'The Robbers' by Robert Service


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Alas! I see that thrushes three
Are ravishing my old fig tree,
In whose green shade I smoked my pipe
And waited for the fruit to ripe;
From green to purple softly swell
Then drop into my lap to tell
That it is succulently sweet
And excellent to eat.

And now I see the crimson streak,
The greedy gash of yellow beak.
And look! the finches come in throng,
In wavy passage, light with song;
Of course I could scare them away,
But with a shrug: 'The heck!' I say.
I owe them something for their glee,
So let them have their spree.

For all too soon in icy air
My fig tree will be bleak and bare,
Until it wake from Winter sleep
And button buds begin to peep.
Then broad leaves come to shelter me
In luminous placidity.
Then figs will ripen with a rush
And brash will come the thrush.

But what care I though birds destroy
My fruit,--they pay me back with joy.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Robbers: A Critique

The Robbers is a classic poem by Robert Service, published in 1907. The poem tells the story of a group of robbers who steal from the rich and give to the poor. It is a tale of adventure, romance, and morality, and has been enjoyed by readers for over a century. In this critique, we will examine the themes, language, structure, and symbolism of the poem, and explore its relevance to modern readers.

Themes

The Robbers is a poem that deals with several themes, the most prominent of which are justice, morality, and love. The robbers are portrayed as heroic figures who are fighting against injustice and oppression. They take from the rich, who have too much, and give to the poor, who have too little. The poem raises the question of whether it is ever morally justifiable to break the law in order to achieve justice.

The poem also explores the theme of love, particularly the love between the leader of the robbers, Redmond O'Hanlon, and his wife, Kathleen. Their love is portrayed as intense and passionate, and is contrasted with the loveless marriages of the wealthy citizens who are the victims of the robbers. The poem suggests that love is a powerful force that can overcome even the most difficult circumstances.

The theme of morality is also explored in the poem. While the robbers are portrayed as heroes, they are also depicted as flawed individuals who are capable of violence and greed. The poem raises the question of whether the ends justify the means, and whether it is ever right to take the law into one's own hands.

Language

The language of The Robbers is simple and direct, with a rhythmic quality that makes it easy to read and remember. The poem is written in rhyming couplets, which gives it a musical quality that is typical of Service's work. The use of alliteration and repetition also adds to the musicality of the poem.

Service's use of language also helps to create vivid images in the reader's mind. For example, the description of Redmond O'Hanlon as "one with the wild wind and the rain" creates a powerful image of a man who is at one with the natural world. The description of the wealthy citizens as "fat and sleek and well-content" creates an image of people who are complacent and comfortable, but lacking in vitality and passion.

Structure

The Robbers is structured as a narrative poem, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. The poem is divided into six sections, each of which tells a different part of the story. The use of regular stanzas and rhyming couplets gives the poem a sense of structure and order, which helps to reinforce its moral message.

The poem also makes use of repetition and parallel structure to create a sense of balance and symmetry. For example, the repeated phrase "The robbers, the robbers, the fierce brigand band" creates a sense of unity and cohesion among the robbers. The parallel structure of the stanzas, with each one beginning with the line "They plundered the rich and they helped the poor," also reinforces the message of the poem.

Symbolism

The Robbers makes use of several symbols to reinforce its themes and message. The most prominent symbol in the poem is the robbers themselves, who represent a kind of Robin Hood figure, stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. The robbers symbolize the struggle for justice and the fight against oppression.

The natural world is also used as a symbol in the poem, particularly the wind and the rain. These natural elements symbolize freedom and the power of nature, and are associated with Redmond O'Hanlon, who is described as being at one with the wild wind and the rain.

Finally, the poem makes use of the symbol of love, particularly the love between Redmond O'Hanlon and Kathleen. Their love is portrayed as a force that is capable of overcoming even the most difficult circumstances, and is contrasted with the loveless marriages of the wealthy citizens.

Relevance

The Robbers is a poem that is still relevant today, particularly in its exploration of themes of justice, morality, and love. The poem raises important questions about the role of law and order in society, and about the need for individuals to take action in the face of injustice.

The poem is also relevant in its portrayal of love as a powerful force that can overcome even the most difficult circumstances. In a world that is often cynical and loveless, The Robbers reminds us of the transformative power of love and the importance of human connection.

Conclusion

The Robbers is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. Its exploration of themes of justice, morality, and love, combined with its vivid language, structure, and symbolism, make it a powerful and compelling work of literature. The poem raises important questions about the role of individuals in society, and reminds us of the transformative power of love. The Robbers is a poem that is still relevant today, and will continue to be enjoyed by readers for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Robbers by Robert Service is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a thrilling tale of a group of robbers who terrorize a small town, and the brave sheriff who sets out to stop them. The poem is full of vivid imagery, suspenseful moments, and a powerful message about justice and the consequences of our actions.

The poem begins with a description of the robbers themselves. They are a rough and tumble group of men, with "beards like blackthorn bushes" and "eyes like burning coals." They are feared by the townspeople, who lock their doors at night and pray for safety. The robbers are portrayed as ruthless and dangerous, with no regard for human life or property.

The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, with its vivid descriptions and powerful imagery. The reader is immediately drawn into the world of the robbers, and the sense of danger and suspense is palpable.

As the poem progresses, we are introduced to the sheriff, who is determined to stop the robbers and bring them to justice. He is a brave and determined man, who is not afraid to face danger head-on. He sets out on a mission to track down the robbers and put an end to their reign of terror.

The second stanza of the poem is particularly powerful, as it describes the sheriff's determination to catch the robbers. He is described as a "man of iron will," who is "undaunted by the odds." This imagery is incredibly powerful, and it sets the stage for the rest of the poem.

As the sheriff sets out on his mission, he encounters a young girl who has been robbed by the bandits. She is distraught and frightened, and the sheriff takes pity on her. He promises to catch the robbers and return her stolen property.

This encounter with the young girl is a turning point in the poem, as it shows the human side of the sheriff. He is not just a lawman, but a compassionate and caring individual who is dedicated to protecting his community.

The rest of the poem is a thrilling tale of the sheriff's pursuit of the robbers. He tracks them through the wilderness, facing danger at every turn. There are moments of intense suspense, as the robbers try to outsmart the sheriff and escape his grasp.

One of the most powerful moments in the poem comes towards the end, when the sheriff finally catches up with the robbers. They are cornered, with no way out, and the sheriff confronts them with a powerful speech about justice and the consequences of their actions.

The final stanza of the poem is particularly powerful, as it sums up the message of the poem. The robbers are brought to justice, and the town is safe once again. The sheriff is hailed as a hero, and the young girl is reunited with her stolen property.

Overall, The Robbers by Robert Service is a classic poem that is still relevant today. It is a thrilling tale of justice and the consequences of our actions, and it is full of powerful imagery and suspenseful moments. The poem is a testament to the power of storytelling, and it is a must-read for anyone who loves poetry or a good adventure story.

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