'Ragetty Doll' by Robert Service

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Rosemary has of dolls a dozen,
Yet she disdains them all;
While Marie Rose, her pauper cousin
Has just an old rag doll.
But you should see her mother it,
And with her kisses smother it.

A twist of twill, a hank of hair,
Fit for the rubbish bin;
How Rosemary with scorn would stare
At its pathetic grin!
Yet Marie Rose can lover it,
And with her kisses cover it.

Rosemary is a pampered pet;
She sniffs a dainty nose
Of scorn at ragged dolls, and yet
My love's with Marie Rose,
In garret corner shy and sweet,
With rag doll Marguerite.

Though kin they are, a gulf will grow
Between them with the years;
For one a life of love will know,
The other toil and tears:
Perhaps that shabby rag doll knows
The rue of Marie Rose.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Ragetty Doll: A Poem by Robert Service

Are you ready to embark on a journey through the world of poetry with one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, Robert Service? If so, then join me as we delve into the depths of his masterpiece, Ragetty Doll.

Background Information

Before we dive into the analysis of the poem, let's learn a little about the poet himself. Robert Service was a Scottish-born Canadian poet and writer known for his narrative poems and ballads. He served as a war correspondent during World War I and his experiences there inspired some of his most famous works, including "The Shooting of Dan McGrew" and "The Cremation of Sam McGee". Service's poems often celebrate the rugged individualism and spirit of the frontier lifestyle, and Ragetty Doll is no exception.

Poem Analysis

Ragetty Doll is a poem that tells the story of a young girl who is given a tattered and worn doll by her mother. Although the doll is old and ragged, it quickly becomes the girl's most prized possession, accompanying her on all of her adventures and offering her comfort in times of need.

The poem opens with the girl's mother giving her the doll, which she describes as being "raggedy and tanned". The use of the word "raggedy" immediately sets the tone for the poem, conveying a sense of something old, worn and well-loved. The fact that the doll is described as being "tanned" also suggests that it has seen a lot of use and has been exposed to the elements.

As the girl takes the doll with her on her adventures, we see how much the doll means to her. The poem describes how the doll is her "little friend" and how she talks to it as if it were alive. The use of personification here is particularly effective, as it helps to create a sense of warmth and affection between the girl and her doll.

The poem also explores the theme of growth and change, as we see the girl's relationship with her doll evolve over time. At first, the girl is content to simply have the doll as her companion, but as she grows older and becomes more independent, she begins to see the doll as something more. The poem describes how the girl "loved her in a different way, but just as true" and how the doll becomes a symbol of the girl's childhood.

Throughout the poem, Service uses vivid imagery and sensory language to bring the story to life. We can almost feel the rough texture of the doll's skin and the warmth of the girl's affection as she holds it close. The poem also features strong rhyming couplets and a consistent rhythm that helps to create a sense of momentum and forward motion.

Interpretation

So, what is the deeper meaning behind Ragetty Doll? At its core, the poem is a celebration of the simple joys of childhood and the enduring power of love and companionship. The girl's relationship with her doll represents the innocence and wonder of childhood, while also highlighting the importance of having a loyal friend to share those experiences with.

The fact that the doll is described as being old and worn also suggests a sense of nostalgia and a longing for the past. The girl's love for the doll is not just about the present moment, but also about the memories and experiences they have shared together.

In a larger sense, Ragetty Doll can be seen as a meditation on the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing the moments we have. The poem reminds us that even the most ordinary objects can hold great meaning and significance, if we only take the time to appreciate them.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ragetty Doll is a beautiful and moving poem that captures the essence of childhood and the power of love and companionship. Through its vivid imagery, strong rhyming couplets and heartfelt sentiment, the poem reminds us of the importance of cherishing the simple things in life and the enduring power of nostalgia and memory.

So, the next time you come across an old and worn object, take a moment to appreciate its history and the memories it represents. Who knows, you may just find that it holds more meaning and significance than you ever imagined.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Ragetty Doll: A Poem of Love and Loss

Robert Service, the renowned poet, is known for his ability to capture the essence of human emotions in his works. One of his most famous poems, Ragetty Doll, is a beautiful and heart-wrenching piece that explores the themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. In this analysis, we will delve deep into the poem and uncover its hidden meanings and messages.

The poem begins with the speaker reminiscing about his childhood and the love he had for his ragetty doll. The doll, which was once his constant companion, now lies forgotten and abandoned in a dusty corner of his attic. The speaker's tone is nostalgic and wistful as he recalls the happy memories of his childhood. He describes the doll as "tattered and torn," but still beautiful in his eyes.

As the poem progresses, the speaker's tone becomes more melancholic as he realizes that time has passed and things have changed. He laments the fact that he can never go back to those carefree days of his childhood and that the doll, which was once so important to him, is now nothing but a forgotten relic. The speaker's use of imagery is particularly effective in conveying his emotions. He describes the doll's "eyes that once were bright and gay" as now being "dull and dim," a clear metaphor for the passage of time and the loss of innocence.

The poem takes a darker turn as the speaker begins to reflect on his own mortality. He realizes that just as the doll has aged and deteriorated, so too will he eventually succumb to the ravages of time. The speaker's use of the phrase "dust to dust" is a clear reference to the biblical passage from which it originates, and serves to underscore the inevitability of death.

Despite the somber tone of the poem, there is a glimmer of hope in the final stanza. The speaker acknowledges that while he can never go back to his childhood, he can still hold onto the memories and the love that he had for his ragetty doll. He concludes the poem by saying that he will keep the doll close to his heart, a symbol of the enduring power of love and the human spirit.

One of the most striking aspects of Ragetty Doll is its use of symbolism. The doll itself serves as a metaphor for the speaker's own life, with its tattered and torn appearance representing the wear and tear of time. The doll's eyes, which were once bright and gay, are a symbol of the speaker's own lost innocence and youthful exuberance. The attic in which the doll is found is also significant, representing the passage of time and the inevitability of death.

Another important theme in the poem is the idea of nostalgia. The speaker longs for the carefree days of his childhood, when the world was a simpler and more innocent place. He is acutely aware of the fact that he can never go back to those days, but still holds onto the memories and the love that he had for his ragetty doll. This theme of nostalgia is a common one in literature, and speaks to the universal human experience of longing for a simpler time.

Finally, the poem is a meditation on the power of love and the human spirit. Despite the fact that the doll is now nothing but a forgotten relic, the speaker still holds onto the love that he had for it. This love is a symbol of the enduring power of the human spirit, and serves as a reminder that even in the face of death and decay, love can still triumph.

In conclusion, Ragetty Doll is a beautiful and poignant poem that explores the themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. Through its use of powerful imagery and symbolism, the poem speaks to the universal human experience of longing for a simpler time, and the inevitability of death. Despite its somber tone, the poem ultimately offers a message of hope and resilience, reminding us that even in the face of death and decay, love can still endure.

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