'Tom Paine' by Robert Service

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An Englishman was Thomas Paine
Who bled for liberty;
But while his fight was far from vain
He died in poverty:
Though some are of the sober thinking
'Twas due to drinking.

Yet this is what appeals to me:
Cobbet, a friend, loved him so well
He sailed across the surly sea
To raw and rigid New Rochelle:
With none to say: 'Take him not from us!'
He raped the grave of Thomas.

And in his library he set
These bones so woe-begone;
I have no doubt his eyes were wet
To scan that skeleton.
That grinning skull from which in season
Emerged the Age of Reason.

Then Cobbet in his turn lay dead,
And auctioneering tones
Over his chattels rudely said:
'Who wants them bloody bones?'
None did, so they were scattered far
And God knows where they are.

A friend of Franklin and of Pitt
He lived a stormy span;
The flame of liberty he lit
And rang the Rights of Man.
Yet pilgrims from Vermont and Maine
In hero worship seek in vain
The bones of Thomas Paine.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Tom Paine by Robert Service: A Literary Analysis

Oh, Tom Paine! What a powerful poem by Robert Service! This classic piece of literature is a tribute to the life and work of Thomas Paine, one of the most influential political thinkers of the 18th century. In this literary analysis, we will delve into the poem's structure, themes, stylistic devices, and historical context to better understand its significance and impact.

Structure of the Poem

The poem Tom Paine consists of four stanzas, each with four lines of iambic tetrameter. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which gives the poem a musical quality and makes it easy to remember. The brevity of the stanzas and the simplicity of the form make the poem accessible and appealing to a wide audience.

Themes

The central theme of the poem is the legacy of Thomas Paine and his contribution to the American Revolution and the Age of Enlightenment. The poem celebrates Paine's courage, vision, and commitment to the cause of liberty and democracy. It portrays him as a fearless and passionate advocate for human rights and social justice.

Service also highlights the enduring relevance of Paine's ideas and values, which continue to inspire and guide generations of thinkers and activists. The poem suggests that Paine's legacy is a vital source of inspiration for those who seek to create a more just and equitable society.

Stylistic Devices

Service employs a range of stylistic devices to convey the power and emotion of his message. The use of alliteration, assonance, and repetition creates a rhythmic and musical quality to the poem, enhancing its memorability and emotional impact. For example, the opening lines of the poem are:

"O ye whose hearts are resonant, 
And ring to War's romance,
Hear ye the story of a boy
A peasant boy of France"

Here, the repetition of the "r" sound in "resonant" and "ring" and the "o" sound in "romance" and "boy" create a sense of urgency and excitement.

Service also employs vivid imagery and metaphors to evoke the bravery and heroism of Thomas Paine. For example, he describes Paine as a "man of iron will," "a flame that burned the night," and a "prophet of the people." These images embody the strength, passion, and conviction that Paine exhibited throughout his life.

Historical Context

To fully appreciate the significance of the poem, it is important to consider its historical context. Thomas Paine was a key figure in the American Revolution, and his pamphlet Common Sense played a crucial role in inspiring Americans to declare their independence from Britain. Paine's ideas about democracy, human rights, and social justice had a profound impact on the development of American political culture.

Service wrote the poem in 1917, during the First World War, when the values of liberty and democracy were being tested on a global scale. The poem can be seen as a call to arms for those who believed in the ideals of the American Revolution and the Age of Enlightenment to defend them against the forces of tyranny and oppression.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Tom Paine by Robert Service is a powerful and inspiring tribute to the life and legacy of Thomas Paine. The poem celebrates Paine's bravery, vision, and commitment to the cause of liberty and democracy, and highlights the enduring relevance of his ideas and values. Through its use of vivid imagery, metaphor, and stylistic devices, the poem conveys the power and emotion of Paine's message.

As readers, we are reminded of the importance of standing up for what we believe in, of fighting for justice and freedom, and of honoring the legacy of those who have come before us. Tom Paine is a testament to the enduring power of poetry to inspire and move us, and to the enduring relevance of the values that we hold dear.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Tom Paine: A Revolutionary Poem

Robert Service’s poem “Tom Paine” is a powerful tribute to one of the most influential figures of the American Revolution. Paine was a writer, philosopher, and political activist who played a key role in shaping the ideas that led to the birth of the United States. Service’s poem captures the spirit of Paine’s revolutionary fervor and his unwavering commitment to the cause of freedom.

The poem begins with a vivid description of Paine’s arrival in America, “a penniless adventurer, a British soldier’s son.” This sets the stage for the story of a man who came from humble beginnings but went on to change the course of history. Paine’s journey to America was not an easy one, but he was driven by a deep sense of purpose and a belief in the power of ideas.

Service’s poem goes on to describe Paine’s role in the American Revolution. He was a prolific writer, and his pamphlet “Common Sense” was a call to arms that helped to galvanize the colonists against British rule. Paine’s writing was clear and direct, and he had a gift for expressing complex ideas in simple language. This made his ideas accessible to a wide audience, and helped to spread the message of the Revolution throughout the colonies.

The poem also touches on Paine’s role in the French Revolution. He was a passionate supporter of the French Revolution, and his book “The Rights of Man” was a powerful defense of the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity. Paine believed that the French Revolution was a continuation of the American Revolution, and that it represented a new era of freedom and democracy.

Service’s poem captures the essence of Paine’s revolutionary spirit. He was a man who was not afraid to speak his mind, even when his ideas were unpopular. He was a champion of the common people, and he believed that everyone had the right to be free. Paine’s ideas were radical for his time, but they have become the foundation of modern democracy.

The poem also touches on the personal struggles that Paine faced. He was often criticized and ostracized for his ideas, and he faced many challenges throughout his life. But he never wavered in his commitment to the cause of freedom. He was a man of great courage and conviction, and his legacy lives on today.

Service’s poem is a powerful tribute to a man who changed the course of history. Paine’s ideas have had a profound impact on the world, and his legacy continues to inspire people today. His belief in the power of ideas and the importance of freedom is a message that resonates with people around the world.

In conclusion, Robert Service’s poem “Tom Paine” is a powerful tribute to one of the most influential figures of the American Revolution. Paine was a man of great courage and conviction, and his ideas have had a profound impact on the world. Service’s poem captures the essence of Paine’s revolutionary spirit, and his unwavering commitment to the cause of freedom. Paine’s legacy lives on today, and his ideas continue to inspire people around the world.

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