'The Release' by Robert Service

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To-day within a grog-shop near
I saw a newly captured linnet,
Who beat against his cage in fear,
And fell exhausted every minute;
And when I asked the fellow there
If he to sell the bird were willing,
He told me with a careless air
That I could have it for a shilling.

And so I bought it, cage and all
(Although I went without my dinner),
And where some trees were fairly tall
And houses shrank and smoke was thinner,
The tiny door I open threw,
As down upon the grass I sank me:
Poor little chap! How quick he flew . . .
He didn't even wait to thank me.

Life's like a cage; we beat the bars,
We bruise our breasts, we struggle vainly;
Up to the glory of the stars
We strain with flutterings ungainly.
And then -- God opens wide the door;
Our wondrous wings are arched for flying;
We poise, we part, we sing, we soar . . .
Light, freedom, love. . . . Fools call it -- Dying.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Release by Robert Service: A Masterpiece of Poetic Expression

As a lover of poetry, I often find myself revisiting the classics, those timeless works that have stood the test of time and continue to inspire generations of readers. And one such classic that has always held a special place in my heart is Robert Service's "The Release," a powerful and evocative poem that captures the essence of human suffering and redemption.

At its core, "The Release" is a story of a prisoner's final moments before his execution. But it is much more than that. It is a meditation on the nature of life, death, and the human spirit. It is a study of the human psyche, of the choices we make and the consequences we face. And it is a celebration of the power of poetry to capture the most profound emotions and experiences of our lives.

Structure and Style

One of the things that immediately strikes me about "The Release" is its structure and style. The poem is written in free verse, with no set rhyme or meter. This gives the poem a sense of spontaneity and improvisation, as if the words are flowing directly from the poet's heart and mind.

Yet, despite its free-spirited structure, "The Release" is carefully crafted and organized. The poem is divided into three sections, each with its own distinct tone and focus. The first section sets the stage for the prisoner's impending execution, while the second section delves deeper into his thoughts and emotions. The final section brings the poem to a powerful and emotional conclusion, as the prisoner finds release from his earthly troubles.

Throughout the poem, Service employs vivid sensory imagery and powerful metaphors to convey the prisoner's experiences. He describes the prisoner's cell as a "dungeon of despair," his body as a "soulless shell," and his mind as a "whirlpool of thought." These images are both haunting and evocative, painting a clear picture of the prisoner's suffering and turmoil.

Themes and Symbolism

Perhaps the most powerful aspect of "The Release" is its themes and symbolism. Service uses the prisoner's experience as a metaphor for the human condition, exploring themes of sin, redemption, and the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity.

At its core, the poem is a meditation on the nature of sin and guilt. The prisoner is tormented by the memory of his past misdeeds, and he longs for the release that death will bring. Yet, even in his darkest moments, he finds hope and redemption in the power of poetry. He takes solace in the beauty of the natural world, finding peace in the "silver stars" and the "golden moon." And in the end, it is the power of his own words that set him free, as he writes his final poem and finds release from his earthly troubles.

The poem is also rich in symbolism, with many images and metaphors that add depth and complexity to the text. The prison cell, for example, can be seen as a symbol of the human condition, with its dark and claustrophobic confines representing the limitations and restrictions of our lives. The prisoner's body, meanwhile, represents the soulless shell that we inhabit during our earthly existence, while the power of poetry symbolizes the transcendent power of the human spirit to rise above our limitations and find redemption.

Interpretation

Interpreting "The Release" is a deeply personal experience, and readers will undoubtedly find their own meanings and insights in the text. For me, the poem is a powerful reminder of the fragility and beauty of human life, and the importance of finding hope and redemption in even the darkest of circumstances.

At its heart, "The Release" is a celebration of the power of poetry to capture the human experience, and to provide comfort and solace in times of need. Service's words are a testament to the enduring power of art and literature to uplift and inspire us, even in the face of death and despair.

In the end, "The Release" is a masterpiece of poetic expression, a timeless work that speaks to the deepest parts of our souls. It reminds us that even in our darkest moments, there is always hope and redemption, and that the power of poetry can help us find release from our earthly troubles.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Release: A Poem of Freedom and Redemption

Robert Service's poem, The Release, is a powerful and moving work that explores the themes of freedom, redemption, and the human spirit's resilience. The poem tells the story of a prisoner who has been locked up for years, dreaming of the day when he will finally be released from his cell and be able to taste the sweet air of freedom once again. As the poem unfolds, we see the prisoner's hopes and fears, his struggles and triumphs, and his ultimate release from the bonds of captivity.

The poem opens with a vivid description of the prisoner's cell, which is described as a "dungeon" and a "tomb." The imagery here is dark and oppressive, suggesting the weight of the prisoner's confinement and the hopelessness of his situation. We can imagine the prisoner pacing back and forth in his cell, counting the days until his release, longing for the outside world but also fearing what lies beyond the prison walls.

As the poem continues, we see the prisoner's thoughts turn to his family and loved ones, who he has been separated from for so long. He wonders if they will still remember him, if they will still love him, if they will still be waiting for him when he finally returns. This is a poignant moment in the poem, as we see the prisoner's humanity and his longing for connection and belonging.

But the poem is not just a tale of sadness and despair. As the prisoner's release draws near, we see his spirits lift and his hope rekindled. He imagines himself walking out of the prison gates, free at last, and he feels a surge of joy and liberation. This is the poem's central theme: the power of freedom to transform and uplift the human spirit.

As the prisoner is released from his cell, we see him take his first steps into the outside world, and the imagery here is striking. The air is described as "sweet" and "clean," and the sky is "blue" and "wide." These descriptions contrast sharply with the darkness and confinement of the prisoner's cell, and they suggest the vastness and possibility of the world outside. We can imagine the prisoner taking deep breaths of fresh air, feeling the sun on his face, and reveling in the simple pleasures of life that he has been denied for so long.

But the poem does not end there. Instead, it takes a surprising turn as the prisoner encounters a group of children playing in the street. At first, he is hesitant and afraid, unsure of how to interact with these innocent and carefree beings. But as he watches them play, he begins to feel a sense of joy and wonder that he has not experienced in years. He joins in their games, laughing and running and shouting with abandon, and he feels a sense of connection and belonging that he has been missing for so long.

This moment is the poem's climax, and it is a powerful one. We see the prisoner's transformation from a broken and isolated figure to a joyful and engaged participant in the world around him. We see the power of human connection and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. And we see the possibility of redemption and renewal, even in the darkest of circumstances.

In conclusion, The Release is a classic poem that speaks to the human experience in profound and moving ways. It explores the themes of freedom, redemption, and the resilience of the human spirit, and it does so with vivid imagery, powerful language, and a deep sense of empathy and compassion. Whether we are prisoners in a literal sense or simply struggling with the challenges of life, this poem reminds us of the power of hope, the importance of connection, and the possibility of transformation and renewal.

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