'Self-Made Man' by Robert Service
AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay
A hundred people I employed,
But when they struck for higher pay,
I was so damnably annoyed
I told them they could stay away.
I simply shut my business down;
I closed my doors and locked them out,
And now you'll find all round the town
A lot of idle men about.
Of course I know it is my loss,
And I their point of view can see,
But I must show them I'm the boss,
And any raise must come from ME.
But when they claim it as a right,
And send their Union leaders round,
Why then, by God, I'm out to fight,
Or burn my workshop to the ground.
I've risen from the ranks myself;
By brawn and brain I've made my way.
Had I bet, beered and blown my pelf,
I would have been as poor as they.
Had I wed young to thrift's unheed,
I might have been a toiler now,
With rent to pay and kids to feed,
And bloody sweat upon my brow.
Ah there's the point! "I might have been."
I might have been as peeved as they,
And know what misery can mean,
And ask like them a raise of pay.
I see myself. . . . "The telephone!"
. . . Had I not been so bloody wise -
(A poor old rich man all alone) . . .
"Hullo! Strike's off. I grant the rise."
Editor 1 Interpretation
Self-Made Man: A Critical Analysis
Are you a self-made man? Do you believe in the power of the individual to shape their own destiny? If so, then Robert Service's poem, "Self-Made Man," is the perfect piece of literature for you. Written in 1916, this classic poem explores the theme of self-determination and the triumph of the human spirit over adversity.
Overview
Self-Made Man is a poem that is both inspiring and thought-provoking. It is a celebration of the individual, and an exploration of the trials and tribulations that one must face in order to achieve greatness. The poem tells the story of a man who rises from humble beginnings to become a success in the world. It is a story of hard work, perseverance, and the refusal to be defeated by the challenges that life throws at us.
Analysis
The poem begins with the lines, "He carved his way through the wilderness / With nothing but his bare hands." These lines set the tone for the entire poem. They suggest that the man in the poem is a rugged individualist, someone who is not afraid of hard work and who is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals.
As the poem progresses, we see the man facing a variety of challenges. He must survive in the wilderness, facing hunger and thirst. He must confront dangerous animals, and endure the harsh elements. Yet, despite these obstacles, he remains steadfast in his determination to succeed.
One of the most interesting aspects of the poem is the way in which it portrays the relationship between the individual and society. On the one hand, the man in the poem is a self-made man, someone who has achieved success through his own efforts. On the other hand, however, the poem suggests that he could not have achieved this success without the help of others.
For example, the poem describes how the man "built his cabin with his own hands / But friends lent him a hand." This suggests that while the man is certainly independent, he is not entirely self-sufficient. He relies on the support of others to achieve his goals.
At the same time, however, the poem celebrates the man's independence and self-reliance. The line, "He scorned the ways of the easy path / And chose the rugged trail," suggests that the man is someone who is not content to follow the crowd. He is someone who is willing to take risks and blaze his own trail, even if it means facing hardships along the way.
Interpretation
So, what is the message of this poem? What does it have to say about the nature of success and the role of the individual in society?
One interpretation of the poem is that it is a celebration of rugged individualism. It suggests that success is something that can be achieved through hard work, perseverance, and a refusal to be defeated by adversity. It also suggests that the individual has a crucial role to play in achieving success.
At the same time, however, the poem also suggests that success is not something that can be achieved entirely on one's own. It requires the support of others, and a willingness to work together towards common goals.
Another interpretation of the poem is that it is a commentary on the American Dream. The American Dream is the idea that anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve success through hard work and determination. This poem certainly captures the spirit of the American Dream, and suggests that it is not just an ideal, but a reality that can be achieved through individual effort.
Conclusion
Self-Made Man is a powerful and inspiring poem that celebrates the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. It is a poem that encourages us to be independent, self-reliant, and willing to take risks in order to achieve our goals. At the same time, however, it also reminds us that success is not something that can be achieved entirely on our own. It requires the support of others, and a willingness to work together towards common goals.
