'The Law Of Laws' by Robert Service
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If we could roll back History
A century, let's say,
And start from there, I'm sure that we
Would find things as to-day:
In all creation's cosmic range
No vestige of a change.
Turn back a thousand years, the same
Unchangement we would view;
Cause and Effect their laws proclaim,
The truest of the true,
And in life's mechanistic groove
The Universe would move.
Grim is the grip of the Machine
And everything we do
Designed implacably has been
Since earth was virgin new:
We strut our parts as they were writ,--
That's all there is to it.
Curse on such thinking! let us play
At Free Will, though we be
The gnatlike creatures of the day,
The dupes of Destiny . . .
The merle is merry in the may--
Tommorow's time to pray.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Law Of Laws: A Deep Dive into Robert Service's Masterpiece
Are you a fan of poetry? Do you love to read deep and meaningful verses that paint vivid pictures in your mind? Then you must have come across Robert Service, one of the greatest poets of all time. His works are a fusion of beauty, inspiration, and wit, and one of his most famous poems is The Law Of Laws.
In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deep into this masterpiece, exploring its themes, structure, language, and overall impact on readers. So, fasten your seatbelt, grab a cup of coffee or tea, and let's get started!
Overview of The Law Of Laws
The Law Of Laws is a captivating and thought-provoking poem that explores the concept of justice, morality, and human nature. It is a five-stanza ballad, with each stanza consisting of four lines. The rhyme scheme is AABB, and the meter is iambic tetrameter, giving the poem a rhythmic and musical flow.
At the beginning of the poem, the speaker presents the question, "What is the law of the land?" and proceeds to answer it in subsequent stanzas. The first stanza introduces the concept of written laws, which are necessary to keep society in order and protect citizens from harm.
In the second stanza, the speaker introduces the idea of unwritten laws, which are inherent in human nature and guide our actions even in the absence of written laws. These laws are universal and apply to all humans, regardless of their cultural or social background.
The third stanza is particularly fascinating as it discusses the law of love, which transcends all other laws and is the most powerful force in the universe. Here, the speaker warns that those who ignore the law of love will face dire consequences.
In the fourth stanza, the speaker introduces the concept of divine justice, which operates beyond human laws and punishes those who violate the law of love. The final stanza concludes the poem by reiterating the importance of the law of love and urging readers to live by it.
Themes in The Law Of Laws
The Law Of Laws is a complex poem that touches on various themes and ideas. Here are some of the most prominent themes:
Justice
One of the central themes of the poem is justice. The speaker emphasizes the importance of written laws in maintaining order in society and protecting citizens from harm. However, he also acknowledges the limitations of written laws and highlights the need for unwritten laws, which are inherent in human nature and guide our actions even in the absence of written laws.
The concept of divine justice is also prominent in the poem, as the speaker suggests that those who violate the law of love will face punishment beyond human laws. This theme resonates strongly with readers, as justice is a fundamental human value that we all strive for.
Morality
Morality is another key theme in The Law Of Laws. The speaker suggests that there are universal moral laws that apply to all humans, regardless of their cultural or social background. These laws are inherent in human nature and guide our actions even in the absence of written laws.
The poem also emphasizes the importance of the law of love, which is the most powerful moral law and transcends all other laws. Those who ignore the law of love will face dire consequences, suggesting that morality is not just a matter of personal choice but has real-world implications.
Human Nature
The concept of human nature is interwoven throughout the poem. The speaker suggests that there are unwritten laws inherent in human nature that guide our actions even in the absence of written laws. These laws are universal and apply to all humans, regardless of their cultural or social background.
The poem also suggests that humans have a capacity for both good and evil. While the law of love is the most powerful force in the universe, some humans may choose to ignore it and instead follow their own selfish desires. This highlights the complexity of human nature and challenges readers to reflect on their own beliefs and values.
Love
Love is perhaps the most prominent theme in The Law Of Laws. The poem suggests that the law of love is the most powerful force in the universe and transcends all other laws. Those who ignore the law of love will face dire consequences, while those who live by it will experience joy and fulfillment.
