'The Call of the Wild' by Robert W. Service
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Have you gazed on naked grandeur where there's nothing else to gaze on,
Set pieces and drop-curtain scenes galore,
Big mountains heaved to heaven, which the blinding sunsets blazon,
Black canyons where the rapids rip and roar?
Have you swept the visioned valley with the green stream streaking through it,
Searched the Vastness for a something you have lost?
Have you strung your soul to silence? Then for God's sake go and do it;
Hear the challenge, learn the lesson, pay the cost.
Have you wandered in the wilderness, the sagebrush desolation,
The bunch-grass levels where the cattle graze?
Have you whistled bits of rag-time at the end of all creation,
And learned to know the desert's little ways?
Have you camped upon the foothills, have you galloped o'er the ranges,
Have you roamed the arid sun-lands through and through?
Have you chummed up with the mesa? Do you know its moods and changes?
Then listen to the Wild -- it's calling you.
Have you known the Great White Silence, not a snow-gemmed twig aquiver?
(Eternal truths that shame our soothing lies).
Have you broken trail on snowshoes? mushed your huskies up the river,
Dared the unknown, led the way, and clutched the prize?
Have you marked the map's void spaces, mingled with the mongrel races,
Felt the savage strength of brute in every thew?
And though grim as hell the worst is, can you round it off with curses?
Then hearken to the Wild -- it's wanting you.
Have you suffered, starved and triumphed, groveled down, yet grasped at glory,
Grown bigger in the bigness of the whole?
"Done things" just for the doing, letting babblers tell the story,
Seeing through the nice veneer the naked soul?
Have you seen God in His splendors, heard the text that nature renders?
(You'll never hear it in the family pew).
The simple things, the true things, the silent men who do things --
Then listen to the Wild -- it's calling you.
They have cradled you in custom, they have primed you with their preaching,
They have soaked you in convention through and through;
They have put you in a showcase; you're a credit to their teaching --
But can't you hear the Wild? -- it's calling you.
Let us probe the silent places, let us seek what luck betide us;
Let us journey to a lonely land I know.
There's a whisper on the night-wind, there's a star agleam to guide us,
And the Wild is calling, calling. . .let us go.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Call of the Wild: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Have you ever heard the call of the wild? That primal, instinctual pull that draws us towards nature, towards the mountains, the forests, the rivers, and the animals that call those places home? Robert W. Service certainly heard it, and his classic poem, "The Call of the Wild," captures that spirit of adventure and yearning that speaks to all of us. But what does this poem really mean, and why has it endured for over a century? In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we'll explore the themes, symbolism, and language of "The Call of the Wild," and discover why it continues to resonate with readers today.
The Poem
Before we delve into the meaning of the poem, let's take a moment to appreciate its language and structure. "The Call of the Wild" is written in six stanzas of four lines each, with a consistent ABAB rhyme scheme. This simple structure gives the poem a sense of stability and order, even as it describes the chaotic and unpredictable world of the wilderness. Service's language is equally straightforward and direct, using simple words and vivid imagery to create a sense of immediacy and authenticity. There is no flowery language or elaborate metaphor here, just pure, unadorned storytelling.
The Themes
At its core, "The Call of the Wild" is a poem about the human desire for adventure, freedom, and connection with the natural world. The narrator, who is presumably Service himself, hears the call of the wild and feels its pull, despite the comforts and safety of civilization:
Have you gazed on naked grandeur where there's nothing else to gaze on,
Set pieces and drop-curtain scenes galore,
Big mountains heaved to heaven, which the blinding sunsets blazon,
Black canyons where the rapids rip and roar?
These lines capture the awe and wonder that the narrator feels in the face of the natural world, and the sense of smallness and insignificance that comes with it. The mountains, canyons, and rapids are not just scenic backdrops, but living, breathing entities that demand respect and attention. The narrator is drawn to them not just for their beauty, but for the challenge and danger they represent:
Have you swept the visioned valley with the green stream streaking through it,
Searched the Vastness for a something you have lost?
Have you strung your soul to silence? Then for God's sake go and do it;
Hear the challenge, learn the lesson, pay the cost.
These lines suggest that the call of the wild is not just a passing fancy, but a deep-seated need that must be fulfilled. The narrator urges us to "string our souls to silence" and listen to that inner voice that calls us to adventure. The cost may be high, but the rewards are even greater:
Have you wandered in the wilderness, the sage-brush desolation,
The bunch-grass levels where the cattle graze?
Have you whistled bits of rag-time at the end of all creation,
And learned to know the desert's little ways?
Here, the narrator paints a picture of the wild as a place of solitude and emptiness, where only the hardiest and most determined can survive. But it is also a place of music and joy, where even the most desolate corners can offer unexpected beauty and wonder. The wild is not just a physical place, but a state of mind and spirit, a reminder of our primal nature and our deepest desires.
