'The Cremation of Sam McGee' by Robert W. Service
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1There are strange things done in the midnight sun
2By the men who moil for gold;
3The Arctic trails have their secret tales
4That would make your blood run cold;
5The Northern Lights have seen queer sights,
6But the queerest they ever did see
7Was that night on the marge of Lake Lebarge
8I cremated Sam McGee.
9Now Sam McGee was from Tennessee, where the cotton blooms and blows.
10 Why he left his home in the South to roam 'round the Pole, God only knows.
11 He was always cold, but the land of gold seemed to hold him like a spell;
12 Though he'd often say in his homely way that "he'd sooner live in hell".
13 On a Christmas Day we were mushing our way over the Dawson trail.
14 Talk of your cold! through the parka's fold it stabbed like a driven nail.
15 If our eyes we'd close, then the lashes froze till sometimes we couldn't see;
16 It wasn't much fun, but the only one to whimper was Sam McGee.
17 And that very night, as we lay packed tight in our robes beneath the snow,
18 And the dogs were fed, and the stars o'erhead were dancing heel and toe,
19 He turned to me, and "Cap," says he, "I'll cash in this trip, I guess;
20 And if I do, I'm asking that you won't refuse my last request."
21 Well, he seemed so low that I couldn't say no; then he says with a sort of moan:
22 "It's the cursèe cold, and it's got right hold till I'm chilled clean through to the bone.
23 Yet 'taint being dead -- it's my awful dread of the icy grave that pains;
24 So I want you to swear that, foul or fair, you'll cremate my last remains."
25 A pal's last need is a thing to heed, so I swore I would not fail;
26 And we started on at the streak of dawn; but God! he looked ghastly pale.
27 He crouched on the sleigh, and he raved all day of his home in Tennessee;
28 And before nightfall a corpse was all that was left of Sam McGee.
29 There wasn't a breath in that land of death, and I hurried, horror-driven,
30 With a corpse half hid that I couldn't get rid, because of a promise given;
31 It was lashed to the sleigh, and it seemed to say: "You may tax your brawn and brains,
32 But you promised true, and it's up to you to cremate those last remains."
33 Now a promise made is a debt unpaid, and the trail has its own stern code.
34 In the days to come, though my lips were dumb, in my heart how I cursed that load.
35 In the long, long night, by the lone firelight, while the huskies, round in a ring,
36 Howled out their woes to the homeless snows -- O God! how I loathed the thing.
37 And every day that quiet clay seemed to heavy and heavier grow;
38 And on I went, though the dogs were spent and the grub was getting low;
39 The trail was bad, and I felt half mad, but I swore I would not give in;
40 And I'd often sing to the hateful thing, and it hearkened with a grin.
41 Till I came to the marge of Lake Lebarge, and a derelict there lay;
42 It was jammed in the ice, but I saw in a trice it was called the "Alice May."
43 And I looked at it, and I thought a bit, and I looked at my frozen chum;
44 Then "Here," said I, with a sudden cry, "is my cre-ma-tor-eum."
45 Some planks I tore from the cabin floor, and I lit the boiler fire;
46 Some coal I found that was lying around, and I heaped the fuel higher;
47 The flames just soared, and the furnace roared -- such a blaze you seldom see;
48 And I burrowed a hole in the glowing coal, and I stuffed in Sam McGee.
49 Then I made a hike, for I did'nt like to hear him sizzle so;
50 And the heavens scowled, and the huskies howled, and the wind began to blow.
51 It was icy cold, but the hot sweat rolled down my cheeks, and I don't know why;
52 And the greasy smoke in an inky cloak went streaking down the sky.
53 I do not know how long in the snow I wrestled with grisly fear;
54 But the stars came out and they danced about ere again I ventured near;
55 I was sick with dread, but I bravely said: "I'll just take a peep inside.
56 I guess he's cooked, and it's time I looked;" ... then the door I opened wide.
57 And there sat Sam, looking cool and calm, in the heart of the furnace roar;
58 And he wore a smile you could see a mile, and he said: "Please close that door.
59 It's fine in here, but I greatly fear you'll let in the cold and storm --
60 Since I left Plumtree, down in Tennessee, it's the first time I've been warm."
61 There are strange things done in the midnight sun
62By the men who moil for gold;
63 The Arctic trails have their secret tales
64That would make your blood run cold;
65 The Northern Lights have seen queer sights,
66But the queerest they ever did see
67 Was that night on the marge of Lake Lebarge
68I cremated Sam McGee.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Cremation of Sam McGee by Robert W. Service: A Literary Masterpiece
Have you ever come across a poem that has left you in awe? A poem that not only tells a story but also grips you with its vivid imagery and memorable characters? Well, I recently stumbled upon such a poem, and it's none other than "The Cremation of Sam McGee" by Robert W. Service.
First published in 1907, "The Cremation of Sam McGee" is a narrative poem that follows the journey of two gold prospectors, Sam McGee and the unnamed narrator, as they travel through the Arctic Circle in search of fortune. However, their adventure takes a dark turn when Sam falls ill and dies, leaving the narrator with the daunting task of cremating him in the freezing wilderness.
The poem is written in the ballad form, a type of poetry that tells a story in a simple and direct manner. Service's use of this form is particularly effective in conveying the story's bleak and desolate setting. The rhyme scheme is consistent and adds a musical quality to the poem, making it easy to remember and recite.
