'Equality' by Robert Service
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The Elders of the Tribe were grouped
And squatted in the Council Cave;
They seemed to be extremely pooped,
And some were grim, but all were grave:
The subject of their big To-do
Was axe-man Chow, the son of Choo.
Then up spoke Tribal Wiseman Waw:
"Brothers, today I talk to grieve:
As an upholder of the Law
You know how deeply we believe
In Liberty, Fraternity,
And likewise Equality.
"A chipper of the flint am I;
I make the weapons that you use,
And though to hunt I never try,
To bow to hunters I refuse:
But stalwart Chow, the son of Choo
Is equal to us any two.
"He is the warrior supreme,
The Super-caveman, one might say;
The pride of youth, the maiden's dream,
And in the chase the first to slay.
Where we are stunted he is tall:
In short, a menace to us all.
"He struts with throwing stone and spear;
And is he not the first to wear
Around his waist with bully leer
The pelt of wolf and baby bear!
Admitting that he made the kill
Why should he so exploit his skill?
"Comrades, grave counsel we must take,
And as he struts with jest and jibe,
Let us act swiftly lest he make
Himself Dictator of our Tribe:
The Gods have built him on their plan:
Let us reduce him to a man."
And so they seized him in the night,
And on the sacrificial stone
The axe-men of the Tribe did smite,
Until one limb he ceased to own.
There! They had equalized the odds,
Foiling unfairness of the Gods.
So Chow has lost his throwing arm,
And goes around like every one;
No longer does he threaten harm,
And tribal justice has been done.
For men are equal, let us seek
To grade the Strong down to the weak.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Equality by Robert Service: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Wow, what a poem! Robert Service's "Equality" is a masterpiece of literary art that captures the essence of humanity's struggle for fairness and equality. With its simple yet powerful language, this poem delves deep into the heart of human nature, exploring the themes of social justice, freedom, and the fight against oppression. In this essay, I will provide a detailed literary criticism and interpretation of "Equality," analyzing its structure, language, and imagery to reveal the significance and impact of this timeless piece of literature.
Background and Context
Before we dive into the poem itself, let's take a moment to discuss the background and context of "Equality." Robert Service was a Canadian poet who lived from 1874 to 1958. He is known for his narrative poems, which often deal with themes of adventure, romance, and the harsh realities of life in the Canadian wilderness. "Equality" was published in 1918, during the height of World War I. At this time, there was a growing demand for social justice and equal rights, as people began to realize the injustices and inequalities of the existing social and political systems.
Against this backdrop, Service's poem stood out as a powerful statement of the human desire for equality, freedom, and justice. The poem is written in Service's characteristic style, with simple language, direct imagery, and a clear narrative structure. But beneath this surface simplicity lies a complex web of ideas and emotions that reveal the deeper meanings and significance of "Equality."
Structure and Form
Let's begin our analysis by looking at the structure and form of "Equality." The poem is written in four stanzas, each consisting of four lines. The rhyme scheme is AABB, with each line composed of four stressed syllables. This creates a powerful sense of rhythm and momentum, propelling the poem forward with a relentless energy.
The first stanza sets the tone and introduces the central theme of the poem: the struggle for equality. The opening lines, "I saw a king this morning / King of Glory, King of Right" create a vivid image of power and majesty. But this image is soon contrasted with the reality of human inequality: "He spoke of how his kingdom / Was a kingdom of the bright." This contrast between the ideal and the real sets the stage for the rest of the poem.
The second stanza introduces the central conflict of the poem: the struggle against injustice and oppression. The lines "Then a beggar came a-begging / At the monarch's holy feet" introduce the figure of the beggar, who represents the oppressed and marginalized people of society. The beggar's plea for help and justice is met with indifference and contempt by the king, who "turned his head away." This rejection of the beggar's plea highlights the cruelty and injustice of the existing social order.
The third stanza continues the theme of the struggle for equality, but with a more positive tone. The lines "Then a maid came in her beauty / And her tatters made her fair" introduce the figure of the maid, who represents the oppressed and marginalized people who are fighting for their rights. The king is moved by the maid's beauty and sincerity, and he "raised her up to share." This moment of compassion and recognition suggests that there is hope for a better future, where people can live in harmony and equality.
The final stanza brings the poem to a powerful conclusion, emphasizing the theme of equality and the need for social justice. The lines "I saw a king this morning / Like a flame all heavenly bright" create a sense of hope and possibility, suggesting that the struggle for equality is not in vain. The final line, "And the beggar and the maiden / And the king are equal in His sight" brings the poem full circle, emphasizing the central message that all people are equal in the eyes of God, and that it is our duty to fight for justice and freedom for all.
Language and Imagery
Now let's turn to the language and imagery of "Equality." Service's use of language is simple and direct, but with a powerful emotional impact. The repetition of the phrase "I saw a king this morning" creates a sense of awe and wonder, while the contrast between the king's power and the reality of human suffering creates a sense of tension and conflict.
The use of metaphor and imagery is also significant in this poem. The image of the "king of glory" creates a sense of grandeur and splendor, while the image of the "maid in tatters" suggests the painful reality of poverty and oppression. The use of color imagery is also significant, with the king's kingdom described as a "kingdom of the bright," contrasting with the darkness and suffering of the beggar and the maid.
