'Hot Digitty Dog' by Robert Service
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Hot digitty dog! Now, ain't it queer,
I've been abroad for over a year;
Seen a helluva lot since then,
Killed, I reckon, a dozen men;
Six was doubtful, but six was sure,
Three in Normandy, three in the Ruhr.
Four I got with a hand grenade,
Two I shot in a midnight raid:
Oh, I ain't sorry, except perhaps
To think that my jerries wasn't japs.
Hot digitty dog! Now ain't it tough;
I oughta be handed hero stuff -
Bands and banquets, and flags and flowers,
Speeches, peaches, confetti showers;
"Welcome back to the old home town,
Colour Sargent Josephus Brown.
Fought like a tiger, one of our best,
Medals and ribands on his chest.
cheers for a warrior, fresh from the fight . . ."
Sure I'd 'a got 'em - - had I been white.
Hot digitty dog! It's jist too bad,
Gittin' home an' nobody gald;
Sneakin' into the Owl Drug Store
Nobody knowin' me any more;
Admirin' my uniform fine and fit -
Say, I've certainly changed a bit
From the lanky lad who used to croon
To a battered banjo in Shay's Saloon;
From the no-good nigger who runned away
After stickin' his knife into ol' man Shay.
They's a lynched me, for he was white,
But he raped my sister one Sunday night;
So I did what a proper man should do,
And I sunk his body deep in the slough.
Oh, he taunted me to my dark disgrace,
Called me a nigger, spat in my face;
So I buried my jack-knife in his heart,
Laughin' to see the hot blood start;
Laughin' still, though it's long ago,
And nobody's ever a-gonna know.
Nobody's ever a-gonna tell
How Ol' Man Shay went straight to hell;
nobody's gonna make me confess -
And what is a killin' more or less.
My skin may be black, but by Christ! I fight;
I've slain a dozen, and each was white,
And none of 'em ever did me no harm,
And my conscience is clear - I've no alarm;
So I'll go where I sank Ol' Man Shay in the bog,
And spit in the water . . . Hot digitty dog!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Hot Digitty Dog by Robert Service: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Introduction
Hot Digitty Dog is a classic poem written by Robert Service, a British-Canadian poet known for his unique blend of humor, satire, and sentimentality. The poem, first published in Service's 1940 collection, Rhymes of a Roughneck, is a witty and entertaining portrayal of a dog race in the frozen north.
Using vivid imagery, clever wordplay, and a lively rhythm, Service captures the excitement and energy of the race, as well as the determination and grit of the sled dogs and their mushers. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, literary devices, and cultural context of Hot Digitty Dog and examine its enduring appeal.
Themes
At its core, Hot Digitty Dog is a celebration of endurance, perseverance, and the human-dog bond. The poem portrays the sled dogs as brave and tenacious creatures who are willing to push themselves to the limit to win the race. It also highlights the symbiotic relationship between the dogs and their mushers, who rely on each other for survival and success.
Another prominent theme in the poem is the contrast between the harsh, unforgiving environment of the frozen north and the joy and excitement of the dog race. Service portrays the race as a moment of triumph and celebration in an otherwise bleak and challenging landscape.
Finally, Hot Digitty Dog also touches on the idea of competition and sportsmanship. While the mushers are all vying for the prize, there is also a sense of camaraderie and respect among them. They recognize the skill and dedication of their rivals and are willing to help each other out in times of need.
Literary Devices
One of the most striking elements of Hot Digitty Dog is its use of vivid and evocative imagery. Service brings the frozen north to life with descriptions of the "frosty air," "the snappy crackle of the stars," and the "snowdrifts piled like sugar cones." He also uses sensory details to create a vivid picture of the race itself, from the sound of the dogs' panting breaths to the sight of their steamy breath in the cold air.
Another key literary device in the poem is its use of rhyme and rhythm. Service's use of slant rhyme and internal rhyme creates a bouncy and playful rhythm that mirrors the energy and excitement of the dog race. The repetition of the title phrase, "Hot Digitty Dog," also adds to the poem's sense of fun and playfulness.
Finally, Service's use of humor and irony is another notable literary device in the poem. He pokes fun at the mushers' competitive spirit and their tendency to exaggerate their feats. He also uses irony to underscore the dogs' bravery and determination, highlighting the absurdity of using such noble creatures for a mere race.
Cultural Context
Hot Digitty Dog was written and published during a time of great social and political upheaval. The poem was written in 1940, during the height of World War II, when Canada was actively involved in the war effort. The frozen north, where the dog race takes place, was a crucial part of Canada's war effort, serving as a training ground for troops and a hub for transportation and communication.