But what makes "The Cremation of Sam McGee" truly remarkable is its imagery. Service paints a vivid picture of the harsh and unforgiving Arctic landscape, where "the Northern Lights have seen queer sights" and "the days are sixty seconds long." The poem's use of sensory details, such as the sound of the narrator's footsteps crunching on the snow and the taste of frozen meat, immerses the reader in the story's setting.
Service's characterization of Sam McGee is also noteworthy. Despite Sam's eventual demise, he is portrayed as a lively and adventurous character, one who would rather be cremated than buried in the frozen ground. His request for cremation, while unusual, reflects his resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
However, what sets "The Cremation of Sam McGee" apart from other narrative poems is its underlying themes. At its core, the poem is a meditation on the human condition, particularly the fear of death and the desire for a peaceful afterlife. Sam's request for cremation is not just a practical consideration but also a reflection of his hope for a release from the physical world.
Furthermore, the poem touches on the theme of friendship and loyalty. The narrator's willingness to fulfill Sam's final wish, despite the physical and emotional toll it takes on him, is a testament to the bond between the two men. Their camaraderie, forged through their shared experiences and hardships, is a reminder of the importance of human connections in even the bleakest of circumstances.
In conclusion, "The Cremation of Sam McGee" is a literary masterpiece that showcases Robert W. Service's skill as a poet and storyteller. Its use of vivid imagery, memorable characters, and underlying themes make it a timeless and captivating work of literature. Whether you're a fan of poetry or just looking for a good story, this poem is a must-read.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Cremation of Sam McGee: A Classic Poem of Adventure and Survival
If you're a fan of classic poetry, you've probably heard of Robert W. Service's "The Cremation of Sam McGee." This poem has been a staple of literature for over a century, and for good reason. It tells a thrilling story of adventure, survival, and the extremes of human experience. In this analysis, we'll take a closer look at the poem's themes, structure, and language to understand why it has endured as a beloved classic.
The poem tells the story of a man named Sam McGee, who is traveling through the frozen wilderness of the Yukon with his friend, the narrator. The two men are on a quest for gold, but they are struggling to survive in the harsh conditions. As the poem begins, the narrator describes the freezing cold and the desolate landscape:
"There are strange things done in the midnight sun By the men who moil for gold; The Arctic trails have their secret tales That would make your blood run cold; The Northern Lights have seen queer sights, But the queerest they ever did see Was that night on the marge of Lake Lebarge I cremated Sam McGee."
Right away, we can see that the poem is full of vivid imagery and a sense of adventure. The narrator sets the scene for us, describing the strange and dangerous world of the Yukon. He tells us that there are secrets and mysteries in this place, and that the events of the poem will be among the strangest and most memorable.
As the poem continues, the narrator tells us about the difficulties he and Sam McGee face. They are freezing, hungry, and exhausted, and they are struggling to keep their spirits up. The narrator tries to cheer Sam up by telling him that he will cremate him when he dies, rather than bury him in the frozen ground. Sam is initially horrified by the idea, but as the poem goes on, he begins to warm up to it:
"Talk of your cold! through the parka's fold It stabbed like a driven nail. If our eyes we'd close, then the lashes froze Till sometimes we couldn't see; It wasn't much fun, but the only one To whimper was Sam McGee.
And that very night, as we lay packed tight In our robes beneath the snow, And the dogs were fed, and the stars o'erhead Were dancing heel and toe, He turned to me, and "Cap," says he, "I'll cash in this trip, I guess; And if I do, I'm asking that you Won't refuse my last request."
Well, he seemed so low that I couldn't say no; Then he says with a sort of moan: "It's the cursed cold, and it's got right hold Till I'm chilled clean through to the bone. Yet 'tain't being dead—it's my awful dread Of the icy grave that pains; So I want you to swear that, foul or fair, You'll cremate my last remains."
As we can see, the poem is full of rich language and vivid descriptions. We can feel the cold and the desperation of the two men, and we can sense the growing tension as Sam becomes more and more insistent on his request. The narrator is reluctant at first, but he eventually agrees to Sam's request, knowing that it is the only way to honor his friend's wishes.
The rest of the poem tells the story of the narrator's quest to find a way to cremate Sam's body. He travels through the frozen wilderness, searching for a way to build a fire hot enough to burn Sam's body. He faces many challenges along the way, including a run-in with a group of dangerous wolves. But eventually, he finds a way to build a fire and cremate Sam's body, fulfilling his promise to his friend.
So what makes "The Cremation of Sam McGee" such a beloved classic? There are many factors that contribute to its enduring popularity. For one thing, the poem is full of adventure and excitement. It tells a thrilling story of survival in the face of extreme conditions, and it captures the spirit of exploration and adventure that was so prevalent in the early 20th century.
But the poem is also full of deeper themes and meanings. It explores the nature of friendship and loyalty, and it asks us to consider what we would do for a friend in need. It also touches on the fear of death and the desire for a dignified end, even in the face of impossible odds.
Finally, the poem is simply a masterpiece of language and structure. Robert W. Service was a master of rhyme and meter, and his use of language in this poem is nothing short of brilliant. The poem is full of memorable lines and phrases, and it has a rhythm and flow that is both musical and powerful.
In conclusion, "The Cremation of Sam McGee" is a classic poem that has endured for over a century for good reason. It tells a thrilling story of adventure and survival, while also exploring deeper themes of friendship, loyalty, and the fear of death. And it does all of this with a mastery of language and structure that is truly remarkable. If you haven't read this poem before, do yourself a favor and give it a try. You won't be disappointed.
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