'The Wife' by Robert Service
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"Tell Annie I'll be home in time
To help her with her Christmas-tree."
That's what he wrote, and hark! the chime
Of Christmas bells, and where is he?
And how the house is dark and sad,
And Annie's sobbing on my knee!
The page beside the candle-flame
With cruel type was overfilled;
I read and read until a name
Leapt at me and my heart was stilled:
My eye crept up the column -- up
Unto its hateful heading: Killed.
And there was Annie on the stair:
"And will he not be long?" she said.
Her eyes were bright and in her hair
She'd twined a bit of riband red;
And every step was daddy's sure,
Till tired out she went to bed.
And there alone I sat so still,
With staring eyes that did not see;
The room was desolate and chill,
And desolate the heart of me;
Outside I heard the news-boys shrill:
"Another Glorious Victory!"
A victory. . . . Ah! what care I?
A thousand victories are vain.
Here in my ruined home I cry
From out my black despair and pain,
I'd rather, rather damned defeat,
And have my man with me again.
They talk to us of pride and power,
Of Empire vast beyond the sea;
As here beside my hearth I cower,
What mean such words as these to me?
Oh, will they lift the clouds that low'r,
Or light my load in years to be?
What matters it to us poor folk?
Who win or lose, it's we who pay.
Oh, I would laugh beneath the yoke
If I had him at home to-day;
One's home before one's country comes:
Aye, so a million women say.
"Hush, Annie dear, don't sorrow so."
(How can I tell her?) "See, we'll light
With tiny star of purest glow
Each little candle pink and white."
(They make mistakes. I'll tell myself
I did not read that name aright.)
Come, dearest one; come, let us pray
Beside our gleaming Christmas-tree;
Just fold your little hands and say
These words so softly after me:
"God pity mothers in distress,
And little children fatherless."
"God pity mothers in distress,
And little children fatherless."
. . . . .
What's that? -- a step upon the stair;
A shout! -- the door thrown open wide!
My hero and my man is there,
And Annie's leaping by his side. . . .
The room reels round, I faint, I fall. . . .
"O God! Thy world is glorified."
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Wife by Robert Service: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Are you looking for a poem that portrays the struggles of a woman in a patriarchal society? Are you seeking a piece of literature that delves deep into the themes of gender roles, societal expectations, and personal freedom? If yes, then The Wife by Robert Service is the perfect poem for you. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will analyze the poem's structure, themes, and literary devices to understand its meaning and significance.
Structure
The Wife is a narrative poem that tells the story of a woman who is tired of her mundane life as a housewife. The poem is divided into 12 stanzas, each with four lines, and follows a consistent rhyme scheme of ABAB. The poem's rhythm is also consistent, with stressed and unstressed syllables following a pattern of iambic tetrameter.
The poem's structure is simple but effective in conveying the wife's story. The consistent rhyme and rhythm create a sense of stability and routine, mirroring the wife's domestic life. However, the poem's simplicity is also indicative of the wife's desire for something more than the monotony of her daily routine.
Themes
The Wife explores several themes, including gender roles, societal expectations, and personal freedom.
Gender roles are a prominent theme in the poem, as the wife's entire existence is defined by her gender. She is expected to stay at home and take care of the household, while her husband goes out to work. The poem highlights the restrictive nature of gender roles, as the wife feels trapped and unfulfilled in her domestic life.
Societal expectations are also explored in the poem, as the wife feels pressure to conform to the expectations of her community. She is expected to be content with her role as a wife and mother, despite her desire for something more. The poem critiques the societal expectations placed on women, which limit their opportunities for personal growth and fulfillment.
Personal freedom is the central theme of the poem, as the wife yearns for the ability to live her life as she sees fit. She dreams of traveling the world and experiencing new things, but feels trapped by her societal and gender roles. The poem highlights the importance of personal freedom and the negative consequences of denying individuals the opportunity to pursue their dreams.
Literary Devices
Robert Service employs several literary devices in The Wife to convey the poem's themes and emotions.
