'Surtax' by Robert Service
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When I was young and Scottish I
Allergic was to spending;
I put a heap of bawbees by,
But now my life is ending,
Although I would my hoarded pelf
Impetuously scatter,
Each day I live I find myself
Financially fatter.
Though all the market I might buy,
There's nothing to my needing;
I only have one bed to lie,
One mouth for feeding.
So what's the good of all that dough
Accumulating daily?
I should have spent it long ago
In living gaily.
So take my tip, my prudent friend,
Without misgiving;
Don't guard your fortune to the end,
But blow it living.
Better on bubbly be it spent,
And chorus cuties,
Than pay it to the Government
For damned Death Duties.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Surtax: A Literary Critique
Introduction
Robert Service was one of the great poets of his time, and his works continue to inspire readers and writers alike. His poem, Surtax, is a fine example of his skill and artistry. In this critique, we will examine the poem, looking at its structure, themes, and imagery. We will also explore the historical context in which the poem was written, and how this may have influenced its meaning.
Analysis
Structure
Surtax is a three-stanza poem, with each stanza consisting of eight lines. The poem follows a simple ABAB rhyme scheme, with the first and third lines rhyming, as do the second and fourth. This gives the poem a sense of balance and symmetry, which is reinforced by the repetition of certain phrases and images throughout the poem.
Themes
The central theme of Surtax is the idea of sacrifice, specifically the sacrifice that is made by those who serve in the military. Service was writing at a time when the world was still reeling from the aftermath of the First World War, and this conflict looms large in the poem. The soldiers that Service writes about are not romanticized heroes, but rather ordinary men who have been called upon to do extraordinary things. Their sacrifice is not something that they have chosen, but rather something that has been forced upon them by circumstances beyond their control.
Imagery
One of the most striking aspects of Surtax is its use of vivid imagery. Service uses a range of metaphors and similes to convey the experience of war, from the "drums of doom" that herald the arrival of the soldiers, to the "hissing hell of shell and bomb" that they have to endure. The soldiers themselves are described in terms that are both heroic and tragic. They are "grim" and "weary", but also "sturdy" and "dauntless". The image of the soldier as a noble warrior is subverted by the realities of war, which leave them scarred and broken.
Historical Context
It is impossible to read Surtax without considering the historical context in which it was written. Service was a Canadian who had served in the First World War, and his experiences undoubtedly shaped his writing. The poem was published in 1926, less than a decade after the end of the war. The wounds of the conflict were still fresh, and the impact that it had on the soldiers who fought in it was still being felt. Surtax is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices that were made by those who served, and the toll that war takes on those who fight it.
Interpretation
Surtax is a poem that demands interpretation. It is a complex work that can be read in a number of different ways, depending on the reader's perspective. Some may see it as a celebration of the courage and sacrifice of soldiers, while others may view it as a critique of the war that made such sacrifice necessary. Still others may see it as a meditation on the nature of life and death, and the human capacity for endurance and resilience.
For this reader, Surtax is a poem that speaks to the human condition. It is a work that forces us to confront our mortality, and the fragility of the human body and spirit. The soldiers in the poem are not heroes in the traditional sense, but rather ordinary men who have been thrust into extraordinary circumstances. They are forced to endure horrors that most of us can barely imagine, and yet they do so with a stoic determination that is both admirable and tragic.
At the heart of Surtax is the idea of sacrifice. The soldiers in the poem have given up everything for their country, including their lives. They have paid a surtax, not just in terms of the physical and emotional toll that war takes, but in terms of the ultimate sacrifice that they have made. Service makes it clear that this sacrifice is not something to be taken lightly. He acknowledges the pain and suffering that the soldiers have endured, and he does not shy away from the harsh realities of war.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Surtax is a powerful and moving poem that speaks to the human experience. It is a work that demands interpretation, and that can be read in a number of different ways. At its core, however, it is a meditation on the nature of sacrifice, and the toll that war takes on those who fight it. Service's skill and artistry are evident throughout the poem, from its vivid imagery to its simple, yet powerful structure. Surtax is a timeless work that continues to resonate with readers today, and that will undoubtedly continue to do so for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Surtax: A Poem of Love and Sacrifice
Robert Service, the renowned poet, is known for his ability to capture the essence of human emotions and experiences in his works. One of his most famous poems, Surtax, is a beautiful and heart-wrenching portrayal of love and sacrifice. In this 2000-word analysis, we will delve deep into the poem and explore its themes, imagery, and symbolism.
The poem begins with the speaker, a soldier, receiving a letter from his lover. The letter is filled with love and longing, but also with a sense of foreboding. The lover knows that the soldier is going to war, and she fears for his safety. She writes, "I fear the guns will get you, dear, / And so I send you love." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is filled with a sense of impending doom.
The soldier, however, is determined to fight for his country. He writes back to his lover, "I'll do my bit, I'll play my part, / And so I send you pride." This line shows the soldier's sense of duty and honor. He is willing to sacrifice his own safety for the greater good.
As the poem progresses, we see the soldier's experiences on the battlefield. He describes the horrors of war, the sound of bombs exploding, and the sight of his comrades falling. He writes, "I've seen the dead, I've heard the groans, / And so I send you tears." This line shows the soldier's emotional turmoil. He is torn between his duty to his country and his love for his partner.
The poem then takes a turn as the soldier is injured in battle. He writes to his lover, "I'm wounded, dear, I'm hurt, I'm sore, / And so I send you pain." This line is particularly poignant because it shows the soldier's vulnerability. He is no longer the strong, brave soldier he once was. He is now a wounded man, in need of care and comfort.
Despite his injuries, the soldier remains determined to fight. He writes, "I'll fight again, I'll do my best, / And so I send you hope." This line shows the soldier's resilience and determination. He is not willing to give up, even in the face of adversity.
The poem ends with the soldier's final letter to his lover. He writes, "I'm dying, dear, I'm going fast, / And so I send you love." This line is heartbreaking because it shows the soldier's acceptance of his fate. He knows that he is going to die, but he still wants to send his love to his partner.
The themes of love and sacrifice are central to this poem. The soldier's love for his partner is what drives him to fight, even in the face of danger. His sacrifice is not just for his country, but also for his partner. He is willing to give up his own safety and ultimately his life for the person he loves.
The imagery in the poem is also powerful. The descriptions of the battlefield are vivid and haunting. The sound of bombs exploding and the sight of dead bodies create a sense of horror and despair. The use of the word "tears" to describe the soldier's emotions is particularly effective. It shows the depth of his pain and sorrow.
The symbolism in the poem is also significant. The letters that the soldier and his lover exchange represent their connection to each other. The letters are a lifeline for the soldier, a reminder of the love he is fighting for. The fact that the soldier sends his partner "hope" and "love" even in his darkest moments shows the power of these emotions to sustain us in times of hardship.
In conclusion, Surtax is a beautiful and poignant poem that captures the essence of love and sacrifice. Robert Service's use of imagery and symbolism creates a powerful and emotional experience for the reader. The poem reminds us of the sacrifices that soldiers make for their country, but also for the people they love. It is a testament to the power of love to sustain us in even the darkest of times.
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