'The Silent Ones' by Robert Service


AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay


I'm just an ordinary chap
Who comes home to his tea,
And mostly I don't care a rap
What people think of me;
I do my job and take my pay,
And love of peace expound;
But as I go my patient way,
--Don't push me round.

Though I respect authority
And order never flout,
When Law and Justice disagree
You can include me out.
The Welfare State I tolerate
If it is kept in bound,
But if you wish to rouse my hate
--Just push me round.

And that's the way with lots of us:
We want to feel we're free;
So labour governments we cuss
And mock at monarchy.
Yea, we are men of secret mirth,
And fury seldom sound;
But if you value peace on earth
--Don't push us round.

Editor 1 Interpretation

An Ode to the Silent Ones: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation of Robert Service's Poem

"The Silent Ones" is a beautiful poem written by the Scottish-Canadian poet and writer Robert Service. It was first published in "Rhymes of a Red Cross Man" in the year 1916. The poem speaks of the selfless heroism of those who fight in wars but are never recognized for their bravery. The poem is a tribute to the silent ones, who silently suffer, serve, and sacrifice for their country and their fellow beings.

The Structure and Form of the Poem

The poem is structured in five stanzas, each with six lines, and follows a consistent ABABCC rhyme scheme. The consistent rhyme scheme not only makes the poem easier to read but also gives it a musical quality. The poem's musicality is further enhanced by the use of alliteration, assonance, and repetition of words and phrases.

The poem is written in a narrative style, with the poet describing the silent ones and their selfless service. The first stanza sets the tone of the poem, introducing the silent ones and their bravery. The second and third stanzas describe the silent ones' courage and sacrifice in the battlefield. The fourth stanza speaks of the silent ones' humility and their reluctance to seek recognition or reward. The final stanza ends with the poet's tribute to the silent ones and their ultimate sacrifice for their country and their fellow beings.

The Theme of the Poem

The central theme of the poem is heroism, sacrifice, and selflessness. The poem celebrates the heroism of the silent ones, who fight for their country and their fellow beings, without seeking recognition, reward, or glory. The poem speaks of the silent ones' courage and sacrifice in the battlefield, their humility, and their ultimate sacrifice for their country.

The poem also touches upon the theme of war and its impact on society. The poem highlights the horrors of war, the pain and suffering it brings, and the need for sacrifice and bravery to overcome them. The poem also speaks of the importance of recognizing and honoring the selfless service of those who fight in wars, even if they do not seek recognition.

The Poet's Style and Technique

Robert Service's style is characterized by its simplicity, clarity, and directness. He uses simple and straightforward language, without resorting to complex metaphors or elaborate imagery. The simplicity of his style makes his poetry accessible and easy to understand, without sacrificing its depth or meaning.

The poet also uses repetition and alliteration to create a musical quality in his poetry. The repetition of words and phrases not only adds to the poem's musicality but also emphasizes the poet's message. The alliteration and assonance create a rhythm and flow that further enhances the poem's musicality.

In "The Silent Ones," the poet uses imagery to evoke the horrors of war and the selfless service of the silent ones. The imagery is vivid and powerful, creating a sense of empathy and understanding in the reader. The poet also uses personification to give voice to the silent ones, making them more human and relatable.

The Poem's Significance and Relevance Today

"The Silent Ones" is a timeless poem that speaks to the universal human experience of sacrifice, heroism, and selflessness. The poem's message is as relevant today as it was when it was first published in 1916. In an age of increasing individualism and self-centeredness, the poem reminds us of the importance of sacrifice and service to our fellow beings.

