'The Boola-Boola Maid' by Robert Service
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In the wilds of Madagascar, Dwelt a Boola-boola maid;
For her hand young men would ask her, But she always was afraid.
Oh that Boola-boola maid She was living in the shade Of a spreading Yum-yum tree;
And - when the day was done At the setting of the sun, She would make this melodee:
As this ditty she was cooing, Came a Boola-boola man;
And he lost no time in wooing; For he punched her on the pan.
Oh that Boola-boola maid She was terribly afraid So he punched her on the eye;
And - then he laugh'd with glee As beneath the Yum-yum tree He - heard that maiden cry:
Then with shrieks of ribald laughter, Said the Boola-boola man;
"If it's only socks you're after, I will do the best I can.
I have handed you a pair, And I've plenty more to spare," So he socked her on the nose;
And a woeful maid was she, As beneath the Yum-yum tree, This - lamentation 'rose:
Now the wedding tom-tom's over, for this Boola-boola maid;
And when ev'ning shadows hover, She no longer is afraid.
For she weasrs a palm-leaf pinny And she rocks a pickaninny In the shade of the Yum-yum tree,
And she's happy with her he-man, Though she still dreams of a She-man, As she sings this song with glee:
Chorus:
Oh - I don't want my cave-man to caress me,
Oh I don't want no coal-black heads to press me.
All I want is a fellow who wears suspenders,
That'll be the coon to whom this babe surenders.
For the man I wed must have a proper trouseau.
On none of your fig-leaf dudes will make me do so.
For it's funny how I feel, But I'm crazy for socks appeal
And my dream is to marry a man with a pair of socks.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Boola-Boola Maid: A Literary Analysis
Are you looking for a poem that will take you on a journey to the mysterious lands of the South Seas? Look no further than The Boola-Boola Maid, written by the incomparable Robert Service. In this classic poem, Service weaves a tale of love, adventure, and danger, set against the exotic backdrop of the islands of the Pacific. In this literary analysis, we will delve into the themes and symbols that make The Boola-Boola Maid a timeless masterpiece.
Background and Overview
The Boola-Boola Maid was first published in 1911 in the collection "The Spell of the Yukon and Other Verses." Robert Service was a British-Canadian poet, known for his vivid descriptions of the frontier life in Canada and the United States. However, in The Boola-Boola Maid, Service takes us far away from the wilderness of the North, to the warm and enchanting islands of the South Seas.
The poem tells the story of a young sailor who falls in love with a beautiful native girl, the Boola-Boola Maid of the title. The sailor is captivated by her exotic beauty and the allure of the tropical paradise that surrounds them. However, their love is threatened by the danger and violence that lurks beneath the surface of their idyllic world. Let's take a closer look at the poem and explore the themes and symbols that give it its power.
Themes
The Boola-Boola Maid is a poem that explores several themes, including:
Love and Desire
At its heart, The Boola-Boola Maid is a love story. The sailor is captivated by the maid's beauty and exoticism, and he is drawn to her with a passion that he cannot resist. Service describes the maid in sensual terms, using vivid imagery to convey the intensity of the sailor's desire:
With eyes that were dark and dreamy, And lips like a scarlet rose, She danced to the tune of the tom-toms, As naked as Eve's repose.
The maid is a symbol of the sailor's longing for adventure and excitement, as well as his desire for physical intimacy. However, their love is threatened by the dangers that surround them, and the poem is a meditation on the fragility of human relationships in the face of external forces.
Colonialism and Imperialism
The Boola-Boola Maid is set in a time when the islands of the Pacific were colonized by Western powers, and the poem reflects the attitudes of the era. The sailor is a representative of Western culture, while the maid represents the native cultures of the islands. The poem raises questions about the morality of colonialism and imperialism, and the ways in which they create tension and conflict between different cultures.
Violence and Danger
The idyllic world of the South Seas is not all sunshine and palm trees, and The Boola-Boola Maid explores the darker side of life in the tropics. The sailor is confronted with violence and danger at every turn, from the threat of typhoons and hurricanes to the risk of being attacked by pirates. The poem is a reminder that even the most beautiful and peaceful places can be fraught with danger, and that human beings are always at the mercy of the forces of nature.
