'A Character' by Robert Service
AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay
How often do I wish I were
What people call a character;
A ripe and cherubic old chappie
Who lives to make his fellows happy;
With in his eyes a merry twinkle,
And round his lips a laughing wrinkle;
Who radiating hope and cheer
Grows kindlier with every year.
For this ideal let me strive,
And keep the lad in me alive;
Nor argument nor anger know,
But my own way serenly go;
The woes of men to understand,
Yet walk with humour hand in hand;
To love each day and wonder why
Folks are not so jocund as I.
So be you simple, decent, kind,
With gentle heart and quiet mind;
And if to righteous anger stung,
Restrain your temper and your toungue.
Let thought for others be your guide,
And patience triumph over pride . . .
With charity for those who err,
Live life so folks may say you were--
God bless your heart!--A Character.
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Character by Robert Service: A Powerful Ode to an Unforgettable Man
Have you ever met someone who left an indelible mark on your heart and mind? Someone who stood out from the crowd, not because of their physical appearance or social status, but because of their character? Robert Service's poem "A Character" is a testament to such a person, a man who, despite his flaws and eccentricities, commands respect and admiration from everyone who knows him. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the themes, structure, and literary devices used by Service to create a powerful ode to an unforgettable man.
Themes: Individualism, Integrity, and Resilience
At its core, "A Character" is a celebration of individualism, integrity, and resilience. The poem tells the story of a man who defies societal norms and expectations, who lives life on his own terms, and who refuses to compromise his values and beliefs. He is a man who has "lived his life within himself," who has "never cared a hoot for pelf," and who has "never bent his back to do/ Aught that was not honest and true."
This man's unwavering commitment to his principles is what makes him stand out from the crowd. He is not afraid to be different, to go against the grain, to challenge the status quo. He is a free spirit, a nonconformist, a rebel. He does not seek the approval or validation of others, nor does he conform to their expectations. He is his own person, and he is proud of it.
Yet, this man's individualism is not mere rebellion or defiance. It is rooted in a deep sense of integrity and responsibility. He may be eccentric, but he is not irresponsible. He takes care of his own, he does not harm others, and he lives by a strict code of ethics. He is honest, trustworthy, and dependable. He does not compromise his values, even when it would be easier to do so. He is a man of his word, and his word is his bond.
Moreover, this man's individualism and integrity are what give him the resilience to face life's challenges and setbacks. He has known hardship and adversity, but he has never given up or given in. He has weathered the storms of life with grace and fortitude. He has faced his fears and doubts with courage and determination. He has never lost his sense of humor or his sense of purpose. He is a survivor, a fighter, a hero.
Structure: Simple, Yet Effective
The structure of "A Character" is deceptively simple. The poem consists of four stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which gives the poem a sing-song quality. The language is plain and straightforward, without any complex metaphors or allusions.
Yet, this simplicity is what makes the poem so powerful. The simplicity of the structure mirrors the simplicity of the man it describes. Like the man, the poem does not need any embellishments or flourishes to make an impression. It speaks for itself, in a clear and direct voice.
Moreover, the simplicity of the structure allows Service to focus on the themes and the message of the poem. There are no distractions or digressions. The poem is tightly focused, like a laser beam, on its subject. Every word, every line, every stanza, contributes to the portrait of the man. Every image, every metaphor, every literary device, reinforces the themes of individualism, integrity, and resilience.
Literary Devices: Repetition, Contrast, and Irony
Although "A Character" is a simple poem, it employs several literary devices that enhance its impact. One of the most effective devices is repetition. Service repeats certain phrases and words throughout the poem, creating a sense of rhythm and emphasis.
For example, the phrase "he stands alone" is repeated twice in the first stanza, and then echoed in the third stanza with the line "he does not bow his head." This repetition underscores the man's individualism and independence, and emphasizes his separation from the rest of society.
Another effective device is contrast. Service contrasts the man's character with the expectations and values of society. For example, in the second stanza, Service writes:
"He never cared a heap of gold, He never sought for fame; 'Twas love that made his heart beat bold, And right that lit his flame."
Here, Service contrasts the man's priorities with those of society. While society values wealth and fame, the man values love and righteousness. This contrast reinforces the themes of individualism and integrity, and highlights the man's uniqueness.
Finally, Service employs irony to underscore the man's resilience. In the fourth stanza, Service writes:
"And so he lives and so he dies -- Forever in a glory of surprise."
