'Politeness' by Robert Service
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The English and the French were met
Upon the field of future battle;
The foes were formidably set
And waiting for the guns to rattle;
When from the serried ranks of France
The English saw with woeful presage
Under a flaming flag advance
A trumpeter who bore a message.
'Twas from their Marshal, quite polite,
Yet made the English leader shiver.
"We're perched," said he, "upon the height,
While you're exposed beside the river.
We have the vantage, you'll agree,
And your look-out is melancholy;
But being famed for courtesy
We'll let you fire the starting volley."
The English General was moved,
In fact his eyes were almost tearful;
Then he too his politeness proved
By writing back: "We are not fearful.
Our England is too proud to take
The privilege you thrust upon her;
So let your guns in thunder break:
To you, M'sieu, shall be the houour."
Again a note the Marshall sent
By envoy for his battle station:
"Your spirit wins my compliment,
Your courage my appreciation.
Yet you are weak and we are strong,
And though your faith is most inspiring,
Don't let us linger all day long -
Mon General, begin the firing."
"How chivalrous the soul of France."
The English General reflected.
"I hate to take this happy chance,
But I suppose it's what's expected.
Politeness is a platitude
In this fair land of gallant foemen."
So with a heart of gratitude
He primed his guns and cried: "Let's go men!"
The General was puzzled when
No answer came, said he: "What is it?
Why don't they give us hell?" And then
The herald paid another visit.
The Marshall wrote: "to your salute
Please pardon us for not replying;
To shatter you we cannot shoot . . .
My men are dead and I am dying."
Editor 1 Interpretation
Politeness by Robert Service: A Detailed Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Are you looking for a poem that captures the essence of politeness and its importance in our daily interactions? Look no further than Politeness by Robert Service, a classic poem that has stood the test of time since its publication in 1907.
In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the themes, language, structure, and imagery of Politeness, and explore how they contribute to its enduring relevance and impact as a work of art.
Themes
At its core, Politeness is a poem about the power of kindness and courtesy in creating a harmonious society. Service emphasizes the importance of treating others with respect, even in small gestures such as saying "please" and "thank you", holding the door open, or offering a seat on a crowded train.
The poem also touches on the idea of social class and the role of politeness in bridging the gap between the rich and the poor. Service suggests that politeness can be a great equalizer, as it allows people of all backgrounds to connect and communicate in a civilized manner.
Another theme that emerges from Politeness is the contrast between appearance and reality. Service notes that people may put on a polite façade to impress others or gain social status, but true politeness is rooted in genuine kindness and empathy.
Language
Service's language in Politeness is simple and straightforward, yet rich in meaning and emotion. He uses everyday words and phrases that everyone can relate to, such as "smile" and "kindly word", to convey the idea of politeness as a universal value.
At the same time, Service employs poetic techniques such as rhyme and repetition to create a musicality and rhythm that enhances the poem's message. For example, the repetition of "politeness is to do and say / the kindest thing in the kindest way" reinforces the central theme of the poem and makes it more memorable.
Structure
Politeness consists of six stanzas of four lines each, with a consistent ABAB rhyme scheme. This structure gives the poem a sense of symmetry and balance, which reflects the idea of social harmony that Service is advocating for.
The use of couplets (two lines that rhyme together) also adds to the musicality of the poem, as it creates a sense of unity and resolution at the end of each stanza. The final couplet, which repeats the phrase "politeness is to do and say / the kindest thing in the kindest way" for emphasis, serves as a powerful conclusion to the poem.
Imagery
Service uses vivid and relatable imagery in Politeness to illustrate the power of politeness in everyday life. For example, he describes a scene of a crowded train where "men push and shove and swear", but "one still, small voice above the din / says 'Please, may I?' and 'Thank you, sir!'". This image creates a contrast between the chaotic and aggressive behavior of the men and the polite and respectful demeanor of the speaker, highlighting the transformative effect of politeness on social interactions.
Service also employs metaphors to convey the idea of politeness as a force of nature that transcends human boundaries. He compares it to "the breath of God in man / akin to what we mean by love", suggesting that politeness is not just a social construct, but a spiritual and moral principle that connects us to each other and to a higher power.
Interpretation
So, what does Politeness mean for us today, more than a century after it was written? In a world where civility and respect seem to be in short supply, Service's poem serves as a reminder of the power of small acts of kindness and the importance of treating others with decency and compassion.
Politeness is not just a matter of etiquette or manners, but a fundamental human value that can transform our relationships and communities. By being polite, we can create a ripple effect of positivity and goodwill that can change the world, one interaction at a time.
In conclusion, Politeness by Robert Service is a timeless piece of poetry that speaks to the universal human need for kindness and courtesy. Its themes, language, structure, and imagery all contribute to its enduring relevance and impact, and it is a work of art that should be celebrated and shared for generations to come. So, the next time you say "please" or "thank you", remember the power of politeness and the legacy of Robert Service's beautiful poem.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Politeness: A Timeless Poem by Robert Service
Politeness is a classic poem written by Robert Service, a renowned poet and writer known for his works on the Yukon and Alaska. The poem is a beautiful piece of literature that captures the essence of politeness and its importance in our daily lives. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, literary devices, and the message it conveys.
The poem begins with the lines, "Some people say that politeness is / The sweetest charm of all; / But I think kindness ranks as high, / And in some ways may call." These lines set the tone for the poem, highlighting the importance of politeness and kindness in our lives. The poet acknowledges that while politeness is essential, kindness is equally important and may even surpass it in some ways.
The poem goes on to describe the various ways in which politeness can be expressed. The poet talks about how a simple smile or a kind word can make a significant difference in someone's day. He also emphasizes the importance of being courteous and respectful to others, regardless of their status or position in society. The lines, "Politeness is to do and say / The kindest thing in the kindest way," encapsulate the essence of the poem, emphasizing the importance of being kind and polite to others.
The poem also explores the consequences of being impolite and rude. The poet talks about how a harsh word or a rude gesture can hurt someone's feelings and leave a lasting impact. He emphasizes the importance of being mindful of our words and actions, as they can have a profound effect on those around us. The lines, "A single word can sometimes make / A heart to ache or sing," highlight the power of our words and the impact they can have on others.
The poem also uses various literary devices to convey its message. The poet uses metaphors and similes to describe the importance of politeness and kindness. For example, he compares politeness to a flower that blooms in the heart, emphasizing its beauty and fragility. He also compares kindness to a gentle breeze that soothes the soul, highlighting its calming and comforting effect.
The poem also uses repetition to emphasize its message. The lines, "Politeness is to do and say / The kindest thing in the kindest way," are repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the importance of being kind and polite to others. The repetition of these lines also serves to reinforce the message of the poem, making it more memorable and impactful.
In conclusion, Politeness is a timeless poem that captures the essence of politeness and its importance in our daily lives. The poem emphasizes the importance of being kind and respectful to others, highlighting the impact our words and actions can have on those around us. The use of literary devices such as metaphors, similes, and repetition adds depth and meaning to the poem, making it a beautiful piece of literature that resonates with readers of all ages. As we navigate our daily lives, let us remember the message of this poem and strive to be kind and polite to those around us, spreading love and positivity wherever we go.
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