'The Bread-Knife Ballad' by Robert Service
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A little child was sitting Up on her mother's knee
And down down her cheeks the bitter tears did flow.
And as I sadly listened I heard this tender plea,
'Twas uttered in a voice so soft and low.
"Not guilty" said the Jury And the Judge said "Set her free,
But remember it must not occur again.
And next time you must listen to you little daughter's plea,"
Then all the Court did join in this refrain.
Chorus:
"Please Mother don't stab Father with the BREAD-KNIFE,
Remember 'twas a gift when you were wed.
But if you must stab Father with the BREAD-KNIFE,
Please Mother use another for the BREAD."
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Bread-Knife Ballad: A Tale of Love and Betrayal
Robert Service's "The Bread-Knife Ballad" is a haunting poem that tells the story of a young woman who falls in love with a handsome soldier, only to be betrayed by him in the end. Written in the form of a ballad, the poem is marked by Service's characteristic wit and humor, as well as his keen insight into human nature.
At first glance, "The Bread-Knife Ballad" appears to be a simple story about a woman and a man. However, as we delve deeper into the poem, we begin to see that it is much more than that. It is a poem about love, betrayal, and the human condition itself.
The Story
The story of "The Bread-Knife Ballad" is a familiar one. A young woman, who is described as "fair and lovely as the morn," falls in love with a soldier. The two of them have a brief but intense romance, which is described in vivid detail:
And oh! he was so handsome, and oh! he was so tall,
With a face like any angel, and a voice like any thrall;
Service's description of the soldier is so vivid that we can almost see him standing before us, a handsome, charismatic figure who has captured the heart of the young woman.
However, just as quickly as their love affair begins, it comes to an end. The soldier is called away to fight in a distant war, leaving the young woman behind. She is heartbroken, but she vows to wait for him, no matter how long it takes:
"Oh, I will wait for thee, my love, till thou dost come again."
Years go by, and the soldier does not return. The young woman grows old and weary, but still she waits for him. Finally, when she is an old woman, the soldier returns, but he is not the man she remembers:
But ah! he was so altered, and ah! so worn with care,
With a voice as harsh as thunder, and a face as grim and bare;
The soldier has been through years of war and hardship, and he is no longer the dashing young man he once was. And worse, he has brought back with him another woman, a younger, prettier woman who is to be his new bride.
The old woman is devastated by this betrayal, and she takes her revenge by using the only weapon she has left: a bread knife. She kills the soldier and his new bride, and then she kills herself, bringing an end to the tragic story.
Themes
The themes of "The Bread-Knife Ballad" are numerous and complex. At its core, the poem is about love and the lengths to which people will go to protect it. The young woman is willing to wait for the soldier for years, even though she knows that he may never return. And when he does return, she is willing to kill him and his new bride rather than let him go.
But the poem is also about betrayal and the devastating effects it can have. The soldier betrays the young woman by leaving her and then returning with another woman. And the young woman, in turn, betrays the soldier by killing him and his bride.
Finally, the poem is about the human condition itself. It is about the fleeting nature of love and the inevitability of death. The young woman's love for the soldier is intense and passionate, but it is also brief and fleeting. And in the end, death is the only thing that can bring an end to her suffering.
Interpretation
Interpreting "The Bread-Knife Ballad" is not an easy task. The poem is rich in symbolism and metaphor, and it can be read in a variety of ways. However, one interpretation that seems particularly compelling is that the poem is a commentary on the futility of war.
The soldier in the poem is a victim of war, just as the young woman is a victim of love. He is sent away to fight in a distant war, and when he returns, he is a shadow of his former self. He has lost his youth, his health, and his love.
Similarly, the young woman is a victim of love. She has given her heart to the soldier, but he has betrayed her. And in the end, she is left with nothing but a bread knife and a heart full of sorrow.
The poem seems to suggest that war and love are both destructive forces that can lead to tragedy and despair. And it is only when we recognize this that we can begin to move past them and find a way to live in peace.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Robert Service's "The Bread-Knife Ballad" is a powerful poem that speaks to the human condition in a profound and moving way. It is a poem about love and betrayal, war and peace, life and death. And it is a poem that will continue to resonate with readers for years to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Bread-Knife Ballad: A Tale of Love and Betrayal
Robert Service's The Bread-Knife Ballad is a classic poem that tells a tale of love, betrayal, and revenge. Set in the rugged landscape of the Yukon, the poem is a vivid portrayal of the harsh realities of life in the wilderness. With its vivid imagery, powerful emotions, and memorable characters, The Bread-Knife Ballad is a masterpiece of storytelling that has captivated readers for generations.
The poem tells the story of a young man named Joe, who falls in love with a beautiful woman named Mary. Joe is a hardworking miner who spends his days digging for gold in the mountains. Mary is a waitress at the local saloon, and Joe is immediately smitten with her. He woos her with gifts and kind words, and soon they are deeply in love.
However, their happiness is short-lived. One day, Joe discovers that Mary has been cheating on him with another man. He is devastated and heartbroken, and he decides to take revenge on Mary and her lover. He steals a bread knife from the saloon and sets out to confront them.
The scene that follows is one of the most powerful and memorable in the poem. Joe finds Mary and her lover in a secluded spot in the woods, and he confronts them with the bread knife. Mary pleads with him to spare her lover's life, but Joe is consumed by rage and jealousy. He stabs the man to death and then turns the knife on Mary.
The poem's climax is a stunning moment of poetic justice. As Joe raises the knife to strike Mary, he suddenly realizes the horror of what he has done. He drops the knife and runs away, leaving Mary alone in the woods. She is left to face the consequences of her actions, and the poem ends with a haunting image of her standing alone in the wilderness.
The Bread-Knife Ballad is a powerful poem that explores some of the most fundamental themes of human existence. It is a story of love, betrayal, and revenge, but it is also a story of redemption and forgiveness. Through the character of Joe, the poem shows us the destructive power of jealousy and anger, but it also shows us the possibility of redemption and forgiveness.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its vivid imagery. Service's descriptions of the Yukon landscape are breathtakingly beautiful, and his portrayal of the characters is equally vivid. Joe is a complex and multi-dimensional character, and his emotions are portrayed with great sensitivity and depth. Mary, too, is a fascinating character, and her motivations and actions are explored with great insight.
Another notable feature of the poem is its use of language. Service's writing is rich and evocative, and his use of rhyme and meter gives the poem a musical quality. The poem's structure is also noteworthy, with its use of repetition and refrain adding to its power and impact.
Overall, The Bread-Knife Ballad is a classic poem that deserves to be read and appreciated by readers of all ages. Its themes of love, betrayal, and revenge are timeless, and its vivid imagery and powerful language make it a true masterpiece of poetry. Whether you are a fan of poetry or simply love a good story, The Bread-Knife Ballad is a must-read.
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