'The Little Old Log Cabin' by Robert Service
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When a man gits on his uppers in a hard-pan sort of town,
An' he ain't got nothin' comin' an' he can't afford ter eat,
An' he's in a fix for lodgin' an' he wanders up an' down,
An' you'd fancy he'd been boozin', he's so locoed 'bout the feet;
When he's feelin' sneakin' sorry an' his belt is hangin' slack,
An' his face is peaked an' gray-like an' his heart gits down an' whines,
Then he's apt ter git a-thinkin' an' a-wishin' he was back
In the little ol' log cabin in the shadder of the pines.
When he's on the blazin' desert an' his canteen's sprung a leak,
An' he's all alone an' crazy an' he's crawlin' like a snail,
An' his tongue's so black an' swollen that it hurts him fer to speak,
An' he gouges down fer water an' the raven's on his trail;
When he's done with care and cursin' an' he feels more like to cry,
An' he sees ol' Death a-grinnin' an' he thinks upon his crimes,
Then he's like ter hev' a vision, as he settles down ter die,
Of the little ol' log cabin an' the roses an' the vines.
Oh, the little ol' log cabin, it's a solemn shinin' mark,
When a feller gits ter sinnin' an' a-goin' ter the wall,
An' folks don't understand him an' he's gropin' in the dark,
An' he's sick of bein' cursed at an' he's longin' fer his call!
When the sun of life's a-sinkin' you can see it 'way above,
On the hill from out the shadder in a glory 'gin the sky,
An' your mother's voice is callin', an' her arms are stretched in love,
An' somehow you're glad you're goin', an' you ain't a-scared to die;
When you'll be like a kid again an' nestle to her breast,
An' never leave its shelter, an' forget, an' love, an' rest.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Little Old Log Cabin by Robert Service: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
When it comes to classic poems, The Little Old Log Cabin by Robert Service is a piece that possesses a unique blend of simplicity and depth that has captured the hearts of many readers for generations. This poem tells a story of a man who finds solace and comfort in a simple cabin in the woods, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The poem's style and language are straightforward, making it a perfect example of Service's signature writing style. However, beyond the surface simplicity of the poem lies a deeper meaning that requires close analysis and interpretation.
The Symbolism of the Log Cabin
The log cabin is the central symbol of the poem. It represents a place of refuge, a sanctuary where the speaker can escape the chaos of modern life and reconnect with nature. The cabin is described as "humble" and "drear," but it is precisely this unpretentiousness that makes it so appealing to the speaker. The cabin is a place free from the trappings of material wealth or social status.
Furthermore, the cabin can also be interpreted as a metaphor for the speaker's mind. The speaker finds peace and contentment in the simplicity of the cabin, suggesting that he has managed to find a similar tranquillity within himself. The cabin's location in the woods also represents the speaker's connection to nature, which is often seen as a source of spiritual enlightenment.
The Theme of Solitude
The theme of solitude is prevalent throughout the poem. The speaker finds comfort in being alone and away from the company of others. The poem's opening lines, "Oh, the little old log cabin looks back to the day / When the woodsman cleared the forest and the deer ran away," set the tone for the poem's exploration of solitude. The cabin's history is intertwined with that of the forest, which suggests that it is a place of both physical and emotional isolation.
The speaker's desire for solitude is also evident in his description of the cabin's interior. He describes the cabin as "empty," "still," and "silent," suggesting that he prefers a quiet, uncluttered environment. The absence of other people and the sounds of modern life allows the speaker to focus on his own thoughts and emotions.
However, the poem also acknowledges the potential dangers of solitude. The speaker notes that "the wolves are howling, and the panther's a-screech," suggesting that isolation can also be a source of fear and danger. The poem's ending, where the speaker admits that he sometimes "dreams of the city's strife," suggests that while solitude can be comforting, it is ultimately unsustainable.
The Nostalgic Tone
The poem's nostalgic tone is another significant element that requires analysis. The speaker's descriptions of the cabin and the forest are tinged with a sense of longing for a simpler time. He describes the cabin as "old-fashioned" and "rustic," suggesting a preference for traditional values and a rejection of modernity. The poem's opening lines, which describe the forest as "virgin" and "green," suggest that the speaker longs for a time before human intervention disrupted the natural world.
