'Bastard' by Robert Service
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The very skies wee black with shame,
As near my moment drew;
The very hour before you cam
I felt I hated you.
But now I see how fair you are,
How divine your eyes,
It seems I step upon a star
To leap to Paradise.
What care I who your father was:
('Twas better no to know);
You're mine and mine alone because
I love and love you so.
What though you only bear my name,
I hold my head on high;
For none shall have a right to claim
A right to you but I.
Because I've borne a human life,
I'm worthier, I know,
Than those who flaunt the name of wife,
And have no seed to show.
I have fulfilled, I think with joy,
My women's destiny;
And glad am I you are a boy,
For you will fight for me.
And maybe there will come a day
You'll bear a famous name,
And men will be ashamed to say:
"He was a child of shame."
A day will dawn, divinely free,
With love in every breast,
When every child will welcome be,
And every mother blest.
When every women, wed or no,
Will deem her highest good
On grateful mankind to bestow
The Gift of Motherhood.
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Bastard" by Robert Service: A Critical Interpretation
When it comes to Robert Service's poetry, "Bastard" is one of the most striking and controversial pieces. With its provocative title and its unflinching exploration of a taboo topic, this poem has provoked strong reactions from readers (both positive and negative) since it was first published in 1916. In this essay, I will offer a detailed literary criticism and interpretation of "Bastard," examining its themes, style, structure, and historical context.
Historical Context
Before we dive into the poem itself, it's important to understand the historical context in which it was written. Robert Service was a Canadian poet who lived from 1874 to 1958, and he is best known for his poems about the Yukon Gold Rush. "Bastard" was published in 1916, which means that it was written during the First World War, a time of great upheaval and change in the world. The poem also speaks to some of the social and cultural tensions of the time, particularly around issues of illegitimacy and morality.
Themes
At its core, "Bastard" is a poem about shame, guilt, and the consequences of one's actions. The poem's narrator (who is never explicitly identified as male or female) is grappling with the fact that they have an illegitimate child, a "bastard" who was "born in shame." Throughout the poem, the narrator vacillates between anger, sadness, and resignation, as they try to come to terms with the fact that their actions have had lasting consequences.
One of the most striking things about "Bastard" is that it refuses to offer easy answers or moral judgments. While some readers might be quick to condemn the narrator for their actions, the poem is more nuanced than that. Instead, the narrator is portrayed as both a victim of circumstance (they were "young and foolish" when they got pregnant) and an agent of their own destiny (they chose to keep the child and raise it themselves). This creates a tension between sympathy and judgment that runs throughout the poem.
Another important theme in "Bastard" is the tension between society's expectations and individual desires. The narrator is acutely aware of the social stigma attached to having an illegitimate child, and they are struggling with the fact that their child will always be seen as an outsider. At the same time, the narrator is deeply attached to their child and sees them as a source of love and comfort. This creates a conflict between what society expects of them and what they want for themselves and their child.
Style and Structure
Stylistically, "Bastard" is a relatively simple poem. It is written in free verse, with no consistent rhyme scheme or meter. This gives the poem a conversational quality, as if the narrator is speaking directly to the reader. The language is also relatively simple and straightforward, with few complex metaphors or allusions.
Despite its simplicity, however, "Bastard" is a well-crafted poem. Service uses repetition to create a sense of rhythm and momentum, particularly in the first stanza, where the phrase "Born in shame" is repeated several times. This repetition creates a sense of inevitability and underlines the central message of the poem: that the child's birth was a consequence of the narrator's actions.
The structure of the poem is also worth noting. It is divided into six stanzas of varying length, with no consistent meter or rhyme scheme. This structure gives the poem a sense of flow and movement, as if the narrator is moving through different emotions and stages of grief. The short stanzas in the second half of the poem create a sense of urgency and intensity, as the narrator's emotions become more complex and conflicted.
Interpretation
So, what does "Bastard" mean? Like all great poems, there is no one definitive answer to this question. However, I believe that the poem is ultimately an exploration of the tension between individual desire and social expectations.
