'The Odyssey Of 'Erbert 'Iggins' by Robert Service


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Me and Ed and a stretcher
Out on the nootral ground.
(If there's one dead corpse, I'll betcher
There's a 'undred smellin' around.)
Me and Eddie O'Brian,
Both of the R. A. M. C.
"It'as a 'ell of a night
For a soul to take flight,"
As Eddie remarks to me.
Me and Ed crawlin' 'omeward,
Thinkin' our job is done,
When sudden and clear,
Wot do we 'ear:
'Owl of a wounded 'Un.

"Got to take 'im," snaps Eddy;
"Got to take all we can.
'E may be a Germ
Wiv the 'eart of a worm,
But, blarst 'im! ain't 'e a man?"
So 'e sloshes out fixin' a dressin'
('E'd always a medical knack),
When that wounded 'Un
'E rolls to 'is gun,
And 'e plugs me pal in the back.

Now what would you do? I arst you.
There was me slaughtered mate.
There was that 'Un
(I'd collered 'is gun),
A-snarlin' 'is 'ymn of 'ate.
Wot did I do? 'Ere, whisper . . .
'E'd a shiny bald top to 'is 'ead,
But when I got through,
Between me and you,
It was 'orrid and jaggy and red.

"'Ang on like a limpet, Eddy.
Thank Gord! you ain't dead after all."
It's slow and it's sure and it's steady
(Which is 'ard, for 'e's big and I'm small).
The rockets are shootin' and shinin',
It's rainin' a perishin' flood,
The bullets are buzzin' and whinin',
And I'm up to me stern in the mud.
There's all kinds of 'owlin' and 'ootin';
It's black as a bucket of tar;
Oh, I'm doin' my bit,
But I'm 'avin' a fit,
And I wish I was 'ome wiv Mar.

"Stick on like a plaster, Eddy.
Old sport, you're a-slackin' your grip."
Gord! But I'm crocky already;
My feet, 'ow they slither and slip!
There goes the biff of a bullet.
The Boches have got us for fair.
Another one -- WHUT!
The son of a slut!
'E managed to miss by a 'air.
'Ow! Wot was it jabbed at me shoulder?
Gave it a dooce of a wrench.
Is it Eddy or me
Wot's a-bleedin' so free?
Crust! but it's long to the trench.
I ain't just as strong as a Sandow,
And Ed ain't a flapper by far;
I'm blamed if I understand 'ow
We've managed to get where we are.
But 'ere's for a bit of a breather.
"Steady there, Ed, 'arf a mo'.
Old pal, it's all right;
It's a 'ell of a fight,
But are we down-'earted? No-o-o."

Now war is a funny thing, ain't it?
It's the rummiest sort of a go.
For when it's most real,
It's then that you feel
You're a-watchin' a cinema show.
'Ere's me wot's a barber's assistant.
Hey, presto! It's somewheres in France,
And I'm 'ere in a pit
Where a coal-box 'as 'it,
And it's all like a giddy romance.
The ruddy quick-firers are spittin',
The 'eavies are bellowin' 'ate,
And 'ere I am cashooly sittin',
And 'oldin' the 'ead of me mate.
Them gharstly green star-shells is beamin',
'Ot shrapnel is poppin' like rain,
And I'm sayin': "Bert 'Iggins, you're dreamin',
And you'll wake up in 'Ampstead again.
You'll wake up and 'ear yourself sayin':
`Would you like, sir, to 'ave a shampoo?'
'Stead of sheddin' yer blood
In the rain and the mud,
Which is some'ow the right thing to do;
Which is some'ow yer 'oary-eyed dooty,
Wot you're doin' the best wot you can,
For 'Ampstead and 'ome and beauty,
And you've been and you've slaughtered a man.
A feller wot punctured your partner;
Oh, you 'ammered 'im 'ard on the 'ead,
And you still see 'is eyes
Starin' bang at the skies,
And you ain't even sorry 'e's dead.
But you wish you was back in your diggin's
Asleep on your mouldy old stror.
Oh, you're doin' yer bit, 'Erbert 'Iggins,
But you ain't just enjoyin' the war."

"'Ang on like a hoctopus, Eddy.
It's us for the bomb-belt again.
Except for the shrap
Which 'as 'it me a tap,
I'm feelin' as right as the rain.
It's my silly old feet wot are slippin',
It's as dark as a 'ogs'ead o' sin,
But don't be oneasy, my pippin,
I'm goin' to pilot you in.
It's my silly old 'ead wot is reelin'.
The bullets is buzzin' like bees.
Me shoulder's red-'ot,
And I'm bleedin' a lot,
And me legs is on'inged at the knees.
But we're staggerin' nearer and nearer.
Just stick it, old sport, play the game.

I make 'em out clearer and clearer,
Our trenches a-snappin' with flame.
Oh, we're stumblin' closer and closer.
'Ang on there, lad! Just one more try.
Did you say: Put you down? Damn it, no, sir!
I'll carry you in if I die.
By cracky! old feller, they've seen us.
They're sendin' out stretchers for two.
Let's give 'em the hoorah between us
('Anged lucky we aren't booked through).
My flipper is mashed to a jelly.
A bullet 'as tickled your spleen.
We've shed lots of gore
And we're leakin' some more,
But -- wot a hoccasion it's been!
Ho! 'Ere comes the rescuin' party.
They're crawlin' out cautious and slow.
Come! Buck up and greet 'em, my 'earty,
Shoulder to shoulder -- so.
They mustn't think we was down-'earted.
Old pal, we was never down-'earted.
If they arsts us if we was down-'earted
We'll 'owl in their fyces: 'No-o-o!'"

