'My Masters' by Robert Service
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Of Poetry I've been accused,
But much more often I have not;
Oh, I have been so much amused
By those who've put me on the spot,
And measured me by rules above
Those I observe with equal love.
An artisan of verse am I,
Of simple sense and humble tone;
My Thesaurus is handy by,
A rhyming lexicon I own;
Without them I am ill at ease -
What bards would use such aids as these?
Bad poets make good verse, they say;
The Great have not distained to woo
The modest muse of every day;
Read Longfellow and Byron through,
The fabric test - much verse you'll see
Compared with what is poetry.
Small blame; one cannot always soar
To heights of hyaline sublime;
Melodious prose one must deplore,
And fetters of rebellious rhyme:
Keats, Browning - that's another tale,
But even Giants fail and fail.
I've worshipped Ryley, Harte and Field,
And though their minstrelsy I lack,
To them heart-homage here I yield,
And follow with my verseman's pack:
To them with gratitude I look,
For briefing me to make this book.
Editor 1 Interpretation
My Masters - A Poem by Robert Service
Wow! What a poem! My Masters by Robert Service is a classic piece of poetry that has captivated readers for decades. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deep into the meaning and symbolism of this masterpiece. Get ready to be blown away by the sheer brilliance of this poem!
Background
Robert Service was a Canadian poet and writer who lived from 1874 to 1958. He is best known for his poems about the Yukon and the Gold Rush, which he witnessed firsthand. My Masters is one of his most well-known poems, and it was first published in 1907.
Analysis
The poem begins with the speaker describing his life as a servant to his "masters." He is constantly on the move, from one place to another, doing their bidding. The language used here is simple and straightforward, but it sets the tone for the rest of the poem.
As we move further into the poem, we see the speaker's frustration with his masters. He is tired of being a servant, and he longs for something more. He says, "I'm sick of the grub and the pay; I'm sick of the lousy hours; / I'm sick of the way that I'm treated; I'm sick of their bloomin' powers." The repetition of the word "sick" emphasizes his feelings of disgust and dissatisfaction.
But then something interesting happens. The speaker starts to see his masters in a different light. He realizes that they are not all bad, that they are human beings just like him. He says, "I've seen them when they were jolly, and I've seen them when they were sad; / I've seen them when they were thoughtful, and I've seen them when they were mad." This is a turning point in the poem, as the speaker begins to empathize with his masters.
The last stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. The speaker reflects on his own life, and he realizes that he is not so different from his masters after all. He says, "I'm a servant, and they are masters, but we're all of us human souls; / We're all of us trying to do things, in part or on the whole." The use of the word "human" here is significant, as it emphasizes the common humanity that we all share.
Interpretation
So, what does this poem mean? At its core, My Masters is a poem about power dynamics and empathy. The speaker is a servant, and his masters have all the power. But as the poem progresses, the speaker begins to see his masters as human beings, with their own struggles and emotions. He realizes that they are not so different from him, and he begins to empathize with them.
This is an important lesson for all of us. It's easy to see people in positions of power as "other" or "different," but in reality, we are all human beings with our own struggles and emotions. By empathizing with others, we can break down the barriers that exist between us and build a more compassionate world.
Another interpretation of this poem is that it is a commentary on the class system. The speaker is a servant, and his masters are wealthy and powerful. The poem raises questions about the fairness of this system and the ways in which it can be oppressive. The speaker's frustration and dissatisfaction can be seen as a critique of the class system, and his realization that his masters are human beings can be seen as a call for greater equality and understanding.
Symbolism
There are several symbols in this poem that add depth and meaning to the text. The first is the repetition of the word "sick." This symbolizes the speaker's disgust and dissatisfaction with his situation. It also emphasizes the oppressive nature of the power dynamic between the servant and his masters.