Overall, this poem is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today. It is a testament to the power of the individual to shape their own destiny, and a reminder that success is something that can be achieved through hard work, perseverance, and a refusal to be defeated by the challenges that life throws at us.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Self-Made Man: A Poem of Triumph and Perseverance
Robert Service's classic poem "Self-Made Man" is a powerful ode to the human spirit and the power of perseverance. Written in 1916, the poem tells the story of a man who rises from humble beginnings to achieve great success through hard work, determination, and a refusal to give up in the face of adversity.
At its core, "Self-Made Man" is a celebration of the American Dream, the idea that anyone can achieve success and prosperity through hard work and determination. The poem tells the story of a man who starts out with nothing but his own two hands and a fierce determination to succeed. He works tirelessly, day and night, to build his own business and make a name for himself in the world.
The poem is divided into three parts, each of which tells a different chapter in the man's life. In the first part, we see the man as a young boy, growing up in poverty and struggling to make ends meet. Despite the odds against him, he refuses to give up and instead sets his sights on a better life. He works odd jobs and saves every penny he can, dreaming of the day when he will be able to start his own business and make his mark on the world.
In the second part of the poem, we see the man as a young adult, finally starting his own business and working tirelessly to make it a success. He faces countless obstacles along the way, from financial setbacks to personal tragedies, but he never loses sight of his goal. He works harder than ever before, putting in long hours and sacrificing his own comfort and happiness in order to build his business and achieve his dreams.
Finally, in the third part of the poem, we see the man as an older, wiser, and more successful person. He has achieved everything he set out to do and more, and he looks back on his life with pride and satisfaction. He knows that he has accomplished something truly remarkable, something that few people ever achieve, and he is grateful for every moment of his journey.
What makes "Self-Made Man" such a powerful poem is its universal appeal. While it was written over a century ago, its message is just as relevant today as it was then. In a world where so many people feel trapped by their circumstances, where poverty and inequality seem to be on the rise, the poem offers a message of hope and inspiration. It reminds us that no matter how difficult our circumstances may be, we always have the power to change our lives and achieve our dreams.
At the same time, the poem also acknowledges the harsh realities of life. It does not sugarcoat the difficulties that the man faces along the way, nor does it suggest that success is easy or guaranteed. Instead, it shows us a man who is willing to work hard and make sacrifices in order to achieve his goals, and who is willing to face whatever challenges come his way with courage and determination.
In terms of its poetic style, "Self-Made Man" is a masterful example of Robert Service's skill as a writer. The poem is written in a simple, straightforward style that is easy to understand and follow, yet it is also full of vivid imagery and powerful metaphors that bring the story to life. Service's use of rhyme and meter gives the poem a musical quality that makes it a joy to read aloud, and his choice of words and phrases is always precise and evocative.
Overall, "Self-Made Man" is a timeless classic that deserves to be read and appreciated by people of all ages and backgrounds. It is a poem that celebrates the human spirit and the power of perseverance, and it reminds us that no matter how difficult our circumstances may be, we always have the power to change our lives and achieve our dreams. Whether you are a young person just starting out in life or an older person looking back on your journey, this poem is sure to inspire and uplift you.
Editor Recommended Sites
Network Simulation: Digital twin and cloud HPC computing to optimize for sales, performance, or a reduction in costLearn Dataform: Dataform tutorial for AWS and GCP cloud
Personal Knowledge Management: Learn to manage your notes, calendar, data with obsidian, roam and freeplane
Learn Prompt Engineering: Prompt Engineering using large language models, chatGPT, GPT-4, tutorials and guides
Database Migration - CDC resources for Oracle, Postgresql, MSQL, Bigquery, Redshift: Resources for migration of different SQL databases on-prem or multi cloud
Recommended Similar Analysis
For whom the Bell Tolls by John Donne analysisNegative Love by John Donne analysis
Sonnet 43: When most I wink, then do mine eyes best see by William Shakespeare analysis
To William Wordsworth by Samuel Taylor Coleridge analysis
The Argument Of His Book by Robert Herrick analysis
Sixteen Dead Men by William Butler Yeats analysis
Barter by Sara Teasdale analysis
Why Fades a Dream? by Paul Laurence Dunbar analysis
A Dead Rose by Elizabeth Barrett Browning analysis
Personal Helicon by Seamus Heaney analysis