The poem is especially relevant today, as we face a global pandemic that has affected millions of people worldwide. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of sacrifice and service, as healthcare workers and essential workers continue to serve and sacrifice for the greater good. The poem's message of honoring the selfless service of those who fight for their fellow beings is more important now than ever before.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Silent Ones" is a beautiful and powerful poem that celebrates the selfless service and sacrifice of those who fight in wars. The poem's simplicity, musicality, and imagery make it a timeless piece of literature that speaks to the universal human experience of sacrifice and heroism. The poem is a tribute to the silent ones, who silently suffer, serve, and sacrifice for their country and their fellow beings. The poem reminds us of the importance of honoring the selfless service of those who fight for their fellow beings, and its message is as relevant today as it was when it was first published in 1916.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Silent Ones: A Poem of the Unsung Heroes

Robert Service, the renowned poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his masterful works. Among his many poems, "The Silent Ones" stands out as a tribute to the unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes, without seeking any recognition or reward. In this poem, Service captures the essence of these silent workers, their dedication, and their selflessness. In this article, we will delve deeper into the poem and explore its themes, imagery, and symbolism.

The poem begins with a powerful opening line, "They are the silent ones." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, emphasizing the importance of these unsung heroes who work in the shadows. The poem then goes on to describe these silent ones as "the men who serve with muffled oar." This imagery of muffled oars creates a sense of secrecy and stealth, highlighting the fact that these workers operate quietly and without drawing attention to themselves.

The second stanza of the poem introduces us to the different roles that these silent ones play. They are the "builders of the nation's might," the "makers of her laws," and the "healers of her ills." These lines highlight the diverse range of jobs that these workers undertake, from construction workers to lawmakers to healthcare professionals. The poem acknowledges the vital role that these workers play in building and maintaining a nation, without whom society would not function.

The third stanza of the poem focuses on the sacrifices that these silent ones make. They "give their lives, but not their names," emphasizing the fact that these workers do not seek recognition or fame for their work. They are content to work behind the scenes, knowing that their contributions are making a difference. The line "they build the world, and go unknown" further emphasizes this point, highlighting the fact that these workers are often overlooked and underappreciated.

The fourth stanza of the poem shifts the focus to the rewards that these silent ones receive. The poem states that "the credit goes to other men," highlighting the fact that these workers often do not receive the recognition they deserve. However, the poem also acknowledges that these workers do not work for the sake of recognition or reward. They work because they believe in the importance of their jobs and the impact that they can have on society.

The fifth and final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. It states that "they are the noblest of the race," emphasizing the fact that these silent ones are the true heroes of society. They work selflessly, without seeking any reward or recognition, and their contributions are essential to the functioning of society. The poem ends with the line "they are the silent ones," bringing the poem full circle and emphasizing the importance of these unsung heroes.

In conclusion, "The Silent Ones" is a powerful tribute to the unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes, without seeking any recognition or reward. The poem highlights the diverse range of jobs that these workers undertake and the sacrifices that they make. It also acknowledges the fact that these workers often do not receive the recognition they deserve, but they continue to work selflessly because they believe in the importance of their jobs. The poem is a reminder to us all to appreciate the contributions of these silent ones and to recognize the essential role that they play in society.

Editor Recommended Sites

Haskell Programming: Learn haskell programming language. Best practice and getting started guides
Compose Music - Best apps for music composition & Compose music online: Learn about the latest music composition apps and music software
Build Quiz - Dev Flashcards & Dev Memorization: Learn a programming language, framework, or study for the next Cloud Certification
Best Online Courses - OCW online free university & Free College Courses: The best online courses online. Free education online & Free university online
Model Shop: Buy and sell machine learning models

Recommended Similar Analysis

Concord Hymn by Ralph Waldo Emerson analysis
Youth and Art by Robert Browning analysis
"It Will Not Change" by Sarah Teasdale analysis
Elegy by Dylan Thomas analysis
Endymion: Book III by John Keats analysis
When I Heard the Learn'd Astronomer by Walt Whitman analysis
Deserted Garden, The by Elizabeth Barrett Browning analysis
Chuang Tzu And The Butterfly by Li Po analysis
Il Penseroso by John Milton analysis
Sonnet 151: Love is too young to know what conscience is by William Shakespeare analysis