'Mike' by Robert Service
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My lead dog Mike was like a bear;
I reckon he was grizzly bred,
For when he reared up in the air
Ho over-topped me by a head.
He'd cuff me with his hefty paws,
Jest like a puppy actin' cute,
And I would swear: by Gosh! he was
The world's most mighty malemute.
But oh the grub that dog could eat!
Yet he was never belly-tight;
It almost broke me buying meat
To satisfy his appetite.
Then came a change I wondered at:
Returning when the dawn was dim,
He seemed mysteriously fat,
And scorned the bones I'd saved for him.
My shack was near the hospital,
Wherein there laboured Nurse Louise,
Who was to me a little pal
I planned in every way to please.
As books and sweets for her I bought,
My mug she seemed to kindo' like;
But Mike - he loved her quite a lot,
And she was very fond of Mike.
Strolling with her as moonlight gleamed,
I saw a strand of cotton trail
From Mike, the which unseemly seemed
To have its source behind his tail.
I trod on it with chagrin grim,
And with a kick his absence urged;
But as he ran, from out of him
Such yards and yards of lint emerged.
And then on me the truth did dawn
Beyond the shadow of a doubt:
That poor dam dog was gorged upon
The poultices threw out. . . .
So "love my dog love me," I thought,
And seized the moment to propose . . .
Mike's dead, but in our garden lot
He's manure for a big dog-rose.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Excitement and Irony in Robert Service's "Mike"
Robert Service's poem "Mike" is a classic example of the author's signature style of storytelling through verse. The poem's narrative follows the exploits of the titular character, a Canadian lumberjack who is both strong and stubborn, and who ultimately meets a tragic end. Through his poetic language and vivid imagery, Service paints a picture of Mike as a larger-than-life figure, a man who embodies the ideals of bravery, physical prowess, and perseverance. However, through the use of irony, Service also shows us the darker side of these qualities, revealing how they can ultimately lead to Mike's downfall.
The Power of Physical Strength
One of the key themes of "Mike" is the power of physical strength. Throughout the poem, Service emphasizes Mike's incredible abilities as a lumberjack, describing him as a "giant" who can "lift a ton like a toy". Service uses vivid language to bring Mike's feats to life, such as when he describes how Mike can "swing his axe like a pendulum/Swinging it up and down," or how he can "roll a log like a sausage-roll." These descriptions serve to create a sense of awe and admiration in the reader, as we marvel at Mike's raw physical power.
At the same time, however, Service also uses these descriptions to foreshadow the tragedy that befalls Mike. For example, when Mike competes in a log-rolling contest, the narrator describes how "the water boiled like a cauldron/And the big logs spun around." This vivid imagery creates a sense of danger and chaos, hinting at the fact that Mike's physical strength may ultimately prove to be his undoing. Despite his impressive abilities, Mike is still subject to the whims of nature, and the forces that he seeks to control may ultimately overpower him.
The Tragic Flaw of Stubbornness
Another key theme of "Mike" is the tragic flaw of stubbornness. Throughout the poem, Service emphasizes Mike's stubbornness, describing him as a man who "never would give up nor give in," even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. This trait is both admirable and dangerous, as it allows Mike to achieve great things but also blinds him to his own limitations. Service underscores this duality when he writes that "Mike would never admit defeat/Though the odds were ten to one." This refusal to acknowledge defeat may be what ultimately leads to Mike's downfall, as he stubbornly persists in his efforts even when they become futile.
Service uses irony to highlight the dangers of stubbornness. For example, when Mike attempts to move a huge boulder, the narrator describes how "he bent his back like a bow/And the sweat streamed down his face." This description emphasizes Mike's determination and strength, but it also foreshadows the fact that his stubbornness will ultimately lead to his demise. Similarly, when Mike tries to cross a swollen river, the narrator notes that "he would never turn back/Though the current was swift and strong." This refusal to turn back ultimately proves fatal, as Mike is swept away by the water.
