'The Argument' by Robert Service
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Said Jock McBrown to Tam McSmith,
"A little bet I'm game to take on,
That I can scotch this Shakespeare myth
And prove Will just a stoodge for Bacon."
Said Tam McSmith to Jock McBrown,
"Ye gyke, I canna let ye rave on.
See here, I put a shilling down:
My betting's on the Bard of Avon."
Said Jock McBrown to Tam McSmith,
"Come on, ye'll pay a braw wee dramlet;
Bacon's my bet - the proof herewith . . .
He called his greatest hero - HAMlet."
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Argument by Robert Service: A Masterpiece of Narrative Poetry
As a literary enthusiast, I always find myself drawn to poems that tell a story. Narrative poetry, as it's called, has this unique ability to transport the reader to another time and place. It's like being a fly on the wall, witnessing the events as they unfold. And among the many narrative poems I've read, there is one that stands out to me as a masterpiece: Robert Service's The Argument.
The Plot: A Tale of Two Men and a Woman
At its heart, The Argument is a story about two men who love the same woman. The poem opens with the narrator describing the setting: a cold winter night in the Yukon. Then, we are introduced to the two men: Jim and Denny. They are sitting by the fire, arguing about who should get to marry the woman they both love.
As the argument heats up, we learn more about the two men. Jim is a rugged, outdoorsy type who works as a miner. Denny, on the other hand, is a more refined gentleman who works as a clerk. Despite their different backgrounds, they are both deeply in love with the same woman.
The woman in question is not named, but we do get some clues about her. She is described as "fair" and "sweet," and we know that both men are willing to fight for her. But as the argument escalates, it becomes clear that only one of them will win her hand.
The Theme: Love and Masculinity
On the surface, The Argument is a simple love triangle story. But there is more going on here than meets the eye. At its core, this poem is about masculinity and what it means to be a man.
Both Jim and Denny are competing for the same woman, but they are doing so in very different ways. Jim is physically strong and rugged, while Denny is more refined and intellectual. This contrast highlights the different ways in which men can express their masculinity.
But the poem also raises questions about the nature of love. Is it enough to simply love someone, or do you have to prove your love through physical acts? Jim believes that he is the best man for the woman because he can protect her in the harsh Yukon wilderness. Denny, on the other hand, believes that his love is more pure and intellectual.
The Poetic Technique: Rhyme and Rhythm
As a poet, Robert Service is known for his use of rhyme and rhythm. The Argument is no exception. The poem has a consistent rhyme scheme (ABAB) and a strong, steady rhythm. This gives the poem a sense of forward motion, like we are being carried along on a journey.
But what really sets The Argument apart is Service's use of repetition. Throughout the poem, he repeats certain phrases and words, such as "fair" and "sweet," to emphasize their importance. This technique not only helps to reinforce the theme of the poem, but it also makes the poem more memorable and impactful.
The Conclusion: A Timeless Classic
In conclusion, The Argument is a timeless classic that deserves to be read and appreciated by anyone who loves narrative poetry. It tells a simple yet powerful story about love and masculinity, and uses poetic techniques to great effect. Robert Service was a master of his craft, and this poem is a shining example of his talent.
So if you're looking for a poem that will transport you to another time and place, look no further than The Argument. It's a masterpiece that will stay with you long after you've put down the book.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Argument: A Classic Poem by Robert Service
Robert Service is a renowned poet who has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his unique style and captivating verses. One of his most famous poems is "The Argument," which is a masterpiece of poetic expression and storytelling. In this article, we will delve into the depths of this classic poem and explore its themes, structure, and significance.
The poem begins with a simple premise: two men are arguing about a topic that is not revealed to the reader. However, as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that the argument is not about a trivial matter but a fundamental question of life and death. The two men are debating the existence of an afterlife, and each has a different opinion on the matter.
The first man argues that there is no afterlife and that death is the end of everything. He believes that life is a fleeting moment, and once it is over, there is nothing left. He says, "When life is done, and the final score / Comes like a reckoning to the door, / Then you'll find that life is a fleeting breath, / And death is Life." This view of life is bleak and pessimistic, and it reflects the nihilistic philosophy that was prevalent in the early 20th century.
The second man, on the other hand, believes in the existence of an afterlife. He argues that death is not the end but a transition to a new phase of existence. He says, "There's a land where the mountains are nameless, / And the rivers all run God knows where; / There are lives that are erring and aimless, / And deaths that just hang by a hair." This view of life is more optimistic and hopeful, and it reflects the religious beliefs that were prevalent in the early 20th century.
As the two men continue to argue, their voices become louder and more passionate. They are not just debating a philosophical question but defending their own beliefs and values. The first man accuses the second of being naive and delusional, while the second accuses the first of being cynical and nihilistic. The argument becomes more heated, and it seems that there is no resolution in sight.
However, in the final stanza of the poem, Robert Service reveals the true nature of the argument. He says, "And so they wrangled and jangled away / In a manner exceedingly grand, / Until the grey of the dawn of day / Slept slow on the hills of the land." The argument was not about the existence of an afterlife but a distraction from the harsh realities of life. The two men were trying to avoid facing their own mortality and the inevitability of death.
The poem is structured in a way that reflects the argument itself. The first two stanzas present the two opposing views, while the next four stanzas present the argument itself. The final stanza reveals the true nature of the argument and brings the poem to a satisfying conclusion. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which gives the poem a musical quality and makes it easy to read and remember.
The significance of "The Argument" lies in its exploration of the human condition. The poem shows how people use arguments and debates to avoid facing their own mortality and the harsh realities of life. It also shows how people cling to their beliefs and values, even in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary. The poem is a reminder that life is fleeting and that we should make the most of the time we have.
In conclusion, "The Argument" is a classic poem that explores the fundamental question of life and death. It presents two opposing views on the existence of an afterlife and shows how people use arguments and debates to avoid facing their own mortality. The poem is structured in a way that reflects the argument itself, and the rhyme scheme gives it a musical quality. The significance of the poem lies in its exploration of the human condition and its reminder that life is fleeting. Robert Service has left a lasting legacy with this masterpiece of poetic expression and storytelling.
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