'To A Stuffed Shirt' by Robert Service
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On the tide you ride head high,
Like a whale 'mid little fishes;
I should envy you as I
Help my wife to wash the dishes.
Yet frock-coat and stove-pipe hat
Cannot hide your folds of fat.
You are reckoned a success,
And the public praise you win;
There's your picture in the Press,
Pouchy eyes and triple chin.
Wealth,--of it you fairly stink;
Health,--what does your Doctor think?
Dignity is phoney stuff.
Who is dignified deep down?
Strip the pants off, call the bluff,
Common clay are king and clown.
Let a bulging belly be
Your best bid for dignity.
Miserable millionaire!
For indulgence you must pay.
Yet there's salvation in prayer,--
Down on your fat knees and pray.
Know that with your dying breath
There is dignity in death.
Editor 1 Interpretation
To A Stuffed Shirt by Robert Service: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Are you ready to be swept away by the wit and humor of Robert Service? To A Stuffed Shirt is a classic poem that has stood the test of time and continues to resonate with readers today. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will dive deep into the themes, symbols, and literary devices used by Service to deliver his witty commentary on the upper class.
Background
Robert Service was a Scottish poet and writer who gained popularity in the early 20th century. His poems often explored the human condition, adventure, and the ruggedness of the Canadian wilderness. Service was known for his wit and humor, which he used to satirize society and poke fun at the upper class.
To A Stuffed Shirt was published in Service's 1916 collection, Rhymes of a Red Cross Man. The poem is a satirical take on the upper class, specifically those who are obsessed with their appearance and social status. Service's use of humor and irony makes this poem a classic example of his unique style.
Themes
To A Stuffed Shirt explores several themes, including appearance vs. reality, social class, and the human condition. Service uses the stuffed shirt as a symbol for the upper class, specifically those who value their appearance and social status above all else. The stuffed shirt represents the facade that many people put up to hide their true selves.
The theme of appearance vs. reality is evident throughout the poem. Service uses vivid imagery to describe the stuffed shirt, which appears to be well-dressed and put together on the outside. However, as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that the stuffed shirt is nothing more than an empty shell. Service writes, "You're just a bag of cotton wool/In a coat and trousers smart." The stuffed shirt is a symbol for the people who put on a show to impress others, without any substance or depth underneath.
The theme of social class is also prevalent in the poem. Service uses the stuffed shirt to represent the upper class, who put a great deal of importance on their appearance and social status. The stuffed shirt is a symbol for those who believe that their worth is determined by their wealth and social standing.
Finally, To A Stuffed Shirt explores the human condition. Service uses the stuffed shirt as a metaphor for the human experience. He suggests that many people are living their lives as if they were stuffed shirts, putting on a show for others without any real substance or depth. Service writes, "And I wonder as I see you pass,/If there's anything inside." The poem is a commentary on the emptiness that many people feel in their daily lives.
Literary Devices
Service's use of literary devices is masterful in To A Stuffed Shirt. He utilizes a variety of techniques to deliver his biting commentary on the upper class.
One of the most noticeable literary devices in the poem is rhyme scheme. To A Stuffed Shirt is written in quatrains, with an ABAB rhyme scheme. Service's use of rhyme creates a playful and whimsical tone, which adds to the humor of the poem.
Another literary device that is used throughout the poem is imagery. Service uses vivid descriptions to paint a picture of the stuffed shirt. He writes, "You've got a blissful look of pride/As if you'd never a care." The imagery helps to emphasize the facade that the stuffed shirt is putting up.
Service also uses irony to great effect in the poem. The stuffed shirt is a symbol for the upper class, but it is also a literal stuffed shirt. The irony is not lost on the reader, and it adds to the humor and satire of the poem.
Finally, Service uses repetition to drive home his point about the emptiness of the stuffed shirt. He writes, "You're just a bag of cotton wool," multiple times throughout the poem. The repetition emphasizes the point that the stuffed shirt is empty and lacking substance.
Interpretation
To A Stuffed Shirt is a social commentary that is just as relevant today as it was when it was first published. Service's use of humor and irony makes the poem accessible, while still delivering a powerful message about the emptiness of the upper class.
