'Remorse' by Robert Service
AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay
That scathing word I used in scorn
(Though half a century ago)
Comes back to me this April morn,
Like boomerang to work me woe;
Comes back to me with bitter blame
(Though apple boughs are blossoming),
And oh! the anguish of my shame
Is sharper than a serpent's sting!
Age sensitizes us to pain,
And when remembrance of some word
We spoke in wrath return again,
It stab is like a driven sword. . . .
And if in some celestial span
Our hearts in penitence may bleed
For all the hurt we've done to man -
Ah, that would be a hell indeed!
So friends, be careful of your words,
Though other breasts may meet their steel,
Lest they return like vengeful swords,
Till yours the wounds that never heal,
For Age the heart to mercy mellows;
Foul memories haunt like evil elves:
let us be gentle to our fellows,
And win God's mercy for ourselves.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Remorse by Robert Service: A Haunting Tale of Regret
As a literary enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for poems that touch me in a profound way. And in my search, I stumbled upon Robert Service's "Remorse," a haunting tale of regret that lingers long after reading. With its vivid imagery, simple yet powerful language, and a narrative that hits close to home, "Remorse" is a poem that speaks volumes about the human condition.
The Poem in a Nutshell
"Remorse" is a narrative poem that tells the story of a man who, in his youth, committed a terrible crime. The speaker, who is the protagonist of the poem, has spent his entire life haunted by the memory of his deeds. He lives in constant fear and guilt, and no amount of time or penance can erase the regret that he feels. And as he nears the end of his life, he comes to grips with the harsh reality that he will never be able to make amends for his actions.
Analysis
At its core, "Remorse" is a poem about the consequences of our actions. The protagonist's crime is never explicitly stated, which makes the poem all the more powerful. It allows the reader to imagine the worst possible scenario, and the speaker's anguish becomes all the more palpable. The use of first-person narrative adds to the sense of immediacy, making it seem as though the protagonist is speaking directly to us.
The opening line, "Lost in the swamp and well I knew my fate," sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The protagonist is lost, both physically and emotionally, and he knows that he cannot escape the consequences of his actions. The swamp, which serves as a metaphor for the protagonist's troubled mind, is a recurring image throughout the poem. It is a place of darkness, fear, and uncertainty, much like the protagonist's soul.
Service's use of vivid imagery is one of the poem's strongest suits. The description of the "mud that lies like fire in the sun" and the "mosquitoes' voices small and still" conjure up powerful images in the reader's mind. The swamp is a place of eerie stillness, and the buzzing of the mosquitoes only serves to amplify the sense of dread that pervades the poem.
The poem's central theme is regret, and the protagonist's overwhelming sense of remorse is evident throughout. He says, "I think of what I might have done in buoyancy of life," which suggests that he is well aware of the opportunities that he squandered. The use of the word "buoyancy" is particularly poignant, as it evokes the sense of hope and possibility that comes with youth. The fact that the protagonist can no longer experience this sense of buoyancy is a source of great sadness for him.
As the poem progresses, the protagonist's sense of regret becomes more and more pronounced. He says, "I hear the porches of the town dwellers cracking with laughter," which suggests that he is envious of those who are able to enjoy life without the burden of guilt. The use of the word "cracking" is interesting, as it suggests that the laughter is forced or artificial. This adds another layer of complexity to the poem, as it suggests that the protagonist's perception of others may be distorted by his own feelings of guilt.
The final stanza of the poem is particularly haunting. The protagonist says, "And thus I live, – O stars, O suns, O glimmering night! / The horror has gone from me, and all I have is regret." The use of the exclamation marks suggests that the protagonist is speaking with great emotion, and the repetition of "O" adds to the sense of despair. The fact that the horror has gone from him suggests that he has come to accept his fate, but the regret remains. The final line, "And all I have is regret," is one of the most powerful in the poem. It suggests that, for the protagonist, there is no redemption, no way to make amends for his actions.
Interpretation
"Remorse" is a poem that speaks to the human condition in a profound way. It is a reminder that our actions have consequences, and that we must live with the choices that we make. The poem is also a cautionary tale, warning us of the dangers of succumbing to our darker impulses. The protagonist's regret serves as a reminder that, no matter how tempting the reward, the cost of doing something immoral or unethical is simply too high.
The poem also speaks to the power of memory. The protagonist's crime was committed in his youth, but the memory of it has stayed with him for his entire life. The fact that he is able to recall the events with such vividness suggests that our memories can have a profound impact on our lives. They can shape our perceptions of ourselves, of others, and of the world around us.
