'Privacy' by Robert Service
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Oh you who are shy of the popular eye,
(Though most of us seek to survive it)
Just think of the goldfish who wanted to die
Because she could never be private.
There are pebbles and reeds for aquarium needs
Of eel and of pike who are bold fish;
But who gives a thought to a sheltering spot
For the sensitive soul of a goldfish?
So the poor little thing swam around in a ring,
In a globe of a crystalline crudity;
Swam round and swam round, but no refuge she found
From the public display of her nudity;
No weedy retreat for a cloister discreet,
From the eye of the mob to exempt her;
Can you wonder she paled, and her appetite failed,
Till even a fly couldn't tempt her?
I watched with dismay as she faded away;
Each day she grew slimmer and slimmer.
From an amber hat burned, to a silver she turned
Then swiftly was dimmer and dimmer.
No longer she gleamed, like a spectre she seemed,
One morning I anxiously sought her:
I only could stare - she no longer was there . . .
She'd simply dissolved in the water.
So when you behold bright fishes of gold,
In globes of immaculate purity;
Just think how they'd be more contented and free
If you gave them a little obscurity.
And you who make laws, get busy because
You can brighten he lives of untold fish,
If its sadness you note, and a measure promote
To Ensure Private Life For The Goldfish.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Privacy by Robert Service: A Journey Through Solitude and Contemplation
Robert Service, the renowned poet of the early 20th century, is a master of capturing the essence of human emotions and experiences in his works. In his poem, "Privacy", Service delves into the subject of solitude, its meaning, and its significance in our lives. The poem reflects on the joys and benefits of being alone and the power of contemplation that comes with it.
The Poem
Privacy, let all release From hell who hug, from paradise who cease; Wealth, taste, love, lore, lips, life, light Lift but your loneliness, and lo - delight!
In every human heart there is a need for privacy, a space of our own where we can retreat from the world and be alone with our thoughts. Service starts the poem by calling out to everyone, urging them to release their grip on the world and embrace the beauty of solitude. The first line, "Privacy, let all release", sets the tone for the rest of the poem, emphasizing the importance of privacy in our lives.
The next line, "From hell who hug, from paradise who cease", is a powerful metaphor that suggests that those who are too attached to the world are living in hell, and those who have lost touch with it are living in paradise. The line conveys the idea that true happiness lies in finding a balance between our need for privacy and our engagement with the world.
The next line, "Wealth, taste, love, lore, lips, life, light", is a list of things that we often associate with happiness and fulfillment. Service is saying that all these things can lift us up, but they are fleeting and cannot replace the joy that comes from being alone with our thoughts. The line also suggests that sometimes, the pursuit of these things can distract us from the real meaning of life.
The final line, "Lift but your loneliness, and lo - delight!", is a beautiful and hopeful message that encapsulates the poem's theme. It suggests that if we embrace our loneliness and use it as a tool for self-reflection and contemplation, we will find delight and happiness.
The Interpretation
Privacy is a celebration of solitude, a call to embrace our need for privacy and use it as a tool for personal growth and self-reflection. The poem suggests that in a world that is constantly bombarding us with noise and distractions, finding moments of solitude can be an antidote to the chaos and a source of joy and fulfillment.
The metaphor of hell and paradise is a powerful one that suggests that those who are too attached to the world are living in hell, and those who have lost touch with it are living in paradise. The message is clear: true happiness lies in finding a balance between our need for privacy and our engagement with the world.
The list of things that we often associate with happiness and fulfillment is a reminder that sometimes, the pursuit of these things can distract us from the real meaning of life. Service is suggesting that true happiness lies not in the pursuit of material wealth, but in the pursuit of inner peace and self-awareness.
The final line, "Lift but your loneliness, and lo - delight!", is a message of hope and optimism. It suggests that if we embrace our loneliness and use it as a tool for self-reflection and contemplation, we will find delight and happiness. Service is saying that solitude is not something to be feared or avoided, but something to be celebrated and embraced.
The Literary Criticism
Privacy is a beautifully written poem that captures the essence of human emotions and experiences in a powerful and evocative way. The poem's theme is one that is relevant to people of all ages and backgrounds, making it a timeless piece of literature that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.
