'Flight' by Robert Service


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On silver sand where ripples curled
I counted sea-gulls seven;
Shy, secret screened from all the world,
And innocent as heaven.
They did not of my nearness know,
For dawn was barely bright,
And they were still, like spots of snow
In that pale, pearly light.

Then one went forth unto the sea
That rippled up in gold,
And there were rubies flashing free
From out its wing-unfold;
It ducked and dived in pretty play,
The while the other six
So gravely sat it seemed that they
Were marvelled by its tricks.

Then with a sudden flurry each
Down-rushed to join its mate,
And in a flash that sickle beach
With rapture was elate.
With joy they pranked till everyone
Was diamonded with spray,
Then flicked with flame to greet the sun
They rose and winged away.

But with their going, oh, the surge
Of loss they left in me!
For in my heart was born the urge,
The passion to be free.
And where each dawn with terror brings
Some tale of bale and blight,
Who would not envy silver wings,
The sea-gull in its flight!

Let me not know the soils of woe
That chain this stricken earth;
Let me forget the fear and fret
That bind men from their birth;
Let me be the one with wind and sun,
With earth and sky and sea. . . .
Oh, let me teach in living speech
God's glory - Liberty.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Poetic Journey of Robert Service's Flight

As a literature enthusiast, I can confidently say that Robert Service's Flight is an extraordinary piece of work. The poem is a true masterpiece that has captivated readers with its profound themes and striking imagery. Service's Flight is a poem that transcends boundaries of time and space, exploring the depths of human emotion and experience. In this literary criticism, I will analyze and interpret the poem, exploring its themes, structure, and symbolism.

Analysis of Themes

The poem Flight, as the name suggests, is about an individual's journey, both physical and emotional. The central theme of the poem is searching for freedom and the struggle that comes with it. The protagonist of the poem is a young man who is eager to leave the monotony of his everyday life and explore the world. He is filled with a sense of restlessness and adventure, an urge to break free from the shackles of societal norms and expectations.

The poem explores the concept of freedom and the sacrifices that come with it. The protagonist is willing to leave everything behind, his family, his friends, and his life, to pursue his dream of flying. The poem shows the price one must pay to achieve true freedom. The protagonist's journey is not an easy one, he must face many challenges and obstacles along the way. However, the poem suggests that the rewards of freedom are worth the struggle.

Apart from the theme of freedom, the poem also explores the concept of self-discovery. The protagonist's journey is not only physical but also emotional. Throughout his journey, he discovers himself, his strengths, and his weaknesses. The poem suggests that true freedom can only be achieved when an individual discovers their true self.

Analysis of Structure

The structure of the poem is simple yet effective. The poem is divided into five stanzas, each consisting of four lines. The rhyme scheme is AABB, making the poem easy to read and remember. The poem has a regular rhythm, which adds to its musical quality.

The structure of the poem reflects the protagonist's journey. The poem starts with the protagonist's desire to fly, followed by his preparations for the journey. The third stanza describes the protagonist's experience of flying for the first time, and the fourth stanza describes his struggle and determination to continue flying. The last stanza of the poem describes the protagonist's ultimate achievement of freedom.

The structure of the poem also reflects the theme of self-discovery. The protagonist's journey is divided into five stages, each representing a different aspect of his journey of self-discovery.

Analysis of Symbolism

The poem is rich in symbolism, which adds depth and meaning to the text. The most significant symbol in the poem is the airplane. The airplane represents freedom, adventure, and the protagonist's desire to break free from the mundane. The airplane is also a symbol of technological progress, suggesting that freedom can only be achieved through progress.

Another symbol in the poem is the sky. The sky represents the limitless possibilities and the vastness of the universe. The protagonist's desire to fly represents his desire to explore the unknown and discover himself.

The wind is another symbol used in the poem. The wind represents the forces that oppose the protagonist's journey. The wind is a symbol of the obstacles and challenges that the protagonist must overcome in his journey towards freedom.

Interpretation

Robert Service's Flight is a poem that resonates with readers from all walks of life. The poem suggests that true freedom can only be achieved through struggle and sacrifice. The protagonist's journey is a metaphor for the journey of every individual who seeks to break free from societal norms and expectations.

The poem's structure reflects the protagonist's journey of self-discovery. The poem suggests that true freedom can only be achieved when an individual discovers their true self. The poem's use of symbolism adds depth and meaning to the text, making it a true masterpiece of literature.

In conclusion, Robert Service's Flight is a poem that has stood the test of time. Its themes of freedom, self-discovery, and sacrifice continue to resonate with readers to this day. The poem's structure, rhyme scheme, and use of symbolism make it a true masterpiece of literature. If you haven't read the poem yet, I highly recommend that you do so.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Flight by Robert Service: A Poem of Freedom and Adventure

Robert Service’s poem Flight is a thrilling and inspiring work that captures the essence of freedom and adventure. Written in the early 20th century, the poem tells the story of a man who longs to escape the constraints of society and soar into the open skies. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Service creates a sense of excitement and wonder that resonates with readers to this day.

The poem begins with the speaker describing the man’s desire to fly:

Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth, And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth Of sun-split clouds, – and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of.

These opening lines immediately set the tone for the poem, conveying a sense of freedom and exhilaration. The speaker describes the man’s experience of flying as a joyous one, filled with laughter and wonder. The use of the phrase “laughter-silvered wings” is particularly striking, as it suggests that the man’s flight is not just a physical experience, but an emotional one as well.

As the poem continues, the speaker goes on to describe the man’s adventures in the sky:

High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there, I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung My eager craft through footless halls of air… Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace Where never lark, or even eagle flew.

These lines are filled with vivid imagery that captures the thrill of flight. The speaker describes the man’s craft as “eager,” suggesting that it is as excited to be flying as he is. The phrase “footless halls of air” is particularly striking, as it suggests that the man is not just flying, but exploring a new and unknown world. The use of the word “delirious” to describe the man’s flight conveys a sense of excitement and abandon, as if he is lost in the joy of the moment.

As the poem progresses, the speaker begins to explore the deeper meaning behind the man’s desire to fly:

And, while with silent, lifting mind I’ve trod The high untrespassed sanctity of space, Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.

These lines are perhaps the most famous in the poem, and for good reason. They capture the sense of awe and wonder that the man feels as he soars through the sky. The use of the phrase “untrespassed sanctity of space” suggests that the man is experiencing something sacred and holy, something that is beyond the reach of ordinary mortals. The final line, “touched the face of God,” is particularly powerful, as it suggests that the man’s flight has brought him closer to the divine.

Throughout the poem, Service uses language and imagery to convey a sense of freedom and adventure. The man’s flight is not just a physical experience, but an emotional and spiritual one as well. By exploring the deeper meaning behind the man’s desire to fly, Service suggests that there is something universal about the human desire for freedom and adventure. We all long to slip the surly bonds of earth and soar into the open skies, to explore new worlds and touch the face of God.

In conclusion, Flight by Robert Service is a classic poem that captures the essence of freedom and adventure. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Service creates a sense of excitement and wonder that resonates with readers to this day. The man’s flight is not just a physical experience, but an emotional and spiritual one as well, suggesting that there is something universal about the human desire for freedom and adventure. Whether we are soaring through the skies or exploring new worlds in our minds, we all long to slip the surly bonds of earth and touch the face of God.

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