'Toilet Seats' by Robert Service
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While I am emulating Keats
My brother fabrics toilet seats,
The which, they say, are works of art,
Aesthetic features of the mart;
So exquisitely are they made
With plastic of a pastel shade,
Of topaz, ivory or rose,
Inviting to serene repose.
Rajahs I'm told have seats of gold,--
(They must, I fear, be very cold).
But Tom's have thermostatic heat,
With sympathy your grace to greet.
Like silver they are neon lit,
Making a halo as you sit:
Then lo! they play with dulset tone
A melody by Mendelssohn.
Oh were I lyrical as Yeats
I would not sing of toilet seats,
But rather serenade a star,--
Yet I must take things as they are.
For even kings must coyly own
Them as essential as a throne:
So as I tug the Muse's teats
I envy Tom his toilet seats.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Toilet Seats by Robert Service: A Critical Analysis
Have you ever thought that even the mundane things in life could be transformed into works of art? That's precisely what Robert Service does in his poem, Toilet Seats. Through his crafty use of language and imagery, Service elevates what may seem like a trivial topic and turns it into a compelling work of literature. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we'll explore the various literary devices that Service employs in Toilet Seats and how they contribute to the poem's overall meaning and impact.
Overview
Toilet Seats is a 16-line poem that was initially published in Service's book, Rhymes of a Red Cross Man, in 1916. At first glance, the poem seems to be a lighthearted take on the various types of toilet seats one might encounter. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes evident that the poem is about much more than just toilet seats. In fact, it is a commentary on the nature of human desire and how we often seek out novelty and variety, even in the most commonplace of things.
Analysis
Title
Let's start with the title: Toilet Seats. At first, it might seem like an odd choice of subject matter for a poem. But perhaps that's precisely what makes it so intriguing. By focusing on something as unremarkable as a toilet seat, Service invites us to look at the world around us with fresh eyes. Additionally, the title hints at the poem's underlying theme of human desire for novelty and variety. After all, how many different types of toilet seats are there? And yet, we are still fascinated by them.
Form
The poem is written in quatrains, with each stanza consisting of four lines. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which gives the poem a playful and whimsical tone. The meter is consistent throughout the poem, with each line consisting of eight syllables. This regularity in form and meter contrasts with the somewhat random and absurd nature of the subject matter, further emphasizing the theme of seeking order and pattern in the chaos of everyday life.
Imagery
Service's use of imagery in Toilet Seats is one of the most significant contributors to the poem's impact. He describes various types of toilet seats, from the "porcelain slab" to the "mahogany throne," painting vivid pictures in the reader's mind. By doing so, he turns an otherwise dull subject matter into something intriguing and exciting. Additionally, the imagery serves to reinforce the poem's theme of human desire for novelty and variety. We are drawn to the "ebony seat" or the "ivory throne" not because they are necessarily more functional, but because they are different from what we are used to.
Language
Service's use of language is also worth noting. He employs a variety of literary devices, from alliteration to assonance, to make the poem more engaging. For example, in the first stanza, he writes, "Copper, steel, or porcelain / Are surfaces for which we fawn." The use of alliteration in "copper" and "porcelain" and the repetition of the "s" sound in "surfaces" and "fawn" make the line more memorable and enjoyable to read. Similarly, in the second stanza, he writes, "Some are solid, some are slick / Some are wide and some are nicked." The repetition of the "s" sound in "solid" and "slick" and the use of assonance in "wide" and "nicked" make the line more musical and pleasing to the ear.
Theme
Ultimately, the theme of Toilet Seats is about our desire for novelty and variety. Service suggests that even in the most mundane of things, we seek out something different, something new. This desire is universal and applies to everything from toilet seats to relationships. Additionally, the poem suggests that this desire is not necessarily a bad thing. It is what makes life interesting and exciting. Without it, we would be bored and unfulfilled.
Interpretation
So what can we take away from Toilet Seats? On the surface, it might seem like a silly poem about a trivial subject matter. But upon closer inspection, it is a profound commentary on the human condition. Service reminds us that even in the most mundane of things, there is beauty and complexity. Additionally, he suggests that our desire for novelty and variety is what makes life worth living. We should embrace this desire rather than suppress it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Toilet Seats is a brilliant work of literature that demonstrates how even the most mundane of things can be transformed into something beautiful and profound. Through his use of form, imagery, and language, Service turns a seemingly trivial subject matter into a compelling commentary on the human condition. The poem reminds us that even in the most ordinary of things, there is beauty and complexity. And ultimately, it celebrates our desire for novelty and variety, suggesting that it is what makes life worth living.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Toilet Seats: A Poem that Will Make You Laugh and Think
Robert Service is a name that is synonymous with poetry. His works have been read and enjoyed by millions of people around the world. One of his most famous poems is Toilet Seats. This poem is a humorous take on a mundane object that we use every day. In this analysis, we will take a closer look at Toilet Seats and explore its themes, structure, and literary devices.
The poem begins with the speaker expressing his frustration with toilet seats. He complains that they are always up when he needs them down and down when he needs them up. This is a relatable experience for many people, and the speaker's frustration is palpable. However, the poem takes a humorous turn when the speaker imagines a world without toilet seats. He imagines a world where people have to squat over a hole in the ground to do their business. This image is both funny and disgusting, and it highlights the importance of toilet seats in our lives.
The poem then takes a philosophical turn as the speaker reflects on the nature of life. He compares the ups and downs of life to the ups and downs of a toilet seat. He suggests that just as a toilet seat can be up or down, life can be good or bad. This comparison is both clever and insightful. It reminds us that life is full of ups and downs, and we need to learn to navigate them.
The poem's structure is simple and straightforward. It consists of four stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which gives the poem a sing-song quality. This structure is perfect for a humorous poem like Toilet Seats. It allows the speaker to make his point quickly and efficiently while still being entertaining.
The poem's literary devices are also worth noting. The speaker uses hyperbole to exaggerate the importance of toilet seats. He suggests that without them, the world would be a terrible place. This hyperbole is both funny and effective. It highlights the absurdity of the speaker's frustration while also making us appreciate the importance of toilet seats.
The speaker also uses metaphor to compare the ups and downs of life to the ups and downs of a toilet seat. This metaphor is both clever and insightful. It reminds us that life is full of ups and downs, and we need to learn to navigate them. The metaphor also adds depth to the poem and elevates it beyond a simple joke.
In conclusion, Toilet Seats is a classic poem that is both funny and insightful. It takes a mundane object and turns it into something worth thinking about. The poem's structure and literary devices are simple but effective. They allow the speaker to make his point quickly and efficiently while still being entertaining. If you haven't read Toilet Seats before, I highly recommend it. It will make you laugh and think, and what more could you ask for from a poem?
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