglar, on the other hand, serves as a reminder that even those who may seem like villains can surprise us with their humanity. When he sees the danger that the children are in, he puts aside his selfish goals and decides to help them instead. This unexpected turn of events serves to highlight the fact that justice is not always simple or straightforward, and that people are capable of change and redemption.

Overall, "Baby Sitter" is a powerful poem that explores a variety of themes and uses a range of literary devices to keep the reader engaged. It serves as a reminder of the importance of responsibility, trust, and empathy, and highlights the fact that even the most unexpected of characters can surprise us with their actions.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Baby Sitter: A Classic Masterpiece by Robert Service

Are you a fan of poetry? Do you love the way words can paint vivid pictures in your mind and evoke emotions you never knew existed? If so, then you must have heard of the legendary poet Robert Service and his timeless masterpiece, Poetry Baby Sitter.

In this 2000-word analysis, we will delve deep into the world of Robert Service and explore the themes, language, and structure of Poetry Baby Sitter. So, sit back, relax, and let's dive into the magical world of poetry.

Background

Robert Service was a British-Canadian poet and writer who lived from 1874 to 1958. He is best known for his poems about the Yukon and the Klondike Gold Rush, which he experienced firsthand while working as a bank clerk in the Canadian wilderness. Service's poems are known for their vivid imagery, humor, and simplicity, making them accessible to readers of all ages and backgrounds.

Poetry Baby Sitter is one of Service's most famous poems, and for good reason. It tells the story of a young boy who is left in the care of a babysitter while his parents go out for the night. The babysitter, who is a poet, decides to entertain the boy by reciting poetry to him. However, the boy is not impressed and finds the poetry boring and confusing. The babysitter then decides to change her approach and tells the boy a story instead, which captivates him and makes him forget about the poetry.

Themes

One of the main themes of Poetry Baby Sitter is the power of storytelling. The babysitter realizes that poetry is not the best way to engage with the young boy and instead decides to tell him a story. This shows that storytelling is a more effective way of communicating with children and capturing their attention. The poem also highlights the importance of adapting to your audience and finding the right approach to engage with them.

Another theme of the poem is the idea that poetry can be difficult to understand. The young boy in the poem finds the poetry boring and confusing, which is a common experience for many people when they first encounter poetry. However, the poem also shows that poetry can be enjoyable and engaging if it is presented in the right way.

Language

Service's use of language in Poetry Baby Sitter is simple and accessible, which is one of the reasons why his poems are so popular. The poem is written in rhyming couplets, which makes it easy to read and follow. The language is also playful and humorous, which adds to the overall tone of the poem.

Service also uses repetition in the poem to emphasize certain points. For example, the line "But the poetry she read to me was dull as any ditch" is repeated twice in the poem, which highlights the boy's boredom with the poetry. This repetition also adds to the rhythm of the poem and makes it more memorable.

Structure

The structure of Poetry Baby Sitter is simple and straightforward. The poem is divided into four stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which means that the first and second lines rhyme with each other, as do the third and fourth lines.

The simplicity of the structure reflects the simplicity of the language and the overall message of the poem. Service's use of a simple structure and language makes the poem accessible to readers of all ages and backgrounds.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Poetry Baby Sitter is a timeless masterpiece that showcases Robert Service's talent as a poet and storyteller. The poem highlights the power of storytelling and the importance of adapting to your audience. Service's use of simple language and structure makes the poem accessible to readers of all ages and backgrounds, and his playful and humorous tone adds to the overall enjoyment of the poem.

If you haven't read Poetry Baby Sitter yet, we highly recommend that you do. It's a delightful poem that will make you laugh, think, and appreciate the power of words.

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