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Odyssey Of 'Erbert 'Iggins: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Triumph

Robert Service's iconic poem, The Odyssey Of 'Erbert 'Iggins, is a stunning piece of literary work that explores the themes of self-discovery, perseverance, and triumph of the human spirit. Written in Service's signature style, the poem paints a vivid picture of the titular character's journey from a lowly clerk to a hero, and in doing so, delves deep into the human psyche and the complexities of the human experience.

The Hero's Journey

At its core, The Odyssey Of 'Erbert 'Iggins is a classic hero's journey, with Herbert as the hero who sets out on a quest to prove his worth and find his place in the world. From the very beginning of the poem, we see Herbert as a meek and unassuming clerk, who is constantly berated and belittled by his boss and colleagues. But instead of giving up, Herbert decides to take matters into his own hands, and sets out on a journey to prove himself.

As he embarks on his journey, Herbert encounters a series of challenges and obstacles, which he overcomes with his sheer determination and resourcefulness. From fighting off a band of robbers to outsmarting a cunning businessman, Herbert proves time and again that he has what it takes to succeed.

The Theme of Self-Discovery

But The Odyssey Of 'Erbert 'Iggins is not just a simple tale of a hero's journey. It is also a deeply philosophical exploration of the theme of self-discovery. As Herbert navigates his way through the challenges of his journey, he begins to discover hidden depths within himself that he never knew existed.

Through his encounters with various characters on his journey, Herbert begins to question his own beliefs and values, and develops a new sense of self-awareness. He realizes that he is capable of much more than he ever thought possible, and that his true worth lies not in his job title, but in his own abilities and strengths.

The Triumph of the Human Spirit

But perhaps the most striking theme of The Odyssey Of 'Erbert 'Iggins is the triumph of the human spirit. Throughout the poem, we see Herbert facing seemingly insurmountable odds, and yet, he never gives up. He is doggedly determined to succeed, and refuses to let anyone or anything stand in his way.

And in the end, Herbert's determination pays off. He emerges from his journey as a hero, having proven his worth and earned the respect of those who once mocked him. It is a triumphant moment that speaks to the indomitable spirit of the human race, and reminds us that no matter how daunting the challenges we face may seem, we are all capable of rising to the occasion and achieving greatness.

Analysis and Interpretation

There is so much to unpack in The Odyssey Of 'Erbert 'Iggins, from its themes and motifs to its use of language and imagery. The poem is a rich tapestry of literary devices, and it is easy to get lost in its intricate web of meaning.

At its heart, however, The Odyssey Of 'Erbert 'Iggins is a story about the human condition. It speaks to our innate desire to succeed, to overcome adversity, and to find our place in the world. It reminds us that no matter how small or insignificant we may feel, we are all capable of greatness if we are willing to work hard and persevere.

Conclusion

The Odyssey Of 'Erbert 'Iggins is a true masterpiece of poetry, and a testament to Robert Service's mastery of the craft. Through its vivid imagery, powerful themes, and unforgettable characters, the poem captures the essence of the human experience, and speaks to the triumph of the human spirit.

For anyone who has ever felt lost, or insignificant, or unsure of their place in the world, The Odyssey Of 'Erbert 'Iggins is a must-read. It is a journey of self-discovery and triumph, a testament to the power of the human spirit, and a reminder that no matter how challenging life may be, we are all capable of greatness.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Odyssey of 'Erbert 'Iggins: A Journey of Self-Discovery

Robert Service's classic poem, The Odyssey of 'Erbert 'Iggins, is a tale of adventure, self-discovery, and the triumph of the human spirit. The poem tells the story of 'Erbert 'Iggins, a young man who sets out on a journey to find himself and his place in the world. Along the way, he faces numerous challenges and obstacles, but ultimately emerges victorious, having learned valuable lessons about life and himself.

The poem begins with 'Erbert 'Iggins setting out on his journey, leaving behind his comfortable life and familiar surroundings. He is filled with a sense of excitement and anticipation, eager to see what the world has in store for him. As he travels, he encounters a variety of people and experiences, each of which teaches him something new about himself and the world around him.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is the vivid imagery that Service employs to bring 'Erbert 'Iggins' journey to life. From the rugged mountains to the rolling seas, the reader is transported to a world of adventure and excitement. Service's use of language is also noteworthy, with his use of rhyme and meter adding to the poem's sense of rhythm and momentum.

As 'Erbert 'Iggins continues on his journey, he faces a number of challenges and obstacles. He is forced to confront his fears and weaknesses, and to push himself to his limits. But through it all, he remains determined and resilient, refusing to give up or give in.

One of the most memorable scenes in the poem is when 'Erbert 'Iggins comes face to face with a fierce dragon. Rather than running away or cowering in fear, he stands his ground and faces the beast head-on. In doing so, he discovers a strength and courage within himself that he never knew existed.

Another key moment in the poem is when 'Erbert 'Iggins meets a wise old sage who imparts to him a valuable lesson about the nature of life. The sage tells him that life is like a river, constantly flowing and changing, and that the key to happiness is to learn to go with the flow. This lesson resonates deeply with 'Erbert 'Iggins, and he carries it with him for the rest of his journey.

As 'Erbert 'Iggins nears the end of his journey, he reflects on all that he has learned and experienced. He realizes that he has grown and changed in ways that he never thought possible, and that he is now ready to face whatever challenges the future may hold.

In the final lines of the poem, 'Erbert 'Iggins declares that he is no longer the same person he was when he set out on his journey. He has been transformed by his experiences, and is now a stronger, wiser, and more confident individual.

In conclusion, The Odyssey of 'Erbert 'Iggins is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of self-discovery, and of the transformative power of adventure and experience. Through 'Erbert 'Iggins' journey, we are reminded that we are all capable of great things, and that the key to unlocking our full potential lies within ourselves.

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