'The Tunnel' by Robert Service


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Toil's a tunnel, there's no way out
For fellows, the like o' me;
A beggar wi' only a crust an' a clout
At the worst o' the worst is free;
but I work to eat, an' I eat to work;
It's always the same old round,
And I dassent fail for the day I shirk
They'll shovel me underground.

I guess God meant it to be that way,
For a man must make his bread;
I was born to bondage, to earn my pay,
To slave to the day I'm dead;
To live in a tunnel, to die in a ditch -
That's just what us fellows do;
For the poor must be makin' the rich more rich,
An' the many must serve the few.

Aye, we live in a tunnel, most o' us,
A-fearin' to lose our job;
But who has the right to gripe an' cuss
So the goblet's hot on the hob.
An' I mustn't be havin' the wife complain,
An' I can't let the childer fast:
So I'll toil in my tunnel an' drag my chain,
Clank! Clank! Clank! to the last.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Tunnel by Robert Service: A Journey Through the Mind

When it comes to poetry that captures the essence of the human experience, Robert Service is one name that cannot be ignored. His work speaks to the heart and touches the soul, evoking emotions that are both raw and intense.

One such poem that stands out in Service's repertoire is "The Tunnel." At first glance, the poem may seem like a simple tale of a miner digging his way through a mountain. However, on closer inspection, it becomes apparent that the poem is much more than that. It is a journey through the mind of a man who is struggling to find his way in a world that is dark and unforgiving.

Structure and Form

The structure of the poem is simple yet effective. It is divided into four stanzas, each consisting of four lines. The rhyme scheme is AABB, with the second and fourth lines rhyming with each other. This gives the poem a sing-song quality that is easy on the ears and adds to its overall charm.

The form of the poem is also noteworthy. It is written in free verse, which means that it does not follow a specific pattern or meter. This gives Service the freedom to express himself in a way that is natural and unforced. It also allows him to experiment with different techniques and styles, such as alliteration, repetition, and personification, to name a few.

Theme and Message

The central theme of the poem is the struggle for survival. The miner is digging his way through the mountain, not out of choice, but out of necessity. He is driven by the need to find gold, which represents wealth and security. It is a metaphor for the struggle that we all face in our daily lives, as we strive to make ends meet and provide for our families.

The message of the poem is that life is a journey, and we must be willing to face the challenges that come our way. The miner is faced with darkness, loneliness, and danger, but he perseveres. He does not give up, even when the going gets tough. This is a message that is relevant to us all, as we navigate the ups and downs of life.

Imagery and Symbolism

The imagery in the poem is vivid and evocative. Service uses words that paint a picture in the reader's mind, such as "darkness," "gloom," and "drear." These words create a sense of foreboding and unease, as if the miner is digging his way through a place that is not meant for human habitation.

The symbolism in the poem is also noteworthy. The tunnel represents the journey through life, and the miner represents every man who is struggling to find his way. The darkness represents the unknown, the dangers that lurk around every corner. The gold represents success, wealth, and security, the things that we all strive for.

Conclusion

All in all, "The Tunnel" is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the essence of the human struggle. Service's use of imagery and symbolism, coupled with his simple yet effective structure and form, makes this poem a timeless classic that will resonate with readers for generations to come.

As the miner digs his way through the mountain, we are reminded that life is a journey, and we must be willing to face the challenges that come our way. We must not give up, even when the going gets tough, for in the end, the reward will be worth it.

So the next time you find yourself struggling, remember the words of Robert Service, and keep digging. Who knows what treasure awaits you at the end of your tunnel?

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Tunnel by Robert Service is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a powerful piece of literature that captures the essence of human struggle and perseverance. The poem is a metaphor for life, and it teaches us that no matter how difficult the journey may be, we must keep moving forward.

The Tunnel is a poem about a man who is digging a tunnel through a mountain. The man is alone, and he is working tirelessly to complete the tunnel. The poem is written in the first person, which gives the reader a sense of intimacy with the narrator. The narrator tells us about his struggles and his determination to finish the tunnel.

The poem begins with the narrator telling us that he is digging a tunnel through a mountain. He tells us that the tunnel is long and dark, and that he is working alone. The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It is a somber and reflective tone that captures the loneliness and isolation of the narrator.

In the second stanza, the narrator tells us about the difficulties he faces while digging the tunnel. He tells us that the rock is hard and that he is tired. He also tells us that he is afraid of the dark. This stanza is a powerful reminder of the challenges that we face in life. It teaches us that we must be strong and resilient in the face of adversity.

The third stanza is where the poem takes a turn. The narrator tells us that he has found a vein of gold in the mountain. This discovery gives him renewed energy and motivation to continue digging. This stanza is a powerful reminder of the rewards that come with hard work and perseverance.

In the fourth stanza, the narrator tells us about the joy he feels when he finally breaks through to the other side of the mountain. He tells us that he can see the light and that he is filled with hope. This stanza is a powerful reminder of the importance of hope and optimism in our lives.

The fifth and final stanza is where the poem reaches its climax. The narrator tells us that he has completed the tunnel and that he is filled with pride and satisfaction. He tells us that he has accomplished something great and that he is ready to move on to the next challenge. This stanza is a powerful reminder of the importance of setting goals and working hard to achieve them.

The Tunnel is a poem that is full of powerful metaphors and imagery. The tunnel itself is a metaphor for life, and the challenges that the narrator faces while digging the tunnel are a metaphor for the challenges that we all face in our lives. The vein of gold that the narrator discovers is a metaphor for the rewards that come with hard work and perseverance.

The poem is also full of powerful imagery. The darkness of the tunnel is a powerful image that captures the loneliness and isolation of the narrator. The light at the end of the tunnel is a powerful image that captures the hope and optimism that the narrator feels when he finally breaks through to the other side.

In conclusion, The Tunnel by Robert Service is a powerful poem that captures the essence of human struggle and perseverance. It is a poem that teaches us that no matter how difficult the journey may be, we must keep moving forward. The poem is full of powerful metaphors and imagery that make it a timeless piece of literature. It is a poem that will continue to inspire and motivate people for generations to come.

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