'Bessie's Boil' by Robert Service
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Says I to my Missis: "Ba goom, lass! you've something I see, on your mind."
Says she: "You are right, Sam, I've something. It 'appens it's on me be'ind.
A Boil as 'ud make Job jealous. It 'urts me no end when I sit."
Says I: "Go to 'ospittel, Missis. They might 'ave to coot it a bit."
Says she: "I just 'ate to be showin' the part of me person it's at."
Says I: "Don't be fussy; them doctors see sights more 'orrid than that."
So Misses goes off togged up tasty, and there at the 'ospittel door
They tells 'er to see the 'ouse Doctor, 'oose office is Room Thirty-four.
So she 'unts up and down till she finds it, and knocks and a voice says: "Come in,"
And there is a 'andsome young feller, in white from 'is 'eels to 'is chin.
"I've got a big boil," says my Missis. "It 'urts me for fair when I sit,
And Sam (that's me 'usband) 'as asked me to ask you to coot it a bit."
Then blushin' she plucks up her courage, and bravely she shows 'im the place,
And 'e gives it a proper inspection, wi' a 'eap o' surprise on 'is face.
Then 'e says wi' an accent o' Scotland: "Whit ye hae is a bile, Ah can feel,
But ye'd better consult the heid Dockter; they caw him Professor O'Niel.
He's special for biles and carbuncles. Ye'll find him in Room Sixty-three.
No charge, Ma'am. It's been a rare pleasure. Jist tell him ye're comin' from me."
So Misses she thanks 'im politely, and 'unts up and down as before,
Till she comes to a big 'andsome room with "Professor O'Neil" on the door.
Then once more she plucks up her courage, and knocks, and a voice says: "All right."
So she enters, and sees a fat feller wi' whiskers, all togged up in white.
"I've got a big boil," says my Missis, "and if ye will kindly permit,
I'd like for to 'ave you inspect it; it 'urts me like all when I sit."
So blushin' as red as a beet-root she 'astens to show 'im the spot,
And 'e says wi' a look o' amazement: "Sure, Ma'am, it must hurt ye a lot."
Then 'e puts on 'is specs to regard it, and finally says wi' a frown:
"I'll bet it's as sore as the divvle, especially whin ye sit down.
I think it's a case for the Surgeon; ye'd better consult Doctor Hoyle.
I've no hisitation in sayin' yer boil is a hill of a boil."
So Misses she thanks 'im for sayin' her boil is a hill of a boil,
And 'unts all around till she comes on a door that is marked: "Doctor Hoyle."
But by now she 'as fair got the wind up, and trembles in every limb;
But she thinks: "After all, 'e's a Doctor. Ah moosn't be bashful wi' 'im."
She's made o' good stuff is the Missis, so she knocks and a voice says: "Oos there?"
"It's me," says ma Bessie, an' enters a room which is spacious and bare.
And a wise-lookin' old feller greets 'er, and 'e too is togged up in white.
"It's the room where they coot ye," thinks Bessie; and shakes like a jelly wi' fright.
"Ah got a big boil," begins Missis, "and if ye are sure you don't mind,
I'd like ye to see it a moment. It 'urts me, because it's be'ind."
So thinkin' she'd best get it over, she 'astens to show 'im the place,
And 'e stares at 'er kindo surprised like, an' gets very red in the face.
But 'e looks at it most conscientious, from every angle of view,
Then 'e says wi' a shrug o' 'is shoulders: "Pore Lydy, I'm sorry for you.
It wants to be cut, but you should 'ave a medical bloke to do that.
Sye, why don't yer go to the 'orsespittel, where all the Doctors is at?
Ye see, Ma'am, this part o' the buildin' is closed on account o' repairs;
Us fellers is only the pynters, a-pyntin' the 'alls and the stairs."
Editor 1 Interpretation
Bessie's Boil: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Oh, Bessie's Boil! What a poem! What a story! Robert Service, the poet who made a name for himself by writing about the Yukon Gold Rush, has done it again with this humorous and satirical masterpiece. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the themes, imagery, and symbolism present in Bessie's Boil.
The Story
Let's start with the story itself. Bessie, a character known for her thriftiness and resourcefulness, comes down with a boil on her neck. She decides to treat it herself using various home remedies, but none of them work. Eventually, she has to go to the doctor, who lances the boil and drains the pus. And that's it. That's the story. But it's so much more than that.
Themes
One of the themes in Bessie's Boil is the power of nature. Bessie tries to cure her boil with various natural remedies, such as a poultice made from bread and milk and a salve made from tree sap. But ultimately, it is the doctor, a representative of modern medicine, who is able to cure her. This theme can be seen as a commentary on the limitations of traditional knowledge and the benefits of science and technology.
Another theme is the power of community. Bessie is not alone in her struggle with the boil. Her neighbors, friends, and family members all offer their own advice and remedies. Some of them are helpful, while others are not. But ultimately, it is the doctor who is able to help Bessie. This theme can be seen as a commentary on the importance of relying on experts and professionals in times of need.