The concept of divine justice is also interwoven with the theme of love, as the speaker suggests that divine justice operates beyond human laws and punishes those who violate the law of love. This highlights the idea that love is not just a personal feeling but has real-world implications and can have a profound impact on society.
Structure and Language in The Law Of Laws
The Law Of Laws is a well-structured poem that uses language in a powerful and evocative way. The use of iambic tetrameter gives the poem a rhythmic and musical flow, while the AABB rhyme scheme adds to its overall musicality.
The language used in the poem is simple and direct, making it accessible to readers of all ages and backgrounds. However, the simplicity of the language does not detract from the poem's depth and complexity, as the speaker explores profound themes and ideas.
The use of repetition is also prominent in the poem, with the phrase "The law of the land" repeated at the beginning of each stanza. This repetition creates a sense of unity and coherence throughout the poem, while also emphasizing the importance of the law in human society.
The use of metaphors and imagery is also noteworthy in The Law Of Laws. For example, in the third stanza, the speaker describes the law of love as a "sun" that "scatters dark and fear." This metaphor suggests that love has a transformative power and can dispel negativity and fear.
Interpretation of The Law Of Laws
The Law Of Laws is a deeply insightful and thought-provoking poem that raises important questions about justice, morality, human nature, and love. It challenges readers to reflect on their own beliefs and values, and to consider the implications of their actions on themselves and others.
The poem suggests that written laws are necessary to maintain order in society and protect citizens from harm. However, it also emphasizes the importance of unwritten laws, which are inherent in human nature and guide our actions even in the absence of written laws.
The concept of divine justice is also prominent in the poem, suggesting that those who violate the law of love will face punishment beyond human laws. This highlights the idea that love is not just a personal feeling but has real-world implications and can have a profound impact on society.
Overall, The Law Of Laws is a masterpiece of poetry that continues to inspire and challenge readers today. Its themes and ideas are timeless and universal, making it a true classic of the literary world.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Law of Laws: A Poem That Resonates Even Today
Robert Service, the renowned poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his powerful and evocative poetry. One such poem that continues to resonate with readers even today is "The Law of Laws." This poem is a powerful commentary on the nature of law and its role in society. In this article, we will delve deep into the poem and analyze its various themes and motifs.
The poem begins with the lines, "The law of laws, the law untold, / The law that is not written; / The law that lays its hands on gold, / And hamstrings him that's smitten." These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem and introduce the central theme of the law that is not written. The poem goes on to describe this law as one that is unwritten but still holds immense power over individuals and society as a whole.
The second stanza of the poem describes the law as one that "binds the weak, uplifts the strong, / And makes the right the mightier." This line highlights the fact that the law is not just a set of rules and regulations but also a force that can uplift the weak and bring justice to the oppressed. The law, according to the poet, is a powerful tool that can be used to bring about positive change in society.
The third stanza of the poem describes the law as one that "makes the rich man poor, / And gives the poor man treasure." This line highlights the fact that the law is not biased towards any particular class or group of individuals. It is a force that can bring about equality and justice for all. The law, according to the poet, is a leveller that can bring about a balance of power in society.
The fourth stanza of the poem describes the law as one that "binds the king upon his throne, / And makes the slave a master." This line highlights the fact that the law is not subservient to any individual or institution. It is a force that can hold even the most powerful individuals accountable for their actions. The law, according to the poet, is a force that can bring about a revolution and change the course of history.
The fifth stanza of the poem describes the law as one that "makes the coward brave and bold, / And puts the brave to rout." This line highlights the fact that the law is not just a set of rules and regulations but also a force that can inspire individuals to be courageous and stand up for what is right. The law, according to the poet, is a force that can bring about a transformation in individuals and society as a whole.
The sixth and final stanza of the poem describes the law as one that "is not of man, but from above, / And holds the world in tether." This line highlights the fact that the law is not a human invention but a divine force that holds the world together. The law, according to the poet, is a force that can bring about a sense of order and stability in society.
In conclusion, "The Law of Laws" is a powerful poem that highlights the importance of law in society. The poem describes the law as a force that can bring about positive change, equality, justice, and accountability. The law, according to the poet, is not just a set of rules and regulations but a divine force that holds the world together. Even today, this poem continues to resonate with readers and serves as a reminder of the importance of law in society.
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