Service's use of metaphor is particularly effective in conveying the poem's message. The metaphor of hell and paradise is a powerful one that suggests that those who are too attached to the world are living in hell, and those who have lost touch with it are living in paradise. The message is clear: true happiness lies in finding a balance between our need for privacy and our engagement with the world.
The poem's structure is also noteworthy. The use of short, simple lines gives the poem a sense of urgency and immediacy, while the repetition of the word "privacy" emphasizes the poem's theme. The final line, "Lift but your loneliness, and lo - delight!", is a powerful and memorable conclusion that encapsulates the poem's message in a simple and elegant way.
In conclusion, Privacy is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the beauty and power of solitude. Service's use of metaphor and simple language give the poem a timeless quality that continues to resonate with readers today. The poem is a reminder that in a world that is constantly bombarding us with noise and distractions, finding moments of solitude can be an antidote to the chaos and a source of joy and fulfillment.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Privacy: An Ode to Solitude
Robert Service’s poem, Privacy, is a timeless masterpiece that celebrates the beauty and importance of solitude. Written in 1914, the poem captures the essence of a human need that has only grown more urgent in our modern, hyper-connected world. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of Privacy, and understand why it continues to resonate with readers across generations.
The poem begins with a simple yet powerful statement: “Oh you who are shy of the world’s rude stare, / How would you fare in solitudes there?” This opening sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Service invites the reader to imagine a life of seclusion and introspection. The first stanza describes the beauty of nature, with its “purple peaks” and “crystal streams,” and how it can provide a refuge from the noise and chaos of society. The second stanza introduces the idea of privacy as a state of mind, where one can be alone even in a crowded room. Service writes, “For there’s no privacy in a crowd, / And faces and voices are blaring loud.” This contrast between the external and internal worlds is a recurring theme in the poem, as Service explores the different ways in which we seek and find privacy.
The third stanza is perhaps the most poignant, as Service describes the loneliness that can come with solitude. He writes, “Yet there’s a thrill that you’ll never know / When you’re alone in the great white snow.” This line captures the paradox of privacy, where the very thing that brings us peace and freedom can also make us feel isolated and vulnerable. Service acknowledges this duality throughout the poem, and it is what gives it its emotional depth and complexity.
The fourth stanza shifts the focus to the act of writing, and how it can be a form of privacy in itself. Service writes, “And there’s a joy in the written word / Ne’er found in speech that’s vainly heard.” This line speaks to the power of language to capture our innermost thoughts and feelings, and to share them with others in a way that is both intimate and universal. Service himself was a prolific writer, and his poetry often explored themes of nature, love, and the human condition.
The fifth and final stanza brings the poem full circle, as Service returns to the idea of nature as a source of privacy. He writes, “So here’s to the hermit of the wood, / And here’s to the man who lives for good.” This line celebrates those who choose to live a life of solitude, whether by choice or circumstance, and recognizes the value of their contribution to society. The poem ends with a sense of reverence and gratitude for the beauty and mystery of privacy, and the role it plays in our lives.
In terms of structure, Privacy is a simple yet effective poem that follows a traditional ABAB rhyme scheme. Each stanza consists of four lines, with the first and third lines rhyming, and the second and fourth lines rhyming. This structure gives the poem a sense of rhythm and balance, and allows Service to explore different aspects of privacy in a concise and focused way.
The language of Privacy is also noteworthy, as Service uses vivid imagery and sensory details to bring his words to life. The use of alliteration, assonance, and repetition creates a musical quality to the poem, and adds to its emotional impact. For example, in the second stanza, Service writes, “For there’s no privacy in a crowd, / And faces and voices are blaring loud.” The repetition of the “p” and “v” sounds in “privacy,” “crowd,” “voices,” and “blaring” creates a cacophony of noise that contrasts with the quiet stillness of nature.
Overall, Privacy is a timeless poem that speaks to the human need for solitude and introspection. Service’s use of language and structure creates a powerful and evocative work that continues to resonate with readers today. Whether we seek privacy in nature, writing, or simply being alone with our thoughts, this poem reminds us of the beauty and importance of this fundamental human experience.
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