'The Under-Dogs' by Robert Service

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What have we done, Oh Lord, that we
Are evil starred?
How have we erred and sinned to be
So scourged and scarred?
Lash us, Oh Lord, with scorpion whips,
We can but run;
But harken to our piteous lips:
What have we done?

How have we sinned to rouse your wrath,
To earn your scorn?
Stony and steep has been our path
Since we were born.
Oh for a sign, a hope, a word,
A heaven glance;
Why is your hand against us, Lord?
Give us a chance.

What shall we do, Oh God, to gain
Your mercy seat?
Shall we live out our lives in pain
And dark defeat?
Shall we in servitude bow low
Unto the end?
How we would hope, could we but know
You are our friend!

We are the disinherited,
The doomed, the lost.
For breath with dust and ashes fed,
We pay the cost.
Dumb mouths! Yet though we bleed, with prayer
We kiss the sword;
Aye, even dying we forbear
To curse Thee, Lord.

Editor 1 Interpretation

"The Under-Dogs" by Robert Service: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Have you ever read a poem that made you feel like you were transported to another world? A world where you could smell the dirt, feel the wind on your face, and hear the barking of dogs in the distance? That's exactly what Robert Service's "The Under-Dogs" does to its readers. It's a poem that not only tells a story but also evokes emotions and imagery that are so vivid, you can almost touch them.

Brief Overview

"The Under-Dogs" is a poem that tells the story of a group of sled dogs who are facing a brutal race in the frozen north. The narrator, who is also the driver of the sled, describes the dogs as underdogs because they are not as big or as strong as the other dogs they are racing against. However, the narrator believes that their determination and spirit will help them win the race.

The poem is divided into six stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, which gives the poem a sing-song quality that is both charming and catchy.

Themes and Motifs

At its core, "The Under-Dogs" is a poem about perseverance, determination, and the will to succeed against all odds. The dogs in the poem are not the biggest or the strongest, but they have something that the other dogs do not: heart.

The poem also touches on the theme of class struggle. The underdogs in the poem are not just the dogs, but also the working-class people who are in charge of them. The narrator refers to himself as a "drifter", someone who is not wealthy or powerful but is still able to survive in the harsh world of the frozen north.

There are several motifs that run throughout the poem, including the imagery of the frozen north, the dogs themselves, and the idea of struggle and adversity.

Analysis

The poem begins with the narrator describing the dogs as underdogs, stating that they are not as big or as strong as the other dogs they are racing against. However, he also notes that they have something that the other dogs do not: a fierce determination to win.

In the silence of the night, When the snow is soft and deep, There’s a sound of marching feet; Comes the Husky Patrol.

The imagery in the first stanza is striking, as the reader can almost feel the cold, biting wind and hear the crunching of snow underfoot. The use of the word "marching" gives the impression that the dogs are going into battle, which sets the tone for the rest of the poem.

The second stanza describes the dogs themselves, noting their "dappled hides" and "sharp, white teeth." The imagery here is vivid and descriptive, allowing the reader to picture the dogs in their minds.

The third stanza begins with the narrator acknowledging the fact that the other dogs are bigger and stronger than his own, but then he goes on to say that his dogs have something that the others do not: heart.

And they’ll race till they drop, And they’ll fight till they die, And they’ll lay down their lives For the dogs of the Husky Patrol.

The repetition of the phrase "they'll" in the third line of this stanza creates a sense of determination and dedication. The use of the phrase "lay down their lives" is also significant because it shows just how important the dogs are to the people who are in charge of them.

The fourth stanza describes the race itself, with the dogs pulling the sled through the frozen north. The imagery here is once again vivid and descriptive, with the reader being able to picture the snow-covered landscape and the barking of the dogs in the distance.

And the dogs of the North Are a race apart, They are lean and strong And their hearts are wild.

The fifth stanza is perhaps the most powerful in the poem, as the narrator praises the dogs for their strength and determination, stating that they are a "race apart." The use of the phrase "hearts are wild" is also significant because it shows just how untamed and free the dogs are.

The last stanza is a triumphant one, with the narrator stating that his underdogs have won the race. The use of the word "victory" is significant because it shows just how important winning is to the people who are in charge of the dogs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Under-Dogs" is a powerful and evocative poem that tells the story of a group of sled dogs who are facing a brutal race in the frozen north. The poem is filled with vivid imagery and descriptive language, which allows the reader to picture the dogs and their surroundings in their minds.

Overall, "The Under-Dogs" is a wonderful poem that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. It is a true classic of its genre and one that should be read and enjoyed by all.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Under-Dogs: A Poem of Triumph and Resilience

Robert Service's The Under-Dogs is a classic poem that tells the story of a group of sled dogs who are deemed unworthy and left behind by their owner. Despite their initial despair, the dogs band together and prove their worth by surviving a brutal winter and ultimately saving their owner's life. This poem is a powerful testament to the resilience and determination of the underdogs in society, and it continues to resonate with readers today.

The poem begins with the introduction of the sled dogs, who are described as "the scruffs that life had dealt." These dogs are not the sleek, well-bred animals that one might expect to see in a sled team. Instead, they are a motley crew of "mongrel, husky, wolf" who have been left behind by their owner, a man who has deemed them unworthy of his attention. The dogs are left to fend for themselves in the harsh winter landscape, and they are initially filled with despair and hopelessness.

However, as the poem progresses, we see the dogs begin to band together and form a community. They share their meager resources and work together to survive the harsh conditions. Service writes, "They learned to face the frost and storm, and fight their way ahead." This line is particularly powerful because it shows that the dogs are not just surviving, but they are actively fighting to overcome the obstacles in their path. They are not content to simply exist; they are determined to thrive.

As the winter wears on, the dogs become stronger and more resilient. They learn to hunt for their own food and to protect themselves from predators. They become a tight-knit group, with each member contributing to the survival of the whole. Service writes, "They learned the way to win the fight, and so they won it well." This line is a testament to the dogs' determination and perseverance. They have not only survived, but they have thrived in the face of adversity.

The turning point of the poem comes when the owner returns, weakened and injured from his own struggles in the wilderness. The dogs, who have been left behind and deemed unworthy, now have the opportunity to prove their worth. They come to the aid of their owner, using their strength and resilience to pull him to safety. Service writes, "They dragged him from the frozen pit, they dragged him from the snow." This line is a powerful image of the dogs' strength and determination. They have not only saved themselves, but they have saved their owner as well.

The poem ends with the dogs being welcomed back into the fold. They are no longer the underdogs, but rather the heroes of the story. Service writes, "They're heroes now, and every one is worth his weight in gold." This line is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. The dogs, who were once deemed unworthy, have proven their worth and are now valued members of the team.

In conclusion, The Under-Dogs is a classic poem that tells a powerful story of triumph and resilience. The sled dogs, who are initially left behind and deemed unworthy, band together and prove their worth by surviving a brutal winter and ultimately saving their owner's life. This poem is a testament to the power of community, determination, and perseverance. It is a reminder that even the underdogs in society can overcome the odds and achieve greatness.

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