The Irony of Heroism
One of the most striking aspects of "Mike" is the way in which Service uses irony to subvert our expectations of heroism. Throughout the poem, Service portrays Mike as a hero, someone who embodies the ideals of bravery, strength, and perseverance. However, by the end of the poem, it becomes clear that Mike's heroism has a dark side. His refusal to give up or admit defeat, while admirable in some ways, ultimately leads to his downfall.
Service uses irony to underscore this point. For example, when Mike is caught in the current of the river, the narrator notes that "he fought like a demon to swim." This description emphasizes Mike's strength and determination, but it also highlights the fact that his heroism is ultimately futile. Similarly, when Mike's body is found, the narrator describes how "they buried him deep in the forest/Where the giant trees grow and fall." This description emphasizes Mike's connection to the natural world, but it also underscores the fact that his heroism ultimately leads to his demise.
Conclusion
In "Mike," Robert Service uses his signature style of storytelling through verse to explore the themes of physical strength, stubbornness, and heroism. Through vivid language and striking imagery, Service creates a larger-than-life portrait of the titular character, a man who embodies the ideals of bravery and perseverance. However, through the use of irony, Service also shows us the darker side of these qualities, revealing how they can ultimately lead to tragedy and downfall. "Mike" is a powerful poem that reminds us of the complex nature of heroism, and the dangers that can arise when we pursue our goals with single-minded determination.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Mike: A Poem of Adventure and Perseverance
Robert Service’s poem “Mike” is a thrilling tale of adventure and perseverance that captures the spirit of the Canadian wilderness. The poem tells the story of Mike, a young man who sets out to explore the rugged terrain of the Yukon, facing countless challenges and dangers along the way. Through his courage and determination, Mike emerges as a hero who embodies the rugged individualism and pioneering spirit of the Canadian North.
The poem begins with a vivid description of the Yukon landscape, with its “mountains capped with snow” and “rivers that run like silver threads.” The setting is both beautiful and treacherous, with the harsh climate and rugged terrain posing constant challenges to those who dare to venture into the wilderness. It is in this unforgiving landscape that we meet Mike, a young man with a “heart of gold” and a burning desire to explore the unknown.
Mike’s journey is not an easy one. He faces numerous obstacles and setbacks, from treacherous river crossings to encounters with wild animals. Yet through it all, he remains steadfast in his determination to reach his goal. He is a true adventurer, driven by a sense of curiosity and a thirst for discovery.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is the way in which Service portrays Mike as a hero who embodies the rugged individualism and pioneering spirit of the Canadian North. Mike is not a passive observer of the wilderness; he is an active participant who takes risks and faces challenges head-on. He is a man of action, not words, and his deeds speak louder than any eloquent speech.
Service’s use of language is also noteworthy. The poem is written in a simple, straightforward style that reflects the no-nonsense attitude of the Canadian North. There is no flowery language or elaborate metaphors; instead, Service uses vivid imagery and concrete details to bring the landscape to life. His descriptions of the “grizzly bear with a monstrous head” and the “ice that cracks like thunder” are particularly evocative, capturing the raw power and beauty of the wilderness.
Another key theme of the poem is the idea of perseverance in the face of adversity. Mike is not deterred by the challenges he faces; instead, he rises to the occasion and overcomes them through sheer force of will. He is a symbol of the human spirit, which can triumph over even the most daunting obstacles.
The poem also touches on the idea of mortality and the fleeting nature of life. Mike is acutely aware of the dangers that surround him, and he knows that his journey could end in tragedy at any moment. Yet he presses on, driven by a sense of purpose and a desire to experience all that life has to offer. His bravery in the face of danger is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
In conclusion, “Mike” is a powerful poem that captures the spirit of adventure and perseverance that is so central to the Canadian North. Through his portrayal of Mike as a hero who embodies the rugged individualism and pioneering spirit of the region, Service celebrates the beauty and power of the wilderness, as well as the resilience of the human spirit. The poem is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Canadian North, and to the timeless values of courage, determination, and perseverance that it represents.
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