'Birthdays' by Robert Service
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Let us have birthdays every day,
(I had the thought while I was shaving)
Because a birthday should be gay,
And full of grace and good behaving.
We can't have cakes and candles bright,
And presents are beyond our giving,
But let lt us cherish with delight
The birthday way of lovely living.
For I have passed three-score and ten
And I can count upon my fingers
The years I hope to bide with men,
(Though by God's grace one often lingers.)
So in the summers left to me,
Because I'm blest beyond my merit,
I hope with gratitude and glee
To sparkle with the birthday spirit.
Let me inform myself each day
Who's proudmost on the natal roster;
If Washington or Henry Clay,
Or Eugene Field or Stephen Foster.
oh lots of famous folks I'll find
Who more than measure to my rating,
And so thanksgivingly inclined
Their birthdays I'll be celebrating.
For Oh I know the cheery glow|
Of Anniversary rejoicing;
Let me reflect its radiance so
My daily gladness I'll be voicing.
And though I'm stooped and silver-haired,
Let me with laughter make the hearth gay,
So by the gods I may be spared
Each year to hear: "Pop, Happy Birthday."
Editor 1 Interpretation
Birthdays by Robert Service: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Birthdays by Robert Service is a classic poem that captures the essence of the passage of time and the inevitability of aging. Through vivid imagery and raw emotions, Service portrays the bittersweet feelings that come with each passing year and celebrates the memories and experiences that shape our lives. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, literary devices, and historical context of Birthdays, and shed light on the lasting impact of this timeless poem.
Analysis of Themes
Birthdays is a poem that touches upon a number of themes that are relevant to human experience. At its core, the poem is about the passage of time and the impact it has on our lives. The speaker reflects on the fact that with each passing year, we become more aware of our mortality and the fleeting nature of life. This is captured in the opening line of the poem, where the speaker muses that "Each year that goes by is a gift, I suppose". The use of the word "gift" suggests that the speaker is grateful for the time they have been given, but also implies that this time is limited and precious.
Another theme that is central to the poem is the idea of memory and nostalgia. The speaker reflects on the memories of past birthdays, and the people and experiences that have shaped their life. This is captured in several lines throughout the poem, such as "I remember the joys of my boyhood days" and "I remember my sweethearts, my comrades and friends". The nostalgic tone of these lines suggests that the speaker is looking back on their life with a sense of longing and sentimentality, and that these memories hold a special place in their heart.
Finally, the poem touches upon the idea of mortality and the afterlife. The speaker muses on what happens after we die, and whether there is a "heavenly host" waiting for us. This is captured in the lines "And when I go hence, will there be a friend, / To meet me and welcome me home?" The use of the word "home" suggests that the speaker is longing for a sense of belonging and comfort, and that the afterlife holds a special significance for them.
Literary Devices and Techniques
Birthdays is a poem that makes use of a number of literary devices and techniques to create a sense of depth and meaning. One of the most notable of these is the use of vivid imagery. Throughout the poem, the speaker uses a range of images and metaphors to describe the passing of time and the emotions that come with it. For example, in the line "I stand on the brink of my seventieth year", the word "brink" suggests a sense of danger or uncertainty, and implies that the speaker is standing at the edge of something significant.
Another literary device that is used in the poem is repetition. The opening and closing lines of the poem both use the phrase "Birthdays, birthdays, they hurry away". This repetition creates a sense of rhythm and momentum, and reinforces the theme of the passage of time. Additionally, the repetition of the phrase "I remember" throughout the poem creates a sense of nostalgia and longing, and reinforces the idea that memories are an important part of our lives.
Finally, the poem makes use of symbolism to convey its themes and ideas. One example of this is the use of the word "gift" in the opening line. This word is symbolic of the idea that time is precious and valuable, and that we should appreciate every moment we have. Another example of symbolism is the use of the phrase "heavenly host" to describe the afterlife. This phrase is symbolic of the idea that there is a higher power or spiritual realm that awaits us after we die, and that this realm holds a special significance for us.
Historical Context
Birthdays was written by Robert Service in the early 20th century, and reflects the cultural and historical context of the time. At this point in history, the world was in a state of flux, with new technologies and ideologies emerging that would shape the course of human history. Additionally, the early 20th century was marked by significant social and political upheaval, including the First World War and the Russian Revolution.
The themes of Birthdays reflect this historical context in a number of ways. The poem touches upon the idea of mortality and the fleeting nature of life, which was a prevalent theme in the early 20th century due to the impact of the First World War. Additionally, the nostalgic tone of the poem reflects a cultural longing for the past, which was a common sentiment during this time of rapid change and uncertainty.
Finally, the use of symbolism in the poem reflects a cultural and religious context that was prevalent at the time. The idea of a "heavenly host" waiting for us after we die reflects a Christian worldview that was common in Western culture during this time period, and the use of the word "gift" reflects a cultural emphasis on gratitude and appreciation for the blessings of life.