The Symbolism
While the themes of "The Call of the Wild" are straightforward and universal, the poem is also filled with rich symbolism and imagery that adds depth and complexity to the narrative. One of the most striking symbols in the poem is the wolf, which appears repeatedly throughout the stanzas. The wolf represents both the wildness and the danger of the natural world, as well as the sense of belonging and community that can be found there:
(...) It's the call of the wild and isn't heard of men alone,
But the wolf-pack queuing down in the valley yonder,
With a chorus of their own.
The image of the wolf-pack howling in the distance is both eerie and thrilling, reminding us of our place in the food chain and our connection to all living things. The wolf is not just a symbol of fear, but of respect and reverence for the power and majesty of nature.
Another important symbol in the poem is the gold rush, which is mentioned several times as a contrast to the call of the wild. The gold rush represents the lure of money, success, and fame that can blind us to the true value of life:
Have you seen the Northern Lights aglow o'er land and sea,
The mystic trail of the Moose across a moonlit hill,
The silver splendor of the Arctic night, when all the world is free,
The icy kiss of greatness and the glamour that is Thrill?
These lines suggest that while the gold rush may offer material rewards, it cannot compare to the spiritual and emotional fulfillment that the wild can provide. The narrator urges us to look beyond the glittering promises of wealth and fame and seek something deeper and more lasting.
The Interpretation
So what does "The Call of the Wild" mean, exactly? At its most basic level, the poem is a celebration of nature and the human spirit's need for adventure and connection. It urges us to listen to the call of the wild and follow it, even if it means leaving behind the safety and comfort of civilization. But there is also a deeper message here about the nature of humanity and the importance of staying true to our primal instincts and desires. The wild is not just a physical place, but a state of mind and spirit, a reminder of our place in the natural world and our responsibility to protect it:
(...) Have you husbanded truth and honor? At the eleventh hour,
Have you suddenly turned coward, a fool?
Have you been within the grip of anguish, whereupon you would have sold your
all--
To go out and get the blessing of a mule?
These lines suggest that the call of the wild is not just a romantic notion, but a test of character and courage. It is easy to be brave and adventurous when everything is going well, but when faced with real danger and hardship, will we still have the strength to follow our dreams? The wild demands not just physical strength, but moral and emotional fortitude as well.
The Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Call of the Wild" is a timeless poem that speaks to the human desire for adventure, freedom, and connection with the natural world. Through its vivid language, simple structure, and rich symbolism, it captures the awe and wonder that we feel in the face of the mountains, canyons, and rivers that surround us, and reminds us of our place in the natural world. But it is also a call to action, urging us to listen to our inner voice and follow our dreams, even when they lead us away from the safety and comfort of civilization. "The Call of the Wild" is not just a poem, but a challenge, a reminder of our own primal instincts and desires, and a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Call of the Wild: A Poetic Journey into the Wild
Robert W. Service's "The Call of the Wild" is a classic poem that takes readers on a journey into the wild, exploring the beauty and brutality of nature. The poem is a celebration of the untamed wilderness, and the primal instincts that drive us to seek adventure and freedom.
The poem begins with a vivid description of the wild, with Service painting a picture of a world that is both beautiful and dangerous. He describes the "great white silence" of the snow-covered landscape, and the "lonely hills" that stretch out into the distance. The imagery is powerful, and it immediately transports the reader into the heart of the wilderness.
As the poem progresses, Service introduces us to the protagonist of the story, a dog named Buck. Buck is a powerful and majestic creature, with a wild spirit that cannot be tamed. He is a symbol of the primal instincts that lie within all of us, and his journey into the wild is a metaphor for our own journey into the unknown.
Buck's journey begins when he is stolen from his comfortable life as a domesticated dog and sold into slavery as a sled dog. He is forced to endure the harsh conditions of the Alaskan wilderness, and he quickly learns that survival depends on his ability to tap into his primal instincts.
Service's portrayal of Buck's transformation is both beautiful and brutal. He describes how Buck's "blood was hot and restless" as he embraced his wild nature, and how he "threw himself into the traces" with a fierce determination to survive. But he also shows us the darker side of Buck's journey, as he is forced to fight for his life against other dogs and endure the cruel treatment of his human masters.
Despite the hardships that Buck faces, he never loses his spirit or his love for the wild. He is a symbol of the resilience and strength that lies within all of us, and his journey is a testament to the power of the human spirit.
Service's use of language is one of the most striking aspects of the poem. He employs a range of poetic techniques, including alliteration, repetition, and imagery, to create a vivid and powerful portrait of the wild. His use of repetition, in particular, is effective in conveying the sense of rhythm and movement that is so essential to the poem's theme.
For example, in the opening lines of the poem, Service repeats the phrase "the call of the wild" several times, creating a sense of urgency and excitement that draws the reader into the story. He also uses alliteration to create a sense of the harshness and brutality of the wilderness, with phrases like "the howling huskies" and "the crack of the whips" evoking the sound and fury of the sled dog races.
Overall, "The Call of the Wild" is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the beauty and brutality of the wild. It is a celebration of the primal instincts that lie within all of us, and a reminder of the power of the human spirit to overcome even the harshest of conditions. Whether you are a lover of poetry or a fan of adventure stories, this classic poem is sure to captivate and inspire you.
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