The poem's nostalgic tone can also be interpreted as a critique of modern society. The speaker's descriptions of the city and its "strife" suggest a disdain for the chaos and noise of urban life. The poem's message seems to be one of advocating for a return to a simpler, more peaceful way of life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Little Old Log Cabin by Robert Service is a beautiful and simple poem that hides a deeper meaning beneath its surface simplicity. The poem's central symbol, the log cabin, represents a place of refuge and solitude, while the poem's theme of nostalgia suggests a longing for a simpler time. Combined with Service's signature writing style, the poem is a testament to the power of poetry to evoke emotion, inspire reflection, and convey complex ideas in a concise and accessible manner.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Little Old Log Cabin: A Classic Poem by Robert Service
If you're a fan of classic poetry, then you've probably heard of Robert Service, the famous Canadian poet who wrote some of the most memorable and beloved poems of the 20th century. One of his most famous works is "The Little Old Log Cabin," a charming and nostalgic poem that captures the essence of rural life in the early 1900s.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at "The Little Old Log Cabin" and explore its themes, imagery, and literary devices. We'll also examine the historical context of the poem and discuss why it continues to resonate with readers today.
The Poem
Before we dive into the analysis, let's take a moment to read the poem in its entirety:
The Little Old Log Cabin
Let's build a little cabin in the woods, And there we'll live the whole year round, There'll be no prying neighbor's eyes to fear, No noisy street or traffic sound.
We'll build it snug and warm and tight, To keep the winter's cold at bay, And from its shaded doorway bright, We'll watch the squirrels at play.
We'll have a fireplace built of stone, With a chimney tall and wide, And there we'll sit on winter nights, With the fire roaring inside.
We'll have a garden, too, of course, With vegetables and flowers rare, And there we'll work with spade and hoe, And breathe the sweet, fresh air.
And when the snow is on the ground, We'll wrap up warm and tight, And slide and skate and ski and sled, Till the stars come out at night.
And when the springtime comes again, And the woods are fresh and green, We'll gather sap from maple trees, And make our own syrup, clean.
And so we'll live from year to year, Contented with our lot, And the little old log cabin in the woods, Will be our cozy cot.
Themes
At its core, "The Little Old Log Cabin" is a poem about simplicity, self-sufficiency, and the joys of rural life. The speaker longs to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and retreat to a quiet cabin in the woods, where they can live off the land and enjoy the simple pleasures of nature.
The poem also touches on themes of community and self-reliance. The speaker envisions a life where they can work the land, grow their own food, and live in harmony with their surroundings. There's a sense of pride and satisfaction in being able to provide for oneself and not relying on others for basic needs.
Imagery
One of the most striking aspects of "The Little Old Log Cabin" is its vivid imagery. Service paints a picture of a cozy, rustic cabin nestled in the woods, surrounded by nature's beauty. The imagery is so vivid that you can almost smell the woodsmoke and feel the crunch of snow underfoot.
The poem is filled with sensory details that bring the cabin to life. We can picture the stone fireplace with its roaring fire, the garden bursting with vegetables and flowers, and the maple trees dripping with sap. The imagery is so rich that it's easy to get lost in the world that Service has created.
Literary Devices
Service employs several literary devices in "The Little Old Log Cabin" to enhance the poem's impact. One of the most notable is repetition. The phrase "little old log cabin" appears several times throughout the poem, creating a sense of familiarity and comfort. The repetition also reinforces the idea that the cabin is a central character in the poem, almost like a beloved friend.
Another literary device that Service uses is alliteration. The line "And from its shaded doorway bright" is an example of alliteration, with the repeated "d" and "b" sounds creating a musical quality to the line. Alliteration is used throughout the poem to create a sense of rhythm and flow.
Historical Context
To fully appreciate "The Little Old Log Cabin," it's important to understand the historical context in which it was written. Service was born in 1874 and grew up in Scotland before emigrating to Canada in 1894. He worked as a bank clerk and later as a cowboy before turning to writing full-time.
Service's experiences as a cowboy and his love of the outdoors are evident in "The Little Old Log Cabin." The poem was written in 1907, at a time when many people were leaving rural areas for the cities in search of work and better opportunities. Service's poem can be seen as a nostalgic tribute to a simpler way of life that was rapidly disappearing.
Why It Resonates
So why does "The Little Old Log Cabin" continue to resonate with readers today, over a century after it was written? Perhaps it's because the poem speaks to a universal longing for simplicity and connection to nature. In a world that's increasingly fast-paced and technology-driven, there's something appealing about the idea of retreating to a cozy cabin in the woods and living off the land.
The poem also taps into a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era. Even in Service's time, the rural way of life was rapidly disappearing, and today it's even more rare. "The Little Old Log Cabin" offers a glimpse into a simpler time, when life was slower and more connected to the natural world.
Conclusion
"The Little Old Log Cabin" is a timeless poem that captures the essence of rural life and the joys of simplicity. With its vivid imagery, rich sensory details, and nostalgic themes, it continues to resonate with readers today. Whether you're a city dweller longing for a taste of the countryside or a nature lover seeking a deeper connection to the world around you, this poem is sure to speak to your heart.
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