'Atoll' by Robert Service


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Bar-Room BalladsThe woes of men beyond my ken
Mean nothing more to me.
Behold my world, and Eden hurled
From Heaven to the Sea;
A jeweled home, in fending foam
Tempestuously tossed;
A virgin isle none dare defile,
Far-flung, forgotten, lost.And here I dwell, where none may tell
Me tales of mortal strife;
Let millions die, immune am I,
And radiant with life.
No echo comes of evil drums,
To vex my dawns divine;
Aloof, alone I hold my throne,
And Majesty is mine.Ghost ships pass by, and glad am I
They make no sign to me.
The green corn springs, the gilt vine clings,
The net is in the sea.
My paradise around me lies,
Remote from wrath and wrong;
My isle is clean, unsought, unseen,
And innocent with song.Here let me dwell in beauty's spell,
As tranquil as a tree;
Here let me bide, where wind and tide
Bourdon that I am free;
Here let me know from human woe
The rapture of release:
The rich caress of Loveliness,
The plenitude of Peace.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Robert Service's "Atoll": A Poetic Adventure of the Unknown

Robert Service's "Atoll" is a mesmerizing poem that narrates the story of a traveler's journey to a distant island. Throughout the poem, Service plays with the theme of the unknown, taking the reader on a journey filled with suspense, adventure, and discovery. With its vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and rhythmic flow, "Atoll" is a classic example of Service's poetic genius.

The Poem's Structure and Tone

"Atoll" is a free verse poem that consists of nineteen stanzas, each containing four lines. The poem's structure creates a sense of continuity, making it easy for the reader to follow the traveler's journey. The tone of the poem is adventurous and mysterious, as the speaker describes the unknown island with a fascination that is both palpable and contagious.

Imagery and Metaphors

Service's use of imagery and metaphors is one of the poem's most striking features. Throughout the poem, he uses vivid descriptions to create a sense of place and atmosphere. For example, in the first stanza, he describes the island as "a ring of emerald set in a band of pearl." This image immediately transports the reader to a beautiful, exotic location.

Service's use of metaphors is equally powerful. For example, in the third stanza, he describes the island as "a jewel in the wide waste of the sea." This metaphor not only creates a sense of the island's beauty but also highlights its isolation and the vastness of the surrounding ocean.

The Theme of the Unknown

The theme of the unknown is central to "Atoll." The poem's speaker is drawn to the island by a sense of curiosity, and his journey is filled with uncertainty and discovery. Service uses this theme to explore the human desire to explore and discover, as well as the fear and excitement that come with the unknown.

Throughout the poem, Service contrasts the traveler's sense of adventure with the danger and uncertainty of the island. For example, in the ninth stanza, he describes the island's "black, forbidding reef" and the "whispering mystery" of the unknown. This creates a sense of tension that builds throughout the poem, culminating in the final stanza, where the traveler is left alone on the island, surrounded by the "vast, unpeopled waste" of the sea.

Rhythmic Flow and Sound Devices

Service's use of sound devices and rhythmic flow adds to the poem's sense of adventure and mystery. For example, he uses alliteration to create a sense of movement and energy, as in the line "an eager argosy of one." He also uses internal rhyme to create a sense of continuity, as in the line "In coral groves of amber and gold."

The poem's rhythmic flow adds to its sense of adventure and mystery. Service uses enjambment to create a sense of movement and forward momentum, as in the lines "Oh, it's then that the heart beats high with a yearning / For a land that is lost in the blue."

Conclusion

Robert Service's "Atoll" is a classic example of his poetic genius. Through vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and a sense of adventure and mystery, he takes the reader on a journey to a distant island. The poem's theme of the unknown explores the human desire to explore and discover, as well as the fear and excitement that come with the unknown. With its rhythmic flow and use of sound devices, "Atoll" is a timeless work of poetry that captures the human spirit of adventure and discovery.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Atoll: A Masterpiece of Robert Service

Robert Service, a renowned Canadian poet, is known for his exceptional ability to capture the essence of life in his poetry. His works are a reflection of his experiences and observations of the world around him. One of his most celebrated works is the Poetry Atoll, a poem that takes the reader on a journey to a remote island in the Pacific Ocean. In this article, we will explore the poem in detail and analyze its themes, structure, and literary devices.

The poem begins with a vivid description of the island, which is located in the middle of the ocean. The island is described as a "jewel of the sea," with its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. The imagery used in this opening stanza is powerful and evocative, transporting the reader to this idyllic paradise.

As the poem progresses, the focus shifts to the inhabitants of the island. The people are described as simple and content, living a life of peace and harmony. They are depicted as being in tune with nature, living off the land and sea. The poem celebrates their way of life, which is free from the trappings of modern society.

However, the idyllic life on the island is not without its challenges. The people are vulnerable to the forces of nature, such as hurricanes and typhoons. The poem describes how the island is battered by these storms, with the people huddling together for safety. Despite these challenges, the people remain resilient and continue to live their lives in harmony with nature.

The poem also explores the theme of isolation. The island is described as being cut off from the rest of the world, with no contact with the outside world. The people are depicted as being content with their isolation, living a life that is free from the distractions of modern society. However, the poem also hints at the loneliness that comes with isolation, with the people yearning for contact with the outside world.

The structure of the poem is also noteworthy. The poem is divided into six stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is AABB, with the first and second lines rhyming with each other, and the third and fourth lines rhyming with each other. This structure gives the poem a sense of rhythm and flow, making it easy to read and understand.

The poem also makes use of several literary devices, such as imagery, metaphor, and personification. The imagery used in the poem is vivid and evocative, transporting the reader to the island. The metaphor of the island as a "jewel of the sea" is particularly powerful, conveying the beauty and value of the island. The personification of the island as a living entity, with its "breathing" and "sighing," adds to the sense of the island as a living, breathing entity.

In conclusion, Poetry Atoll is a masterpiece of Robert Service. The poem celebrates the beauty and simplicity of life on a remote island in the Pacific Ocean. It explores themes of isolation, resilience, and the power of nature. The structure and literary devices used in the poem add to its power and beauty. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry to transport the reader to another world and to capture the essence of life.

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