Service's use of religious imagery is also notable in this poem. The reference to the "King of Glory" and the idea that all people are equal in His sight suggests a spiritual dimension to the struggle for equality. This religious imagery adds a sense of depth and meaning to the poem, suggesting that the fight for justice and freedom is not merely a political or social issue, but a moral and spiritual one as well.
Themes and Messages
At its core, "Equality" is a poem about the struggle for justice and freedom. The central theme of the poem is the fight against oppression and inequality, and the need for social justice and equality. Through his use of language and imagery, Service emphasizes the importance of recognizing the humanity and dignity of all people, and the need to work towards a more just and equitable society.
The poem also has a spiritual dimension, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the divine spark in all people, and the idea that all people are equal in the eyes of God. This religious imagery adds a sense of depth and significance to the struggle for equality, suggesting that it is not merely a political or social issue, but a moral and spiritual one as well.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Robert Service's "Equality" is a powerful poem that captures the essence of humanity's struggle for justice and freedom. Through its simple yet powerful language, direct imagery, and clear narrative structure, this poem delves deep into the heart of human nature, exploring the themes of social justice, freedom, and the fight against oppression. Service's use of metaphor and imagery, as well as his emphasis on the spiritual dimension of the struggle for equality, adds a sense of depth and significance to this timeless piece of literature. In a world where injustice and inequality continue to exist, "Equality" stands as a powerful reminder of the importance of recognizing the humanity and dignity of all people, and the need to work towards a more just and equitable society.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Equality: A Poem of Hope and Unity
Robert Service’s poem, Equality, is a powerful and inspiring piece that speaks to the universal desire for fairness and justice. Written in 1912, the poem is a call to action for all people to come together and work towards a world where everyone is treated equally, regardless of their race, gender, or social status. In this analysis, we will explore the themes and imagery used in the poem, as well as the historical context in which it was written.
The poem begins with the lines, “I saw a king, who spent his life / To weave into a nation’s strife / The silken bond of brotherhood.” These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, as they introduce the idea of unity and brotherhood. The king in the poem represents a leader who is dedicated to creating a society where everyone is equal and treated with respect. This is a powerful image, as it shows that even those in positions of power can work towards creating a more just world.
The next stanza of the poem introduces the idea of inequality, as the speaker describes seeing “A man who walked in lordly state / With every step disdainful hate / Upon his lips and in his eyes.” This man represents the opposite of the king, as he is filled with hatred and contempt for those who are different from him. This image is particularly relevant today, as we continue to see examples of discrimination and prejudice in our society.
The third stanza of the poem introduces the idea of hope, as the speaker describes seeing “A youth who dreamed a noble dream / Of life that matched his high esteem / And gave his heart to serve the state.” This youth represents the potential for change and progress, as he is filled with hope and a desire to make the world a better place. This image is particularly relevant today, as we see young people around the world taking action to fight for social justice and equality.
The fourth stanza of the poem introduces the idea of unity, as the speaker describes seeing “A woman, with a mother’s grace / Who strove to make a happy place / For all the children of her race.” This woman represents the idea of community and caring for others, as she is dedicated to creating a better life for her children and those around her. This image is particularly relevant today, as we see women around the world taking on leadership roles and fighting for gender equality.
The fifth stanza of the poem brings all of these ideas together, as the speaker describes seeing “A man, who in his nation’s need / Had given all, nor asked to plead / For any meed of praise or gain.” This man represents the idea of sacrifice and selflessness, as he is willing to give everything for the greater good. This image is particularly relevant today, as we see healthcare workers and other essential workers risking their lives to help others during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The final stanza of the poem is a call to action, as the speaker declares, “Oh, let us build a world anew / Where me and mine and all we do / Shall be for Freedom’s sake.” This line is a powerful statement of hope and determination, as it calls on all people to work towards creating a world where everyone is free and equal. This image is particularly relevant today, as we continue to see protests and movements around the world fighting for social justice and equality.
In terms of historical context, it is important to note that the poem was written in 1912, a time when the world was undergoing significant social and political changes. The suffrage movement was gaining momentum, as women around the world fought for the right to vote. The civil rights movement was also beginning to take shape, as people of color around the world fought for equal rights and an end to discrimination. In this context, Service’s poem can be seen as a call to action for all people to come together and work towards creating a more just and equal society.
In terms of literary devices, Service uses a variety of techniques to convey his message. The use of imagery is particularly powerful, as it allows the reader to visualize the different characters and ideas presented in the poem. The repetition of the phrase “I saw” also adds to the poem’s impact, as it emphasizes the idea that these are not just abstract concepts, but real people and situations that the speaker has witnessed.
In conclusion, Robert Service’s poem, Equality, is a powerful and inspiring piece that speaks to the universal desire for fairness and justice. Through its use of imagery and repetition, the poem conveys a message of hope and unity, calling on all people to work towards creating a world where everyone is free and equal. In today’s world, where we continue to see examples of discrimination and prejudice, Service’s poem is a reminder that we must continue to fight for social justice and equality, and that we must never give up hope for a better future.
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