'Compassion' by Robert Service
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What puts me in a rage is
The sight of cursed cages
Where singers of the sky
Perch hop instead of fly;
Where lions to and fro
Pace seven yards or so:
I who love space of stars
Have hate of bars.
I wince to see dogs chained,
Or horses bit restrained;
Or men of feeble mind
In straight-jackets confined;
Or convicts in black cells
Enduring earthly hells:
To me not to be free
Is fiendish cruelty.
To me not to be kind
Is evil of the mind.
No need to pray or preach,
Let us our children teach
With every fond caress
Pity and gentleness:
So in the end may we
God's Kingdom bring to be.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Compassion: A Poem by Robert Service
Compassion is a timeless poem that has been appreciated and admired by readers for decades. Written by Robert Service, the poem explores the power of empathy and kindness, and how these virtues can touch someone's life in a profound way. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the structure, themes, and literary techniques used by Service to convey his message.
Structure and Form
Compassion is a free verse poem that consists of 38 lines. The poem does not follow any specific rhyme scheme or meter, making it a prime example of modernist poetry. The lack of structured rhyme and meter allows Service to focus on the content of his poem without being constrained by traditional poetry conventions.
The poem is divided into five stanzas, with each stanza representing a different stage in the protagonist's journey. The first stanza sets the scene by introducing the protagonist, a poor old woman who is struggling to survive in the harsh winter. The second stanza describes how the protagonist receives help from a passerby, who gives her some food and a warm cloak. The third stanza describes how the protagonist returns the favor by showing kindness to a stray dog. The fourth stanza describes how the protagonist's act of kindness has a ripple effect on the people around her, as they are inspired to show kindness to others. The final stanza concludes the poem with a powerful message about the transformative power of compassion.
Themes
The main theme of Compassion is the transformative power of empathy and kindness. Service's poem highlights how a small act of kindness can have a ripple effect that touches the lives of many people. The poem also explores the idea that compassion is a universal language that transcends barriers such as language, culture, and social class. In the poem, the protagonist and the passerby do not speak the same language, but their shared humanity allows them to connect on a deeper level.
Another theme that runs throughout the poem is the idea of reciprocity. The protagonist receives help from the passerby, and she returns the favor by showing kindness to a stray dog. This idea of paying it forward is reinforced in the fourth stanza, where we see how the protagonist's act of kindness inspires others to show compassion to others.
Literary Techniques
Service uses a variety of literary techniques to enhance the poem's message and to create a vivid picture of the protagonist's journey. One of the most notable techniques is the use of imagery. The poem is filled with vivid descriptions of the winter landscape, which creates a stark contrast to the warmth and compassion that the protagonist experiences. For example, in the first stanza, we see the "icy sleet" and "stormy blast" that the old woman must face. This imagery helps to emphasize her vulnerability and the harshness of her environment.
Another technique that Service uses is repetition. Throughout the poem, we see the phrase "compassion crowns the soul" repeated several times. This repetition serves to reinforce the poem's central message and to create a sense of unity and continuity throughout the different stanzas.
Service also uses symbolism to convey his message. The stray dog that the protagonist shows kindness to is a symbol of the vulnerable and marginalized members of society. By showing compassion to the dog, the protagonist is also demonstrating her empathy and concern for those who are often overlooked or ignored.
Interpretation
Compassion is a powerful poem that speaks to the human experience of empathy and kindness. Service's poem reminds us that no matter how different we may seem on the surface, we all share a common humanity that is capable of great acts of compassion. The poem also encourages us to think about how we can make a difference in the world through our own acts of kindness and empathy.
One of the most poignant moments in the poem is when the protagonist shows kindness to the stray dog. This act of compassion may seem small, but it has a profound impact on the dog's life. Service's poem encourages us to think about how we can show compassion to the vulnerable and marginalized members of society, and how these small acts of kindness can have a ripple effect that transforms the world around us.
The final stanza of the poem is particularly powerful, as it emphasizes the transformative power of compassion. The phrase "compassion crowns the soul" suggests that empathy and kindness are not just actions, but virtues that can elevate and enrich our lives. Through our own acts of compassion, we can transform ourselves and the world around us.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Compassion is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores the power of empathy and kindness. Service's use of imagery, repetition, and symbolism creates a vivid and engaging portrait of the protagonist's journey. The poem's themes of reciprocity, unity, and transformation remind us of the importance of compassion in our lives and in the world around us. As readers, we are inspired to think about how we can make a difference in the world through our own acts of kindness and empathy, and how these small acts can have a profound impact on the lives of others.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Compassion: A Poem of Empathy and Understanding
Robert Service, the renowned poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his profound and thought-provoking works. Among his many masterpieces, Compassion stands out as a timeless piece that captures the essence of human empathy and understanding. In this 16-line poem, Service explores the power of compassion and how it can transform the lives of those who receive it. In this article, we will delve deeper into the meaning and significance of Compassion and analyze its various literary elements.
