'Black Moran' by Robert Service


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The mule-skinner was Bill Jerome, the passengers were three;
Two tinhorns from the dives of Nome, and Father Tim McGee.
And as for sunny Southland bound, through weary woods they sped,
The solitude that ringed them round was silent as the dead.

Then when the trail crooked crazily, the frost-rimed horses reared,
And from behind a fallen tree a grim galoot appeared;
He wore a parki white as snow, a mask as black as soot,
And carelesslike weaved to and fro a gun as if to shoot.

"Stick up yer mitts an' freeze 'em there!" his raucous voice outrang,
And shaving them by just a hair a blazing rod went bang.
The sleigh jerked to a sharp stand-still: "Okay," drawled Bill Jerome,
"Could be, this guy who aims to kill is Black Moran from Nome."

"You lousy crooks," the bandit cried; "You're slickly heeled I know;
Come, make it snappy, dump outside your booty in the snow."
The gambling pair went putty pale; they crimped as if with cold.
And heaved upon the icy trail two hefty pokes of gold.

Then softly stepping from the sleigh came Father Tim McGee,
And speaking in his gentle way: :Accept my Cross," said he.
"For other treasures have I none, their guilty gold to swell . . .
Please take this crucifix, my son, and may it serve you well."

The bandit whispered in his ear: "Jeez-crize, you got me wrong.
I wouldn't rob you Father dear - to your Church I belong."
Then swiftly striding to the sleigh he dumped the gold back in,
And hollered: "On your knees and pray, you lousy sons of sin!"

"Praise God," said Father Tim McGee, "he made you restitution,
And if he ever kneels to me I'll give him absolution."
"I'll have you guys to understand," said Driver Bill Jerome,
"The squarest gunman in the land is Black Moran form Nome."

Editor 1 Interpretation

Black Moran by Robert Service

Black Moran, the classic poem by Robert Service, is a tale of mystery, intrigue, and betrayal set in the rugged landscape of the Canadian wilderness. Service's use of vivid imagery, metaphors, and narration creates a haunting atmosphere that explores the themes of greed, revenge, and the human condition.

The Plot

The poem's plot revolves around a man named Black Moran, a notorious outlaw who roams the wilds of Canada, stealing and pillaging wherever he goes. Moran is a larger-than-life character, portrayed as a fearsome and unrelenting force of nature, with a reputation that precedes him wherever he goes. The poem's narrator describes him as a "giant of a man" with "eyes like coals," who strikes fear into the hearts of all who cross his path.

As the poem unfolds, we learn that Moran has a deep-seated hatred for a man named Dan McGrew, who he blames for his incarceration in prison. McGrew is described as a wealthy and powerful man, who wields his influence to keep Moran locked up behind bars. Moran's thirst for revenge is all-consuming, and he becomes obsessed with finding and killing McGrew.

The poem culminates in a dramatic confrontation between Moran and McGrew, set against the backdrop of the Canadian wilderness. In a final act of betrayal, Moran kills his own partner, who had been working with McGrew to set a trap for him. Moran and McGrew then face off in a deadly duel, which ends with both men lying dead on the ground.

The Themes

Service explores a number of themes in Black Moran, including greed, revenge, and the human condition. The poem is a stark reminder that the human desire for wealth and power can lead to destructive and violent behavior, often at the expense of others.

Greed is a dominant theme in the poem, as both Moran and McGrew are driven by their insatiable desire for wealth and power. Moran is willing to do whatever it takes to get revenge on McGrew, even if it means killing his own partner. McGrew, on the other hand, is portrayed as a corrupt and ruthless businessman, who uses his wealth and influence to control those around him.

Revenge is another key theme in the poem, as Moran's desire for vengeance consumes him and ultimately leads to his downfall. His single-minded pursuit of McGrew blinds him to the consequences of his actions, and he becomes so consumed by his hatred that he kills his own partner in a moment of blind rage.

Finally, the poem is a meditation on the human condition, and the ways in which our desires and passions can lead us down dangerous paths. Service shows us that even the strongest and most fearsome among us are vulnerable to the temptations of greed and revenge, and that our own actions can have far-reaching consequences that we may never fully understand.

