'Beak-Bashing Boy' by Robert Service
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But yesterday I banked on fistic fame,
Figgerin' I'd be a champion of the Ring.
Today I've half a mind to quit the Game,
For all them rosy dreams have taken wing,
Since last night a secondary bout
I let a goddam nigger knock me out.
It must have been that T-bone steak I ate;
They might have doped it, them smart gambling guys,
For round my heart I felt a heavy weight,
A stab of pain that should have put me wise.
But oh the cheering of the fans was sweet,
And never once I reckoned on defeat.
I had the nigger licked - twice he went down,
And there was just another round to go.
I played with him, I made him look a clown,
Yet he was game, and traded blow for blow.
And then that piston pain, the dark of doom . . .
Like meat they lugged me to my dressing-room.
So that's the pay-off to my bid for fame.
But yesterday my head was in the sky,
And now I slink and sag in sorry shame,
And hate to look my backers in the eye.
They think I threw the fight; I sorto' feel
The ringworms rate me for a lousy heel.
Oh sure I could go on - but gee! it's rough
To be a pork-and-beaner at the best;
To beg for bouts, yet getting not enough
To keep a decent feed inside my vest;
To go on canvas-kissing till I come
To cadge for drinks just like a Bowery bum.
Hell no! I'll slug my guts out till I die.
I'll be no bouncer in a cheap saloon.
I'll give them swatatorium scribes the lie,
I'll make a come-back, aye and pretty soon.
I'll show them tinhorn sports; I'll train and train,
I'll hear them cheer - oh Christ! the pain, the PAIN . . .
Stable-Boss:
"Poor punk! you're sunk - you'll never scrap again."
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Epic Tale of Beak-Bashing Boy
Robert Service's poem, Beak-Bashing Boy, is a gripping and intense story of a young boy's journey to manhood. Written in Service's signature style, the poem is filled with vivid imagery, memorable characters, and a powerful message that resonates with readers of all ages. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the themes, symbolism, and poetic devices used by Service to convey his message and capture the hearts of his readers.
The Themes
The poem's primary theme is that of the journey from childhood to adulthood. The boy in the poem starts as a playful youth, innocent and carefree. However, as he embarks on his adventure, he is forced to confront the harsh realities of the world. He learns the value of hard work, perseverance, and bravery. The poem's message is clear: growing up is not easy, but it is a journey worth taking.
Another theme that runs throughout the poem is that of self-discovery. As the boy faces his challenges, he begins to understand himself better. He discovers his strengths and weaknesses, and as a result, he grows into a stronger, more confident young man. This journey of self-discovery is a crucial part of the transition from childhood to adulthood.
The Symbolism
Service employs various symbols throughout the poem to enhance its meaning and impact. The most prominent symbol in the poem is that of the eagle. The eagle represents strength, freedom, and power. It is a symbol of the challenges that the boy must face and conquer to become a man. The eagle also represents the boy's spirit, which is as strong and majestic as the bird itself.
Another symbol in the poem is that of the beak. The beak represents the challenges and obstacles that the boy must face on his journey. The beak is sharp and dangerous, and it must be overcome to reach the boy's goal. The beak also represents the boy's determination to succeed. He is willing to face the beak head-on, even if it means risking his life.
The Poetic Devices
Service employs various poetic devices in the poem to convey his message and enhance its impact. One such device is alliteration, which is the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words. Service uses alliteration in several places throughout the poem, such as "beak-bashing boy," "mighty muscles move," and "strength of sinew." This repetition of sounds creates a musical quality to the poem, making it more memorable and enjoyable to read.
Another poetic device used in the poem is imagery. Service uses vivid imagery to create a mental picture of the boy's journey. He describes the eagle swooping down, the beak bashing against the boy's shield, and the boy's muscles straining as he fights back. This imagery creates a visceral experience for the reader, making the poem more engaging and impactful.
The Conclusion
In conclusion, Beak-Bashing Boy is a powerful and inspiring poem that captures the essence of the journey from childhood to adulthood. Service uses themes, symbolism, and poetic devices to create a timeless message that resonates with readers of all ages. The poem serves as a reminder that growing up is not easy, but it is a journey worth taking. It is a testament to the human spirit and the strength and perseverance that lies within us all.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Beak-Bashing Boy: A Poem of Youthful Adventure and Bravery
Robert Service's poem, Beak-Bashing Boy, is a classic piece of literature that captures the essence of youthful adventure and bravery. The poem tells the story of a young boy who sets out to catch a seagull, but ends up in a life-threatening situation. Through his bravery and quick thinking, the boy manages to save himself and the bird, leaving readers with a sense of awe and admiration for his courage.
The poem begins with the boy's determination to catch a seagull. He is described as "a lad of spirit bold" who "longed to catch a gull." This opening sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it establishes the boy's adventurous spirit and his willingness to take risks. The boy's determination is further emphasized in the second stanza, where he is described as "a boy of grit and pluck" who "would never give it up."
As the boy sets out to catch the seagull, he faces a series of challenges. He climbs up a cliff and balances himself on a narrow ledge, all the while keeping his eyes on the bird. The imagery in this section of the poem is vivid and intense, as readers can almost feel the boy's heart racing and his palms sweating. The use of sensory details, such as "the dizzy height" and "the salt spray in his face," adds to the realism of the scene and makes it easy for readers to imagine themselves in the boy's shoes.
However, the boy's adventure takes a dangerous turn when he loses his balance and falls into the sea. This is where the poem takes a dramatic turn, as the boy is suddenly faced with a life-threatening situation. The imagery in this section of the poem is equally vivid, as readers can almost feel the cold water and the waves crashing against the boy's body. The use of onomatopoeia, such as "the thunder of the surf" and "the hiss of the foam," adds to the intensity of the scene and makes it easy for readers to imagine the danger the boy is in.
Despite the danger he is in, the boy does not lose his courage. He manages to grab hold of the seagull and uses it as a weapon to fight off the circling birds that are trying to attack him. This is where the title of the poem, Beak-Bashing Boy, comes into play, as the boy uses the seagull's beak to defend himself. The use of alliteration in this section of the poem, such as "beak-bashing battle" and "fierce feathered foe," adds to the excitement of the scene and makes it easy for readers to visualize the action.
In the end, the boy manages to save himself and the seagull. He climbs back up the cliff and releases the bird, watching as it flies away. The final stanza of the poem is particularly powerful, as it captures the boy's sense of triumph and accomplishment. He is described as "a hero in his own right" who "had won a victory grand." The use of hyperbole in this section of the poem, such as "the world was at his feet," adds to the sense of excitement and makes it easy for readers to share in the boy's sense of triumph.
Overall, Beak-Bashing Boy is a classic poem that captures the essence of youthful adventure and bravery. Through vivid imagery, sensory details, and exciting action, Robert Service creates a world that readers can easily imagine themselves in. The poem is a testament to the power of courage and determination, and it serves as an inspiration to anyone who has ever faced a challenge and overcome it.
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