'The Record' by Robert Service
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Fearing that she might go one day
With some fine fellow of her choice,
I called her from her childish play,
And made a record of her voice.
And now that she is truly gone,
I hear it sweet and crystal clear
From out my wheezy gramophone:
"I love you, Daddy dear."
Indeed it's true she went away,
But Oh she went all, all alone;
Into the dark she went for aye,
Poor little mite! ere girlhood grown.
Ah that I could with her have gone!
But this is all I have to show -
A ghost voice on a gramophone:
"Dear Dad, I love you so."
The saddest part of loss 'tis said,
Is that time tempers our regret;
But that is treason to the dead -
I'll not forget, I'll not forget.
Sole souvenir of golden years,
'Twas best to break this disc in two,
And spare myself a spate of tears . . .
But this I cannot do.
So I will play it every day,
And it will seem that she is near,
And once again I'll hear her say:
I love you so, Oh Daddy dear."
And then her kiss - a stab of woe.
The record ends . . . I breathe a plea:
"Oh God, speed me to where I know
Wee lass, you wait for me."
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Record by Robert Service: A Deep Dive
Let's talk about The Record. Robert Service's iconic poem has been hailed as a masterpiece of Canadian literature, and for good reason. Its simple yet powerful words have touched hearts and stirred emotions for over a century. But what makes The Record so special? What is it about this poem that has made it endure for so long? In this literary criticism and interpretation, I'll try to answer those questions and more.
Summary
First, let's recap what The Record is about. The poem tells the story of a man who has been sentenced to death and is spending his last night on earth. He reflects on his life, regrets the things he did wrong, and hopes for forgiveness. In the end, he finds solace in the thought that his name will be written in the "Big Book" of life, and that his sins will be washed away by God's mercy.
Form and Structure
To understand The Record, we need to start with its form and structure. The poem is written in rhymed couplets, with each stanza consisting of two lines that rhyme. This gives the poem a rhythm and flow that make it easy to read and remember. The rhyme scheme is AABBCCDD, with each line having eight syllables.
But what's even more interesting is the poem's use of repetition. The first line of each stanza is a repetition of the last line of the previous stanza. This creates a sense of continuity and progression, as if the narrator is moving towards a conclusion. It also emphasizes the theme of the poem, which is the idea of a "record" that will be kept of our actions and deeds.
Themes
Now let's talk about the themes of The Record. One of the most prominent themes is the idea of mortality and the fear of death. The narrator knows that he will die soon, and this knowledge makes him reflect on his life and the mistakes he made. He regrets the times he hurt others, the times he was selfish, and the times he wasted. He wishes he had done things differently, and wonders if he will be forgiven for his sins.
Another theme is the idea of redemption and forgiveness. The narrator hopes that he will be forgiven for his sins, and believes that his name will be written in the "Big Book" of life. This is a powerful metaphor that suggests that our actions have consequences and that we will be held accountable for them. But it also suggests that there is a chance for redemption, and that we can be forgiven if we repent and seek forgiveness.
The theme of the "record" is also important. The narrator believes that his actions have been recorded and that he will be judged based on them. This is a powerful reminder that our actions have consequences, and that we should strive to live our lives in a way that we can be proud of. It also suggests that there is a sense of order and justice in the universe, and that our actions are not meaningless.
Imagery and Language
The imagery and language used in The Record are also worth discussing. The poem is full of powerful and evocative images that bring the narrator's reflections to life. For example, in the first stanza, the narrator describes the "night so still and strange" and the "moon with awe-struck face." This creates a sense of foreboding and unease, and sets the tone for the rest of the poem.
The language used is also simple yet powerful. Service uses short, direct sentences that have a punchy, almost staccato rhythm. This creates a sense of urgency and immediacy that draws the reader in. The language is also full of biblical references and allusions, which give the poem a sense of timelessness and universality.
