'A Domestic Tragedy' by Robert Service

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Ballads of a Bohemian (Book 2)Clorinda met me on the way
As I came from the train;
Her face was anything but gay,
In fact, suggested pain.
"Oh hubby, hubby dear!" she cried,
"I've awful news to tell. . . ."
"What is it, darling?" I replied;
"Your mother -- is she well?""Oh no! oh no! it is not that,
It's something else," she wailed,
My heart was beating pit-a-pat,
My ruddy visage paled.
Like lightning flash in heaven's dome
The fear within me woke:
"Don't say," I cried, "our little home
Has all gone up in smoke!"She shook her head. Oh, swift I clasped
And held her to my breast;
"The children! Tell me quick," I gasped,
"Believe me, it is best."
Then, then she spoke; 'mid sobs I caught
These words of woe divine:
"It's coo-coo-cook has gone and bought
A new hat just like mine."

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, A Domestic Tragedy: A Masterpiece of Poetic Brilliance

When it comes to poetry, Robert Service's name stands out as one of the most celebrated poets of all time. His works have been the subject of intense scrutiny and analysis, with critics and fans alike pouring over every word, line, and stanza. Among his many works, "Poetry, A Domestic Tragedy" stands out as a work of poetic brilliance that captures the essence of life, love, and loss in a way that only a master wordsmith could.

Overview of the Poem

"Poetry, A Domestic Tragedy" is a poem that tells the story of a couple that experiences a sudden and tragic loss. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which represents a different stage in the couple's journey. In the first stanza, the couple is in the grips of love and passion, with the speaker describing the feeling of being "drunk with life." The second stanza, however, takes a dark turn, as the couple is suddenly struck by tragedy. The final stanza is a meditation on grief and the struggle to move on after loss.

Analysis of the Poem

What stands out about "Poetry, A Domestic Tragedy" is the way that Service uses language to create a sense of emotional depth and complexity. In the first stanza, for example, the use of words like "ecstasy" and "rapture" convey the intense sense of joy and passion that the couple experiences. The imagery of "flaming dawn" and "burning sun" further emphasize the intensity of their feelings.

However, it is in the second stanza that Service's poetic brilliance truly shines. The sudden shift from joy to tragedy is captured in the line "The sky went out like a blown-out flame." The use of metaphor here is both striking and powerful, conveying the sense of sudden and complete loss that the couple experiences. The description of the wife's "white face" and "quiet tears" is also incredibly evocative, conveying the depth of her grief without explicitly stating it.

The final stanza is a meditation on the nature of grief and the struggle to move on after loss. The use of language here is more subdued and reflective, with the speaker acknowledging that "life must go on" despite the pain of loss. The image of the "ghostly moon" further emphasizes the sense of haunting sadness that permeates the poem.

Themes and Symbolism

One of the key themes of "Poetry, A Domestic Tragedy" is the fragility of life and the suddenness with which it can be taken away. The use of the metaphor of a blown-out flame is particularly effective in conveying this theme, as it suggests that life can be snuffed out in an instant, without warning.

Another important theme of the poem is the nature of grief and the struggle to move on after loss. The final stanza is particularly powerful in this regard, as it acknowledges the pain of loss while also emphasizing the need to continue living. The use of the moon as a symbol of this haunting sadness is also incredibly effective, as it suggests that grief is something that can never truly be escaped.

Conclusion

"Poetry, A Domestic Tragedy" is a masterpiece of poetic brilliance that captures the essence of life, love, and loss in a way that only a master wordsmith could. Service's use of language and imagery is both evocative and powerful, conveying complex emotions and themes with remarkable clarity. This is a poem that deserves to be celebrated and analyzed for generations to come, a testament to the enduring power of poetry to capture the human experience in all its beauty and tragedy.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry has always been a medium of expression for human emotions, and Robert Service's "A Domestic Tragedy" is a classic example of how poetry can convey the complexities of human relationships. This poem is a heart-wrenching tale of a couple's love and the tragic end of their relationship. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, literary devices, and the overall impact of this poem.

The poem begins with a description of the couple's love, which is portrayed as pure and intense. The opening lines, "Clorinda met me on the way/As I came from the train;/Her face was anything but gay,/In fact, tears fell like rain," set the tone for the rest of the poem. The use of the word "gay" in this context refers to the couple's happiness, which has been replaced by tears. The poet's use of imagery is powerful, as he compares the tears to rain, which is a natural phenomenon that cannot be controlled.

The poem then takes a turn, as the poet reveals that the couple's love has been shattered by infidelity. The lines, "I asked her why she cried, and she/Told me that she had found/Another man, and that she'd be/His wife ere the year went round," are a stark contrast to the opening lines. The use of the word "found" suggests that the woman was actively seeking another man, which adds to the tragedy of the situation. The poet's use of enjambment in these lines creates a sense of urgency, as if the words are tumbling out of the woman's mouth.

The theme of betrayal is central to this poem, and the poet explores it in great detail. The lines, "I felt as though my heart would break,/And yet I did not weep;/My brain was all a seething ache,/My soul was buried deep," convey the depth of the man's pain. The use of the word "seething" suggests that the pain is intense and boiling over. The poet's use of internal rhyme in these lines, with "break" and "ache," adds to the musicality of the poem.

The poem then takes a surprising turn, as the man forgives the woman and decides to leave her. The lines, "I took her hand within my own,/And kissed her tear-wet cheek;/I said, 'God bless you, and alone/For evermore I seek,'" are a testament to the man's strength of character. The use of the word "alone" suggests that the man has accepted his fate and is willing to move on. The poet's use of alliteration in these lines, with "tear-wet cheek," adds to the emotional impact of the poem.

The final stanza of the poem is a powerful reflection on the tragedy of the couple's love. The lines, "And so I left her standing there,/And turned my face away;/I could not bear the dumb despair/That in her eyes held sway," suggest that the man is still deeply affected by the woman's betrayal. The use of the word "dumb" suggests that the woman is unable to express her emotions, which adds to the tragedy of the situation. The poet's use of repetition in these lines, with "standing there" and "turned my face away," adds to the sense of finality.

In terms of literary devices, the poet uses a variety of techniques to convey the emotions of the poem. The use of imagery, such as tears falling like rain, adds to the emotional impact of the poem. The use of enjambment and internal rhyme creates a sense of urgency and musicality. The use of alliteration adds to the emotional impact of the poem. The poet's use of repetition creates a sense of finality.

In conclusion, Robert Service's "A Domestic Tragedy" is a powerful poem that explores the complexities of human relationships. The theme of betrayal is central to the poem, and the poet uses a variety of literary devices to convey the emotions of the poem. The poem is a testament to the power of poetry to convey the depths of human emotion.

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