Imagery is a prominent literary device in the poem, as Service uses vivid descriptions to create a sense of longing and desire. For example, in stanza two, he writes, "She dreams of Paris in the spring / And Venice on a summer's day", painting a picture of exotic destinations that the wife longs to visit. The imagery portrays the wife's desire for adventure and escape, highlighting her dissatisfaction with her current life.
Metaphors and similes are also used to convey the wife's emotions. In stanza five, Service compares the wife's life to a "death in life", emphasizing the monotony and meaninglessness of her existence. The metaphor creates a sense of despair and hopelessness, highlighting the wife's desire for something more.
The poem also employs repetition to emphasize the wife's longing for personal freedom. The phrase "She wants" is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the wife's desires and highlighting the importance of personal agency.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Wife by Robert Service is a powerful poem that explores the themes of gender roles, societal expectations, and personal freedom. Through its simple structure, vivid imagery, and effective use of literary devices, the poem conveys the wife's desire for something more than the restrictions of her domestic life. The Wife is a timeless piece of literature that continues to resonate with readers today, making it a must-read for anyone interested in feminist literature and the human struggle for personal freedom.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Wife by Robert Service is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a poem that speaks to the heart of every man who has ever been married or is contemplating marriage. The poem is a beautiful and poignant reflection on the joys and challenges of married life. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and literary devices used in the poem.
The poem is structured in six stanzas, each consisting of four lines. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which gives the poem a sing-song quality. The poem is written in a conversational tone, as if the speaker is talking to the reader directly. This conversational tone makes the poem more relatable and accessible to the reader.
The poem begins with the speaker describing his wife. He says that she is not beautiful, but she is kind and loving. He describes her as a "homely lass" who is "plain and small." This description sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is not interested in superficial beauty, but in the deeper qualities that make a person lovable.
The second stanza describes the speaker's wedding day. He says that he was nervous and scared, but his wife was calm and serene. This contrast between the two characters shows the strength and resilience of the wife. She is able to remain calm in the face of adversity, while the speaker is overcome with emotion.
The third stanza describes the early years of the speaker's marriage. He says that they were poor and struggled to make ends meet. However, he also says that they were happy and content with each other. This stanza shows the importance of love and companionship in a marriage. Even in difficult times, the speaker and his wife were able to find happiness in each other.
The fourth stanza describes the speaker's wife as a mother. He says that she is a "tender nurse" who cares for their children with love and devotion. This stanza shows the nurturing and caring nature of the wife. She is not only a loving wife, but also a loving mother.
The fifth stanza describes the speaker's wife as a companion. He says that she is his "truest friend" and that they share everything together. This stanza shows the importance of friendship in a marriage. The speaker and his wife are not only lovers, but also friends who share a deep bond.
The final stanza is a reflection on the speaker's life with his wife. He says that he has been blessed to have her in his life and that he loves her more each day. This stanza is a testament to the enduring nature of love. Even after many years of marriage, the speaker's love for his wife continues to grow.
The themes of the poem are love, companionship, and the enduring nature of marriage. The poem celebrates the simple joys of married life, such as love, companionship, and friendship. It also acknowledges the challenges of married life, such as financial struggles and the demands of parenthood. However, the poem ultimately celebrates the strength and resilience of the wife, who is able to weather these challenges with grace and love.
The poem uses several literary devices to convey its themes and message. The use of imagery is particularly effective in the poem. The description of the wife as a "homely lass" and a "tender nurse" creates vivid images in the reader's mind. The use of repetition is also effective in the poem. The repetition of the phrase "my wife" throughout the poem emphasizes the speaker's love and devotion to his wife.
The use of irony is also present in the poem. The speaker describes his wife as plain and small, but he also acknowledges her inner beauty and strength. This irony highlights the superficial nature of society's standards of beauty and emphasizes the importance of inner qualities in a person.
In conclusion, The Wife by Robert Service is a beautiful and poignant reflection on the joys and challenges of married life. The poem celebrates the simple joys of love, companionship, and friendship, while acknowledging the challenges of married life. The poem is structured in a conversational tone, which makes it more relatable and accessible to the reader. The use of literary devices, such as imagery, repetition, and irony, adds depth and complexity to the poem. Overall, The Wife is a timeless poem that speaks to the heart of every man who has ever been married or is contemplating marriage.
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