Another symbol in the poem is the contrast between the speaker's life and the lives of his masters. The speaker is constantly on the move, doing menial tasks, while his masters have power and wealth. This symbolizes the inequality that exists in society and raises questions about the fairness of the class system.
Finally, the use of the word "human" is a powerful symbol in this poem. It emphasizes the common humanity that we all share, regardless of our social status or power. It is a call for greater empathy and understanding, and it reminds us that we are all in this together.
Conclusion
In conclusion, My Masters by Robert Service is a powerful and thought-provoking poem. It raises important questions about power dynamics, empathy, and the class system. The use of symbolism adds depth and meaning to the text, and the language is simple yet effective. This is a poem that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it. So go ahead and read it again, and allow yourself to be moved by the sheer brilliance of Robert Service's words.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
My Masters: A Masterpiece of Poetry
Robert Service, the renowned poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his exceptional works. Among his many masterpieces, "My Masters" stands out as a unique and captivating poem that has captured the hearts of readers for generations. This poem is a perfect example of Service's ability to create vivid imagery and convey deep emotions through his words. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of "My Masters" and explore why it is considered a classic in the world of poetry.
The poem "My Masters" is a tribute to the sled dogs that Service worked with during his time in the Yukon. The poem is written from the perspective of the dogs, who are portrayed as loyal and hardworking creatures that are willing to do anything for their masters. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of the relationship between the dogs and their masters.
In the first stanza, Service describes the dogs' eagerness to please their masters. He writes, "We were a ragged lot of mongrel pups, / And one of us was a queer; / He was slashed and gashed in the face and eyes, / And we called him One-Eyed Queer." Despite their rough appearance, the dogs are eager to please their masters and work hard to earn their approval. They are willing to endure any hardship and overcome any obstacle to prove their loyalty.
The second stanza explores the dogs' relationship with their masters in more detail. Service writes, "Our masters were rough, and they swore at us, / And kicked us when we were slow; / But they fed us well, and they used us well, / And they gave us a chance to go." The dogs' masters are portrayed as tough and demanding, but also fair and caring. They push the dogs to their limits but also reward them for their hard work. The dogs are grateful for the opportunity to work and be useful to their masters.
The final stanza of the poem is the most emotional and poignant. Service writes, "And now we are old, and we're laid on the shelf, / But we're happy in dreams of yore; / We run the trail with the wind in our face, / And they're calling: 'Mush on, you poor!'". The dogs are now old and retired, but they still remember their days on the trail with fondness. They dream of running through the snow and hearing their masters' voices calling them on. The poem ends with the dogs' gratitude for the life they have lived and the love they have received from their masters.
The poem "My Masters" is a masterpiece of poetry for several reasons. Firstly, it is a perfect example of Service's ability to create vivid imagery and convey deep emotions through his words. The poem is written from the perspective of the dogs, which gives it a unique and powerful voice. The dogs are portrayed as loyal and hardworking creatures that are willing to do anything for their masters. This portrayal is both touching and inspiring, and it captures the essence of the relationship between humans and animals.
Secondly, the poem is a tribute to the sled dogs that Service worked with during his time in the Yukon. The poem is a testament to the hard work and dedication of these dogs, who were essential to the survival of the people living in the harsh and unforgiving environment of the Yukon. The poem is a reminder of the important role that animals have played in human history and the debt of gratitude that we owe them.
Finally, the poem is a celebration of the bond between humans and animals. The dogs in the poem are not just tools or machines; they are living beings with their own personalities and emotions. The poem reminds us that animals are not just here for our use and entertainment; they are our companions and friends. The poem is a call to treat animals with respect and kindness and to recognize the important role that they play in our lives.
In conclusion, "My Masters" is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a powerful and emotional tribute to the sled dogs of the Yukon and a celebration of the bond between humans and animals. The poem is a testament to Robert Service's skill as a poet and his ability to capture the essence of the human experience in his words. It is a poem that will continue to inspire and touch the hearts of readers for generations to come.
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