Interpretation
Birthdays is a poem that speaks to the human experience in a profound and powerful way. The themes of the poem are universal and timeless, and the use of literary devices and techniques creates a sense of depth and meaning that resonates with readers of all ages and backgrounds. At its core, the poem is about the passage of time and the impact it has on our lives, and the emotions and memories that come with each passing year.
One possible interpretation of the poem is that it is a reflection on the speaker's own life and experiences. The use of the word "I" throughout the poem suggests that the speaker is reflecting on their own journey through life, and that the memories and emotions they describe are personal and meaningful to them. Additionally, the use of repetition and vivid imagery creates a sense of immediacy and intimacy, and invites the reader to connect with the speaker on a personal level.
Another possible interpretation of the poem is that it is a meditation on the human condition and our place in the world. The themes of mortality, memory, and the afterlife reflect universal questions that have fascinated and perplexed humans for centuries, and the poem invites us to reflect on our own beliefs and experiences in relation to these questions. Additionally, the use of symbolism and metaphor creates a sense of depth and complexity that invites us to explore the poem on multiple levels.
Conclusion
Birthdays by Robert Service is a classic poem that captures the essence of the human experience with eloquence and grace. Through vivid imagery, raw emotions, and complex symbolism, the poem explores the themes of time, memory, mortality, and the afterlife, and invites us to reflect on our own journey through life. Whether read as a personal reflection or a meditation on the human condition, Birthdays is a poem that speaks to the heart and soul of every reader, and reminds us of the beauty and fragility of life.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Birthdays are a time of celebration, a time to reflect on the past year and look forward to the future. Robert Service’s poem, “Birthdays,” captures the essence of this annual event in a way that is both poignant and humorous. In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the themes and literary devices used in this classic poem.
The poem begins with the speaker reflecting on the fact that he has reached another birthday. He notes that he is “older than yesterday” and that he has “more yesterdays than tomorrows.” This opening stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a reflection on the passage of time and the inevitability of aging.
The second stanza of the poem is where Service introduces the first of many humorous moments. The speaker notes that he is “not so young as I was once” and that he is “not so spry as a colt.” However, he quickly adds that he is “not so old as a fossil” and that he is “not so dead as a doornail.” This juxtaposition of the speaker’s aging body with the humorous comparisons to a fossil and a doornail sets the stage for the rest of the poem, which is a balance of serious reflection and lighthearted humor.
The third stanza of the poem is where Service introduces the central theme of the poem: the passage of time. The speaker notes that “time is a thief” and that it “steals away our youth.” He reflects on the fact that he can no longer do the things he once did, such as “run a mile in ten minutes flat” or “climb a tree like a cat.” This stanza is a reminder that time is fleeting and that we must make the most of the time we have.
The fourth stanza of the poem is where Service introduces the second major theme of the poem: the importance of relationships. The speaker notes that “friends are a treasure” and that they are “worth more than gold.” He reflects on the fact that he has lost some friends over the years, but that he has also made new ones. This stanza is a reminder that our relationships are what make life worth living.
The fifth stanza of the poem is where Service introduces the third major theme of the poem: the importance of memories. The speaker notes that “memories are riches” and that they are “worth more than fame.” He reflects on the fact that he has many memories from his life, both good and bad. This stanza is a reminder that our memories are what make us who we are.
The sixth and final stanza of the poem is where Service brings all of these themes together. The speaker notes that “life is a journey” and that we must “make the most of every day.” He reflects on the fact that he has had a good life, but that he still has much to do. This stanza is a reminder that life is short and that we must make the most of the time we have.
Throughout the poem, Service uses a variety of literary devices to convey his message. One of the most prominent devices is repetition. The phrase “not so” is repeated several times throughout the poem, emphasizing the speaker’s aging body while also injecting humor into the poem. The phrase “more yesterdays than tomorrows” is also repeated several times, emphasizing the passage of time and the speaker’s awareness of his own mortality.
Another literary device used in the poem is imagery. Service uses vivid imagery to describe the speaker’s aging body, such as “my hair is thinning on my crown” and “my teeth are not so white.” He also uses imagery to describe the passage of time, such as “the clock ticks on with stealthy tread” and “the years go by like a river.”
Service also uses metaphor and simile to convey his message. The comparison of the speaker’s aging body to a fossil and a doornail is a metaphor that injects humor into the poem while also emphasizing the speaker’s awareness of his own mortality. The comparison of friends to treasure and memories to riches is a simile that emphasizes the importance of relationships and memories in our lives.
In conclusion, Robert Service’s poem “Birthdays” is a reflection on the passage of time, the importance of relationships, and the value of memories. Through the use of repetition, imagery, metaphor, and simile, Service conveys a message that is both poignant and humorous. The poem is a reminder that life is short and that we must make the most of the time we have. As we celebrate our own birthdays, let us remember the lessons of this classic poem and make the most of every day.
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