Service's depiction of the sled dogs and their mushers as brave and tenacious can be seen as a reflection of the Canadian spirit of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. The poem also reflects the popularity of dog racing as a form of entertainment and sport in Canada at the time.
Interpretation
Hot Digitty Dog is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today. On one level, the poem is a lighthearted and entertaining portrayal of a dog race. But on a deeper level, it speaks to the enduring human-dog bond and the capacity for humans and animals to work together towards a common goal.
The poem also serves as a reminder of the beauty and power of nature, as well as the importance of respecting and protecting it. Service's vivid descriptions of the frozen north and the sled dogs and their mushers remind us of the fragility and preciousness of the natural world.
Ultimately, Hot Digitty Dog is a celebration of life and the joy and excitement that can be found in even the most challenging of circumstances. It is a testament to the resilience and determination of the human spirit and the enduring bond between humans and animals.
Conclusion
Hot Digitty Dog is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. Its themes of endurance, perseverance, and the human-dog bond continue to resonate with readers today. Through its use of vivid imagery, playful rhythm, and gentle humor, the poem captures the excitement and energy of a dog race in the frozen north, while also speaking to deeper truths about the human experience.
Whether you are a lover of poetry, a dog enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys a good story, Hot Digitty Dog is a poem that is sure to delight and inspire. So why not curl up with a cup of hot cocoa and a copy of Rhymes of a Roughneck and experience the joy and magic of this timeless classic for yourself? Hot digitty dog indeed!
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Hot Digitty Dog: A Classic Poem by Robert Service
If you're a fan of poetry, then you've probably heard of Robert Service. He's one of the most famous poets of the 20th century, known for his humorous and often irreverent poems. One of his most famous works is "Hot Digitty Dog," a poem that captures the spirit of the American West and the excitement of the rodeo.
The poem begins with the line "Hot digitty dog! / Now ain't it queer, / I've been on the range for nigh on a year." Right away, we're introduced to the speaker of the poem, a cowboy who's been out on the range for a long time. He's excited to be back in town, and he's ready to have some fun.
The next few lines of the poem describe the sights and sounds of the rodeo. We hear the "yippee-yi-yays" of the cowboys, the "snortin' and a-bellerin'" of the bulls, and the "clap of the hoofs" as the horses race around the arena. The speaker is clearly caught up in the excitement of the moment, and he's eager to join in.
As the poem continues, we see the speaker's enthusiasm grow. He talks about the "broncs a-buckin'" and the "steers a-chargin'," and he can't help but get caught up in the action. He even imagines himself as a cowboy, riding a wild horse and winning the admiration of the crowd.
But as the poem reaches its climax, we see that the speaker's enthusiasm is not without its dangers. He talks about the "rope a-snappin'" and the "bull a-chargin'," and we can sense the danger that lurks just beneath the surface of the rodeo. The speaker knows that he could be hurt or even killed if he's not careful, but he's still willing to take the risk.
In the end, the poem ends on a note of triumph. The speaker has survived the rodeo, and he's proud of what he's accomplished. He talks about the "cheers a-ringin'" and the "hats a-flyin'," and we can sense the joy and excitement that he feels. He's achieved something that few people can, and he's proud of himself for it.
So what makes "Hot Digitty Dog" such a classic poem? There are a few things that stand out. First, there's the language. Robert Service was known for his use of colloquial language and his ability to capture the rhythms of everyday speech. In "Hot Digitty Dog," we hear the slang and the idioms of the American West, and we can almost hear the cowboys and the rodeo announcers shouting out their catchphrases.
But it's not just the language that makes the poem great. It's also the way that Service captures the spirit of the rodeo. He shows us the excitement and the danger, the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. He takes us inside the mind of the cowboy, showing us what it's like to ride a bucking bronco or to face down a charging bull.
And finally, there's the sense of triumph that runs through the poem. Despite the dangers and the risks, the speaker emerges victorious. He's achieved something that few people can, and he's proud of himself for it. This sense of triumph is what makes the poem so inspiring, and it's what has kept it popular for so many years.
In conclusion, "Hot Digitty Dog" is a classic poem that captures the spirit of the American West and the excitement of the rodeo. With its colloquial language, vivid imagery, and sense of triumph, it's a poem that has stood the test of time. Whether you're a fan of poetry or not, it's a poem that's worth reading and savoring. So the next time you're feeling down or discouraged, just remember the words of Robert Service: "Hot digitty dog! / Now ain't it queer, / I've been on the range for nigh on a year."
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