'My Suicide' by Robert Service
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I've often wondered why
Old chaps who choose to die
In evil passes,
Before themselves they slay,
Invariably they
Take off their glasses?
As I strolled by the Castle cliff
An oldish chap I set my eyes on,
Who stood so singularly stiff
And stark against the blue horizon;
A poet fashioning a sonnet,
I thought - how rapt he labours on it!
And then I blinked and stood astare,
And questioned at my sight condition,
For I was seeing empty air -
He must have been an apparition.
Amazed I gazed . . . no one was there:
My sanity roused my suspicion.
I strode to where I saw him stand
So solitary in the sun -
Nothing! just empty sew and land,
no smallest sign of anyone.
While down below I heard the roar
Of waves, five hundred feet or more.
I had been drinking, I confess;
There was confusion in my brain,
And I was feeling more or less
The fumes of overnight champagne.
So standing on that dizzy shelf:
"You saw no one," I told myself.
"No need to call the local law,
For after all its not your business.
You just imagined what you saw . . ."
Then I was seized with sudden dizziness:
For at my feet, beyond denying,
A pair of spectacles were lying.
And so I simply let them lie,
And sped from that accursed spot.
No lover of the police am I,
And sooner would be drunk than not.
"I'll scram," said I, "and leave the locals
To find and trace them dam bi-focals."
Editor 1 Interpretation
My Suicide: A Deep Dive into Robert Service’s Heart-Rending Poem
Robert Service’s poem “My Suicide” is a heart-rending reflection on the fragility of human existence, the struggles of mental illness, and the ultimate choice of ending one’s life. In this literary criticism, we will delve deep into the themes, symbols, and language used in this classic poem, and explore its relevance in today’s world.
Overview
First published in 1915, “My Suicide” is one of Robert Service’s most famous poems, and has been widely anthologized and studied by scholars and readers alike. The poem is written in the first person and is a monologue by the speaker, who is contemplating suicide. The speaker describes the overwhelming pain and hopelessness that is driving them to take their own life, and reflects on the world that they will leave behind.
Theme of Mental Illness
One of the most prominent themes in “My Suicide” is mental illness. The speaker describes the “black dog” of depression that has been following them around, and the “tortured mind” that is driving them towards suicide. The poem portrays the speaker as a victim of their own thoughts and emotions, and highlights the struggle of living with a mental illness.
The theme of mental illness in “My Suicide” is particularly relevant today, as mental health issues have become a growing concern in our society. According to the World Health Organization, around 800,000 people die by suicide every year, and suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-29 year olds. By addressing the issue of mental illness in his poem, Service provides a powerful commentary on the importance of mental health and the need for support and understanding for those who are struggling.
Theme of Death
Another major theme in “My Suicide” is death. The poem revolves around the speaker’s contemplation of their own death, and their reflection on the consequences of their actions. The speaker describes the pain of leaving behind loved ones, and the fear of the unknown that awaits them after death.
The theme of death in “My Suicide” is significant in that it raises questions about the nature of life and the purpose of existence. The poem suggests that life can be a struggle, and that death can sometimes seem like a release from that struggle. However, it also acknowledges the impact that death can have on those left behind, and the responsibility that comes with the decision to end one’s life.
Symbolism in the Poem
Service uses a number of powerful symbols in “My Suicide” to convey the emotions and themes of the poem. One of the most striking symbols in the poem is the “black dog” of depression. This symbol is often used to represent the overwhelming sense of sadness and hopelessness that is associated with mental illness.
Another important symbol in the poem is the “cold, gray dawn” that the speaker describes. This symbol represents the bleakness and emptiness that the speaker feels, and highlights the contrast between the darkness of their thoughts and the harsh reality of the world around them.
Language and Style
The language and style of “My Suicide” are simple and direct, but also powerful and evocative. Service’s use of short, declarative sentences conveys the speaker’s sense of urgency and desperation, and his repetition of phrases such as “I must go down” and “I must be free” emphasize the speaker’s determination to end their life.
