'Decadence' by Robert Service
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Before the florid portico
I watched the gamblers come and go,
While by me on a bench there sat
A female in a faded hat;
A shabby, shrinking, crumpled creature,
Of waxy casino-ward with eyes
Of lost soul seeking paradise.
Then from the Café de la Paix
There shambled forth a waiter fellow,
Clad dingily, down-stooped and grey,
With hollow face, careworn and yellow.
With furtive feet before our seat
He came to a respectful stand,
And bowed, my sorry crone to greet,
Saying: "Princess, I kiss your hand."
She gave him such a gracious smile,
And bade him linger by her side;
So there they talked a little while
Of kingly pomp and country pride;
Of Marquis This and Prince von That,
Of Old Vienna, glamour gay. . . .
Then sad he rose and raised his hat:
Saying: "My tables I must lay."
"Yea, you must go, dear Count," she said,
"For luncheon tables must be laid."
He sighed: from his alpaca jacket
He pressed into her hand a packet,
"Sorry, to-day it's all I'm rich in -
A chicken sandwich from the kitchen."
Then bowed and left her after she
Had thanked him with sweet dignity.
She pushed the package out of sight,
Within her bag and closed it tight;
But by and bye I saw her go
To where thick laurel bushes grow,
And there behind that leafy screen,
Thinking herself by all unseen,
That sandwich! How I saw her grab it,
And gulp it like a starving rabbit!
Thinks I: Is all that talk a bluff -
Their dukes and kings and courtly stuff:
The way she ate, why one would say
She hadn't broken fast all day.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Decadence: A Poetic Triumph of Human Emotion
Robert Service's Decadence is a poem that captures the essence of human emotion and the ultimate decline of the human spirit. The poem is a masterpiece in terms of structure, imagery, and symbolism. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the underlying themes of Decadence, the techniques used by Service to convey those themes, and how the poem resonates with readers today.
The Poem's Themes
At its core, Decadence is a poem about the rise and fall of the human spirit. It is about the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. It is also about the tensions between the human desire for material wealth and the search for spiritual fulfillment. Service uses vivid imagery to convey these themes, and the poem is full of powerful symbols that resonate with readers.
One of the most prominent themes in Decadence is the transience of life. Service writes, "All that glitters is not gold; / Often have you heard that told: / Many a man his life hath sold / But my outside to behold." Here, Service is reminding us that material possessions are not the key to happiness. The glittering, shiny things that we desire will not bring us lasting fulfillment. The speaker in the poem is warning us not to be deceived by appearances.
Another theme in Decadence is the inevitability of death. Service writes, "Youth and beauty don't mean a thing / For youth and beauty will fade and fall / And the soul you sell for an earthly thing / Will never answer the trumpet call." Here, the speaker is reminding us that we cannot escape our mortality. No matter how much wealth or material possessions we acquire, we will all eventually die.
The tension between material wealth and spiritual fulfillment is another theme in Decadence. Service writes, "What is life? A tale that is told; / What is death? A debt that is due... / Rich man, poor man, beggar man, thief, / All are called, but few are chosen." Here, the speaker is suggesting that while we may strive for material wealth and success, true fulfillment can only be found in a spiritual life. The rich and the poor alike will eventually face death and judgment, and only those who have lived a life of purpose will be chosen.
Techniques Used
Service uses a variety of techniques to convey the themes in Decadence. One of the most prominent techniques is his use of vivid imagery. The poem is full of powerful images that convey the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. For example, Service writes, "Life is a jest and all things show it, / I thought so once, but now I know it." Here, the speaker is using the image of life as a jest to convey the idea that life is ultimately meaningless.
Another technique that Service uses in Decadence is his use of symbolism. The poem is full of symbols that resonate with readers. For example, the line "All that glitters is not gold" is a symbol for the idea that material possessions are not the key to happiness. The line "Youth and beauty don't mean a thing" is a symbol for the idea that youth and beauty are fleeting and ultimately meaningless. The line "What is life? A tale that is told" is a symbol for the idea that life is fleeting and ultimately meaningless.
The Poem's Resonance Today
Decadence was written over a century ago, but its themes and message still resonate with readers today. In our modern, materialistic society, the message of the poem is perhaps more relevant than ever. We are bombarded with images of wealth and success, and we are often led to believe that these things are the key to happiness. But as Decadence reminds us, material possessions are ultimately meaningless, and true fulfillment can only be found in a spiritual life.
The poem also resonates with readers today because of its exploration of the tensions between material wealth and spiritual fulfillment. Many people today are searching for purpose and meaning in their lives, and they are questioning the pursuit of wealth and success as the key to happiness. Decadence speaks to this search for meaning, and it reminds us that true fulfillment can only be found in a life of purpose and service.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Decadence is a masterpiece of poetry that explores the themes of the rise and fall of the human spirit, the transience of life, and the tension between material wealth and spiritual fulfillment. Robert Service's use of vivid imagery and symbolism create a powerful message that resonates with readers today. The poem serves as a reminder that material possessions are ultimately meaningless, and true fulfillment can only be found in a life of purpose and service. Decadence is a poetic triumph of human emotion, and it is a timeless work of art that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Decadence: A Poem of the Human Condition
Robert Service, the renowned poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his timeless works. One such work is the poem "Decadence," which is a powerful commentary on the human condition. The poem is a reflection on the excesses of modern society and the consequences that come with it. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail.
The poem begins with the line, "If you're decadent, you're in the right." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It suggests that decadence is not only acceptable but also desirable. The speaker is addressing the reader directly, and the use of the second person creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy. The speaker is inviting the reader to join in the decadence, to indulge in the pleasures of life without restraint.
The second stanza of the poem is a vivid description of the excesses of modern society. The speaker talks about "the wine that flows like a river," the "food that's fit for a king," and the "women who are fair as the flowers." These images are meant to evoke a sense of opulence and luxury. The speaker is painting a picture of a world where everything is available in abundance, and there are no limits to what one can have.
However, the third stanza takes a darker turn. The speaker warns that "the price of pleasure is pain." This line is a reminder that every action has consequences. The excesses of modern society come at a cost, and that cost is often paid by those who are less fortunate. The speaker goes on to describe the "poor who are hungry and cold," and the "sick who are left to die." These images are a stark contrast to the opulence described in the previous stanza. They serve as a reminder that while some may indulge in excess, others suffer as a result.
The fourth stanza of the poem is a call to action. The speaker asks the reader to "rise up and be a man." This line is a challenge to take responsibility for one's actions and to make a difference in the world. The speaker acknowledges that it is easy to indulge in decadence, but it takes courage to stand up and make a change. The use of the word "man" is significant here, as it suggests that it is the responsibility of men to take action and make a difference.
The fifth stanza of the poem is a reflection on the fleeting nature of life. The speaker reminds us that "life is short, and time is fleet." This line is a reminder that we only have a limited amount of time on this earth, and we should make the most of it. The use of the word "fleet" suggests that time moves quickly, and we should not waste it on frivolous pursuits.
The final stanza of the poem is a call to live a life of purpose. The speaker asks the reader to "live for something, not for naught." This line is a reminder that life is not just about indulging in pleasure but also about making a difference in the world. The use of the word "naught" suggests that a life without purpose is meaningless.
In conclusion, "Decadence" is a powerful commentary on the human condition. The poem is a reflection on the excesses of modern society and the consequences that come with it. The speaker challenges the reader to take responsibility for their actions and make a difference in the world. The poem is a reminder that life is short, and we should make the most of it by living a life of purpose. Robert Service's "Decadence" is a timeless work that continues to resonate with readers today.
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