Symbols
The Boola-Boola Maid is rich in symbolic imagery that deepens its themes and adds layers of meaning to the poem. Let's take a look at some of the most important symbols in the poem:
The Sea
The sea is a powerful symbol in The Boola-Boola Maid, representing both the sailor's longing for adventure and the danger that he faces on his journey. The sea is described in vivid terms throughout the poem, from the "clear blue sky" of the opening stanza to the "thunder of the surf" that echoes through the final lines. The sea is both beautiful and terrifying, and it serves as a metaphor for the human experience of life itself.
The Maid
The maid is the central symbol of the poem, representing the sailor's desire for the exotic and the unknown. She is described in sensual terms, with her "dark and dreamy" eyes and her scarlet lips. However, the maid is also a symbol of the dangers that lurk beneath the surface of paradise. She is associated with the tom-toms and the wild dancing that takes place on the island, which suggests that she is both alluring and dangerous.
The Typhoon
The typhoon is a symbol of the destructive power of nature, and it serves as a reminder that human beings are always at the mercy of the forces of the natural world. The typhoon is described in terrifying terms, with its "hissing sleet" and its "thunderous roar." It is a force that cannot be tamed or controlled, and it serves as a reminder of the fragility of human life.
Conclusion
The Boola-Boola Maid is a classic poem that explores themes of love, desire, colonialism, and violence, set against the backdrop of the idyllic islands of the South Seas. Robert Service's vivid descriptions and powerful symbolism make the poem a masterpiece of world literature, and it continues to captivate readers more than a century after its initial publication. If you're looking for a poem that will take you on a journey to a far-off land, The Boola-Boola Maid is the perfect place to start.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Boola-Boola Maid: A Classic Poem of Love and Adventure
Robert Service's "The Boola-Boola Maid" is a classic poem that tells the story of a young man's journey to find love and adventure in a far-off land. The poem is a thrilling tale of romance, danger, and discovery that captures the imagination of readers of all ages.
The poem begins with the protagonist, a young man named Jack, setting out on a journey to find the "Boola-Boola Maid," a legendary beauty who lives in a distant land. Jack is driven by a deep desire for adventure and the hope of finding true love. He sets out on his journey with nothing but his courage and determination to guide him.
As Jack travels through the rugged terrain of the unknown land, he encounters many dangers and obstacles. He faces treacherous mountains, raging rivers, and fierce beasts, but he never loses sight of his goal. His determination and bravery are tested time and again, but he never gives up.
Finally, after many long months of travel, Jack reaches the land of the Boola-Boola Maid. He is immediately struck by her beauty and falls deeply in love with her. The two spend many happy days together, exploring the land and enjoying each other's company.
However, their happiness is short-lived, as Jack soon discovers that the Boola-Boola Maid is in danger. A group of fierce warriors has invaded her land, and they are determined to take her captive. Jack knows that he must act quickly to save his beloved, and he sets out to confront the invaders.
In a thrilling battle, Jack fights bravely against the warriors, using all of his strength and skill to protect the Boola-Boola Maid. In the end, he emerges victorious, and the two lovers are reunited.
The poem ends with Jack and the Boola-Boola Maid returning to his homeland, where they live happily ever after. The poem is a testament to the power of love and the strength of the human spirit. It is a timeless tale that continues to captivate readers today.
One of the most striking aspects of "The Boola-Boola Maid" is its vivid imagery. Service's use of descriptive language brings the story to life, painting a vivid picture of the rugged terrain and exotic landscapes that Jack encounters on his journey. The reader can almost feel the heat of the sun, the chill of the wind, and the roughness of the terrain.
Another notable feature of the poem is its use of rhyme and meter. Service's use of a consistent rhyme scheme and meter gives the poem a musical quality that adds to its appeal. The poem is easy to read and flows smoothly, making it accessible to readers of all ages.
The poem also explores themes of love, adventure, and heroism. Jack's journey to find the Boola-Boola Maid is driven by his desire for adventure and his hope of finding true love. His bravery and determination in the face of danger make him a hero, and his love for the Boola-Boola Maid is a testament to the power of love to overcome all obstacles.
Overall, "The Boola-Boola Maid" is a classic poem that continues to capture the hearts and imaginations of readers today. Its vivid imagery, musical quality, and timeless themes make it a must-read for anyone who loves poetry, adventure, and romance.
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