The poem also makes use of imagery and metaphor to create a vivid and emotional picture of the speaker’s state of mind. The image of the “black dog” is a particularly effective metaphor, as it conveys both the sinister presence of depression and the helplessness of the speaker in the face of its power.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “My Suicide” is a powerful and emotionally charged poem that explores the themes of mental illness, death, and the fragility of human existence. Through the use of powerful symbols and evocative language, Service creates a vivid and poignant portrayal of the struggles that can lead someone to contemplate suicide.
Although the poem was written over a century ago, its themes and messages are still relevant today, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health and the need for support and understanding for those who are struggling. By reading and studying “My Suicide”, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complexity of human emotions and the challenges that we all face in our lives.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
My Suicide: A Poem of Despair and Hope
Robert Service, the renowned poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his powerful and evocative works. One of his most famous poems, My Suicide, is a hauntingly beautiful piece that explores the depths of despair and the possibility of redemption. In this analysis, we will delve into the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem to understand its meaning and significance.
The poem begins with a stark admission of the speaker's intention to end their life. The opening lines, "I have a rendezvous with Death / At some disputed barricade," set the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is resigned to their fate and seems to have accepted that death is the only way out of their pain. However, as the poem progresses, we see a glimmer of hope emerge.
The first stanza sets the scene for the rest of the poem. The speaker describes the world around them as "grim and gray and ghastly," suggesting that they see no beauty or joy in life. They are surrounded by "sordid cares and sorrows," and the only relief they can find is in the thought of death. The use of alliteration in this stanza creates a sense of heaviness and oppression, emphasizing the speaker's despair.
In the second stanza, the speaker reflects on their life and the choices they have made. They acknowledge that they have "sinned and suffered," and that their actions have led them to this point. The use of the word "sinned" suggests a religious context, and the speaker may be grappling with feelings of guilt and shame. However, they also express a desire for forgiveness, saying, "I would be at peace with God." This line suggests that the speaker is not entirely resigned to their fate and may be seeking a way out of their despair.
The third stanza is where we see the first glimmer of hope. The speaker describes a moment of beauty and wonder in nature, saying, "I saw the dawn break through the gray." This moment of beauty seems to awaken something in the speaker, and they begin to question their decision to end their life. They ask, "Why seek the silent shore?" suggesting that there may be more to life than they have previously believed.
The fourth stanza is perhaps the most powerful in the poem. The speaker describes a moment of connection with another human being, saying, "I touched a hand, I felt a face." This moment of intimacy and connection seems to be a turning point for the speaker. They realize that they are not alone in their pain and that there is hope for healing and redemption. The use of the word "felt" suggests a physical and emotional connection, emphasizing the importance of human connection in overcoming despair.
The final stanza is a triumphant declaration of the speaker's decision to live. They reject death, saying, "I will not die, but live." They acknowledge that life may be difficult and painful, but they are willing to face it head-on. The use of the word "live" suggests a sense of vitality and energy, emphasizing the speaker's newfound hope and determination.
Throughout the poem, Service uses vivid and evocative imagery to convey the speaker's emotions and experiences. The use of the words "grim," "gray," and "ghastly" in the first stanza creates a sense of darkness and despair. The image of the "silent shore" in the third stanza suggests a desolate and lonely place, emphasizing the speaker's isolation. However, the use of the word "dawn" in the same stanza creates a sense of hope and renewal, suggesting that there may be a way out of the darkness.
The image of the hand and face in the fourth stanza is particularly powerful. It suggests a moment of intimacy and connection, emphasizing the importance of human relationships in overcoming despair. The use of the word "touched" suggests a physical connection, while the word "felt" suggests an emotional connection. Together, these images create a sense of warmth and comfort, suggesting that there is hope for healing and redemption.
Service's use of language is also noteworthy. The repetition of the word "sordid" in the first stanza creates a sense of heaviness and oppression, emphasizing the speaker's despair. The use of the word "rendezvous" in the opening line suggests a sense of inevitability, emphasizing the speaker's resignation to their fate. However, the use of the word "live" in the final stanza creates a sense of energy and vitality, emphasizing the speaker's newfound hope and determination.
In conclusion, My Suicide is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the depths of despair and the possibility of redemption. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Service conveys the speaker's emotions and experiences, creating a sense of darkness and despair that gradually gives way to hope and renewal. The poem is a testament to the power of human connection and the resilience of the human spirit, and it continues to resonate with readers today.
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