'Ruins' by Robert Service
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Ruins in Rome are four a penny,
And here along the Appian Way
I see the monuments of many
Esteemed almighty in their day. . . .
Or so he makes me understand -
My glib guide of the rubber bus,
And tells me with a gesture grand:
"Behold! the tomb of Romulus."
Whereat I stared with eyes of awe,
And yet a whit dismayed was I,
When on its crumbling wall I saw
A washing hanging out to dry;
Yea, that relict of slow decay,
With peristyle and gnarly frieze,
Was garnished with a daft display
Of bifurcation and chemise.
But as we went our Southward way
Another ruin soon I saw;
No antique tower, gaunt and grey,
But modern manor rubbled raw;
And on its sill a maiden sat,
And told me in a tone of rue:
It was your allied bombs did that . . .
But do not think we're blaming you."
Thought I: Time is more kind than we
Who blot out beauty with a blow;
And truly it was sad to see
A gracious mansion levelled low . . .
While moulderings of ancient Rome
Still serve the peasants for their swine,
We do not leave a lovely home
A wall to hang a washing line.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Ruins by Robert Service: An Exploration of Timeless Themes
Oh, Ruins! What a masterpiece of a poem! Robert Service, the Canadian poet, has managed to capture the essence of timelessness in his literary work. Ruins is a poem that has been admired by readers and literary critics alike for its simplicity, depth of meaning, and its ability to evoke strong emotions. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the various themes that Service has interwoven into the poem and how they relate to the overall message that he is trying to convey.
The Themes of Ruins
Ruins is a poem that is rich in themes. Each stanza is a reflection of the various aspects of human life that Service has managed to capture. One of the most prominent themes in the poem is the theme of time. Service portrays the fragility of human existence and how time has the power to erode everything that was once strong and mighty. The repeated use of words such as "crumbled," "fallen," and "decayed" emphasizes the idea of the unstoppable nature of time. The poem is a reminder that everything, even the most magnificent structures, will one day turn to dust.
Another theme that is evident in the poem is the theme of human mortality. The ruins that Service describes were once inhabited by people who lived, loved, and died. The line "Here once a city stood that shall be seen no more" is a reminder that no matter how great one's achievements, they will eventually be forgotten. The poem is a beautiful reflection on the fleeting nature of life and how it is important to cherish every moment that we have.
Service also touches on the theme of nature's power. The ruins that he describes were once built by man, but they were eventually destroyed by the forces of nature. The line "Yet Nature has her way, nor will she brook delay" highlights the idea that we are all at the mercy of nature's power. No matter how much we try to control our surroundings, nature will always be stronger.
The theme of human legacy is also present in the poem. The ruins that Service describes were once great structures that were built to last. They were meant to be a testament to the greatness of the civilization that built them. However, as time passed, they were slowly forgotten, and their legacy was lost. The poem is a reminder that even the most impressive accomplishments will eventually fade away, and it is up to us to ensure that our legacy lives on.
The Language of Ruins
The language that Service uses in the poem is simple yet powerful. The use of short, simple sentences and the repetition of certain words create a sense of urgency and emphasize the idea of the unstoppable nature of time. The use of alliteration, such as in the line "Huge halls, half-hid in haze of heat" creates a sense of musicality and adds to the overall beauty of the poem.
Service also uses imagery to create vivid pictures in the reader's mind. The description of the ruins as "heaps of stones and piles of bricks" and "broken arches standing up like ribs of stranded whales" is an example of his ability to create powerful images with words. The use of metaphors, such as "a ghostly hand has writ upon the walls" and "a voiceless wail laments the silent halls" adds to the overall sense of melancholy that the poem evokes.
The Message of Ruins
The message that Service is trying to convey in the poem is one of humility and acceptance. He reminds us that no matter how great we think we are, we are all at the mercy of time and nature's power. He encourages us to cherish every moment that we have and to leave a legacy that will stand the test of time. The poem is a reminder that our time on this earth is limited and that we should make the most of it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ruins is a masterpiece of a poem that has stood the test of time. Service's ability to capture the essence of timelessness and the fragility of human existence is a true testament to his skill as a poet. The poem is a beautiful reflection on the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing every moment that we have. It is a reminder that our legacy is important and that we should strive to leave a lasting mark on the world.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Ruins: A Poem of Timeless Beauty and Tragic Decay
Robert Service's Ruins is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the essence of time and the inevitable decay of all things. The poem is a hauntingly beautiful portrayal of the ruins of an ancient civilization, and the emotions that they evoke in the poet. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem, and how they contribute to its overall impact.
The poem begins with the poet standing amidst the ruins of an ancient city, marveling at the grandeur of its past glory. He describes the towering pillars and the broken arches, the crumbling walls and the fallen statues, all of which bear witness to the greatness that once was. The imagery is vivid and evocative, painting a picture of a once-mighty civilization that has now fallen into ruin.
As the poet continues to explore the ruins, he begins to feel a sense of sadness and loss. He reflects on the lives of the people who once inhabited this city, and the dreams and aspirations that they must have had. He wonders what happened to them, and why their civilization fell into ruin. The language used here is poignant and reflective, conveying a sense of deep emotion and empathy for the people who once lived in this place.
The theme of time is a central one in this poem. The poet reflects on the passage of time, and how it has eroded the once-great civilization. He describes how the wind and the rain have worn away the stone, and how the sun has bleached the colors from the walls. He also reflects on the fleeting nature of human life, and how all things must eventually come to an end. The language used here is powerful and evocative, conveying a sense of the inexorable march of time.
Another theme that runs through the poem is that of beauty in decay. The poet finds beauty in the ruins, despite their decay and destruction. He describes the way that the vines and the ivy have grown over the walls, and how they have added a new dimension of beauty to the ruins. He also reflects on the way that the light plays on the broken stones, creating a sense of ethereal beauty that is both haunting and mesmerizing. The language used here is lyrical and poetic, conveying a sense of wonder and awe at the beauty that can be found in even the most desolate of places.
The language used in the poem is rich and evocative, with a strong emphasis on imagery and metaphor. The poet uses a variety of literary devices, such as alliteration, personification, and simile, to create a sense of depth and complexity in the poem. For example, he describes the ruins as "a ghostly palace of the dead," using personification to give them a sense of life and personality. He also uses simile to describe the way that the light plays on the ruins, comparing it to "a fairy's wand." The language is both beautiful and powerful, conveying a sense of the grandeur and tragedy of the ruins.
In conclusion, Robert Service's Ruins is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the essence of time and the inevitable decay of all things. The poem is a hauntingly beautiful portrayal of the ruins of an ancient civilization, and the emotions that they evoke in the poet. Through its vivid imagery, powerful language, and evocative themes, the poem speaks to the human condition and the fleeting nature of life. It is a timeless work of art that will continue to inspire and move readers for generations to come.
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