'No Neck-Tie Party' by Robert Service
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A prisoner speaks:
Majority of twenty-three,
I face the Judge with joy and glee;
For am I not a lucky chap -
No more hanging, no more cap;
A "lifer," yes, but well I know
In fifteen years they'll let me go;
For I'll be pious in my prison,
Sing with gusto: Christ Is Risen;
Serve the hymn-books out on Sunday,
Sweep the chapel clean on Monday:
Such a model lag I'll be
In fifteen years they'll set me free.
Majority of twenty three,
You've helped me cheat the gallows tree.
I'm twenty now, at thirty-five
How I will laugh to be alive!
To leap into the world again
And bless the fools miscalled "humane,"
Who say the gibbet's wrong and so
At thirty-five they let me go,
Tat I may sail the across the sea
A killer unsuspect and free,
To change my name, to darkly thrive
By hook or crook at thirty-five.
O silent dark and beastly wood
Where with my bloodied hands I stood!
O piteous child I raped and slew!
Had she been yours, would you and you
Have pardoned me and set me free,
Majority of twenty-three?
Yet by your solemn vote you willed
I shall not die though I have killed;
Although I did no mercy show,
In mercy you will let me go. . . .
That he who kills and does not pay
May live to kill another day.
*By a majority of twenty-three the House of Commons
voted the abolition of the death penalty.
Editor 1 Interpretation
No Neck-Tie Party by Robert Service: A Celebration of Unconventionality
Have you ever attended a party where people are expected to dress up in formal attire, wear neckties, and behave in a rigid, uptight manner? If so, you might relate to the spirit of Robert Service's poem, No Neck-Tie Party, which celebrates a gathering of people who embrace unconventionality, reject societal norms, and revel in the simple joys of life. In this essay, I will offer a detailed literary criticism and interpretation of this classic poem, exploring its themes, structure, language, and historical context.
Overview of the Poem
No Neck-Tie Party was first published in 1930 in Robert Service's book, Rhymes of a Red Cross Man. Service was a Canadian poet and writer who gained international fame for his ballads and verses that captured the rugged, adventurous spirit of the Yukon during the Gold Rush era. In this poem, Service turns his attention to a different kind of adventure - a party that defies the conventions of polite society and celebrates freedom, spontaneity, and camaraderie.
The poem consists of twelve stanzas, each containing four lines with a consistent rhyme scheme (ABCB). The tone is light-hearted, playful, and irreverent, with a hint of satire and social commentary. The speaker of the poem is a participant in the party, who describes the scene with vivid imagery, humor, and a touch of nostalgia. The poem can be read as a celebration of the joys of nonconformity, a critique of the stifling norms of polite society, and a reflection on the fleeting nature of happiness.
Themes
The central theme of No Neck-Tie Party is the celebration of unconventionality and the rejection of societal norms. The party-goers are described as a "wild and woolly crew" who "had no use for etiquette," "flirted with the waiters," "smoked when they wanted," and "danced with who they pleased" (lines 3-7). They are depicted as a joyful and carefree bunch who have liberated themselves from the constraints of social expectations and embraced the pleasures of the moment.
The poem also touches on the theme of social class and the tension between the wealthy elite and the working class. The speaker notes that the party is held in a "swanky joint on Fifth" (line 10), implying that it is an upscale venue reserved for the wealthy. However, the party-goers themselves are described as a diverse group of people from different walks of life, including "shop-girls and stenographers," "bookies and bartenders," and "millionaires and derelicts" (lines 8-9). The poem suggests that in the context of the party, social hierarchies are dissolved, and people are united by their shared desire for fun and freedom.
Another theme that emerges in the poem is the fleeting nature of happiness and the inevitability of change. The speaker notes that "joy is a bubble, a thing of a day" (line 12), implying that the happiness of the party is transitory and cannot be sustained indefinitely. He also hints at a sense of longing for the past, noting that "since then there's been no party quite so rare" (line 15), suggesting that the memory of the party lingers on as a source of nostalgia and regret.
Structure and Language
No Neck-Tie Party is structured in twelve stanzas, each containing four lines with a consistent rhyme scheme (ABCB). The rhythm is brisk and lively, with a regular meter that alternates between iambic and anapestic feet. The language is colloquial, direct, and accessible, with a mix of slang, humor, and vivid imagery. The poem employs a range of literary devices, including alliteration, assonance, onomatopoeia, and repetition, to enhance the musicality and expressiveness of the verse.