The Style

Service's style in Black Moran is characterized by its vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and fast-paced narration. The poem is written in a free-verse style, with a strong emphasis on rhythm and meter, which helps to create a sense of urgency and tension throughout.

One of the most striking features of the poem is its use of metaphor and symbolism. Moran is portrayed as a force of nature, with his black clothing and fierce demeanor representing the darkness and danger that lurks within all of us. McGrew, on the other hand, is associated with wealth and power, with his "diamond studs" and "fur coat" representing the corrupting influence of money and privilege.

The poem's setting is also significant, as the rugged and unforgiving landscape of the Canadian wilderness serves as a metaphor for the harsh realities of life. Service's descriptions of the snow-covered mountains and frozen rivers create a sense of isolation and danger, underscoring the themes of greed, revenge, and the human condition that run throughout the poem.

The Interpretation

Black Moran is a timeless poem that continues to resonate with readers today. Its themes of greed, revenge, and the human condition are as relevant now as they were when the poem was first written, and its vivid imagery and powerful metaphors continue to captivate and inspire.

At its core, the poem is a warning against the dangers of unchecked ambition and desire. Service shows us that when we allow our passions to consume us, we risk losing sight of what really matters in life, and that our actions can have far-reaching consequences that we may never fully understand.

Overall, Black Moran is a masterful work of poetry that deserves to be read and studied by anyone who appreciates the power of language and the complexity of the human experience. Its haunting imagery and powerful themes will stay with readers long after they have finished reading, challenging them to reflect on their own lives and the choices they make.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Black Moran: A Poem of Adventure and Romance

Robert Service is a poet who is known for his vivid descriptions of the rugged landscapes and the adventurous lives of the people who inhabit them. His poem, Black Moran, is no exception. This classic poem tells the story of a daring outlaw who falls in love with a beautiful woman and risks everything to win her heart.

The poem begins with a description of the Black Moran, a notorious outlaw who is feared by all who know him. He is described as a man of great strength and cunning, with a face that is scarred and weather-beaten. He is a man who has lived a life of danger and adventure, and he is not afraid to take risks.

The Black Moran is a man who lives by his own rules, and he is not afraid to break the law if it means getting what he wants. He is a man who is always on the move, and he is constantly looking for new challenges and new adventures.

One day, the Black Moran meets a beautiful woman named Mary O'Meara. Mary is a woman of great beauty and grace, and the Black Moran is immediately smitten with her. He knows that he must win her heart, but he also knows that he must be careful. Mary is a woman of great virtue, and she is not easily swayed by the charms of a dangerous outlaw.

Despite the risks, the Black Moran decides to pursue Mary. He knows that he must be careful, but he is also determined to win her heart. He begins to court her, and he does everything in his power to impress her. He takes her on wild adventures, and he shows her the beauty of the world that he knows so well.

As the Black Moran and Mary grow closer, they begin to fall in love. Mary sees the good in the Black Moran, and she begins to believe that he can change his ways. She sees the man behind the outlaw, and she begins to see a future with him.

However, their love is not without its challenges. The Black Moran is still an outlaw, and he is still hunted by the law. He knows that he must leave Mary behind if he is to continue his life of adventure and danger.

Despite the risks, the Black Moran decides to take Mary with him. He knows that he must protect her, but he also knows that he cannot live without her. He takes her on a wild ride through the mountains, and they escape the law together.

As they ride through the mountains, the Black Moran and Mary are pursued by the law. They know that they must keep moving if they are to stay ahead of their pursuers. They ride through the night, and they face many dangers along the way.

Despite the risks, the Black Moran and Mary continue to ride together. They know that they must stick together if they are to survive. They face many challenges along the way, but they never give up.

In the end, the Black Moran and Mary are able to escape the law. They ride off into the sunset together, and they begin a new life together. They know that their love is strong enough to overcome any obstacle, and they are determined to make a life together.

In conclusion, Black Moran is a classic poem that tells the story of a daring outlaw who falls in love with a beautiful woman. The poem is a tale of adventure and romance, and it is a testament to the power of love. Robert Service's vivid descriptions of the rugged landscapes and the adventurous lives of the people who inhabit them make this poem a true classic. It is a poem that will continue to inspire and captivate readers for generations to come.

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