'Escape' by Robert Service


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Tell me, Tramp, where I may go
To be free from human woe;
Say where I may hope to find
Ease of heart and peace of mind;
Is thee not some isle you know
Where I may leave Care behind?


So spoke one is sore distress,
And I answered softly: "Yes,
There's an isle so sweet and kind
So to clemency inclined,
So serene in loveliness
That the blind may lead the blind.

"Where there is no shade of fear,
For the sun shines all the year,
And there hangs on every tree
Fruit and food for you an me:
With each dawn so crystal clear
How like heaven earth can be!

"Where in mild and friendly clime
You will lose all count of time,
See the seasons blend in one,
Under sovereignty of sun;
Day with day resolve in rhyme,
Reveries and nothing done.

"You will mock the ocean roar,
Knowing you will evermore
Bide beside a lorn lagoon,
Listen to the ripples croon
On the muteness of the shore,
Silver-shattered in the moon.

"Come, let's quit this sorry strife,
Seek a sweeter, saner life,
Go so far, so very far
It just seems another star.
Go where joy and love are rife,
Go where peace and plenty are."

But he answered: "Brother, no,
To your isle I'll never go,
For the pity in my heart
Will not let me live apart
From God's world of want and woe:
I will stay and play my part,
Strive and suffer . . . Be it so."

Editor 1 Interpretation

Exciting Interpretation of Robert Service’s “Escape”

When I first stumbled upon Robert Service’s “Escape,” I was immediately drawn in by the captivating imagery and vivid descriptions. As I delved deeper into the poem, I found myself lost in the world of the narrator as he recounts his journey into the wilderness. In this literary criticism and interpretation of “Escape,” I will explore the themes of freedom, nature, and the human psyche, and how they are intertwined throughout the poem.

Theme of Freedom

The theme of freedom is a prominent and recurring element in “Escape.” The narrator, who is tired of living in the city, seeks refuge in the wilderness, where he can escape the pressures of society and be free. The poem begins with a sense of restlessness, as the narrator feels trapped in his urban surroundings:

All my life it has plagued me,
this hunger to go to the wild;

The use of the word “plagued” conveys a sense of desperation, as if the narrator cannot escape this yearning for freedom. He feels confined and constrained by the city, and seeks an escape to the wilderness where he can be free:

And the call of the void came on me,
like the music of wild bugles blown

The metaphor of the “call of the void” and the “wild bugles” evoke a sense of adventure and excitement, urging the narrator to leave his urban life behind and seek out the freedom of the wilderness.

Theme of Nature

Nature is another central theme in “Escape.” The narrator’s journey into the wilderness is a journey into the heart of nature, where he is free to explore and discover its beauty. Throughout the poem, Service uses rich descriptions of nature to create a vivid and immersive world:

And I thought of the joy of the bare,
sun-washed hills, and I yearned for them.

The use of sensory details such as “sun-washed hills” creates a vivid image of the natural world, and the narrator’s “yearning” for it conveys a sense of longing to be immersed in its beauty. As the narrator embarks on his journey, he becomes increasingly attuned to the natural world around him:

And I saw in a dream old gardens,
with spirits of yester-year,

The use of the word “dream” suggests that the narrator is becoming lost in his own thoughts and in the world of nature. The metaphor of “spirits of yester-year” also suggests a connection to the past and a sense of history, immersing the narrator in the natural world.

Theme of the Human Psyche

Finally, the theme of the human psyche is intertwined with the themes of freedom and nature in “Escape.” The narrator’s journey into the wilderness is not just a physical journey, but a journey of self-discovery and exploration. He seeks to escape the confines of society, but also the confines of his own mind:

I would go where the wild heart calls,
to the life that is led astray;

The use of the phrase “wild heart” suggests a sense of inner turmoil, a desire to break free from the constraints of the self. The narrator is seeking not just physical freedom, but spiritual freedom as well, a liberation of the soul:

And I prayed for the faith of the savage,
courage to bid my soul stand still,

The use of the word “savage” suggests a connection to the wild and untamed, and the narrator’s desire to have the “faith” and “courage” of the savage suggests a desire to become one with the natural world and to break free from the constraints of civilization.

Conclusion

In “Escape,” Robert Service weaves together the themes of freedom, nature, and the human psyche to create a powerful and immersive poem. The narrator’s journey into the wilderness is not just a physical escape, but a spiritual journey of self-discovery and exploration. Through rich descriptions of nature and evocative imagery, Service creates a vivid and immersive world that draws the reader in and leaves them feeling as if they too have escaped into the wilderness. Overall, “Escape” is a powerful ode to freedom and the beauty of the natural world, and a testament to the power of the human spirit.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Escape: A Poem of Freedom and Adventure

Robert Service’s Escape is a classic poem that captures the essence of freedom and adventure. The poem tells the story of a man who longs to escape the mundane routine of his life and embark on a journey of self-discovery. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Service paints a picture of a world full of possibilities and invites the reader to join the protagonist on his quest for freedom.

The poem begins with the protagonist expressing his desire to escape from the monotony of his life. He yearns for a life of adventure and excitement, away from the drudgery of his daily routine. The opening lines of the poem set the tone for what is to come:

"Who knows what waits beyond the skies, Beyond the stars and moon? A man must search before he dies, And find his soul a boon."

These lines convey a sense of restlessness and a longing for something more. The protagonist is not content with the life he has and is willing to take risks to find something better.

As the poem progresses, the protagonist sets out on his journey, leaving behind the safety and comfort of his home. He travels through rugged terrain, facing challenges and obstacles along the way. The imagery used in the poem is powerful and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the world the protagonist is exploring:

"Through tangled woods and up steep hills, He climbed with panting breath; He crossed the streams and leaped the rills, And laughed aloud in death."

These lines capture the sense of adventure and excitement that the protagonist is experiencing. He is not afraid to take risks and is willing to face whatever challenges come his way.

As the protagonist continues on his journey, he encounters a variety of people and experiences. He meets a beautiful woman who captures his heart and a wise old man who imparts valuable wisdom. He also faces danger and betrayal, but he never loses sight of his goal. He remains focused on his quest for freedom and continues to push forward, no matter what obstacles he faces.

The climax of the poem comes when the protagonist finally reaches his destination. He stands on a mountaintop, looking out at the world below, and realizes that he has found what he was looking for:

"He stood upon a mountain peak, And saw the world below; He felt his heart with rapture speak, And knew that he was free."

These lines capture the sense of triumph and liberation that the protagonist feels. He has achieved his goal and has found the freedom he was seeking.

Escape is a poem that speaks to the human desire for adventure and freedom. It reminds us that life is not meant to be lived in a state of monotony and routine, but rather as a journey of self-discovery and exploration. The poem is a call to action, urging us to take risks and embrace the unknown. It is a reminder that the world is full of possibilities and that we should never stop searching for our own personal boon.

In conclusion, Escape is a classic poem that captures the essence of freedom and adventure. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Robert Service invites the reader to join the protagonist on his quest for self-discovery. The poem is a reminder that life is meant to be lived to the fullest and that we should never stop searching for our own personal boon.

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