'Stowaway' by Robert Service
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We'd left the sea-gulls long behind,
And we were almost in mid-ocean;
The sky was soft and blue and kind,
The boat had scarcely any motion;
Except that songfully it sped,
And sheared the foam swift as an arrow . . .
There fluttered down a city sparrow.
I stared with something of surprise;
The apparition mocked my seeming;
In fact I gently rubbed my eyes
And wondered if I were not dreaming.
It must, I mused, at Montreal
Have hopped abroad, somewhere to nestle,
And failed to hear the warning call
For visitors to leave he vessel.
Well, anyway a bird it was,
With winky eyes and wings a-twitter,
Unwise to migration Laws,
From Canada a hardy flitter;
And as it hopped about the deck
So happily I wondered whether
It wasn't scramming from Quebec
For London's mild and moister weather.
My rover's heart went out to it,
That vain, vivacious little devil;
And as I watched it hop and flit
I hoped it would not come to evil;
It planned above the plangent sea
(A foolish flight, I'd never risk it),
And then it circled back to me
And from my palm picked crumbs of biscuit.
Well, voyages come to an end
(WE make them with that understanding);
One morn I missed my feathered friend,
And hope it made a happy landing.
Oh may she ever happy be
(It 'twas a "she") with eggs to sit on,
And rest on our side of he sea,
A brave, brown, cheery, chirping Briton.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Stowaway: A Poem of Adventure and Rebellion
Robert Service's Stowaway is a poem that takes us on a thrilling journey of rebellion and adventure. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Service introduces us to the character of Jim, a young man who has had enough of the monotony of his life and decides to take matters into his own hands. But as we delve deeper into the poem, we begin to realize that it is not just a story of a young man's rebellion, but also a commentary on the human need for freedom and the struggle against oppression. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, symbols, and literary devices used in Stowaway, and how they contribute to the poem's overall message.
Plot Summary
The poem begins with the introduction of Jim, a young man who is tired of the dull routine of his life. He longs for adventure and freedom, and so he decides to stow away on a ship bound for the South Seas. Jim is soon discovered by the captain and crew, who are initially angry and ready to punish him. However, Jim's courage and determination win them over, and they eventually accept him as a member of the crew.
As the ship sails towards its destination, Jim grows bolder and more confident. He becomes a model sailor, and the crew begins to look up to him as a leader. However, trouble soon arises when the ship reaches its destination, and the crew is ordered to transport a group of prisoners to a nearby island. Jim is horrified by the inhumane treatment of the prisoners and begins to question the authority of the captain and crew. He eventually leads a rebellion against them, and the prisoners are set free.
In the end, Jim and the prisoners set sail for a new life, free from the constraints of society and the oppressive authority of the ship's crew.
Themes
Freedom and Rebellion
One of the most prominent themes in Stowaway is the human need for freedom and the struggle against oppression. Jim is tired of the dull routine of his life and longs for adventure and freedom. He takes matters into his own hands and stows away on a ship, defying the authority of his family and society. Throughout the poem, Jim rebels against the authority of the captain and crew, questioning their orders and eventually leading a rebellion against them. The prisoners, too, are fighting for their freedom, and Jim's rebellion gives them the chance to escape their fate.
Courage and Determination
Another important theme in Stowaway is the power of courage and determination. Jim is a young man who is determined to live life on his own terms, no matter the cost. He faces numerous challenges and obstacles on his journey, but his courage and determination never waver. He is willing to risk his life for the freedom of the prisoners and the chance to live a life of adventure.
Injustice and Inequality
The poem also touches on the themes of injustice and inequality. The prisoners are treated inhumanely, and their lives are seen as disposable by the crew. Jim is disgusted by their treatment and questions the authority of the captain and crew. The poem highlights the disparity between those in power and those without it, and the need to fight against injustice and inequality.
Symbols
The Ship
The ship is a powerful symbol in Stowaway, representing the journey of life and the human desire for adventure and freedom. It is also a symbol of the oppressive authority that Jim rebels against. The ship represents the society that we live in, with its rules and regulations that often constrain us. Jim's rebellion against the ship's authority is a metaphor for the human struggle against societal constraints and the need for freedom.
The Ocean
The ocean is another important symbol in the poem, representing the unknown and the limitless potential of life. It is a symbol of the adventure that Jim longs for and the freedom that he seeks. The ocean also represents the dangers and uncertainties of life, with its unpredictable nature and the potential for disaster.