The poem begins with the line, "Have you ever had a kindness shown?" This opening line immediately draws the reader in and sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It is a rhetorical question that invites the reader to reflect on their own experiences of kindness and compassion. The use of the word "ever" suggests that the poet believes that everyone has experienced kindness at some point in their lives. This sets the stage for the central theme of the poem, which is the transformative power of compassion.
The second line of the poem, "Passing through this world alone," is a poignant reminder of the human condition. It acknowledges the fact that we are all alone in this world, and that our experiences are unique to us. However, the use of the word "passing" suggests that this loneliness is temporary, and that we are all on a journey through life. This idea is reinforced in the third line of the poem, "No matter what your station," which suggests that we are all equal in the eyes of compassion.
The fourth line of the poem, "Somewhere, sometime, you will surely find," is a hopeful statement that suggests that compassion is always present, even if we cannot see it. The use of the words "somewhere" and "sometime" suggests that compassion is not limited by time or space, and that it can be found in unexpected places and at unexpected times. This idea is reinforced in the fifth line of the poem, "Someone who is so poor in kind," which suggests that even those who are lacking in compassion can receive it.
The sixth line of the poem, "And to him you will surely be kind," is a call to action for the reader. It suggests that we all have the power to show compassion to others, regardless of their station in life. The use of the word "surely" suggests that this act of kindness is not only possible but also necessary. This idea is reinforced in the seventh line of the poem, "It may be in the depths of winter," which suggests that compassion is needed even in the darkest of times.
The eighth line of the poem, "Or in the heat of summer's glare," is a reminder that compassion is not limited by external circumstances. It can be shown in any situation, whether it is hot or cold, light or dark. The use of the word "heat" suggests that compassion can also be shown in situations where emotions are running high, such as in times of conflict or crisis.
The ninth line of the poem, "In the midst of a busy street," is a reminder that compassion can be shown in the most unexpected places. It suggests that we should always be on the lookout for opportunities to show kindness to others, even in the midst of our daily routines. The use of the word "busy" suggests that we should not let the hustle and bustle of life distract us from the needs of others.
The tenth line of the poem, "Or by a sick-bed's weary seat," is a reminder that compassion is especially needed in times of illness and suffering. It suggests that we should not shy away from those who are in pain or distress, but rather, we should be there for them in their time of need. The use of the word "weary" suggests that those who are sick or suffering are in need of comfort and support.
The eleventh line of the poem, "You will find your hero out in the world," is a reminder that compassion is not limited to those who are famous or powerful. It can be found in ordinary people who show kindness and empathy to others. The use of the word "hero" suggests that those who show compassion are worthy of admiration and respect.
The twelfth line of the poem, "In the rank and file of the common herd," is a reminder that compassion is not limited to any particular group of people. It can be found in anyone, regardless of their social status or background. The use of the phrase "common herd" suggests that compassion is a universal trait that is shared by all people.
The thirteenth line of the poem, "The man who works for his daily bread," is a reminder that compassion is needed even among those who are struggling to make ends meet. It suggests that we should not judge others based on their circumstances, but rather, we should show kindness and empathy to all people. The use of the phrase "daily bread" suggests that those who are struggling to survive are in need of compassion and support.
The fourteenth line of the poem, "Is a neighbor with whom you can sit and talk," is a reminder that compassion is not just about doing good deeds. It is also about being present for others and listening to their stories. The use of the word "neighbor" suggests that compassion is about building relationships with those around us.
The fifteenth line of the poem, "He is the man who will share your lot," is a reminder that compassion is not just about helping others. It is also about sharing our own struggles and challenges with others. The use of the phrase "share your lot" suggests that compassion is about mutual support and understanding.
The final line of the poem, "And will help you bear your heavy load," is a reminder that compassion is a two-way street. It is not just about giving, but also about receiving. The use of the phrase "heavy load" suggests that compassion is needed most in times of difficulty and hardship.
In conclusion, Compassion is a powerful poem that captures the essence of human empathy and understanding. It reminds us that compassion is not limited by time, space, or external circumstances. It can be found in anyone, regardless of their station in life. It is a call to action for the reader to show kindness and empathy to others, especially in times of need. The poem is a timeless masterpiece that will continue to inspire and move readers for generations to come.
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