'The Missal Makers' by Robert Service
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To visit the Escurial
We took a motor bus,
And there a guide mercurial
Took charge of us.
He showed us through room after room,
And talked hour after hour,
Of place, crypt and royal tomb,
Of pomp and power.
But in bewilderment of grace
What pleased me most of all
Were ancient missals proud in place
In stately hall.
A thousand tomes there were at least,
All luminously bright,
That each a score of years some priest
Had toiled to write.
Poor patient monk who brushed and penned
From rise to set of sun!
And when his book came to an end,
His life was done.
With heart of love to God above
For guidance he would pray,
And here behold his art of gold
Undimmed today.
And as our homeward way we took,
The thought occurred to me -
If scribes would only write one book,
How good 'twould be!
Or if our authors had to scroll
Their words on vellum fair,
Their output might be very small,
But oh how rare!
So writers of today take note,
If you your souls would save,
Let every line be one to quote
And to engrave.
Then though you dismally are dead,
You will be cheered to know
your precious prose may still be read
-Ten years or so.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Missal Makers: An Analysis of Robert Service's Poem
Robert Service's poem, The Missal Makers, is a captivating work of art that delves into the intricate process of creating medieval manuscripts, commonly known as missals. The poem is a historical and cultural tribute to the people who created and preserved the written word in the Middle Ages. The author uses vivid imagery, rich language, and poetic devices to paint a vivid picture of the missal makers and their world.
The Historical Context
The Middle Ages, also known as the Medieval period, spanned from the 5th to the 15th century. It was a time of great change in Europe, marked by wars, conquests, and the rise and fall of empires. It was also a time of great intellectual and cultural progress, especially in the field of literature and the arts. During this period, books were primarily handwritten manuscripts created by scribes and missal makers.
A missal is a liturgical book containing the texts and prayers of the Catholic Mass. It was used by priests and other religious officials to conduct the Mass and other religious services. Missals were highly valued by the Church and were often decorated with intricate illustrations and calligraphy. The creation of missals was a complex and time-consuming process that required a great deal of skill and expertise.
The Poem: An Overview
The Missal Makers is a 26-stanza poem that describes the process of creating a missal from start to finish. The poem is divided into several sections, each describing a different aspect of the process. The poem begins with a description of the raw materials used to create the missal and ends with a tribute to the missal makers themselves. The poem is written in a rhyming couplet form, with each stanza consisting of two lines that rhyme.
The Raw Materials
The first section of the poem focuses on the materials used to create the missal. The author describes the parchment used for the pages of the missal as "velvet white as winter snow". He also describes the ink used to write on the pages as "black as a raven's wing". The author's use of vivid imagery in this section helps to create a sense of the beauty and importance of the materials used to create the missal.
The Scribes
The second section of the poem focuses on the scribes who create the missal. The author describes the scribes as "monks of pious rule" who spend their days "scribbling in the cloisters' gloom". The author also notes the importance of the scribes' work, describing it as "the holy word made plain". This section of the poem highlights the dedication and devotion of the scribes to their work.
The Illuminators
The third section of the poem focuses on the illuminators who decorate the missal with illustrations and calligraphy. The author describes the illuminators as "artists of the devout" who use their skills to "adorn the page with gold and blue". The author also notes the importance of the illuminators' work, describing it as "the glory of the book". This section of the poem highlights the skill and creativity of the illuminators and the beauty of their artwork.
The Binding
The fourth section of the poem focuses on the binding of the missal. The author describes the binding as "strong as oak and sweet with spice" and notes that it is "the final touch of art". This section of the poem highlights the importance of the binding in preserving the missal and the skill required to create a binding that is both beautiful and durable.
The Missal Makers
The final section of the poem is a tribute to the missal makers themselves. The author notes that the missal makers are "unknown to fame" and that their work is often "lost to time". However, he also notes that their work is "a legacy of faith" that has been passed down through the ages. This section of the poem highlights the importance of the missal makers in preserving the written word and the faith of the Church.
