'The Great Recall' by Robert Service
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I've wearied of so many things
Adored in youthful days;
Music no more my spirit wings,
E'en when Master play.
For stage and screen I have no heart,
Great paintings leave me cold;
Alas! I've lost the love of Art
That raptured me of old.
Only my love of books is left,
Yet that begins to pall;
And if of it I am bereft,
I'll read no more at all.
Then when I am too frail to walk
I'll sit out in the sun,
And there with Nature I will talk . . .
Last friend and dearest one.
For Nature's all in all to me;
My other loves are vain;
Her bosom brought me forth and she
Will take me back again.
So I will let her have her way,
For I've a feeling odd,
Whatever wiser men may say,
That she herself is GOD.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Great Recall by Robert Service: A Masterpiece of Poetry
As a literary work, poetry is often regarded as a form of art that uses language to evoke emotions and explore complex themes. Robert Service's The Great Recall is an excellent example of a poem that accomplishes both of these objectives with its powerful imagery, vivid description, and subtle use of language.
Overview of the Poem
The Great Recall is a poem that tells the story of a man who is reminiscing about his past and the memories that he has left behind. As he reflects on the people and places that were once a part of his life, he realizes that he has reached a point where he longs to return to those days and relive them.
The poem is divided into several stanzas, each of which highlights a different aspect of the speaker's memories. In the first stanza, we are introduced to the speaker and his longing for the past. The second stanza describes the sights and sounds of his hometown, while the third stanza focuses on the people that he used to know.
In the fourth stanza, the speaker reflects on the things that he has lost over the years, including his youth and his sense of purpose. The final stanza brings the poem to a close by emphasizing the speaker's desire to go back in time and recapture the moments that have slipped away from him.
Analysis of the Poem
One of the most striking aspects of The Great Recall is its use of imagery. Service uses language to paint vivid pictures of the speaker's memories, making them come alive in the reader's mind. For example, in the second stanza, the speaker describes his hometown as "a land of gold and violet hills, / And long, sweet valleys of the blue."
This description is so evocative that the reader can almost see the landscape that the speaker is describing. Similarly, in the third stanza, Service uses imagery to bring the people from the speaker's past to life. He describes them as "Troopers bold with spurs of gold, / And maids with eyes of hazel hue."
Once again, the use of language helps the reader to envision these characters in their minds.
Another notable feature of The Great Recall is its use of repetition. Service repeats certain phrases throughout the poem, creating a sense of rhythm and continuity. For example, he repeats the phrase "I want to go back" several times, emphasizing the speaker's longing for the past.
Additionally, he repeats the phrase "it's all gone wrong" several times, underscoring the speaker's sense of regret and loss. This repetition gives the poem a sense of unity, tying together the various stanzas and themes.
Finally, The Great Recall is notable for its use of irony. Throughout the poem, the speaker longs to return to the past and recapture the moments that have slipped away from him. However, he acknowledges that he cannot actually do so, as time marches on and the past is forever out of reach.
This irony creates a sense of tension in the poem, as the reader wonders whether the speaker will ever come to terms with the fact that he cannot turn back the clock. It also underscores the theme of the passage of time and its irreversible nature.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Great Recall is a masterpiece of poetry that uses powerful imagery, repetition, and irony to explore the theme of memory and the passage of time. Service's skillful use of language makes the speaker's memories come alive in the reader's mind, and his use of repetition gives the poem a sense of unity and rhythm.
Whether read as a reflection on the human experience or as a commentary on the nature of time, The Great Recall is a powerful and moving work of literature that will resonate with readers for years to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Great Recall: A Poem of Nostalgia and Regret
Robert Service's "The Great Recall" is a classic poem that speaks to the human experience of nostalgia and regret. The poem is a reflection on the past, a time when life was simpler and more innocent. It is a reminder of the things we have lost and the things we can never get back. In this analysis, we will explore the themes and imagery of the poem and how they contribute to its overall meaning.
The poem begins with the speaker reminiscing about his childhood. He describes the "little house" where he grew up, with its "roses and honeysuckle" and "apple trees." The imagery here is idyllic and pastoral, evoking a sense of peace and tranquility. The speaker remembers the "sunny hours" he spent playing in the fields and the "happy days" he shared with his family. This opening stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, establishing a sense of longing for a simpler time.
The second stanza introduces the theme of regret. The speaker laments the fact that he did not appreciate his childhood when he had it. He says that he was "too young to know" how good he had it and that he "took it all for granted." This is a common experience for many people, who only realize the value of something after it is gone. The speaker's regret is palpable, and it adds a layer of complexity to the poem.
The third stanza introduces the central metaphor of the poem: the "great recall." The speaker imagines a world where he could "recall the days of old" and "live them o'er again." This is a powerful image, one that speaks to the human desire to turn back time and relive the past. The speaker longs for a second chance, a chance to appreciate the things he took for granted and to savor the moments he let slip away.
The fourth stanza continues the theme of regret, with the speaker lamenting the fact that he cannot go back in time. He says that the past is "gone beyond recall" and that he is "left to mourn." This is a poignant moment in the poem, as the speaker acknowledges that he can never get back what he has lost. The imagery here is bleak, with the speaker describing the past as a "phantom" that haunts him.
The fifth stanza introduces a new theme: the passage of time. The speaker says that the "years have flown" and that he is now "old and gray." This is a reminder that time waits for no one, and that we must make the most of the time we have. The imagery here is somber, with the speaker describing himself as a "wreck" and a "shadow." This is a stark contrast to the idyllic imagery of the first stanza, and it underscores the theme of loss that runs throughout the poem.
The sixth and final stanza brings the poem full circle, with the speaker returning to the image of the "little house" where he grew up. He says that the house is "gone" and that the fields are "bare." This is a reminder that everything is temporary, and that even the things we hold most dear will eventually pass away. The speaker ends the poem with a sense of resignation, saying that he must "face the future" and "take what fate may send."
In conclusion, "The Great Recall" is a powerful poem that speaks to the human experience of nostalgia and regret. The imagery is vivid and evocative, painting a picture of a simpler time that is now lost. The central metaphor of the "great recall" is a powerful image, one that speaks to the human desire to turn back time and relive the past. The poem is a reminder that time waits for no one, and that we must make the most of the time we have. Ultimately, the poem is a meditation on the passage of time and the inevitability of loss. It is a poignant reminder that we must cherish the things we have while we have them, for they will not be with us forever.
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