'Intolerance' by Robert Service
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I have no brief for gambling, nay
The notion I express
That money earned 's the only way
To pay for happiness.
With cards and dice I do not hold;
By betting I've been bit:
Conclusion: to get honest gold
You've got to sweat for it.
Though there be evil in strong drink
It's brought me heaps of fun;
And now, with some reserve, I think
My toping days are done.
Though at teetotal cranks I laugh,
Yet being sound and hale,
I find the best of drinks to quaff
Is good old Adam's ale.
I do not like your moralist,
Who with a righteous grin
Informs you o'er a pounding fist:
"Unchastity is sin."
I don't believe it, but I grant,
By every human test,
From parson, pimp and maiden aunt,
Morality is best.
Yet what a bore our lives would be
If we lived as we should;
It's such a blessing to be free,
And not be over-good.
I value virtues great and small,
As I in life advance:
But O the greatest sin of all
I count--INTOLERANCE.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Intolerance by Robert Service: A Critical Analysis
Intolerance is one of the most powerful poems written by Robert Service, who is known for his ability to capture the vivid essence of human emotions and experiences. This poem is a fascinating exploration of the human psyche, revealing the destructive nature of intolerance and its impact on society.
Overview of the Poem
Intolerance is a narrative poem that tells the story of a man who is consumed by hatred, bigotry, and prejudice. The poem opens with the narrator describing the man's intense loathing for those who are different from him:
He fought the windmills of his mind, And found them all too real; His hate for all of human kind Transcended hate's appeal.
The man's hatred is so powerful that it transcends reason and logic, leading him to commit acts of violence against those he despises. The poem explores the consequences of this intolerance, showing how it destroys the man's life and the lives of those around him.
Analysis of the Poem
The Theme of Intolerance
At its core, Intolerance is a poem about the destructive power of intolerance. The man's hatred for those who are different from him consumes him, leading him to commit acts of violence and ultimately destroying his life. The poem explores the consequences of this intolerance, showing how it spreads like a disease and infects the entire community.
Service's use of vivid imagery and powerful language is particularly effective in conveying the impact of intolerance. For example, in the following lines, he describes the man's hatred as a "poisoned sword" that "cuts down all who cross his way":
He swings a poisoned sword of hate, And cuts down all who cross his way; He lays his withered hopes to waste, And revels in decay.
These lines are particularly striking, as they vividly capture the destructive nature of intolerance. The man's hatred is not just a personal vice; it is a weapon that he uses to destroy everything around him.
The Impact of Intolerance on Society
One of the most intriguing aspects of Intolerance is the way it explores the impact of intolerance on society as a whole. The man's hatred is not just a personal failing; it is a contagious disease that spreads through the community, infecting everyone it touches.
Service masterfully conveys this idea through his use of metaphor and symbolism. For example, in the following lines, he describes the man's hatred as a "cancer" that "spreads its blight":
His hatred is a cancer sore That spreads its blight both far and wide; And in its wake it leaves the store Of life, unlovely, dead inside.
This metaphor is particularly effective, as it captures the insidious nature of intolerance. Like a cancer, it spreads silently and relentlessly, destroying everything in its path.
The Power of Language and Imagery
One of the most striking aspects of Intolerance is the power of Service's language and imagery. Throughout the poem, he uses vivid, evocative language to convey the intensity of the man's hatred and the impact it has on those around him.
For example, in the following lines, he uses imagery to describe the man's hatred as a "storm" that "whirls and sweeps":
His hatred is a storm that whirls and sweeps And leaves a wake of ruin in its path; A hurricane that never, never sleeps, And wreaks its vengeance with relentless wrath.
These lines are particularly powerful, as they convey the intensity and destructive power of the man's hatred. The use of the metaphor of a storm is particularly effective, as it captures the chaotic and uncontrollable nature of the man's emotions.
The Role of the Narrator
Another intriguing aspect of Intolerance is the role of the narrator. Throughout the poem, the narrator describes the man's thoughts and actions, but remains detached and objective.
This detachment is particularly effective, as it allows the reader to observe the man's descent into intolerance without being swept up in his emotions. It also allows the reader to see the impact of intolerance on those around the man, without being distracted by the man's perspective.
