'The Monster' by Robert Service
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When we might make with happy heart
This world a paradise,
With bombs we blast brave men apart,
With napalm carbonize.
Where we might till the sunny soil,
And sing for joy of life,
We spend our treasure and our toil
In bloody strife.
The fields of wheat are sheening gold,
The flocks have silver fleece;
The signs are sweetly manifold
Of plenty, praise and peace.
Yet see! The sky is like a cowl
Where grimy toilers bore
The shards of steel that feed the foul
Red maw of War.
Instead of butter give us guns;
Instead of sugur, shells.
Devoted mothers, bear your sons
To glut still hotter hells.
Alas! When will mad mankind wake
To banish evermore,
And damn for God in Heaven's sake
Mass Murder--WAR?
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Monster by Robert Service: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
As I sat down to read Robert Service's classic poem, The Monster, I was struck by the vivid imagery and the intense emotions that it evoked. This poem, written in Service's signature style of narrative verse, tells the story of a man who encounters a monster while out hunting in the wilderness. What follows is a gripping tale of survival, fear, and the raw power of nature. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will delve deeper into the themes and motifs present in The Monster, and explore what makes this poem so enduringly popular.
Overview of the Poem
The Monster is a poem that is divided into three main parts. In the first part, the speaker sets the scene by describing the vast, desolate wilderness where the story takes place. We sense the speaker's awe and reverence for the natural world, as he describes the beauty of the landscape and the creatures that inhabit it. The second part of the poem is where the action really begins. The speaker is out hunting in the woods when he comes across a monster that is larger and more fearsome than any creature he has ever encountered before. As the monster charges towards him, the speaker is forced to think quickly and use all of his skills to evade it. In the final part of the poem, the speaker reflects on the experience and the lessons he has learned from it.
The Power of Nature
One of the most prominent themes in The Monster is the power of nature. Throughout the poem, we see how the speaker is humbled by the sheer scale and majesty of the wilderness. He describes the towering mountains, the winding rivers, and the vast forests with a sense of wonder and reverence. However, this awe is tempered by a sense of danger and uncertainty. The speaker knows that he is just a small part of this vast ecosystem, and that at any moment, he could be at the mercy of the elements or the creatures that inhabit it.
This sense of danger is heightened when the speaker encounters the monster. This creature is a manifestation of the raw power of nature, and it is clear that the speaker is no match for it. The monster is described as being "huge as a horse" and possessing "fangs that could tear". As it charges towards the speaker, we feel his fear and helplessness. The monster is not just a physical threat, but a symbol of the chaos and randomness that can exist in nature. It represents the uncontrollable forces that can shape our lives, whether we like it or not.
The Triumph of Human Ingenuity
Despite the overwhelming power of the monster, the speaker is able to evade it through quick thinking and resourcefulness. He uses his knowledge of the terrain to his advantage, luring the monster into a trap and then delivering a fatal blow. This triumph of human ingenuity over the brute force of nature is a recurring motif in Service's work. In many of his poems, we see how humans are able to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles through their intelligence, perseverance, and cunning.
However, this triumph is always tempered by a sense of humility. The speaker does not gloat over his victory, but rather reflects on the fragility of his own existence in the face of such power. He acknowledges that he was lucky to have survived, and that there may be other dangers lurking in the wilderness that he has yet to encounter. This combination of triumph and humility is what makes The Monster such a compelling and memorable poem.
The Role of the Poet
Another interesting aspect of The Monster is the role of the poet. Throughout the poem, we see how the speaker is able to capture the essence of the natural world in his words. His descriptions of the landscape and the creatures that inhabit it are vivid and evocative, painting a picture in our minds that is both beautiful and terrifying. However, the speaker also acknowledges the limitations of language when it comes to describing the intangible qualities of nature. He admits that there are things he cannot convey in words, and that the full extent of his experience can only be felt through direct perception.
This tension between language and experience is a common theme in poetry, and it is particularly relevant in The Monster. As readers, we rely on the poet to transport us to places and experiences that are beyond our own lived reality. However, we must also recognize the limitations of language in capturing the full depth and complexity of those experiences. The Monster reminds us that poetry is not just about describing the world, but about inviting us to see it in a new and profound way.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Monster is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores themes of nature, human ingenuity, and the limitations of language. Through its vivid imagery and evocative language, it transports us to a world that is both beautiful and dangerous, and reminds us of the importance of humility and respect in the face of the natural world. As a literary work, it is a testament to Robert Service's skill as a poet, and to the enduring power of poetry as a form of artistic expression.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Monster: A Classic Poem by Robert Service
Are you ready to embark on a journey through the dark and twisted mind of Robert Service? If so, then buckle up and get ready to explore one of his most famous works, The Monster.
First published in 1907, The Monster is a haunting and chilling poem that tells the story of a man who is haunted by a terrifying creature that lurks in the shadows. As we delve deeper into the poem, we will explore the themes of fear, isolation, and the human psyche.
The poem begins with the narrator describing the monster as a "thing" that "creeps, and leaps, and glides and slides." This description immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as we are introduced to a creature that is both elusive and terrifying.
As the poem progresses, we learn that the narrator is not the only one who has encountered the monster. In fact, the entire town is aware of its existence, and they live in constant fear of its presence. The narrator describes how the monster "stalks and pounces, then withdraws" and how it "lurks and lies in wait." These descriptions paint a picture of a creature that is both cunning and patient, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
The theme of fear is prevalent throughout the poem, as the narrator describes how the townspeople are "afraid to go to bed at night" and how they "shudder at each other's sight." This fear is not just limited to the monster, but also extends to the isolation and loneliness that the townspeople feel. The narrator describes how they "live in dread of one another" and how they "shun each other's company." This sense of isolation and fear is a common theme in Robert Service's work, as he often explores the darker aspects of the human psyche.
As the poem reaches its climax, the narrator decides to confront the monster. Armed with a gun, he sets out into the night to face his fears. However, when he finally comes face to face with the creature, he realizes that it is not what he expected. Instead of a terrifying monster, he sees a reflection of himself. The narrator describes how the monster "was my shadow on the wall" and how it "was myself I feared."
This twist ending is a powerful commentary on the human psyche and the fear that we often project onto others. The monster is not a physical creature, but rather a manifestation of the narrator's own fears and insecurities. By confronting the monster, he is forced to confront himself and the darkness that lies within.
In conclusion, The Monster is a haunting and chilling poem that explores the themes of fear, isolation, and the human psyche. Through vivid descriptions and powerful imagery, Robert Service takes us on a journey through the dark and twisted mind of the narrator. The twist ending is a powerful commentary on the human condition and the fear that we often project onto others. If you are a fan of horror or psychological thrillers, then The Monster is a must-read. So, grab a cup of tea, turn off the lights, and prepare to be scared out of your wits.
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