'Grand -Pere' by Robert W. Service
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And so when he reached my bed
The General made a stand:
"My brave young fellow," he said,
"I would shake your hand."
So I lifted my arm, the right,
With never a hand at all;
Only a stump, a sight
Fit to appal.
"Well, well. Now that's too bad!
That's sorrowful luck," he said;
"But there! You give me, my lad,
The left instead."
So from under the blanket's rim
I raised and showed him the other,
A snag as ugly and grim
As its ugly brother.
He looked at each jagged wrist;
He looked, but he did not speak;
And then he bent down and kissed
Me on either cheek.
You wonder now I don't mind
I hadn't a hand to offer. . . .
They tell me (you know I'm blind)
'Twas Grand-Père Joffre.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry Analysis: "Grand-Pere" by Robert W. Service
Do you ever find yourself longing for the past, for memories that you never had? Do you ever feel like you missed out on something magical that happened long before you were born? Robert W. Service's "Grand-Pere" is a poem that captures this feeling of nostalgic yearning in a way that is both poignant and powerful. Through vivid imagery and beautiful language, Service transports us back to a time when life was simpler, and the world seemed more enchanting.
Summary
"Grand-Pere" is a poem that tells the story of a young boy's visit to his grandfather's house in the French countryside. The narrator describes the beautiful surroundings and the sense of peace and tranquility that he feels when he is there. He tells us about the old man, his grandfather, who is a simple farmer, but who has lived a life that is rich and full of memories.
The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which focuses on a different aspect of the grandfather's life. In the first stanza, we see the grandfather as a young man, full of energy and vitality. Service describes him as a "gaunt old man" who has "eyes as bright as agates." The grandfather is portrayed as a man who is deeply connected to the land, who works hard to make a living, and who takes pride in his work.
In the second stanza, we see the grandfather as an older man, looking back on his life with a sense of nostalgia. He sits by the fire and tells stories of his youth, of the time when he was a soldier in the army and fought in the wars. He talks about the women he loved and lost, and the friends who died in battle. Despite the sadness of his memories, however, he is content, knowing that he has lived a good life.
In the third and final stanza, we see the young boy leaving his grandfather's house, feeling sad that he has to go back to the real world. He knows that he will never be able to experience the magic of his grandfather's world again, but he also knows that he has been changed by the experience. He has learned the value of hard work, of living in the moment, and of cherishing the memories that we make.
Interpretation
"Grand-Pere" is a poem that explores the theme of memory and nostalgia. Through his portrayal of the grandfather, Service suggests that there is something special about the past, something that we can never fully recapture or reproduce. The grandfather's memories are like a window into another time, a time that is both beautiful and tragic.
At the same time, however, the poem also suggests that there is something valuable about the present. The young boy who visits his grandfather is able to experience the magic of his world, but he is also able to bring something back with him when he leaves. He has learned the importance of living in the moment, of cherishing the memories that we make, and of holding onto the things that matter most.
The poem is also a tribute to the beauty of the natural world. Service describes the French countryside in vivid detail, painting a picture of a world that is both peaceful and vibrant. The grandfather's connection to the land suggests that there is something sacred about the natural world, something that we should all strive to understand and appreciate.
Literary Devices
Service uses a variety of literary devices to create the mood and atmosphere of the poem. One of the most striking is his use of imagery. He describes the grandfather's eyes as "bright as agates," and his memories as "like gossamer." These images are both vivid and poetic, creating a sense of magic and wonder in the reader's mind.
Service also uses repetition to create a sense of rhythm and flow in the poem. For example, he repeats the phrase "Grand-pere" several times throughout the poem, emphasizing the importance of the grandfather's role in the story. He also repeats the phrase "by the fire," creating a sense of warmth and comfort in the reader's mind.
