'Breton Wife' by Robert Service
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A Wintertide we had been wed
When Jan went off to sea;
And now the laurel rose is red
And I wait on the quay.
His berthing boat I watch with dread,
For where, oh where is he?
"Weep not, brave lass," the Skipper said;
"Return to you he will;
In hospital he lies abed
In Rio in Brazil;
But though I know he is not dead,
I do not know his ill."
The Seaman's Hospital I wrote,
And soon there came reply.
The nurse's very words I quote:
"Your husband will not die;
But you must wait a weary boat -
I cannot tell you why."
The months of sun went snailing by.
I wrote by every mail,
Yet ever came the same reply:
"Your patience must not fail.
But though your good lad will not die,
We cannot tell his ail."
* * * * * * * * *
Ten months have gone - he's back again,
But aged by years a score,
And tells me with a look of pain
He'll never voyage more;
And at the tide, with longing vain,
He stares from out the door.
And in his sleep he turns from me
And moans with bitter blame
Of Spanish jades beyond the sea
Who wrought him evil shame,
So ever in him bleak will be
The Ill That Has No Name.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Breton Wife: A Literary Critique and Interpretation
When it comes to poetry, Robert Service is a name that stands out. His poems are not just pieces of art, but a window to a world that we might never have known. One such poem by Service is 'Breton Wife.' In this critique and interpretation, we will delve deeper into the poem to understand its theme, literary devices, and the emotions it evokes.
The Theme
At its core, Breton Wife is a poem about love, loss, and betrayal. The poem is set in Brittany, France, and revolves around a young Breton woman who falls in love with a sailor named Jean Marie. However, their love is short-lived as Jean Marie leaves her to go to sea. The woman is left alone and heartbroken, and eventually marries another man for security. However, she still longs for her true love, and when Jean Marie returns, she is torn between her loyalty to her husband and her love for Jean Marie.
The theme of love and loss is not new to poetry, but what makes Breton Wife unique is the way Service presents it. The poem is not just a simple tale of unrequited love but a complex portrayal of human emotions. It shows how love can be both a source of joy and pain and how difficult it can be to choose between two loves.
Literary Devices
Service uses various literary devices to convey the theme of the poem. One of the most prominent devices is imagery. The poem is filled with vivid descriptions of the landscape and the emotions of the characters. For example, in the first stanza, Service describes the Breton woman as "slim and brown and merry" and goes on to paint a picture of her home by the sea. The use of imagery not only helps to create a visual picture in the reader's mind but also adds depth to the characters and their emotions.
Another literary device used in the poem is repetition. The phrase "Breton wife" is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the woman's identity and her connection to her homeland. The repetition also serves to create a sense of nostalgia and longing for the past.
The poem also makes use of symbolism. The sea is a recurring symbol in the poem, representing the vastness and unpredictability of life. The sea is where Jean Marie finds his passion, but it is also what separates him from his love. Similarly, the sea is where the Breton woman's husband makes his living, but it is also what keeps her from the man she truly loves.
Emotions Evoked
Breton Wife is a poem that evokes a range of emotions in the reader. The poem's theme of love and loss is a universal one, and anyone who has experienced heartbreak can relate to the Breton woman's plight. The poem also touches on themes of loyalty and betrayal, which add to the complexity of the emotions portrayed.
Service's use of imagery and symbolism adds to the emotional impact of the poem. The descriptions of the landscape and the sea help to create a sense of longing and nostalgia, while the use of repetition emphasizes the woman's deep connection to her homeland. The poem's ending, where the woman is torn between her love for Jean Marie and her loyalty to her husband, is a powerful portrayal of the complexity of human emotions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Breton Wife is a beautifully crafted poem that explores the complexities of love, loss, and betrayal. Service's use of literary devices such as imagery, repetition, and symbolism adds depth to the characters and their emotions, while the universal theme of love and loss makes the poem relatable to readers of all ages. Breton Wife is a testament to Service's skill as a poet and his ability to capture the essence of the human experience in his writing.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Breton Wife: A Poem That Will Leave You Spellbound
Robert Service, the renowned poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his captivating poems. One such poem that has stood the test of time is "Breton Wife." This poem is a masterpiece that captures the essence of love, sacrifice, and devotion. In this article, we will delve deep into the poem and analyze its various aspects.
The poem "Breton Wife" is a narrative poem that tells the story of a young Breton woman who is deeply in love with her husband. The poem is set in the rugged terrain of Brittany, a region in France known for its picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage. The poem begins with the description of the Breton wife's daily routine. She wakes up early in the morning, tends to her household chores, and waits for her husband to return from the sea.
The first stanza of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The poet describes the Breton wife's beauty and her devotion to her husband. He writes, "She is a Breton wife, and her eyes are blue as the bay, and the grace of her slender form is like the swaying of a spray." The poet's use of vivid imagery creates a picture of the Breton wife in the reader's mind. The reader can visualize the Breton wife's beauty and grace, which makes her stand out from the rest.
The second stanza of the poem introduces the husband, who is a fisherman. The poet describes the husband's life at sea and the dangers he faces. He writes, "He is a fisherman, and he sails the stormy main, and he knows the rocks and the reefs as a mother knows her pain." The poet's use of simile creates a vivid image of the husband's life at sea. The reader can visualize the husband's struggles and the risks he takes to provide for his family.
The third stanza of the poem describes the Breton wife's love for her husband. The poet writes, "She loves him as the sea loves the shore, as the wind loves the tree, as the flower loves the sun, as the bird loves the free." The poet's use of metaphor creates a powerful image of the Breton wife's love for her husband. The reader can feel the intensity of the Breton wife's love, which is as strong as the forces of nature.
The fourth stanza of the poem introduces the conflict in the story. The husband is lost at sea, and the Breton wife is left alone to fend for herself. The poet writes, "But he is lost at sea, and she is left alone, and her heart is like a bird that has lost its mate and flown." The poet's use of metaphor creates a powerful image of the Breton wife's grief. The reader can feel the pain and sorrow that the Breton wife is going through.
The fifth stanza of the poem describes the Breton wife's sacrifice. The poet writes, "She sells her little farm, and she buys a fishing boat, and she sails the stormy sea, where the winds and the waves emote." The poet's use of imagery creates a vivid picture of the Breton wife's sacrifice. The reader can visualize the Breton wife's determination to provide for her family, even in the face of adversity.
The sixth stanza of the poem describes the Breton wife's success. The poet writes, "She catches fish aplenty, and she sells them in the town, and she saves enough to buy a farm, and she settles herself down." The poet's use of imagery creates a powerful image of the Breton wife's success. The reader can feel the sense of accomplishment that the Breton wife must have felt after all her hard work.
The seventh and final stanza of the poem describes the Breton wife's legacy. The poet writes, "And now her sons are fishermen, and they sail the stormy main, and they know the rocks and the reefs as a mother knows her pain." The poet's use of imagery creates a powerful image of the Breton wife's legacy. The reader can feel the sense of pride that the Breton wife must have felt knowing that her sons are continuing the family tradition.
In conclusion, "Breton Wife" is a poem that captures the essence of love, sacrifice, and devotion. The poem is a masterpiece that has stood the test of time. The poet's use of vivid imagery and powerful metaphors creates a picture of the Breton wife in the reader's mind. The reader can feel the intensity of the Breton wife's love, the pain of her loss, and the determination of her sacrifice. The poem is a testament to the human spirit and the power of love. It is a poem that will leave you spellbound and make you appreciate the beauty of life.
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