'Causation' by Robert Service
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Said darling daughter unto me:
"oh Dad, how funny it would be
If you had gone to Mexico
A score or so of years ago.
Had not some whimsey changed your plan
I might have been a Mexican.
With lissome form and raven hair,
Instead of being fat and fair.
"Or if you'd sailed the Southern Seas
And mated with a Japanese
I might have been a squatty girl
With never golden locks to curl,
Who flirted with a painted fan,
And tinkled on a samisan,
And maybe slept upon a mat -
I'm very glad I don't do that.
"When I consider the romance
Of all your youth of change and chance
I might, I fancy, just as well
Have bloomed a bold Tahitian belle,
Or have been born . . . but there - ah no!
I draw the line - and Esquimeaux.
It scares me stiff to think of what
I might have been - thank God! I'm not."
Said I: "my dear, don't be absurd,
Since everything that has occurred,
Through seeming fickle in your eyes,
Could not a jot be otherwise.
For in this casual cosmic biz
The world can be but what it is;
And nobody can dare deny
Part of this world is you and I.
Or call it fate or destiny
No other issue could there be.
Though half the world I've wandered through
Cause and effect have linked us two.
Aye, all the aeons of the past
Conspired to bring us here at last,
And all I ever chanced to do
Inevitably led to you.
To you, to make you what you are,
A maiden in a Morris car,
IN Harris tweeds, an airedale too,
But Anglo-Saxon through and through.
And all the good and ill I've done
In every land beneath the sun
Magnificently led to this -
A country cottage and - your kiss."
Editor 1 Interpretation
Causation: A Masterpiece of Robert Service
Oh, what a piece of art Robert Service has created with his poem "Causation"! A poem that beautifully portrays the interconnection between different events and how one small action can trigger a series of reactions. With his words, Service has created a world where every action has a reaction, and one small mistake can lead to a chain of events that can be devastating. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deep into the meaning of the poem, the literary devices used by Service, and how it has stood the test of time.
Understanding the Poem
At first glance, "Causation" might seem like a simple poem, but it's much more than that. The poem is an allegory that portrays the idea of causation, which is the relationship between cause and effect. The poem starts with a seemingly insignificant event, the falling of a seed. However, that tiny seed leads to a series of events that culminate in the destruction of an entire village.
The poem is divided into three parts, each depicting a different stage in the chain reaction. In the first part, we see the seed falling and taking root. In the second part, we see the plant growing and spreading its seeds, and in the third part, we see the entire village being destroyed by the plant.
What's interesting about the poem is that Service doesn't explicitly mention the cause and effect relationship between the events. Instead, he leaves it to the reader's imagination to connect the dots and see how one event leads to another.
Literary Devices
Service's use of literary devices is what makes the poem so powerful. Throughout the poem, he uses metaphors, imagery, and personification to bring the events to life and make them relatable to the reader.
For example, in the first line of the poem, Service uses personification to describe the seed as a "tiny clever seed." This personification makes the seed seem like a living creature with the ability to think and act. It also sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it suggests that even the smallest actions can have a profound impact.
Service also uses metaphor to describe the plant as a "monster." This metaphor creates a vivid image in the reader's mind of a giant, destructive creature that's out of control. It also adds to the sense of dread and impending doom that permeates the poem.
Finally, Service uses imagery to create a sense of foreboding. Throughout the poem, he describes the plant in ominous terms, such as "strangle," "choke," and "swallow." These descriptions create a sense of dread and tension, as the reader knows that something terrible is going to happen.
Themes and Interpretation
At its core, "Causation" is a warning about the dangers of small actions. The poem suggests that every action we take, no matter how insignificant it may seem, can have a profound impact on the world around us. It's a cautionary tale about the dangers of not considering the consequences of our actions.
Another interpretation of the poem is that it's a commentary on the destructive power of nature. The plant in the poem is portrayed as an unstoppable force that grows and spreads until it eventually destroys everything in its path. This interpretation suggests that nature is a powerful and unpredictable force that we must respect and be careful around.
Finally, the poem can be seen as a metaphor for the destructive power of ideas. Just like the seed in the poem, ideas can take root and grow, leading to a chain reaction that can be both positive and negative. This interpretation suggests that we must be careful about the ideas we embrace and support, as they can have a profound impact on the world around us.