Finally, "Remorse" is a testament to the power of language. Robert Service's simple yet powerful language is able to convey the protagonist's sense of regret in a way that is both authentic and moving. The poem serves as a reminder of the power of words to connect us to one another and to our own humanity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Remorse" is a haunting and powerful poem that speaks to the human condition in a profound way. It is a reminder that our actions have consequences, and that we must live with the choices that we make. It is also a cautionary tale, warning us of the dangers of succumbing to our darker impulses. The poem's vivid imagery, simple yet powerful language, and its haunting narrative make it a true literary masterpiece. If you haven't read "Remorse" yet, I strongly suggest that you do. It is a poem that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Remorse: A Poem of Regret and Redemption
Robert Service's poem "Remorse" is a hauntingly beautiful piece that explores the themes of regret and redemption. The poem tells the story of a man who has lived a life of sin and excess, only to be struck by a sudden realization of the error of his ways. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Service takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery and transformation.
The poem begins with the speaker reflecting on his past actions, lamenting the fact that he has wasted his life on "wine and women and song." He describes himself as a "fool" who has "squandered [his] days." The tone is one of deep regret and sorrow, as the speaker realizes that he has nothing to show for his life except for a "heart that is heavy and old."
As the poem progresses, the speaker becomes increasingly introspective, examining his own motivations and desires. He acknowledges that he was driven by a need for pleasure and excitement, but now realizes that those things are fleeting and ultimately unsatisfying. He longs for something more meaningful, something that will give his life purpose and direction.
The turning point of the poem comes when the speaker has a vision of a "radiant face" that fills him with a sense of peace and joy. This face represents the possibility of redemption, a chance to start anew and make amends for his past mistakes. The speaker is filled with a sense of hope and optimism, and he vows to change his ways and live a better life.
The final stanza of the poem is a powerful affirmation of the speaker's newfound commitment to living a life of virtue and integrity. He declares that he will "climb the heights of love" and "walk the ways of truth," and that he will no longer be held back by his past mistakes. The tone is one of triumph and resolution, as the speaker embraces his new identity as a redeemed and transformed individual.
One of the most striking aspects of "Remorse" is the vivid imagery that Service employs to convey the speaker's emotions and experiences. The poem is filled with powerful metaphors and similes that bring the speaker's inner world to life. For example, he describes his heart as "heavy as lead" and his soul as "black as a coal." These images convey a sense of the speaker's despair and hopelessness, as well as the weight of his past mistakes.
In contrast, the vision of the radiant face is described in glowing terms, with the speaker comparing it to the "sun on a mountain peak" and the "moon on a silver lake." These images convey a sense of the speaker's awe and wonder at the possibility of redemption, as well as the transformative power of this experience.
Another notable aspect of the poem is the use of rhyme and meter to create a sense of musicality and rhythm. The poem is written in a traditional ballad form, with a consistent rhyme scheme and a regular meter. This creates a sense of structure and order that contrasts with the chaotic and disordered world of the speaker's past.
Overall, "Remorse" is a powerful and moving poem that explores the themes of regret and redemption in a deeply personal and emotional way. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Service takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery and transformation, showing us the possibility of redemption even in the darkest of circumstances. It is a testament to the power of poetry to convey complex emotions and experiences, and a reminder of the importance of self-reflection and personal growth.
Editor Recommended Sites
Scikit-Learn Tutorial: Learn Sklearn. The best guides, tutorials and best practiceSite Reliability SRE: Guide to SRE: Tutorials, training, masterclass
New Today App: Top tech news from around the internet
Coding Interview Tips - LLM and AI & Language Model interview questions: Learn the latest interview tips for the new LLM / GPT AI generative world
Flutter Tips: The best tips across all widgets and app deployment for flutter development
Recommended Similar Analysis
Notice What This Poem Is Not Doing by William Stafford analysisIn a Garden by Sarah Teasdale analysis
To Thomas Moore by George Gordon, Lord Byron analysis
From Pent-up Aching Rivers by Walt Whitman analysis
Because I could not stop for Death, by Emily Dickinson analysis
Heaven is what I cannot reach! by Emily Dickinson analysis
To A Young Beauty by William Butler Yeats analysis
A Supermarket In California by Allen Ginsberg analysis
The bustle in a house by Emily Dickinson analysis
To George Sand: A Desire by Elizabeth Barrett Browning analysis