'Village Virtue' by Robert Service
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Jenny was my first sweetheart;
Poor lass! she was none too smart.
Though I swore she'd never rue it,
She would never let me do it.
When I tried she mad a fuss,
So damn pure and virtuous.
Girls should cozen all they can,
Use their wiles to get their man.
June, my second, was no prude;
Too good-looking to be good;
Wanton and a giddy-gadder,
Never knew who might have had her;
Kept me mad and jumping jealous,
Tempting all the other fellows
Like a wayside flower to pluck her:
So at last I had to chuck her.
Now I'm settled down with Jill,
And we're safely married still.
She began to wail and worry,
So we wedded in a hurry.
Well, it's quite all right that way -
We're all made of common clay,
And the grey-haired folk that bore us
Just as wanton were before us.
June, I hear, now lives in London
Where, I fear, she's sadly undone.
Jenny, still as virtuous
Missed the matrimonial bus,
Where our "first" set gossips buzzin'
Jill and I now have a dozen,
Ready in their turn to prove
There's no chastity in love.
June, so fickle and so fair,
Common was as barber's chair;
Jill provides me with good grub,
Lets me go nights to the pub.
Though her silver hairs are many,
One eve I might call on Jenny . . .
She may not need too much urging:
Must be hell to die a virgin.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Village Virtue: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Introduction
Robert Service, the renowned poet and writer, is known for his descriptive and lyrical style of writing. In his poem "Village Virtue," Service uses simple language to paint a vivid picture of life in a rural village. The poem is a tribute to the virtues of simplicity and honesty that are often lost in the hustle and bustle of modern life. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in "Village Virtue" to understand the message that Service is trying to convey.
Themes
The central theme of "Village Virtue" is the importance of simplicity and honesty in life. Service portrays the villagers as simple people who are content with their lives and do not yearn for material possessions or fame. They are humble and hardworking individuals who value honesty and integrity above all else. The poem celebrates the virtues of these villagers and suggests that their way of life is worth emulating.
Another theme that runs through the poem is the idea of community. The villagers are depicted as a close-knit community that supports and cares for each other. They share a common bond and work together to make their village a better place. Service suggests that this sense of community is essential for a happy and fulfilling life.
Imagery
Service uses vivid imagery to bring the village to life. He describes the fields, the animals, and the people in rich detail, painting a picture of a tranquil and picturesque place. The imagery is simple and rustic, reflecting the simplicity of the villagers' lives. For example, he describes the "smell of hay and sweet clover" and the "robin's throaty melody" to create a sense of calm and peacefulness.
The use of imagery is also effective in conveying the themes of the poem. Service uses the image of a plow to symbolize the hard work and diligence of the villagers. He writes, "There's a plow and a man behind it / And a furrow deep and straight." The plow represents the villagers' dedication to their work and their willingness to put in the effort to make their village prosperous.
Language
Service's use of language is simple and straightforward, reflecting the simplicity of the villagers' lives. The poem is written in a conversational tone, with short, punchy lines that are easy to read and understand. The language is accessible to readers of all ages and backgrounds, making the poem widely appealing.
Service's use of rhyme and meter is also effective in conveying the themes of the poem. The simple ABAB rhyme scheme creates a sense of rhythm and structure, reflecting the regularity of the villagers' lives. The regular meter gives the poem a sense of stability and balance, reinforcing the idea that the villagers' way of life is grounded in tradition and routine.
Conclusion
In "Village Virtue," Robert Service celebrates the virtues of simplicity, honesty, and community. Through his use of vivid imagery and simple language, he creates a picture of a tranquil and picturesque village where the people are content and fulfilled. The poem serves as a reminder that sometimes the simplest things in life are the most valuable, and that we should strive to live our lives with honesty and integrity. Overall, "Village Virtue" is a beautiful tribute to the virtues of rural life and an inspiration to readers everywhere.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Village Virtue: An Analysis of Robert Service's Classic Poem
Robert Service, the renowned poet, is known for his ability to capture the essence of human emotions and experiences in his works. One of his most celebrated poems is Village Virtue, which tells the story of a young woman who embodies the virtues of simplicity, humility, and kindness. In this analysis, we will explore the themes and literary devices used in the poem, and how they contribute to its enduring appeal.
The poem begins with a description of the titular character, Village Virtue. She is portrayed as a simple woman, living a humble life in a small village. The opening lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, with Service using vivid imagery to paint a picture of the idyllic setting:
In yonder red-brick mansion, tight and square,
Just at the town's commencement, lives the mayor.
Some yards of shining gravel, fenced with box,
Lead to the painted portal--where one knocks.
The contrast between the grandeur of the mayor's mansion and the simplicity of Village Virtue's life is stark. Service uses this contrast to highlight the virtues of the latter, suggesting that material wealth and social status are not the only measures of a person's worth.
The poem then goes on to describe Village Virtue's daily routine, which involves tending to her garden and caring for her family. Service uses imagery to create a sense of harmony and peace, with the sounds of birds and the scent of flowers filling the air. The simplicity of Village Virtue's life is further emphasized by the absence of any mention of modern technology or conveniences.
Service then introduces a young man, who is described as a "stranger" to the village. He is immediately drawn to Village Virtue, and the two strike up a conversation. The young man is impressed by her kindness and humility, and he is struck by the contrast between her simple life and the materialistic values of the world outside the village.
The themes of simplicity and humility are central to the poem, and Service uses them to contrast the values of the village with those of the outside world. The young man represents the latter, with his desire for wealth and status. Village Virtue, on the other hand, embodies the virtues of the former, with her contentment and selflessness.
Service also uses literary devices such as imagery and symbolism to enhance the themes of the poem. The garden that Village Virtue tends to represents the simplicity and beauty of nature, while the mayor's mansion represents the artificiality and excess of modern society. The fence that surrounds the garden symbolizes the boundaries that Village Virtue has set for herself, and the boxwood hedge represents the order and discipline that she maintains in her life.
The poem reaches its climax when the young man asks Village Virtue to marry him. She declines, telling him that she is content with her simple life and does not need the material wealth that he can offer. The young man is taken aback by her refusal, but he eventually comes to realize the wisdom of her decision.
The ending of the poem is bittersweet, with the young man leaving the village and Village Virtue returning to her simple life. However, the message of the poem is clear: the virtues of simplicity, humility, and kindness are timeless and enduring, and they are more valuable than any material wealth or social status.
In conclusion, Village Virtue is a classic poem that celebrates the virtues of simplicity, humility, and kindness. Robert Service uses vivid imagery, symbolism, and literary devices to create a powerful message about the value of a simple life. The poem's enduring appeal lies in its ability to speak to the timeless human desire for contentment and fulfillment, and its message is as relevant today as it was when it was first written.
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