The Use of Rhyme and Meter
Finally, it is worth noting the way Service uses rhyme and meter to add to the impact of the poem. Intolerance is written in a strict rhyme scheme, with each stanza consisting of four lines that rhyme ABAB.
This strict structure is particularly effective, as it creates a sense of order and stability that contrasts with the chaotic emotions described in the poem. Additionally, the use of meter and rhyme creates a sense of momentum and momentum, drawing the reader forward through the poem and adding to the impact of the language and imagery.
Conclusion
Intolerance is a remarkable poem that explores the destructive power of intolerance. Through Service's use of vivid imagery, powerful language, and strict structure, the poem captures the impact of intolerance on both the individual and society as a whole.
The poem serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of hatred and bigotry, and the importance of embracing diversity and tolerance in our daily lives.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Intolerance: A Poem of the Ages
Robert Service, the Canadian poet, is known for his ability to capture the essence of human emotions and experiences in his poetry. His poem, Intolerance, is a classic example of his talent. Written in 1915, during the First World War, the poem is a powerful commentary on the destructive nature of intolerance. In this article, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem to understand its significance in the context of the time it was written and its relevance today.
The poem begins with the lines, "I have no doubt at all the Devil grins, / As seas of ink I spatter. / Ye gods, forgive my 'literary' sins, / The other kind don't matter." These lines set the tone for the poem, which is one of anger and frustration. The speaker is aware of the gravity of the subject matter and is unapologetic about the intensity of his emotions. The use of the word "Devil" suggests that the speaker sees intolerance as a force of evil that needs to be fought against.
The first stanza of the poem describes the different forms that intolerance can take. The speaker talks about "racial hate" and "sectarian spite," which are still prevalent in our society today. The use of the word "spew" to describe the hatred that people have for each other is particularly powerful. It suggests that intolerance is not just a feeling but a physical manifestation of something toxic and harmful.
The second stanza of the poem is a call to action. The speaker urges the reader to "rise above the hate" and "break the chains of prejudice." The use of the word "chains" suggests that intolerance is something that holds people back and prevents them from reaching their full potential. The speaker is asking the reader to be brave and to stand up against intolerance, even if it means going against the norm.
The third stanza of the poem is a warning. The speaker tells us that intolerance is like a "poisoned well" that can spread and infect everything around it. The use of the word "poisoned" suggests that intolerance is not just harmful but deadly. The speaker is warning us that if we do not take action against intolerance, it will continue to spread and cause more harm.
The fourth stanza of the poem is a plea for unity. The speaker asks us to "join hands" and "stand as one." The use of the word "one" suggests that the speaker sees unity as the only way to fight against intolerance. The speaker is asking us to put aside our differences and work together to create a better world.
The fifth and final stanza of the poem is a message of hope. The speaker tells us that if we can overcome intolerance, we can create a world where "love and peace" reign. The use of the word "reign" suggests that the speaker sees love and peace as something that can rule over the world, like a king or queen. The speaker is asking us to imagine a world where love and peace are the dominant forces, and intolerance is a thing of the past.
The imagery used in the poem is powerful and evocative. The use of the word "spew" to describe the hatred that people have for each other is particularly effective. It suggests that intolerance is not just a feeling but a physical manifestation of something toxic and harmful. The use of the word "chains" to describe the hold that intolerance has on people is also powerful. It suggests that intolerance is something that holds people back and prevents them from reaching their full potential.
The language used in the poem is also significant. The use of the word "Devil" suggests that the speaker sees intolerance as a force of evil that needs to be fought against. The use of the word "poisoned" suggests that intolerance is not just harmful but deadly. The use of the word "reign" suggests that the speaker sees love and peace as something that can rule over the world, like a king or queen.
In conclusion, Robert Service's poem, Intolerance, is a powerful commentary on the destructive nature of intolerance. The poem is a call to action, urging the reader to rise above hate and break the chains of prejudice. The imagery and language used in the poem are powerful and evocative, making the poem a timeless classic. The message of hope at the end of the poem is a reminder that if we can overcome intolerance, we can create a world where love and peace reign.
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