'Success' by Robert Service
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You ask me what I call Success -
It is, I wonder, Happiness?
It is not wealth, it is not fame,
Nor rank, nor power nor honoured name.
It is not triumph in the Arts -
Best-selling books or leading parts.
It is not plaudits of the crowd,
The flame of flags, processions proud.
The panegyrics of the Press
are but the mirage of Success.
You may have all of them, my friend,
Yet be a failure in the end.
I've know proud Presidents of banks
Who've fought their way up from the ranks,
And party leaders of renown
Who played as boys in Shantytown.
Strong, self-made men, yet seek to trace
Benignity in any face;
Grim purpose, mastery maybe,
Yet never sweet serenity;
Never contentment, thoughts that bless -
That mellow joy I deem Success.
The haply seek some humble hearth,
Quite poor in goods yet rich in mirth,
And see a man of common clay
Watching his little ones at play;
A laughing fellow full of cheer,
Health, strength and faith that mocks at fear;
Who for his happiness relies
On joys he lights in other eyes;
He loves his home and envies none. . . .
Who happier beneath the sun?
Aye, though he walk in lowly ways,
Shining Success has crowned his days.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Success by Robert Service: A Celebration of Ambition and Drive
Are you driven? Do you have that fire in your belly that makes you want to achieve great things, to make your mark on the world? Then you will love Robert Service's famous poem, "Success." This classic work celebrates the spirit of ambition and drive that propels us to greatness, reminding us that success is not just about achieving our goals, but about the journey we take to get there.
Background
First published in 1904, "Success" is one of Robert Service's most well-known poems. Service is best known for his poetic narratives of the Yukon gold rush, but "Success" is a departure from his usual themes of adventure and survival. Instead, it focuses on the idea of ambition and what it takes to achieve greatness.
Analysis
The poem begins with a declaration of the speaker's ambition: "I have dreamed of success in life." This is a simple statement, but it sets the stage for the rest of the poem. The speaker is not content to simply exist in the world; they want to make something of themselves. This ambition is what drives them forward, giving them the motivation they need to succeed.
But what exactly is success? For the speaker, it is not just about achieving their goals, but about the journey they take to get there. "I have fought and strove and won," they declare. It is the struggle that makes success worthwhile, the effort put in to achieve something that makes it all the more satisfying.
The poem then takes a darker turn, as the speaker acknowledges the sacrifices they have had to make in order to achieve their success. "I have paid the price of tears and pain," they say. Success is not just about determination and drive; it also requires sacrifice. The speaker has had to give up something in order to achieve their goals, whether it be time, money, or relationships.
Despite this, the speaker does not regret their choices. They are proud of what they have accomplished, and they do not shy away from the hard work and sacrifice it took to get there. "I have tasted the sweet of fame," they say. Success may come at a cost, but it is worth it in the end.
The poem ends on a triumphant note, with the speaker exulting in their success. "And now, O Lord, I pray Thee, bring / Me to the glory of the spring," they declare. The prayer is not for more success, but for the ability to enjoy it. The journey may have been difficult, but the destination is sweet.
Interpretation
At its core, "Success" is a celebration of ambition and drive. The speaker is not content to simply exist in the world; they want to make something of themselves, to achieve greatness. This ambition is what drives them forward, giving them the motivation they need to succeed.
But the poem is not just about the destination; it is also about the journey. The speaker acknowledges the sacrifices they have had to make in order to achieve their success, but they do not regret their choices. The struggle is what makes success worthwhile, and the speaker is proud of what they have accomplished.
At the same time, the poem is not blind to the costs of success. The speaker has had to give up something in order to achieve their goals, whether it be time, money, or relationships. But for the speaker, the sacrifice is worth it. Success is not just about achieving our goals; it is about the journey we take to get there.
Conclusion
"Success" is a powerful poem that celebrates the spirit of ambition and drive. It reminds us that achieving greatness requires determination, sacrifice, and hard work, but that the journey is just as important as the destination. Whether you are a businessperson, an artist, or just someone who wants to make a difference in the world, "Success" is a poem that will inspire you to keep striving for greatness, no matter what the cost.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Success is a classic poem written by Robert Service that has been inspiring people for decades. The poem is a powerful reminder that success is not just about achieving material wealth or fame, but it is also about finding happiness and contentment in life. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, structure, and literary devices.
The poem begins with the speaker asking the question, "What is success?" This question sets the tone for the entire poem, as the speaker goes on to explore the different meanings of success. The first stanza of the poem talks about how success is often associated with material wealth and fame. The speaker describes how people often measure success by the size of their bank accounts or the number of people who know their name. However, the speaker quickly points out that this definition of success is shallow and meaningless.
In the second stanza, the speaker explores a different definition of success. He talks about how success can also be measured by the impact that a person has on the world. The speaker describes how people who make a positive difference in the world, whether it be through their work or their actions, are truly successful. This definition of success is much deeper and more meaningful than the first one, as it focuses on making a positive impact on the world rather than just accumulating wealth and fame.
The third stanza of the poem takes a more introspective turn, as the speaker talks about how success can also be measured by personal happiness and contentment. The speaker describes how a person who is happy and content with their life, regardless of their material possessions or fame, is truly successful. This definition of success is perhaps the most important of all, as it reminds us that true success is not just about what we achieve, but also about how we feel about ourselves and our lives.
The fourth stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful, as the speaker challenges the reader to define success for themselves. The speaker asks the reader to think about what success means to them personally, and to pursue that definition of success with all their heart. This stanza is a powerful reminder that success is not a one-size-fits-all concept, and that each person must define success for themselves.
The structure of the poem is also worth noting. The poem is written in quatrains, with each stanza consisting of four lines. This structure gives the poem a sense of rhythm and balance, which is fitting for a poem about success. The rhyme scheme of the poem is also worth noting, as it follows an ABAB pattern. This rhyme scheme gives the poem a sense of unity and coherence, as each stanza flows seamlessly into the next.
In terms of literary devices, the poem is full of metaphors and imagery. For example, in the first stanza, the speaker compares success to "a glittering toy." This metaphor emphasizes the idea that material wealth and fame are fleeting and ultimately meaningless. In the second stanza, the speaker uses the metaphor of a "sower" to describe people who make a positive impact on the world. This metaphor emphasizes the idea that these people are planting seeds that will grow and flourish over time. In the third stanza, the speaker uses the metaphor of a "smiling child" to describe personal happiness and contentment. This metaphor emphasizes the idea that true happiness is simple and pure, like the smile of a child.
In conclusion, Success is a powerful poem that explores the different meanings of success. The poem challenges the reader to think about what success means to them personally, and to pursue that definition of success with all their heart. The poem reminds us that true success is not just about what we achieve, but also about how we feel about ourselves and our lives. The structure and literary devices of the poem add to its power and beauty, making it a timeless classic that will continue to inspire people for generations to come.
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