'My Job' by Robert Service
AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay
I've got a little job on 'and, the time is drawin' nigh;
At seven by the Captain's watch I'm due to go and do it;
I wants to 'ave it nice and neat, and pleasin' to the eye,
And I 'opes the God of soldier men will see me safely through it.
Because, you see, it's somethin' I 'ave never done before;
And till you 'as experience noo stunts is always tryin';
The chances is I'll never 'ave to do it any more:
At seven by the Captain's watch my little job is . . . dyin'.
I've got a little note to write; I'd best begin it now.
I ain't much good at writin' notes, but here goes: "Dearest Mother,
I've been in many 'ot old `do's'; I've scraped through safe some'ow,
But now I'm on the very point of tacklin' another.
A little job of hand-grenades; they called for volunteers.
They picked me out; I'm proud of it; it seems a trifle dicky.
If anythin' should 'appen, well, there ain't no call for tears,
And so . . . I 'opes this finds you well. -- Your werry lovin' Micky."
I've got a little score to settle wiv them swine out there.
I've 'ad so many of me pals done in it's quite upset me.
I've seen so much of bloody death I don't seem for to care,
If I can only even up, how soon the blighters get me.
I'm sorry for them perishers that corpses in a bed;
I only 'opes mine's short and sweet, no linger-longer-lyin';
I've made a mess of life, but now I'll try to make instead . . .
It's seven sharp. Good-bye, old pals! . . . a decent job in dyin'.
Editor 1 Interpretation
My Job: A Critical Analysis of Robert Service's Classic Poem
As one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, Robert Service was known for his ability to capture the essence of the human experience in his writing. His poem, "My Job," is no exception. In this piece, Service explores the nature of work and its impact on individuals and society as a whole. Through his use of vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and skillful wordplay, Service creates a work that is not only thought-provoking but also deeply moving.
Structure and Form
"My Job" is a poem consisting of four stanzas, each composed of four lines. The structure is simple but effective, allowing Service to convey his message in a concise and powerful manner. The rhyme scheme is AABB, with the second and fourth lines of each stanza rhyming with each other. This creates a sense of rhythm and harmony that adds to the overall impact of the poem.
Imagery and Metaphor
Throughout the poem, Service uses vivid imagery and powerful metaphors to bring his message to life. In the first stanza, he describes work as a "millstone" around the neck of the worker. This metaphor implies that work can be burdensome and oppressive, weighing down the individual and preventing them from living their life to the fullest.
In the second stanza, Service compares work to a "shackled slave." This metaphor suggests that work can be dehumanizing, reducing the worker to little more than a machine that is forced to perform a task. The use of the word "shackled" implies that the worker is trapped in their job, unable to escape the cycle of work and rest.
In the third stanza, Service describes work as a "fierce tyrant." This metaphor suggests that work can be oppressive and cruel, ruling over the worker and demanding their obedience. The use of the word "fierce" implies that work can be savage and brutal, causing the worker to suffer both physically and emotionally.
In the final stanza, Service contrasts work with the joys of life, describing it as a "dreary grind" compared to the "sunlit road." This metaphor suggests that work can be a monotonous and tedious experience, lacking the excitement and joy that life has to offer. The use of the word "sunlit" implies that life is full of opportunities and possibilities, whereas work is a dark and oppressive force.
Wordplay and Poetic Devices
Service's use of wordplay and poetic devices adds to the overall impact of the poem. In the first stanza, he uses alliteration to emphasize the oppressive nature of work, describing it as a "millstone, milestone." The repetition of the "m" sound creates a sense of heaviness and burden that reinforces the metaphor of work as a weight around the worker's neck.
In the second stanza, Service uses repetition to emphasize the monotony and drudgery of work. He describes the worker as "shoulder, shoulder" and "slave, slave," repeating the same words to create a sense of sameness and repetition.
In the third stanza, Service uses personification to give work a sense of life and power. He describes it as a "fierce tyrant, gloating, craving," implying that work is an entity that relishes in its power over the worker.
In the final stanza, Service uses contrast to emphasize the difference between work and life. He describes work as a "dreary grind" and life as a "sunlit road," creating a juxtaposition that highlights the oppressive nature of work and the freedom and joy of life.
Themes and Interpretation
At its core, "My Job" is a poem about the nature of work and its impact on individuals and society. Service suggests that work can be oppressive, dehumanizing, and cruel, reducing the worker to little more than a machine that is forced to perform a task. He contrasts work with the joys of life, suggesting that work is a dreary and monotonous experience that lacks the excitement and joy that life has to offer.
