'Tourists' by Robert Service


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In a strange town in a far land
They met amid a throng;
They stared, they could not understand
How life was sudden song.
As brown eyes looked in eyes of grey
Just for a moment's space,
Twin spirits met with sweet dismay
In that strange place.

And then the mob that swept them near
Reft them away again;
Two hearts in all the world most dear
Knew puzzlement and pain.
They barely brushed in passing by,
A wildered girl and boy,
Who should have clasped with laughing cry,
And wept for joy.

But no, the crowd cleft them apart,
And she went East, he West;
But there was havoc in his heart
And brooding in her breast.
In a far land, in a strange town
Amid a mob they met;
They stared, they passed . . . But O deep down,
Can they forget?

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Tourists" by Robert Service: A Literary Analysis

Are you one of those people who love to travel? Do you enjoy sightseeing, experiencing new cultures, and immersing yourself in the beauty of nature? If so, then you will appreciate Robert Service's poem "Tourists." This classic poem captures the essence of traveling and how it can impact our lives in unexpected ways. In this literary analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and symbolism in "Tourists" and how they contribute to the overall meaning of the poem.

The Theme of Adventure

First and foremost, "Tourists" is a poem about adventure. It portrays the excitement and thrill of traveling to new places and experiencing new things. Service's use of language creates a sense of excitement and wonder that draws the reader in. He describes the tourists as "eager-eyed adventurers" who are "drinking life to the lees." This imagery creates a sense of exhilaration and anticipation that makes the reader want to join in on the adventure.

However, the theme of adventure is not just about the thrill of the journey. It also highlights the transformative power of travel. As the tourists journey deeper into the wilderness, they begin to shed their old selves and become something new. Service writes, "They cast away their former selves, and craved with eagerness/ To know the unknown mysteries that lurked beyond the trees." This transformation is a common theme in travel literature, and Service captures it beautifully in "Tourists."

The Beauty of Nature

Another prominent theme in "Tourists" is the beauty of nature. Service paints a vivid picture of the wilderness that surrounds the tourists, describing the "great white peaks that gleamed in the sun" and the "purple-shadowed valleys" that lay below. The imagery in this poem is breathtaking, and it captures the awe-inspiring beauty of nature that can only be experienced in person.

At the same time, the poem also acknowledges that nature can be dangerous and unpredictable. Service writes, "The wilderness is wondrous fair, but oh, the lurking danger!" This juxtaposition of beauty and danger adds depth to the poem and reminds us that nature is not something to be taken lightly. It also highlights the bravery of the tourists, who are willing to take on this unknown and potentially dangerous landscape.

The Symbolism of the Wilderness

The wilderness in "Tourists" serves as a powerful symbol for the unknown and the unexplored. It represents the parts of ourselves that we have yet to discover and the mysteries that lie beyond our current understanding. By journeying into the wilderness, the tourists are not only exploring the physical landscape but also exploring the depths of their own psyche.

Service writes, "The heart of them was wilderness, a vast and virgin land." This imagery suggests that the tourists are not just exploring the wilderness around them but also the wilderness within themselves. This journey of self-discovery is a common theme in literature, and Service uses the wilderness as a powerful symbol to represent this internal exploration.

The Importance of the Journey

Finally, "Tourists" emphasizes the importance of the journey itself, rather than just the destination. Service writes, "It was not what they sought that counted, but the way they took to seek." This line encapsulates the idea that the journey is just as important as the destination, and that the experiences and transformations that occur along the way are what truly matter.

This theme is also reflected in the structure of the poem itself. Service divides the poem into two sections, with the first section describing the tourists' journey into the wilderness and the second section describing their return journey. By doing so, he emphasizes that the journey is a circular process, and that the experiences and transformations that occur along the way are just as important as the final outcome.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Tourists" is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that captures the essence of travel and the transformative power of exploration. Through its themes of adventure, the beauty of nature, the symbolism of the wilderness, and the importance of the journey, Service creates a vivid and engaging portrait of the travelers who venture into the unknown. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or someone who dreams of adventure, "Tourists" is a poem that will inspire you to explore the world around you and the world within yourself.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Tourists by Robert Service is a classic poem that captures the essence of travel and the thrill of exploring new places. The poem is a celebration of the adventurous spirit and the joy of discovery that comes with traveling to new destinations.

The poem begins with the speaker describing a group of tourists who have arrived at a new destination. The tourists are excited and eager to explore the new place, and the speaker observes their enthusiasm with a sense of amusement. The speaker notes that the tourists are dressed in their finest clothes, and they are carrying cameras and guidebooks, ready to capture every moment of their journey.

As the tourists begin to explore the new place, the speaker notes that they are like children in a candy store, eager to sample everything that the place has to offer. They take pictures of everything they see, from the local landmarks to the street vendors selling souvenirs. They try the local food and drink, and they immerse themselves in the local culture.

The speaker notes that the tourists are not content with simply observing the new place from a distance. They want to experience it firsthand, to touch and taste and smell everything that the place has to offer. They are not afraid to get their hands dirty, and they are willing to take risks in order to have a truly authentic experience.

The poem also touches on the idea of cultural exchange. The tourists are not just passive observers of the new place; they are active participants in the local culture. They interact with the locals, learning about their customs and traditions. They share their own culture with the locals, introducing them to new ideas and experiences.

The poem also explores the idea of perspective. The tourists bring with them their own preconceptions and biases, and these can color their perceptions of the new place. The speaker notes that the tourists may see the new place as exotic or primitive, but to the locals, it is simply home. The poem encourages the tourists to approach the new place with an open mind and to try to see it from the perspective of the locals.

Overall, Tourists is a celebration of travel and the joy of discovery. It encourages us to embrace our adventurous spirit and to explore new places with an open mind and a sense of curiosity. It reminds us that travel is not just about seeing new things, but about experiencing them firsthand and learning from the people and cultures we encounter along the way.

The poem is also a reminder that travel is a two-way street. It is not just about what we can take from the new place, but also about what we can give back. By interacting with the locals and sharing our own culture and experiences, we can create a meaningful exchange that enriches both ourselves and the people we meet.

In conclusion, Tourists by Robert Service is a timeless poem that captures the essence of travel and the thrill of exploration. It encourages us to embrace our adventurous spirit and to approach new places with an open mind and a sense of curiosity. It reminds us that travel is not just about seeing new things, but about experiencing them firsthand and learning from the people and cultures we encounter along the way.

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