The Prisoners
The prisoners are a symbol of the oppressed and marginalized in society. They are treated inhumanely by the crew, and their lives are seen as disposable. Jim's rebellion against the crew is a symbol of the fight against oppression and the struggle for freedom and equality.
Literary Devices
Imagery
Service uses powerful imagery throughout the poem to bring the story to life. The descriptions of the ship, the ocean, and the prisoners are vivid and evocative, creating a sense of atmosphere and emotion. For example, in the following lines, Service uses imagery to describe the ship:
Her sides were slippery-smooth and tall, As free from weed as a billiard ball; Her decks were dry as a bone.
The imagery of the ship's smooth sides and dry decks creates a sense of cleanliness and orderliness, contrasting with the chaotic rebellion that takes place later in the poem.
Alliteration
Service also uses alliteration to create a sense of rhythm and musicality in the poem. For example, in the following lines, he uses alliteration to describe the ship's movement:
She rose on a long, smooth, billowy swell, Like a swan on a crystal lake.
The repetition of the 's' sound creates a sense of fluidity and motion, mirroring the movement of the ship on the waves.
Repetition
Repetition is another literary device used in Stowaway to emphasize certain themes and ideas. For example, in the following lines, Service repeats the word 'free' to emphasize the theme of freedom:
Oh, I want to be free! I want to be free! I want to be free as the wave on the sea!
The repetition of the word 'free' creates a sense of urgency and passion, emphasizing Jim's desire for freedom.
Conclusion
Stowaway is a poem that explores the themes of freedom, rebellion, courage, and injustice. Through powerful imagery, symbols, and literary devices, Service creates a vivid and evocative story of a young man on a journey of self-discovery and rebellion. The poem is a commentary on the human need for freedom and the struggle against oppression, and it encourages us to fight against injustice and inequality in society. Stowaway is a timeless classic that continues to inspire readers today, and it is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of the human experience.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Stowaway: A Poem of Adventure and Courage
Robert Service, the renowned poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his captivating works. One of his most celebrated poems, Stowaway, is a thrilling tale of a young boy's journey to the unknown. The poem is a perfect blend of adventure, courage, and determination, and it has captured the hearts of readers for generations.
The poem begins with the protagonist, a young boy, who is determined to leave his mundane life behind and embark on an adventure. He sneaks onto a ship, hiding in the cargo hold, and sets sail to an unknown destination. The boy's courage and determination are evident from the very beginning, as he risks his life to fulfill his dream.
As the ship sails on, the boy faces numerous challenges, including hunger, thirst, and fear. However, he refuses to give up and remains steadfast in his quest for adventure. The poem beautifully captures the boy's emotions, as he experiences the thrill of the unknown and the fear of the uncertain.
The boy's journey takes him to exotic lands, where he encounters new cultures and experiences. He is fascinated by the sights and sounds of the foreign lands and is eager to explore them. The poem vividly describes the boy's experiences, as he immerses himself in the new surroundings.
However, the boy's adventure comes to an abrupt end when he is discovered by the crew. The captain is furious and threatens to throw him overboard. The boy pleads with the captain, explaining his desire for adventure and his determination to explore the world. The captain, moved by the boy's courage, decides to spare his life and allows him to continue his journey.
The poem ends with the boy reflecting on his adventure and the lessons he has learned. He realizes that life is full of challenges and that one must be brave and determined to overcome them. The poem is a beautiful reminder of the importance of courage and determination in the face of adversity.
The poem's structure is simple, yet effective. The use of rhyming couplets adds to the poem's flow and rhythm, making it easy to read and understand. The poem's language is also simple, yet powerful, making it accessible to readers of all ages.
The poem's themes of adventure, courage, and determination are universal, making it relevant to readers of all cultures and backgrounds. The poem is a celebration of the human spirit and the desire for exploration and discovery.
In conclusion, Stowaway is a timeless poem that continues to captivate readers with its thrilling tale of adventure and courage. Robert Service's masterful use of language and structure has created a poem that is both accessible and powerful. The poem's themes of adventure, courage, and determination are universal, making it relevant to readers of all ages and backgrounds. Stowaway is a beautiful reminder of the importance of courage and determination in the face of adversity, and it is a testament to the human spirit's desire for exploration and discovery.
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