Finally, Service uses symbolism to create a deeper meaning in the poem. The grandfather's connection to the land, for example, is symbolic of our connection to the natural world. His memories are symbolic of the power of memory itself, and the importance of cherishing the moments that we have.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Grand-Pere" is a poem that captures the magic and beauty of the past, while also reminding us of the importance of living in the present. Through his vivid imagery and beautiful language, Robert W. Service creates a world that is both enchanting and tragic, a world that we can never fully recapture, but that we can always remember. The poem is a tribute to the power of memory, the beauty of the natural world, and the importance of cherishing the moments that we have.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Grand-Pere: A Masterpiece by Robert W. Service
Robert W. Service, a renowned poet, is known for his captivating and vivid descriptions of life in the Canadian wilderness. His poem, "Grand-Pere," is a classic example of his mastery of the art of poetry. The poem is a tribute to his grandfather, who was a French-Canadian trapper and a guide in the Yukon Territory. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, structure, and literary devices.
The poem begins with the speaker describing his grandfather's appearance. He paints a vivid picture of an old man with a weather-beaten face, a fur cap, and a coat made of caribou hide. The speaker then goes on to describe his grandfather's character, saying that he was a man of few words, but his eyes spoke volumes. The speaker also notes that his grandfather was a skilled trapper and a guide, who knew the wilderness like the back of his hand.
The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a celebration of the grandfather's life and legacy. The speaker's admiration for his grandfather is evident in the way he describes him. He uses words like "mighty," "majestic," and "noble" to describe the old man, elevating him to a heroic status.
The second stanza is a reflection on the grandfather's life. The speaker notes that his grandfather lived a simple life, far from the trappings of modern civilization. He lived in a cabin in the woods, surrounded by nature, and spent his days hunting and trapping. The speaker also notes that his grandfather was content with his life and didn't crave the luxuries of the modern world.
The third stanza is a tribute to the grandfather's skills as a trapper and a guide. The speaker notes that his grandfather could read the signs of the wilderness, like a book, and could navigate through the treacherous terrain with ease. He also notes that his grandfather was a skilled hunter, who could bring down a moose with a single shot.
The fourth stanza is a reflection on the grandfather's legacy. The speaker notes that his grandfather's way of life is disappearing, and the wilderness that he knew so well is slowly being tamed by modern civilization. However, the speaker also notes that his grandfather's legacy lives on in the memories of those who knew him and in the stories that are told about him.
The fifth and final stanza is a tribute to the grandfather's spirit. The speaker notes that his grandfather was a man of great courage and determination, who faced the challenges of the wilderness with a stoic resolve. He also notes that his grandfather was a man of great faith, who believed in the power of prayer and the goodness of God.
The structure of the poem is simple and straightforward. It consists of five stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which gives the poem a musical quality. The poem is written in free verse, which allows the poet to use a variety of literary devices, such as alliteration, imagery, and metaphor.
One of the most striking literary devices used in the poem is imagery. The poet uses vivid descriptions to paint a picture of the grandfather and his way of life. For example, in the first stanza, the poet describes the grandfather's face as "wrinkled like a withered leaf," and his coat as "tawny like the lion's mane." These descriptions create a vivid image in the reader's mind, making the grandfather come alive.
Another literary device used in the poem is metaphor. The poet uses metaphor to elevate the grandfather to a heroic status. For example, in the first stanza, the poet describes the grandfather as a "mighty oak," which suggests that he is strong and resilient. In the third stanza, the poet describes the grandfather as a "master of the wild," which suggests that he is a skilled and knowledgeable guide.
The poem also uses alliteration to create a musical quality. For example, in the first stanza, the poet uses alliteration to describe the grandfather's coat as "tawny like the lion's mane." The repetition of the "t" sound creates a musical quality that adds to the poem's overall effect.
In conclusion, "Grand-Pere" is a masterpiece of poetry that celebrates the life and legacy of a French-Canadian trapper and guide. The poem is a tribute to a way of life that is disappearing, and a reminder of the courage and determination of those who lived it. The poem's vivid descriptions, powerful metaphors, and musical quality make it a joy to read and a testament to the power of poetry.
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