'Bill's Grave' by Robert Service
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I'm gatherin' flowers by the wayside to lay on the grave of Bill;
I've sneaked away from the billet, 'cause Jim wouldn't understand;
'E'd call me a silly fat'ead, and larf till it made 'im ill,
To see me 'ere in the cornfield, wiv a big bookay in me 'and.
For Jim and me we are rough uns, but Bill was one o' the best;
We 'listed and learned together to larf at the wust wot comes;
Then Bill copped a packet proper, and took 'is departure West,
So sudden 'e 'adn't a minit to say good-bye to 'is chums.
And they took me to where 'e was planted, a sort of a measly mound,
And, thinks I, 'ow Bill would be tickled, bein' so soft and queer,
If I gathered a bunch o' them wild-flowers, and sort of arranged them round
Like a kind of a bloody headpiece . . . and that's the reason I'm 'ere.
But not for the love of glory I wouldn't 'ave Jim to know.
'E'd call me a slobberin' Cissy, and larf till 'is sides was sore;
I'd 'ave larfed at meself too, it isn't so long ago;
But some'ow it changes a feller, 'avin' a taste o' war.
It 'elps a man to be 'elpful, to know wot 'is pals is worth
(Them golden poppies is blazin' like lamps some fairy 'as lit);
I'm fond o' them big white dysies. . . . Now Jim's o' the salt o' the earth;
But 'e 'as got a tongue wot's a terror, and 'e ain't sentimental a bit.
I likes them blue chaps wot's 'idin' so shylike among the corn.
Won't Bill be glad! We was allus thicker 'n thieves, us three.
Why! 'Oo's that singin' so 'earty? JIM! And as sure as I'm born
'E's there in the giddy cornfields, a-gatherin' flowers like me.
Quick! Drop me posy be'ind me. I watches 'im for a while,
Then I says: "Wot 'o, there, Chummy! Wot price the little bookay?"
And 'e starts like a bloke wot's guilty, and 'e says with a sheepish smile:
"She's a bit of orl right, the widder wot keeps the estaminay."
So 'e goes away in a 'urry, and I wishes 'im best o' luck,
And I picks up me bunch o' wild-flowers, and the light's gettin' sorto dim,
When I makes me way to the boneyard, and . . . I stares like a man wot's stuck,
For wot do I see? Bill's grave-mound strewn with the flowers of Jim.
Of course I won't never tell 'im, bein' a tactical lad;
And Jim parley-voos to the widder: "Trez beans, lamoor; compree?"
Oh, 'e'd die of shame if 'e knew I knew; but say! won't Bill be glad
When 'e stares through the bleedin' clods and sees the blossoms of Jim and me?
Editor 1 Interpretation
Bill's Grave by Robert Service: A Tribute to the Pioneer Spirit
Bill's Grave is a poignant poem by Robert Service that pays tribute to the pioneer spirit and the rugged individualism of the early settlers who dared to tame the wild frontiers of Canada and the United States in the late 19th and early 20th century. The poem tells the story of a man named Bill who lived and died in the wilderness, leaving behind only a simple wooden cross that marks his grave. Through vivid imagery, evocative language, and a powerful emotional tone, Service captures the essence of the pioneer ethos and portrays Bill as a hero and a symbol of the rugged, self-reliant spirit that characterized the pioneer experience.
The Setting and the Characters
The poem is set in the wilderness of the Yukon Territory, a rugged and unforgiving landscape that was the site of the Klondike Gold Rush in the late 1890s. The narrator of the poem is an unnamed traveler who stumbles upon Bill's grave while wandering through the wilderness. He is struck by the simplicity of the grave, which consists only of a wooden cross and a pile of stones, and he wonders about the life and death of the man who lies beneath it.
Bill, the protagonist of the poem, is a typical pioneer figure who embodies the spirit of the early settlers. He is a man of few words and simple needs, who lived off the land and made his living as a trapper and prospector. He is described as a "silent man" who "never said much", but who was respected and admired by his fellow pioneers for his courage, resilience, and self-sufficiency. Bill's death is not described in detail, but it is implied that he died a natural death, perhaps after a long and hard life in the wilderness.
The Theme of the Pioneer Spirit
The theme of the poem is the pioneer spirit, which is characterized by a sense of adventure, self-reliance, and a willingness to face the dangers and challenges of the unknown. The pioneers were the first European settlers who ventured into the wild frontiers of North America, seeking new opportunities and a better life. They were motivated by a desire to escape the constraints and hardships of the Old World, and to build a new society based on their own values and principles.