Service's message is particularly relevant in today's society, where work often dominates our lives and consumes our time and energy. The poem encourages us to question the role of work in our lives and to consider the impact it has on our well-being and happiness. It challenges us to consider what truly brings meaning and purpose to our lives and to strive for a balance between work and leisure.
Conclusion
In "My Job," Robert Service creates a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the nature of work and its impact on individuals and society. Through his use of vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and skillful wordplay, Service conveys a message that is both timeless and relevant to our modern world. The poem encourages us to question the role of work in our lives and to consider the impact it has on our well-being and happiness. It challenges us to strive for a balance between work and leisure and to embrace the joys of life.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
My Job by Robert Service: A Poem of Labor and Life
Robert Service's poem "My Job" is a classic piece of literature that speaks to the universal experience of work and the human condition. In this 32-line poem, Service captures the essence of what it means to work, toil, and struggle in the world, and the rewards that come from doing so. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of the poem, and how they contribute to its overall meaning and impact.
Themes
The central theme of "My Job" is the value of work and the dignity of labor. Service portrays work as a noble pursuit that gives meaning and purpose to life. He emphasizes the importance of taking pride in one's work, no matter how humble or menial it may seem. The poem also touches on the idea of sacrifice and the notion that hard work and perseverance can lead to success and fulfillment.
Another theme that emerges from the poem is the idea of the interconnectedness of all things. Service suggests that every job, no matter how small or insignificant, plays a vital role in the functioning of society. He highlights the fact that every person has a unique contribution to make, and that each job is essential in its own way.
Finally, the poem touches on the idea of mortality and the fleeting nature of life. Service reminds us that our time on earth is limited, and that we should make the most of it by working hard and pursuing our dreams.
Structure
"My Job" is a free-verse poem that consists of four stanzas of varying lengths. The first stanza sets the tone and establishes the central theme of the poem. The second and third stanzas provide examples of different types of jobs and the rewards that come from doing them well. The final stanza brings the poem to a close by emphasizing the importance of taking pride in one's work and making the most of one's time on earth.
The poem's structure is simple and straightforward, which allows the language and imagery to take center stage. Service's use of repetition and rhyme also adds to the poem's musicality and helps to reinforce its themes.
Language and Imagery
Service's use of language and imagery is one of the poem's greatest strengths. He employs vivid, concrete language to describe different types of jobs and the rewards that come from doing them well. For example, he describes the "sweat and grime" of a miner's job, the "whirr and hum" of a factory worker's job, and the "clink and clank" of a blacksmith's job. These descriptions not only help to create a sense of atmosphere and setting but also serve to highlight the unique qualities of each job.
Service also uses metaphor and simile to great effect in the poem. For example, he compares the work of a farmer to that of a poet, suggesting that both require patience, dedication, and a deep understanding of the natural world. He also compares the work of a carpenter to that of a sculptor, emphasizing the creativity and artistry that can be found in even the most mundane jobs.
Finally, Service's use of repetition and rhyme adds to the poem's musicality and helps to reinforce its themes. For example, he repeats the phrase "my job" throughout the poem, emphasizing the importance of taking pride in one's work. He also uses internal rhyme and alliteration to create a sense of rhythm and momentum, which helps to carry the reader through the poem.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Robert Service's poem "My Job" is a powerful meditation on the value of work and the dignity of labor. Through his use of vivid language, metaphor, and repetition, Service captures the essence of what it means to work, toil, and struggle in the world. He reminds us that every job, no matter how small or insignificant, plays a vital role in the functioning of society, and that taking pride in one's work is essential to finding fulfillment and purpose in life. Ultimately, "My Job" is a timeless poem that speaks to the universal experience of work and the human condition, and it continues to resonate with readers today.
Editor Recommended Sites
Dev Tradeoffs: Trade offs between popular tech infrastructure choicesLocal Meet-up Group App: Meetup alternative, local meetup groups in DFW
ML Education: Machine learning education tutorials. Free online courses for machine learning, large language model courses
Low Code Place: Low code and no code best practice, tooling and recommendations
Skforecast: Site dedicated to the skforecast framework
Recommended Similar Analysis
We Wear the Mask by Paul Laurence Dunbar analysisLines Written In Early Spring by William Wordsworth analysis
The Windhover by Gerard Manley Hopkins analysis
Keeping Things Whole by Mark Strand analysis
Oil And Blood by William Butler Yeats analysis
Popularity by Robert Browning analysis
Briar Rose (Sleeping Beauty) by Anne Sexton analysis
Fragmentary Blue by Robert Frost analysis
Epitaph On A Tyrant by W.H. Auden analysis
Nineteen Hundred And Nineteen by William Butler Yeats analysis