'The Receptionist' by Robert Service
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France is the fairest land on earth,
Lovely to heart's desire,
And twice a year I span its girth,
Its beauty to admire.
But when a pub I seek each night,
To my profound vexation
On form they hand me I've to write
My occupation.
So once in a derisive mood
My pen I nibbled;
And though I know I never should:
'Gangster' I scribbled.
But as the clerk with startled face
Looked stark suspicion,
I blurred it out and in its place
Put 'Politician.'
Then suddenly dissolved his frown;
His face fused to a grin,
As humorously he set down
The form I handed in.
His shrug was eloquent to view.
Quoth he: 'What's in a name?
In France, alas! the lousy two
Are just the same.'
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Receptionist by Robert Service: A Critique and Interpretation
Have you ever read a poem that made you feel like you’re in the shoes of the protagonist? A poem that takes you on a journey of emotions and experiences? If you haven’t, then you’re in for a treat with “The Receptionist” by Robert Service.
“The Receptionist” is a classic poem written by Robert Service, a poet known for his vivid and emotive descriptions of people and places. The poem portrays the story of a receptionist working in a hotel, who deals with various guests with different needs and personalities. In this critique and interpretation, we’ll explore the literary devices used by Service to convey his message, the themes presented in the poem, and the significance of the poem in today’s society.
Literary Devices
Service uses a variety of literary devices to convey his message in “The Receptionist”. One of the most prominent devices used in the poem is imagery. Service uses vivid and descriptive language to paint a picture of the hotel and the people in it. For example, in the first stanza, Service writes:
She was slender, and tall, and splendidly fair, With a poise and a grace serenely rare; And her eyes had the glow that our hearts bewitches, And the tilt of her chin and the poise of her head Were a challenge to men to do her some dread.
In these lines, Service uses descriptive language to give the reader a clear picture of the receptionist. He describes her as “slender”, “tall”, and “splendidly fair”, using adjectives to highlight her beauty. He also uses personification to describe her eyes as having a “glow” that bewitches the heart. This use of imagery helps the reader to visualize the receptionist and creates an emotional connection between the reader and the protagonist.
Another literary device used in the poem is symbolism. Service uses symbolism to represent various themes and ideas in the poem. For example, in the third stanza, Service writes:
She was far too clever a wench to miss The boys who came for a bit of kiss, And she knew that the men who had wives at home Would often come to her and groan.
In these lines, the receptionist is symbolized as a temptation for men who are unfaithful to their wives. The “bit of kiss” represents the infidelity of these men, while the receptionist symbolizes the temptation that leads them to cheat. This use of symbolism highlights the theme of temptation and infidelity in the poem.
Themes
“The Receptionist” explores several themes that are relevant to today’s society. One of the main themes is the power of temptation. The receptionist, with her beauty and charm, becomes a temptation for the men who visit the hotel. They are drawn to her and are willing to risk their marriages and reputations for a chance to be with her. This theme is relevant today, as we often see people succumbing to temptation and making poor decisions that have lasting consequences.
Another theme explored in the poem is the idea of judgment. The receptionist is judged by the guests, who see her as a seductress and a temptation. However, as the poem progresses, we see that the receptionist is more than just a pretty face. She is intelligent and observant, and she understands the needs and desires of the guests. This theme is relevant today, as we often judge people based on their appearance or occupation, without taking the time to get to know them.
Significance
“The Receptionist” is a significant poem, as it highlights the complexities of human relationships and the power of temptation. It also challenges the reader to look beyond appearances and stereotypes and to see the humanity in others. The poem’s relevance today is seen in the current societal issues of infidelity and judgment.
In conclusion, “The Receptionist” is a powerful and emotive poem that uses literary devices such as imagery and symbolism to convey its message. The themes of temptation and judgment are relevant today and challenge us to look beyond appearances and stereotypes. Robert Service’s use of language and poetic devices makes “The Receptionist” a timeless piece of literature that continues to captivate readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Receptionist: A Poem of Love and Loss
Robert Service, the renowned poet of the Yukon, is known for his vivid and evocative descriptions of life in the rugged and wild north. His poems are filled with characters who are tough, resilient, and often tragic. One of his most famous works, "The Receptionist," is a haunting and beautiful poem about love and loss.
The poem tells the story of a receptionist who works in a hotel in the Yukon. She is a beautiful and charming woman who is loved by all who meet her. She is kind and gentle, with a smile that lights up the room. But despite her popularity, she is lonely and longs for love.
One day, a handsome stranger arrives at the hotel. He is a rugged and adventurous man, with a twinkle in his eye and a smile that matches the receptionist's. They fall in love instantly, and spend many happy days together exploring the wilderness and enjoying each other's company.
But their happiness is short-lived. The man is called away on a dangerous mission, and the receptionist is left behind, waiting anxiously for his return. Days turn into weeks, and weeks turn into months, but still there is no word from him. The receptionist grows more and more anxious, and eventually falls ill with worry.
As she lies on her deathbed, the man finally returns. He rushes to her side, but it is too late. She has passed away, leaving him alone and heartbroken.
The poem is a powerful and emotional tribute to the power of love, and the pain of loss. Service's vivid descriptions of the Yukon landscape and the characters who inhabit it bring the story to life, and make it all the more poignant.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is the way in which Service portrays the receptionist. She is not just a beautiful woman, but a complex and multi-dimensional character. She is kind and gentle, but also strong and resilient. She is lonely, but also independent and self-sufficient. Service's portrayal of her is a testament to the strength and resilience of women, even in the face of adversity.
The man, too, is a complex character. He is not just a rugged adventurer, but a man with a deep capacity for love and compassion. His devotion to the receptionist is evident in his willingness to risk his life for her, and his heartbreak at her passing is palpable.
Service's descriptions of the Yukon landscape are also noteworthy. He paints a vivid picture of the rugged and wild terrain, with its snow-capped mountains, icy rivers, and dense forests. The landscape is both beautiful and dangerous, and serves as a metaphor for the challenges that the characters face in their lives.
The poem is also notable for its use of language. Service's writing is rich and evocative, with a rhythm and cadence that draws the reader in. His use of imagery and metaphor is particularly effective, as he uses these devices to convey the emotions and experiences of the characters.
In conclusion, "The Receptionist" is a powerful and moving poem that explores the themes of love and loss in a beautiful and evocative way. Service's vivid descriptions of the Yukon landscape and the characters who inhabit it bring the story to life, and make it all the more poignant. The poem is a testament to the power of love, and the pain of loss, and is a must-read for anyone who appreciates great poetry.
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