Service celebrates the pioneer spirit by portraying Bill as a hero and a symbol of the rugged individualism and self-reliance that characterized the early settlers. He describes Bill as a man who "had no use for God in his way", but who "trusted in his own right hand". This suggests that Bill was a man who relied on his own skills and judgment, and who was not afraid to face the challenges of the wilderness on his own terms.
The Power of Nature
Another important theme of the poem is the power of nature, which is portrayed as both beautiful and dangerous. The wilderness of the Yukon is described in vivid detail, with its "purple mountains and the river winding" and its "aurora borealis flaming". The beauty of the landscape is contrasted with its harshness and unforgiving nature, which can be deadly for those who are not prepared or skilled enough to survive in it.
Bill's death is also a reminder of the power of nature, which can claim even the strongest and most self-reliant of men. The fact that Bill's grave is marked only by a simple wooden cross and a pile of stones suggests that he died alone and without any help or comfort from others. This underscores the isolation and vulnerability of the pioneers, who had to rely on their own resources and skills to survive in the wilderness.
The Emotional Tone of the Poem
One of the most striking features of the poem is its emotional tone, which is both sad and uplifting. Service's use of language and imagery creates a powerful sense of nostalgia and longing for a simpler, more authentic way of life. The poem evokes a sense of loss and regret for a world that has disappeared, and for the values and ideals that were once cherished by the pioneers.
At the same time, the poem is also uplifting and inspiring, as it celebrates the courage, resilience, and self-reliance of the pioneers. By portraying Bill as a hero and a symbol of the pioneer spirit, Service encourages us to embrace those values and to aspire to live our lives with the same sense of adventure, self-reliance, and determination.
Conclusion
Bill's Grave is a remarkable poem that captures the essence of the pioneer spirit and pays tribute to the rugged individualism and self-reliance of the early settlers. Through vivid imagery, evocative language, and a powerful emotional tone, Service celebrates the courage and resilience of those who ventured into the wilderness of the North American frontier, and he encourages us to embrace those values and to aspire to live our lives with the same sense of adventure, self-reliance, and determination. Whether we live in the city or in the country, we can all learn from the example of Bill and the pioneers, and strive to live our lives with the same sense of purpose and passion.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Bill's Grave: A Poem That Tells a Story of Life and Death
Robert Service's poem "Bill's Grave" is a classic piece of literature that tells a story of life and death. The poem is a narrative that follows the life of a man named Bill, who lived a simple life but died a tragic death. The poem is a reflection on the fragility of life and the inevitability of death. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail.
The poem begins with the speaker visiting Bill's grave. The speaker describes the grave as being "lonely and neglected." The speaker then goes on to describe Bill's life, saying that he was a "simple man" who lived a "simple life." Bill was not a wealthy man, but he was content with what he had. He lived in a small cabin in the woods and spent his days hunting and fishing.
The poem then takes a dark turn as the speaker describes Bill's death. Bill was out hunting one day when he was attacked by a grizzly bear. Despite his best efforts, Bill was unable to fend off the bear and was killed. The speaker describes the scene of Bill's death in vivid detail, saying that the bear "ripped and tore" at Bill's flesh until he was dead.
The poem then shifts to a reflection on the nature of life and death. The speaker says that Bill's death was a reminder that "life is but a fleeting breath." The poem is a meditation on the fragility of life and the inevitability of death. The speaker reflects on the fact that no matter how simple or complex our lives may be, we all must face death in the end.
The poem ends with the speaker paying his respects to Bill. The speaker says that he will remember Bill and the lessons that his life and death taught him. The poem is a tribute to Bill and a reminder to the reader that life is precious and should be cherished.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of imagery. The poem is full of vivid descriptions that bring the story to life. For example, when describing Bill's cabin, the speaker says that it was "built of logs and clay." This simple description immediately conjures up an image of a rustic cabin in the woods. Similarly, when describing Bill's death, the speaker says that the bear "ripped and tore" at his flesh. This graphic description is both shocking and effective in conveying the brutality of the attack.
Another notable aspect of the poem is its use of language. The poem is written in a simple, straightforward style that is easy to understand. However, the language is also poetic and evocative. For example, when describing Bill's life, the speaker says that he "lived in the heart of the forest." This simple phrase is both poetic and descriptive, painting a picture of a man who was at one with nature.
The poem also has a clear message. The poem is a meditation on the fragility of life and the inevitability of death. The poem reminds us that no matter how simple or complex our lives may be, we all must face death in the end. The poem is a tribute to Bill and a reminder to the reader that life is precious and should be cherished.
In conclusion, Robert Service's poem "Bill's Grave" is a classic piece of literature that tells a story of life and death. The poem is a meditation on the fragility of life and the inevitability of death. The poem is full of vivid imagery and poetic language that bring the story to life. The poem is a tribute to Bill and a reminder to the reader that life is precious and should be cherished.
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