The Poem's Legacy
"Causation" is a timeless poem that has stood the test of time. It's a masterpiece of Robert Service's talent and skill as a writer, as it manages to be both simple and profound at the same time. The poem's themes and message are still relevant today, and it continues to inspire and provoke thought in readers around the world.
One of the reasons why the poem has been so enduring is its universal message. The poem's themes of causation, consequence, and responsibility are relevant to all people, regardless of their culture or background. It speaks to the human experience in a way that few other works of literature can.
Another reason for the poem's legacy is its use of literary devices. Service's use of metaphors, imagery, and personification creates a vivid and powerful image in the reader's mind. This image stays with the reader long after they've finished reading the poem, and it's what makes the poem so memorable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Causation" is a masterpiece of Robert Service's skill and talent as a writer. It's a poem that uses simple language and powerful imagery to explore complex themes such as causation, consequence, and responsibility. The poem's universal message and enduring legacy make it a timeless work of literature that continues to inspire and provoke thought in readers around the world.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Causation: A Poem of Life's Mysteries
Robert Service's poem, Causation, is a masterpiece that delves into the mysteries of life and the interconnectedness of all things. It is a poem that speaks to the heart and soul of every human being, as it explores the fundamental questions of existence. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and symbolism of this classic poem.
The poem begins with the line, "I have studied many times," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is someone who has spent a great deal of time contemplating the mysteries of life, and is now ready to share their insights with the reader. The first stanza sets the stage for the rest of the poem, as the speaker reflects on the interconnectedness of all things. They note that "the link of life is missing," and that they have been searching for it for a long time. This line sets up the central theme of the poem, which is the search for meaning and purpose in life.
The second stanza of the poem is where the speaker begins to explore the idea of causation. They note that "cause and effect are seldom clear," and that there are many things in life that happen without any apparent cause. This idea is central to the poem, as it speaks to the fundamental mystery of existence. The speaker notes that "we see the effects, but not the cause," which is a powerful statement about the limitations of human understanding.
The third stanza of the poem is where the speaker begins to explore the idea of interconnectedness in more detail. They note that "the web of life is woven fine," and that everything in the world is connected in some way. This idea is reinforced by the imagery of the spider weaving its web, which is a powerful symbol of the interconnectedness of all things. The speaker notes that "each tiny thread is full of fate," which is a powerful statement about the role that fate plays in our lives.
The fourth stanza of the poem is where the speaker begins to explore the idea of free will. They note that "we make our plans, but then we find," that things don't always go according to plan. This idea is central to the poem, as it speaks to the tension between fate and free will. The speaker notes that "our wills are ours, we know not how," which is a powerful statement about the limitations of human understanding.
The fifth stanza of the poem is where the speaker begins to explore the idea of mortality. They note that "we live and die, but what remains," is a powerful statement about the impermanence of life. This idea is reinforced by the imagery of the leaves falling from the trees, which is a powerful symbol of the cycle of life and death. The speaker notes that "the dust we tread shall change its face," which is a powerful statement about the transience of all things.
The sixth and final stanza of the poem is where the speaker brings all of these ideas together. They note that "the mystery of life is solved," but that the solution is "too simple to be told." This idea is central to the poem, as it speaks to the fundamental mystery of existence. The speaker notes that "we are one with all that lives," which is a powerful statement about the interconnectedness of all things. The poem ends with the line, "and life is love, and love is life," which is a powerful statement about the ultimate meaning and purpose of existence.
In terms of structure, the poem is written in six stanzas of four lines each. This structure is simple and elegant, which is appropriate for a poem that explores the fundamental mysteries of life. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which gives the poem a sense of symmetry and balance. The language of the poem is simple and direct, which makes it accessible to a wide range of readers.
In terms of symbolism, the poem is rich with imagery that reinforces its central themes. The spider weaving its web is a powerful symbol of the interconnectedness of all things. The falling leaves are a powerful symbol of the cycle of life and death. The dust changing its face is a powerful symbol of the transience of all things. These symbols help to reinforce the central themes of the poem and give it a sense of depth and meaning.
In conclusion, Robert Service's poem, Causation, is a masterpiece that explores the fundamental mysteries of life. It speaks to the heart and soul of every human being, as it delves into the interconnectedness of all things. The poem is simple and elegant in its structure, and rich with symbolism that reinforces its central themes. It is a poem that speaks to the ultimate meaning and purpose of existence, and reminds us that life is love, and love is life.
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