'Stupidity' by Robert Service


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Stupidity, woe's anodyne,
Be kind and comfort me in mine;
Smooth out the furrows of my brow,
Make me as carefree as a cow,
Content to sleep and eat and drink
And never think

Stupidity, let me be blind
To all the ills of humankind;
Fill me with simple sentiment
To walk the way my father went;
School me to sweat with robot folk
Beneath the yoke.

Stupidity, keep in their place
The moiling masses of my race,
And bid the lowly multitude
Be humble as a people should;
Learn us with patient hearts, I pray,
Lords to obey.

Stupidity and Ignorance,
Be you our buffers 'mid mischance;
Endoctrine us to do your will,
And other stupid people kill;
Fool us with hope of Life to be,
Great god to whom we bow the knee,
--STUPIDITY.

Editor 1 Interpretation

#Stupidity by Robert Service: A Critique and Interpretation

Oh, Stupidity! A poem that can't be ignored, it grabs your attention with its sheer audacity. Robert Service's poem, Stupidity, is an amusing and thought-provoking piece of art. The title itself is enough to make you wonder what kind of ideas and insights the poem will offer about the human condition. The poem is about a man who is so stupid that he doesn't even know what he doesn't know. It's a humorous take on human ignorance, but it also has a deeper message that is worth exploring.

##Form and Structure

Service's Stupidity is written in rhyming couplets, which gives it a sing-song quality. The poem flows smoothly, and the rhythm is easy to follow. The rhyming pattern is AABB, which adds a lighthearted and playful tone to the poem. The poem is composed of six stanzas, each consisting of four lines. Each stanza is a complete thought in itself, but they all work together to build the narrative of the poem. The structure of the poem is simple and straightforward, and it complements the humor and the message of the poem.

##Language and Imagery

The language used in Stupidity is simple and accessible, which makes it easy to understand and relate to. The poem is written in a conversational tone, and it feels like the narrator is speaking directly to the reader. The language is also humorous, and there are several instances of wordplay and puns that add to the overall comedic effect of the poem.

The imagery in Stupidity is vivid and colorful. The poem is full of metaphors and similes that help to illustrate the narrator's point. For example, in the second stanza, the narrator compares the man's mind to "a stagnant pool." This metaphor paints a picture of a mind that is not active or engaged, but rather dull and lifeless. Similarly, in the fourth stanza, the narrator describes the man's lack of knowledge as "an empty pail." This simile emphasizes the emptiness and shallowness of the man's mind.

##Themes and Messages

The main theme of Stupidity is human ignorance. The poem is a commentary on the dangers of not being aware of one's own limitations. The man in the poem is so stupid that he doesn't even realize he is stupid. He assumes that he knows everything, and he is content to remain ignorant. The poem is a warning against such complacency, and it urges the reader to be humble and to seek knowledge.

Another theme that emerges from the poem is the importance of curiosity. The man in the poem is not curious about the world around him, and he is not interested in learning new things. The poem suggests that curiosity is a vital part of human nature, and that it is essential for personal growth and development.

##Conclusion

In conclusion, Robert Service's Stupidity is a witty and entertaining poem that packs a punch. The poem's humorous tone and playful language make it an enjoyable read, but its message is thought-provoking and profound. The poem urges us to be aware of our own limitations, and to be humble in the face of our own ignorance. It reminds us that curiosity is a vital part of human nature, and that we should never stop seeking knowledge. Overall, Stupidity is a poem that is both entertaining and enlightening, and it is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the human condition.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Stupidity: A Classic Poem by Robert Service

Robert Service, the renowned poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his timeless works. One of his most celebrated poems, Stupidity, is a masterpiece that captures the essence of human folly and the consequences of our actions. In this article, we will delve into the depths of this classic poem and explore its themes, symbolism, and meaning.

The poem begins with the line, "Stupidity, woe's anodyne, be kind and comfort me in mine." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it highlights the poet's plea for comfort in the face of his own stupidity. The word "anodyne" means a pain-relieving drug, and the poet is asking stupidity to be his comfort in times of trouble. This line is a reflection of the human condition, where we often seek solace in our own ignorance and foolishness.

The second stanza of the poem reads, "Oh, make me simple, make me dumb, that I may blissful be and numb." Here, the poet is asking for simplicity and ignorance, so that he can be happy and free from the burden of knowledge. This is a common human desire, as we often seek to escape the complexities of life and find happiness in ignorance. However, the poet also acknowledges the dangers of such a mindset, as he goes on to say, "Forgetting all I used to know, I'll cease to be a man, and so." This line highlights the consequences of ignorance, as it leads to a loss of humanity and identity.

The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful, as it describes the consequences of stupidity. The lines read, "For I have seen the world's great ways, and folly's triumphs, and her plays; And I have seen the wise and fair, with all their pomp, and how they fare." Here, the poet is reflecting on his own experiences and observations of the world. He has seen the triumphs of folly and the failures of the wise and fair. This line is a commentary on the human condition, where even the most intelligent and successful individuals can fall prey to their own stupidity.

The fourth stanza of the poem is a call to action, as the poet implores his readers to learn from his mistakes. The lines read, "So let me in my corner sit, and learn to be a hypocrite; And when I hear the fools debate, let me remember I am great." Here, the poet is acknowledging his own shortcomings and asking his readers to learn from his mistakes. He is urging them to be hypocritical and to remember their own greatness in the face of foolishness.

The final stanza of the poem is a reflection on the nature of stupidity. The lines read, "For though to folly I am wed, she is a mistress who has led full many a man to wealth and fame, and even given his soul a name." Here, the poet is acknowledging the power of stupidity, as it has led many individuals to success and fame. However, he is also warning against the dangers of such a mindset, as it can lead to a loss of one's soul and identity.

In terms of symbolism, the poem uses the concept of stupidity as a metaphor for human folly and ignorance. The poet personifies stupidity as a mistress, highlighting the seductive nature of ignorance. The poem also uses the image of a corner, where the poet sits and reflects on his own stupidity, as a symbol of isolation and introspection.

The poem's meaning is multi-faceted, as it explores the consequences of human folly and the dangers of ignorance. The poet is urging his readers to learn from his mistakes and to be aware of the seductive nature of ignorance. He is also highlighting the power of stupidity, as it can lead to success and fame, but at the cost of one's soul and identity.

In conclusion, Stupidity is a classic poem that captures the essence of human folly and the consequences of our actions. The poet's use of symbolism and metaphor adds depth and complexity to the poem, while his message is both cautionary and reflective. This timeless work is a testament to Robert Service's skill as a poet and his understanding of the human condition.

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