One of the most striking features of the poem is its use of imagery to evoke the atmosphere of the party. The speaker describes the room as "dimly lit" and "jammed with folks," with "cigarette smoke and the sound of jokes" (lines 1-2). He also notes the presence of a "jazz band" that "jammed like mad" and made the party-goers "howl and shout" (lines 7-8). These images create a vivid sense of the energy, noise, and excitement of the party and convey the speaker's enthusiasm for the unconventional and the spontaneous.
The poem also employs a mix of humor and irony to poke fun at the rigid norms of polite society. The speaker notes that the party-goers "had no use for etiquette," implying that they reject the rules of social decorum that insist on formal attire, subdued behavior, and class distinctions. He also notes that they "flirted with the waiters," implying that they are unafraid to break the taboo of fraternizing with the lower classes. These ironic touches add a layer of social commentary to the poem and suggest that the party is a small rebellion against the conservative norms of the time.
Historical Context
No Neck-Tie Party was written and published in the aftermath of the Great Depression, a period of economic hardship, social upheaval, and political turmoil in the United States. The poem reflects the spirit of the time, which was marked by a sense of disillusionment with traditional values, a desire for change and renewal, and a fascination with the unconventional and the exotic.
The party described in the poem can be seen as a microcosm of the broader cultural trends of the time. It represents a rejection of the old social order and a celebration of a new kind of freedom and individualism. The poem also reflects the influence of jazz music, which was emerging as a popular and controversial art form that challenged traditional notions of rhythm, melody, and harmony.
At the same time, the poem also reflects the social and cultural tensions of the time, including the division between the wealthy elite and the working class, the struggle for racial and gender equality, and the fear of social decay and moral decline. The party-goers are depicted as a diverse group of people from different social backgrounds and professions, suggesting a nascent sense of social mobility and inclusivity. However, the poem also hints at the transitory nature of their unity and the underlying divisions and hierarchies that persist outside the party.
Conclusion
No Neck-Tie Party is a classic poem that captures the spirit of its time and speaks to universal themes of freedom, individuality, and the pursuit of happiness. Through its vivid imagery, playful language, and irreverent tone, the poem celebrates a group of people who reject social norms, embrace spontaneity and joy, and find solidarity in their shared experience. At the same time, the poem also hints at the transitory nature of their happiness and the underlying tensions and divisions that persist outside the party. As such, the poem offers a complex and nuanced reflection on the human condition, one that remains relevant and resonant to this day.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
No Neck-Tie Party: A Celebration of Freedom and Individuality
Robert Service’s poem “No Neck-Tie Party” is a celebration of freedom and individuality. The poem is a call to break free from the constraints of society and embrace one’s true self. It is a rallying cry for those who have been oppressed by the expectations of others and a reminder that we are all unique and should be proud of our differences.
The poem begins with the speaker describing a party where the guests are all wearing “no neck-ties”. This is a symbolic gesture that represents the rejection of conformity and the embrace of individuality. The neck-tie has long been a symbol of conformity and professionalism, and by rejecting it, the guests are declaring their independence from societal norms.
The speaker goes on to describe the guests as “wild and woolly” and “free and easy”. These descriptions further emphasize the idea of individuality and freedom. The guests are not concerned with appearances or social status, but rather with enjoying themselves and being true to who they are.
The poem then takes a darker turn as the speaker describes the “grim and gray” faces of those who are not at the party. These are the people who are still trapped in the constraints of society and who have not yet embraced their individuality. The speaker describes them as “slaves” who are “chained to the grind”. This is a powerful metaphor that highlights the idea that those who conform to societal norms are not truly free, but rather are trapped in a cycle of work and obligation.
The poem then returns to the party, where the guests are described as “singing and dancing” and “drinking and prancing”. This is a joyful scene that celebrates the freedom and individuality of the guests. They are not concerned with the opinions of others or the expectations of society, but rather with enjoying themselves and being true to who they are.
The poem ends with the speaker declaring that he would rather be at the “no neck-tie party” than anywhere else. This is a powerful statement that emphasizes the importance of individuality and freedom. The speaker is declaring that he would rather be true to himself and embrace his uniqueness than conform to societal norms and expectations.
Overall, “No Neck-Tie Party” is a powerful poem that celebrates the freedom and individuality of the human spirit. It is a call to break free from the constraints of society and embrace one’s true self. The poem is a reminder that we are all unique and should be proud of our differences. It is a rallying cry for those who have been oppressed by the expectations of others and a reminder that true freedom comes from being true to oneself.
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