This line is ironic because it suggests that the man's life and death are surprising, when in fact, they are not. The man has lived his life on his own terms, and has faced death with courage and acceptance. There is nothing surprising about his life or his death, except perhaps to those who expected him to conform to their expectations. This irony reinforces the themes of individualism and resilience, and underscores the man's triumph over adversity.
Conclusion: An Ode to Freedom and Courage
In conclusion, "A Character" is a powerful ode to an unforgettable man, a man who embodies the values of individualism, integrity, and resilience. Through its simple structure, repetition, contrast, and irony, the poem creates a vivid portrait of a man who stands out from the crowd, who lives life on his own terms, and who faces adversity with courage and humor. This man is not a hero in the conventional sense, but he is a hero nonetheless, a hero of freedom and courage. He is a reminder that true greatness lies not in conformity, but in the courage to be oneself.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
A Character: A Poem of Enduring Resonance
Robert Service, the renowned poet, is known for his ability to capture the essence of human nature in his works. His poem, A Character, is a prime example of his talent. The poem is a masterpiece that explores the complexities of human behavior and the impact of one's actions on others. It is a poem that has stood the test of time and continues to resonate with readers today.
The poem begins with the speaker describing a man who is "not a common man." This man is different from the rest of society, and the speaker is intrigued by him. The man is described as having a "twinkle in his eye" and a "smile on his lips." These descriptions suggest that the man is happy and content with his life. He is not burdened by the worries and stresses that plague most people.
The speaker goes on to describe the man's physical appearance. He is "not a handsome man," but he has a certain charm that draws people to him. The man is also described as being "grizzled" and "wrinkled." These descriptions suggest that the man has lived a long and eventful life. He has experienced the ups and downs of life and has come out on the other side.
The poem then takes a darker turn as the speaker describes the man's past. He has "fought and bled" and has "seen the worst." These lines suggest that the man has been through some difficult times. He has experienced war and violence and has seen the worst of humanity. Despite this, the man remains optimistic and hopeful. He has not let his past define him, and he continues to live his life to the fullest.
The speaker then describes the man's impact on others. He has a "magic touch" that makes people feel better. He is able to lift people's spirits and make them forget their troubles. The man is also described as being "generous" and "kind." He is always willing to help others, even if it means sacrificing his own needs.
The poem ends with the speaker reflecting on the man's legacy. He has left a lasting impression on those who knew him. The speaker suggests that the man's impact will be felt long after he is gone. He has touched the lives of many people and has made the world a better place.
A Character is a poem that resonates with readers because it speaks to the human experience. We all have our struggles and our pasts, but it is how we choose to live our lives that defines us. The man in the poem is a reminder that we can choose to be happy and optimistic, even in the face of adversity. We can choose to be kind and generous, even when it is difficult. And we can choose to make a positive impact on the world, even if it is just in our small corner of it.
The poem is also a reminder of the power of human connection. The man in the poem is able to make a difference in the lives of others because he is willing to connect with them on a deeper level. He is able to see beyond their surface-level problems and connect with them on a human level. This connection is what allows him to make a lasting impact on their lives.
In conclusion, A Character is a poem that continues to resonate with readers today because it speaks to the human experience. It is a reminder that we can choose to live our lives in a positive way, even in the face of adversity. It is a reminder of the power of human connection and the impact that we can have on others. Robert Service has created a masterpiece that will continue to inspire and uplift readers for generations to come.
Editor Recommended Sites
Training Course: The best courses on programming languages, tutorials and best practiceGraph Database Shacl: Graphdb rules and constraints for data quality assurance
Dev Tradeoffs: Trade offs between popular tech infrastructure choices
Learn Javascript: Learn to program in the javascript programming language, typescript, learn react
Graph DB: Graph databases reviews, guides and best practice articles
Recommended Similar Analysis
Crow's Fall by Ted Hughes analysisA Changed Man by Thomas Hardy analysis
Night . To Lucasta by Richard Lovelace analysis
I felt a cleaving in my mind by Emily Dickinson analysis
Smile , Smile, Smile by Wilfred Owen analysis
Death Be Not Proud by John Donne analysis
Mandalay by Rudyard Kipling analysis
We shall enjoy it by Sappho analysis
A Little Budding Rose by Emily Jane Brontë analysis
Snapshots Of A Daughter-In-Law by Adrienne Rich analysis