Imagery
Service's use of imagery in Bessie's Boil is masterful. He describes the boil as "a pimple with a vision," which immediately conjures up an image of a grotesque, pulsating lump on Bessie's neck. He also describes the pus as "a creamy curdled cheese," which is both vivid and repulsive. These images serve to heighten the humor and satire of the poem.
Symbolism
One of the most interesting aspects of Bessie's Boil is the symbolism present in the story. The boil itself can be seen as a symbol of the discomfort and inconvenience that comes with illness. Bessie's efforts to treat the boil herself can be seen as a symbol of self-sufficiency and resourcefulness, while her eventual need to seek medical help can be seen as a symbol of the limitations of individual effort.
The doctor can also be seen as a symbol of modern medicine and the benefits of science and technology. His ability to quickly and effectively cure Bessie's boil is a testament to the power of medical knowledge and expertise. On the other hand, Bessie's neighbors and friends can be seen as a symbol of traditional knowledge and the limitations of folk remedies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bessie's Boil is a humorous and satirical poem that explores themes of nature, community, and the limitations of traditional knowledge. Service's use of imagery and symbolism serve to heighten the humor and satire, while also conveying deeper meanings. Overall, Bessie's Boil is a masterful work of poetry that continues to entertain and enlighten readers to this day.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Bessie's Boil: 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 iconic poems of the 20th century. One of his most popular works is "Bessie's Boil," a humorous and satirical poem that pokes fun at the medical profession and the gullibility of patients.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at "Bessie's Boil" and analyze its themes, structure, language, and historical context. We'll also explore why this poem has endured for over a century and why it still resonates with readers today.
The Plot and Characters
"Bessie's Boil" tells the story of a woman named Bessie who has a boil on her neck. She goes to see a doctor who prescribes various treatments, but none of them work. Bessie then goes to see a quack who promises to cure her boil with a magic potion. Bessie drinks the potion and the boil disappears, but she soon realizes that the quack has tricked her and that the potion was nothing but water.
The poem is narrated by a third-person omniscient voice that describes the actions and thoughts of the characters in a humorous and ironic tone. The narrator is not sympathetic to any of the characters and seems to enjoy exposing their foolishness and credulity.
The Themes
One of the main themes of "Bessie's Boil" is the power of suggestion and the placebo effect. Bessie's boil is not a serious medical condition, but she becomes obsessed with it and convinces herself that it's a life-threatening disease. The doctor and the quack both play on her fears and anxieties and offer her false hope and empty promises. Bessie's gullibility and desperation make her an easy target for their scams.
Another theme of the poem is the conflict between science and superstition. The doctor represents the scientific approach to medicine, based on empirical evidence and rational analysis. He tries to diagnose Bessie's boil and treat it with conventional methods, but he fails to cure her. The quack, on the other hand, represents the superstitious and mystical approach to medicine, based on faith and intuition. He claims to have supernatural powers and to be able to cure any ailment with his magic potion. Bessie is torn between these two opposing views and ultimately chooses the quack's potion, which turns out to be a fraud.
The Structure
"Bessie's Boil" is a narrative poem that consists of 12 stanzas of four lines each. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which gives the poem a light and playful tone. The meter is mostly iambic tetrameter, with occasional variations and irregularities that add to the humor and irony of the poem. The language is simple and colloquial, with a few archaic words and expressions that evoke a nostalgic and folksy atmosphere.
The Historical Context
"Bessie's Boil" was written in 1912, at a time when medicine was undergoing significant changes and challenges. The discovery of bacteria and viruses had revolutionized the understanding of infectious diseases, and new treatments and vaccines were being developed. However, many people still relied on traditional remedies and folk cures, and quacks and charlatans abounded. The poem reflects this tension between science and superstition and exposes the dangers of ignorance and deception.
The Legacy
"Bessie's Boil" has become a classic poem that is still widely read and appreciated today. Its humor, satire, and irony have made it a favorite of readers of all ages and backgrounds. The poem has been translated into many languages and adapted into various forms, such as songs, plays, and cartoons. It has also inspired other writers and artists to create their own versions and parodies.
The enduring appeal of "Bessie's Boil" lies in its universal themes and its timeless message. The poem reminds us that we should be skeptical and critical of any claims that sound too good to be true, and that we should rely on evidence and reason rather than superstition and faith. It also reminds us that laughter and humor are powerful tools for exposing and deflating the pretensions and follies of human nature.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Bessie's Boil" is a classic poem that combines humor, satire, and irony to expose the dangers of ignorance and deception in medicine. The poem's themes, structure, language, and historical context make it a valuable and entertaining work of literature that still resonates with readers today. Whether you're a fan of poetry or not, "Bessie's Boil" is a must-read for anyone who wants to laugh and learn at the same time.
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