The narrator is struggling with the fact that their actions have placed them outside of society's norms. They are acutely aware of the social stigma attached to having an illegitimate child, and they are struggling with the fact that their child will always be seen as an outsider. At the same time, the narrator is deeply attached to their child and sees them as a source of love and comfort. This creates a conflict between what society expects of them and what they want for themselves and their child.
This tension is reflected in the poem's language and structure. The repetition of "Born in shame" in the first stanza creates a sense of inevitability and highlights the social stigma attached to the child's birth. However, the short stanzas in the second half of the poem create a sense of urgency and intensity, as the narrator's emotions become more complex and conflicted. The poem ultimately leaves the reader with a sense of unresolved tension, as the narrator continues to grapple with their conflicting desires and social expectations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Bastard" is a powerful and provocative poem that explores themes of shame, guilt, and the tension between individual desire and social expectations. Despite its simple language and structure, the poem is well-crafted and nuanced, refusing to offer easy answers or moral judgments. While the poem may be controversial and uncomfortable for some readers, it remains a powerful exploration of the human condition and the consequences of our actions.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Bastard by Robert Service: A Poem of Identity and Self-Discovery
Robert Service's poem "Bastard" is a powerful exploration of identity and self-discovery. Written in Service's signature style of narrative verse, the poem tells the story of a young man who struggles to come to terms with his illegitimate birth and find his place in the world. Through vivid imagery and poignant language, Service captures the emotional turmoil and existential angst of the protagonist, and invites readers to reflect on their own sense of self and belonging.
The poem begins with a stark declaration of the protagonist's identity: "I'm the bastard son of a prostitute." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is characterized by a raw honesty and unflinching self-awareness. The protagonist is not ashamed of his birth, but he is acutely aware of the stigma and social ostracism that come with it. He describes himself as "a pariah dog that everybody kicks," and laments the fact that he cannot escape his heritage: "I cannot shake the curse that clings."
Despite his sense of alienation and isolation, the protagonist is determined to make something of himself. He dreams of becoming a "man of power and of place," and sets out on a journey of self-discovery and self-improvement. Along the way, he encounters various obstacles and setbacks, but he never loses sight of his goal. He works hard, saves his money, and eventually achieves success and recognition.
What makes "Bastard" such a powerful poem is the way it captures the universal themes of identity and self-discovery. Although the protagonist's circumstances are unique, his struggles and aspirations are relatable to anyone who has ever felt like an outsider or struggled to find their place in the world. The poem speaks to the human desire for self-improvement and self-actualization, and reminds us that our past does not define us.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of vivid imagery and sensory language. Service paints a vivid picture of the protagonist's world, from the "stench of stale tobacco" in the saloons to the "sweat and grime" of the mines. He uses sensory details to create a visceral sense of the protagonist's experiences, and to convey the emotional intensity of his journey. For example, when the protagonist finally achieves success, Service describes him as feeling "like a god that walks the earth." This image conveys not only the protagonist's sense of accomplishment, but also the awe and wonder that come with achieving one's dreams.
Another notable aspect of the poem is its use of rhyme and meter. Service is known for his mastery of narrative verse, and "Bastard" is no exception. The poem has a steady, rhythmic cadence that propels the narrative forward and gives it a sense of momentum. The rhyme scheme is simple but effective, with each stanza ending in a couplet that reinforces the poem's themes and emotions. For example, the final couplet reads: "I'm the son of a whore, but all the same/ I am a man, and I have made my name." This couplet encapsulates the poem's central message of self-acceptance and self-empowerment, and leaves readers with a sense of hope and inspiration.
In conclusion, "Bastard" is a powerful and poignant poem that speaks to the universal themes of identity and self-discovery. Through vivid imagery, poignant language, and masterful narrative verse, Robert Service captures the emotional journey of a young man who struggles to come to terms with his illegitimate birth and find his place in the world. The poem invites readers to reflect on their own sense of self and belonging, and reminds us that our past does not define us. Ultimately, "Bastard" is a testament to the human spirit and the power of self-determination.
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