Interpretation
So what does The Record mean? What is Service trying to say with this poem? There are many ways to interpret it, but here's my take.
To me, The Record is a powerful reminder of our mortality and the importance of living our lives in a way that we can be proud of. It's a reminder that our actions have consequences, and that we will be held accountable for them. But it's also a reminder that there is a chance for redemption and forgiveness, and that we should never give up hope.
The poem also suggests that there is a sense of order and justice in the universe, and that our actions are not meaningless. This is a comforting thought, especially in times of uncertainty and chaos.
Finally, The Record is a testament to the power of poetry. Service's simple yet powerful words have the ability to touch our hearts and stir our emotions. They remind us of our shared humanity and the struggles we all face. And they inspire us to live our lives with purpose and meaning.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Record is a masterpiece of Canadian literature that has stood the test of time. Its simple yet powerful words have the ability to touch our hearts and stir our emotions. It reminds us of the importance of living our lives in a way that we can be proud of, and of the power of redemption and forgiveness. And it's a testament to the power of poetry to inspire and move us.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Record: A Poem of Adventure and Perseverance
Robert Service’s poem, The Record, is a thrilling tale of adventure and perseverance that captures the essence of human ambition and the desire to push oneself beyond the limits. The poem tells the story of a man who sets out to break the world record for crossing the Atlantic Ocean in a sailboat, facing numerous challenges and obstacles along the way. Through vivid imagery and powerful metaphors, Service paints a picture of the man’s journey and the emotions he experiences, ultimately conveying a message of determination and the triumph of the human spirit.
The poem begins with the man setting out on his journey, determined to break the record and make history. He faces the vast expanse of the ocean, with nothing but his boat and his own willpower to guide him. Service describes the man’s determination with the lines, “He swore to break the record, and to break it fair and square; / And he swore to sail the ocean, though the devil himself were there.” This sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the man’s determination and courage are put to the test.
As the man sails across the ocean, he faces numerous challenges, including storms, rough seas, and loneliness. Service uses vivid imagery to describe the man’s experiences, such as “the wind that shrieked like demons, and the waves that roared like hell.” These descriptions create a sense of danger and uncertainty, highlighting the man’s bravery in the face of adversity. The man’s loneliness is also emphasized, as he is described as “a speck upon the ocean, with no living thing in sight; / And the sea was like a desert, and the day was like a night.”
Despite these challenges, the man remains determined to break the record. He pushes himself to the limit, refusing to give up even when it seems impossible. Service describes the man’s perseverance with the lines, “He fought with wind and weather, and he fought with his own despair; / And he fought with thirst and hunger, and the madness that was there.” These lines convey the man’s struggle and his refusal to give up, even when faced with the most difficult of circumstances.
As the man nears the end of his journey, he faces one final challenge: a rival sailor who is also attempting to break the record. The two sailors engage in a fierce race, with the man ultimately emerging victorious. Service describes the man’s triumph with the lines, “He saw the land before him, and he saw the rival’s sail; / And he laughed a laugh of triumph, for he knew he could not fail.” These lines convey the man’s sense of accomplishment and the joy he feels at having achieved his goal.
The poem ends with the man reflecting on his journey and the lessons he has learned. He realizes that the journey was not just about breaking the record, but about pushing himself to be the best he could be. Service describes the man’s realization with the lines, “He learned the joy of striving, and the glory of defeat; / And he learned that life’s a battle, and that victory’s sweet.” These lines convey the message of the poem, that the journey is just as important as the destination, and that the true victory lies in the effort put forth.
In conclusion, Robert Service’s poem, The Record, is a powerful tale of adventure and perseverance that captures the essence of human ambition and the desire to push oneself beyond the limits. Through vivid imagery and powerful metaphors, Service paints a picture of the man’s journey and the emotions he experiences, ultimately conveying a message of determination and the triumph of the human spirit. The poem serves as a reminder that the journey is just as important as the destination, and that the true victory lies in the effort put forth.
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