Poetic Devices
Throughout the poem, Robert Service uses a variety of poetic devices to create a vivid and engaging work of art. These devices include:
Imagery
The author uses vivid imagery throughout the poem to create a sense of the beauty and importance of the missal and its creators. For example, he describes the parchment as "velvet white as winter snow" and the ink as "black as a raven's wing". These descriptions help to create a sense of the value and sanctity of the materials used to create the missal.
Rhyme
The poem is written in a rhyming couplet form, with each stanza consisting of two lines that rhyme. This creates a sense of structure and rhythm throughout the poem and helps to make it more engaging and memorable.
Alliteration
The author uses alliteration throughout the poem to create a sense of flow and rhythm. For example, he describes the scribes as "monks of pious rule" and the illuminators as "artists of the devout". These descriptions help to create a sense of the dedication and devotion of the missal makers.
Repetition
The author uses repetition throughout the poem to emphasize key points and create a sense of unity. For example, he repeats the phrase "the holy word made plain" several times to emphasize the importance of the scribes' work.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Robert Service's poem, The Missal Makers, is a beautiful tribute to the people who created and preserved the written word in the Middle Ages. The poem is a testament to the dedication, skill and creativity of the missal makers, and highlights the importance of their work in preserving the faith and culture of the Church. The author's use of vivid imagery, rich language, and poetic devices makes this poem a true work of art and a joy to read.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Missal Makers: A Poem That Celebrates the Art of Bookmaking
Robert Service's "The Missal Makers" is a classic poem that celebrates the art of bookmaking. The poem is a tribute to the medieval scribes who painstakingly copied and illuminated manuscripts by hand. It is a beautiful and lyrical work that captures the essence of the craft and the dedication of those who practiced it.
The poem begins with a description of the scribes at work. They are depicted as "monks in a scriptorium" who "labour with quill and ink." The image is one of quiet industry, with the scribes hunched over their work, their faces illuminated by the light of the candles. The poem then goes on to describe the beauty of the manuscripts they produce, with their "gold and azure" illuminations and their "parchment pages."
The poem is filled with vivid imagery that brings the world of the scribes to life. We can almost hear the sound of the quills scratching across the parchment, and we can feel the weight of the books in our hands. The poem also captures the sense of reverence that the scribes had for their work. They were not simply copying words onto paper; they were creating something sacred, something that would be treasured for generations to come.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of language. Service's writing is rich and evocative, with a rhythm and flow that is almost musical. He uses words like "illumined" and "embossed" to describe the manuscripts, and phrases like "the glory of God" to convey the importance of the scribes' work. The language is both beautiful and powerful, and it adds to the sense of awe and wonder that the poem inspires.
Another interesting aspect of the poem is its historical context. The Missal Makers were active during the Middle Ages, a time when books were rare and precious objects. The scribes were not only responsible for copying and illuminating manuscripts, but also for preserving knowledge and culture. They were the keepers of the written word, and their work was essential to the development of Western civilization.
The poem also touches on the spiritual aspect of the scribes' work. They were not simply copying words onto paper; they were creating something that would be used in religious ceremonies and that would help to connect people with the divine. The manuscripts they produced were not just beautiful objects; they were also sacred artifacts that had the power to inspire and uplift.
In many ways, "The Missal Makers" is a celebration of craftsmanship. It is a tribute to the skill and dedication of those who create beautiful things with their hands. The scribes in the poem are not just workers; they are artists, and their work is a form of self-expression. They take pride in what they do, and they are driven by a sense of purpose and meaning.
Overall, "The Missal Makers" is a beautiful and inspiring poem that celebrates the art of bookmaking. It reminds us of the importance of craftsmanship and the power of the written word. It is a tribute to the scribes who worked tirelessly to preserve knowledge and culture, and it is a reminder that beauty and meaning can be found in even the most mundane of tasks.
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