The stuffed shirt is a symbol for the facade that many people put up to hide their true selves. Service suggests that this facade is not only prevalent in the upper class but is a part of the human experience. The poem is a commentary on the emptiness that many people feel in their daily lives, and it encourages readers to look beyond appearances to find true substance and depth.
In conclusion, To A Stuffed Shirt is a masterful poem by Robert Service. The themes of appearance vs. reality, social class, and the human condition are explored through the use of vivid imagery, irony, repetition, and rhyme scheme. Service's biting commentary on the upper class is as relevant today as it was when the poem was first published, and it encourages readers to look beyond appearances to find true substance and depth in their lives.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
To A Stuffed Shirt: A Masterpiece of Satire and Irony
Robert Service, the renowned poet of the early 20th century, is known for his witty and humorous poems that often poke fun at the societal norms and conventions. One such poem that stands out for its sharp satire and irony is "To A Stuffed Shirt." Written in 1912, the poem is a scathing critique of the upper-class snobbery and pretentiousness that prevailed in the society of that time. In this article, we will delve into the nuances of this classic poem and explore its themes, literary devices, and historical context.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing the titular "stuffed shirt," a term used to describe a person who is overly formal, rigid, and pompous in their demeanor. The speaker mocks the shirt's stiff collar, its "buttoned front," and its "frosty bosom," which are all symbols of the shirt's haughty and self-important nature. The shirt is portrayed as a caricature of the upper-class elite, who are obsessed with their appearance, status, and manners.
The speaker then goes on to describe the shirt's owner, who is "a man of wealth and fame." This man is presumably a member of the aristocracy or the bourgeoisie, who has acquired his wealth and status through inheritance or business dealings. The speaker notes that the man is "a pillar of society," which is a euphemism for someone who is respected and admired by the upper-class circles. However, the speaker's tone is sarcastic and mocking, as he implies that the man's reputation is based on superficial qualities rather than genuine merit.
The poem's central theme is the contrast between appearance and reality, or what is known as the "mask and the face." The stuffed shirt and his owner are both portrayed as wearing a mask of respectability and sophistication, but beneath the surface, they are shallow and insincere. The speaker exposes the hypocrisy of the upper-class elite, who claim to be paragons of virtue and culture, but are actually devoid of any genuine emotions or values.
The poem's structure is simple and straightforward, with four stanzas of four lines each. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which gives the poem a sing-song quality that contrasts with its biting satire. The language is also simple and accessible, with no complex metaphors or allusions. However, the poem's simplicity is deceptive, as it conceals a deeper meaning that requires careful analysis.
One of the most striking literary devices used in the poem is personification, which is the attribution of human qualities to non-human objects. The stuffed shirt is personified as a living being, with its own personality and traits. The shirt is described as having a "frosty bosom," which suggests a cold and unfeeling nature. The shirt is also said to have a "buttoned front," which implies a closed and rigid mindset. These personifications create a vivid image of the shirt as a living embodiment of the upper-class snobbery and pretentiousness.
Another literary device used in the poem is irony, which is the use of words to convey a meaning that is opposite to their literal sense. The speaker's tone is ironic throughout the poem, as he uses polite and respectful language to mock and ridicule the stuffed shirt and its owner. For example, the speaker addresses the shirt as "Sir," which is a term of respect, but the context makes it clear that the speaker is being sarcastic. The irony creates a sense of tension and ambiguity, as the reader is forced to interpret the speaker's true intentions.
The historical context of the poem is also important to understand its meaning and significance. The early 20th century was a time of great social and economic change, as the industrial revolution and the rise of capitalism transformed the world. The upper-class elite, who had traditionally held power and influence, were facing challenges from the emerging middle class and the working class. The stuffed shirt and his owner represent the old order, which is clinging to its privileges and status, but is increasingly out of touch with the changing times.
In conclusion, "To A Stuffed Shirt" is a masterpiece of satire and irony that exposes the hypocrisy and shallowness of the upper-class elite. The poem's use of personification, irony, and simple language creates a vivid and memorable image of the stuffed shirt as a symbol of the old order. The poem's themes of appearance and reality, and the contrast between the mask and the face, are still relevant today, as we continue to grapple with issues of social inequality and injustice. Robert Service's poem is a timeless reminder that true worth and value cannot be measured by wealth or status, but by the depth of one's character and the sincerity of one's actions.
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