'Death And Life' by Robert Service
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'Twas in the grave-yard's gruesome gloom
That May and I were mated;
We sneaked inside and on a tomb
Our love was consummated.
It's quite all right, no doubt we'll wed,
Our sin will go unchidden . . .
Ah! sweeter than the nuptial bed
Are ecstasies forbidden.
And as I held my sweetheart close,
And she was softly sighing,
I could not help but think of those
In peace below us lying.
Poor folks! No disrespect we meant,
And beg you'll be forgiving;
We hopes the dead will not resent
The rapture of the living.
And when in death I, too, shall lie,
And lost to those who love me,
I wish two sweethearts roving by
Will plight their troth above me.
Oh do not think that I will grieve
To hear the vows they're voicing,
And if their love new life conceive,
'Tis I will be rejoicing.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Death and Life by Robert Service: A Critical Analysis
Wow, what an incredible poem! Death and Life by Robert Service is a masterpiece that showcases the power of language and imagery. This poem is a classic that has been loved and admired by readers and critics alike for decades. In this critical analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem to understand the meaning and significance of this work of art.
Overview
Death and Life is a poem that explores the idea of death and its relationship with life. The poem opens with the image of a graveyard and the speaker’s reflection on death. The speaker then moves on to explore the idea of life and how we should make the most of it. The poem is divided into two stanzas, with each stanza representing death and life, respectively. Throughout the poem, the speaker uses vivid imagery and powerful language to evoke emotions and convey his message.
Themes
The central theme of the poem is the relationship between death and life. The poem explores the idea that death is an inevitable part of life and that we should embrace it rather than fear it. The poem also emphasizes the importance of living life to the fullest and making the most of the time we have.
There is also a theme of the cycle of life and death in the poem. The graveyard in the opening stanza represents death, while the imagery of the trees and the flowers in the second stanza represent life. The poem suggests that life and death are not separate entities but rather part of a larger cycle.
Imagery
The imagery used in the poem is powerful and evocative. The opening stanza paints a vivid picture of a graveyard with “gray headstones” and “mossy marbles”. The graveyard is described as a “city of the dead” which emphasizes the finality and permanence of death.
In the second stanza, the imagery shifts to that of nature. The speaker describes the “crimson rose” and the “laughing daffodil” which represent life and vitality. The trees are described as “emerald towers” which give the impression of strength and resilience.
The contrast between the two stanzas is significant as it highlights the difference between death and life. The first stanza is dark and somber while the second stanza is bright and vibrant.
Language
The language used in the poem is simple yet powerful. The poem is written in free verse with no specific rhyme scheme or meter. The lack of a strict structure allows the poet the freedom to use language in a way that evokes emotions and conveys meaning.
One of the most striking aspects of the language used in the poem is the use of personification. The speaker personifies death as a “grim reaper” who “stalks the earth”. This gives death a sense of agency and power. The use of personification also makes death a more relatable and tangible concept.
The language used in the second stanza is more positive and uplifting. The speaker encourages the reader to “sing” and “dance” and to “live while yet you may”. The language is full of life and vitality, which contrasts with the earlier somber tone of the poem.
Interpretation
The poem can be interpreted in many different ways, but a common interpretation is that death is not something to be feared but rather embraced as a natural part of life. The speaker suggests that we should make the most of our time on earth and live life to the fullest.
The poem can also be interpreted as a reflection on the transience of life. The cycle of life and death is a reminder that everything is temporary and that we should cherish every moment we have.
Another interpretation is that the poem is a critique of society’s obsession with wealth and material possessions. The graveyard in the opening stanza represents the final resting place of people who were once wealthy and powerful but are now forgotten. The second stanza, with its emphasis on nature, suggests that true wealth lies in the beauty and joy of life itself.
Conclusion
Death and Life by Robert Service is a powerful poem that explores the relationship between death and life. The vivid imagery and powerful language convey a message of embracing death as a natural part of life and making the most of the time we have. The poem is a reminder to cherish every moment and find joy in the beauty around us. This poem is a classic that will continue to inspire and move readers for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Death and Life: A Poem of Contrasts
Robert Service’s poem “Death and Life” is a masterpiece of contrasts. It explores the themes of life and death, love and loss, and the fleeting nature of existence. The poem is a powerful reminder of the transience of life and the inevitability of death. In this analysis, we will explore the themes and imagery used in the poem and how they contribute to the overall message of the poem.
The poem begins with a stark contrast between life and death. The opening lines read, “There are two men in the world I know, / One is a friend and one is a foe.” The two men are Death and Life, and the speaker is torn between them. He acknowledges that Death is his enemy, but he also recognizes that Life is fleeting and that Death is inevitable. The speaker is caught between the two, unable to choose between them.
The imagery used in the poem is powerful and evocative. Service uses vivid descriptions to create a sense of the beauty and fragility of life. He describes the “golden sun” and the “azure sky,” painting a picture of a world full of light and color. He also uses imagery to describe the inevitability of death, describing it as a “grim and ghastly shade” that “stalks us night and day.”
The poem also explores the theme of love and loss. The speaker describes the pain of losing a loved one, saying, “I’ve lost a friend, I’ve lost a wife, / I’ve lost a child, I’ve lost a life.” The pain of loss is palpable in these lines, and the speaker acknowledges that death is a part of life. He says, “Death is a part of life, I know, / But oh, it hurts us so.”
The poem also explores the idea of the fleeting nature of existence. The speaker describes how quickly life passes, saying, “Life is a fleeting thing, I know, / It passes like a summer’s glow.” He acknowledges that life is short and that we must make the most of the time we have. He says, “We must make the most of every hour, / For life is but a fleeting flower.”
The poem ends with a powerful message of hope. The speaker acknowledges that death is inevitable, but he also recognizes that life is full of beauty and wonder. He says, “Life is a wondrous thing, I know, / It’s full of beauty, love and glow.” The poem ends on a note of optimism, with the speaker urging us to embrace life and all its wonders.
In conclusion, Robert Service’s poem “Death and Life” is a powerful exploration of the themes of life and death, love and loss, and the fleeting nature of existence. The poem is a reminder that life is short and that we must make the most of the time we have. The imagery used in the poem is vivid and evocative, creating a sense of the beauty and fragility of life. The poem ends on a note of hope, urging us to embrace life and all its wonders.
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