'Jobson Of The Star' by Robert Service
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Within a pub that's off the Strand and handy to the bar,
With pipe in mouth and mug in hand sat Jobson of the Star.
"Come, sit ye down, ye wond'ring wight, and have a yarn," says he.
"I can't," says I, "because to-night I'm off to Tripoli;
To Tripoli and Trebizond and Timbuctoo mayhap,
Or any magic name beyond I find upon the map.
I go errant trail to try, to clutch the skirts of Chance,
To make once more before I die the gesture of Romance."
The Jobson yawned above his jug, and rumbled: "Is that so?
Well, anyway, sit down, you mug, and have a drink before you go."
Now Jobson is a chum of mine, and in a dusty den,
Within the street that's known as Fleet, he wields a wicked pen.
And every night it's his delight, above the fleeting show,
To castigate the living Great, and keep the lowly low.
And all there is to know he knows, for unto him is spurred
The knowledge of the knowledge of the Thing That Has Occurred.
And all that is to hear he hears, for to his ear is whirled
The echo of the echo of the Sound That Shocks The World.
Let Revolutions rage and rend, and Kingdoms rise and fall,
There Jobson sits and smokes and spits, and writes about it all.
And so we jawed a little while on matters small and great;
He told me his cynic smile of graves affairs of state.
Of princes, peers and presidents, and folks beyond my ken,
He spoke as you and I might speak of ordinary men.
For Jobson is a scribe of worth, and has respect for none,
And all the mighty ones of earth are targets for his fun.
So when I said good-bye, says he, with his satyric leer:
"Too bad to go, when life is so damned interesting here.
The Government rides for a fall, and things are getting hot.
You'd better stick around, old pal; you'll miss an awful lot."
Yet still I went and wandered far, by secret ways and wide.
Adventure was the shining star I took to be my guide.
For fifty moons I followed on, and every moon was sweet,
And lit as if for me alone the trail before my feet.
From cities desolate with doom my moons swam up and set,
On tower and temple, tent and tomb, on mosque and minaret.
To heights that hailed the dawn I scaled, by cliff and chasm sheer;
To far Cathy I found my way, and fabolous Kashmir.
From camel-back I traced the track that bars the barren bled,
And leads to hell-and-blazes, and I followed where it led.
Like emeralds in sapphire set, and ripe for human rape,
I passed with passionate regret the Islands of Escape.
With death I clinched a time or two, and gave the brute a fall.
Hunger and cold and thirst I knew, yet...how I loved it all!
Then suddenly I seemed to tire of trecking up and town,
And longed for some domestic fire, and sailed for London Town.
And in a pub that's off the Strand, and handy to the bar,
With pipe in mouth and mug in hand sat Jobson of the Star.
"Hullo!" says he, "come, take a pew, and tell me where you've been.
It seems to me that lately you have vanished from the scene."
"I've been," says I, "to Kordovan and Kong and Calabar,
To Sarawak and Samarkand, to Ghat and Bolivar;
To Caracas and Guayaquil, to Lhasa and Pekin,
To Brahmapurta and Brazil, to Bagdad and Benin.
I've sailed the Black Sea and the White, The Yellow and the Red,
The Sula and the Celebes, the Bering and the Dead.
I've climbed on Chimborazo, and I've wandered in Peru;
I've camped on Kinchinjunga, and I've crossed the Great Karoo.
I've drifted on the Hoang-ho, the Nile and Amazon;
I've swam the Tiber and the Po.." thus I was going on,
When Jobson yawned above his beer, and rumbled: "Is that so?...
It's been so damned exciting here, too bad you had to go.
We've had the devil of a slump; the market's gone to pot;
You should have stuck around, you chump, you've missed an awful lot."
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In haggard lands where ages brood, on plains burnt out and dim,
I broke the bread of brotherhood with ruthless men and grim.
By ways untrod I walked with God, by parched and bitter path;
In deserts dim I talked with Him, and learned to know His Wrath.
But in a pub that's off the Strand, sits Jobson every night,
And tells me what a fool I am, and maybe he is right.
For Jobson is a man of stamp, and proud of him am I;
And I am just a bloody tramp, and will be till I die.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Jobson Of The Star: A Literary Masterpiece
Introduction
What makes a poem a classic? Is it the timelessness of its theme or the beautiful crafting of its language? Robert Service's "Jobson of the Star" is a poem that embodies both qualities of a classic. With its masterful use of language and its powerful theme of ambition and sacrifice, "Jobson of the Star" has become one of the most celebrated poems of its time.
In this essay, I will provide a detailed literary criticism and interpretation of this classic poem. We'll explore its themes, symbols, and literary devices, and gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and significance.
Context
Before delving into the poem itself, it is important to understand its context. Service wrote "Jobson of the Star" in the early 20th century, a time when exploration and discovery were at the forefront of society's imagination. The poem tells the story of a young man named Jobson, who dreams of reaching the stars and becoming an astronaut.
This was a time when space travel was nothing more than a fantasy, a dream that many people shared but few believed would ever become a reality. Service's poem captures this sense of wonder and possibility, while also exploring the sacrifices that must be made in pursuit of one's dreams.
Themes
One of the central themes of "Jobson of the Star" is ambition. From the very beginning of the poem, we see Jobson's burning desire to reach the stars. He is consumed by his dream and will stop at nothing to achieve it. This theme is one that resonates with many people, as we all have our own dreams and ambitions that we strive to fulfill.
But the poem also explores the darker side of ambition. Jobson's quest for the stars comes at a great cost. He leaves behind his family and friends, sacrificing his relationships and his sense of home for the sake of his dream. This is a cautionary tale about the dangers of ambition and the need to balance our desires with our responsibilities to those around us.
Another theme that emerges in the poem is the idea of sacrifice. As Jobson embarks on his journey, he must leave behind everything he knows and loves. He sacrifices his comfort, his safety, and ultimately his life in pursuit of his dream. This theme of sacrifice is one that is particularly poignant in our own time, as we are constantly called upon to make sacrifices for the greater good.
Literary Devices
One of the most striking aspects of "Jobson of the Star" is its use of language. Service's writing is rich and evocative, with a poetic quality that captures the imagination. One of the most notable literary devices used in the poem is alliteration. The repetition of sounds and letters creates a musical quality that adds to the poem's overall effect.
For example, in the opening lines of the poem, the alliteration of "Jobson of the Star" creates a sense of rhythm and momentum that propels the story forward. Throughout the poem, Service also uses metaphor and simile to create vivid imagery and to explore the deeper themes of the poem.
Another notable literary device used in the poem is personification. Service personifies the stars, giving them a sense of character and personality. This is particularly evident in lines like "The stars they beckoned, sighed and called: / 'Come, Jobson, come!'" This personification adds to the sense of wonder and magic that pervades the poem.
Interpretation
At its core, "Jobson of the Star" is a poem about the human spirit. It is about the power of dreams and the sacrifices that are sometimes necessary to achieve them. But it is also a cautionary tale about the dangers of ambition and the need to find a balance between our desires and our obligations to others.
In many ways, the poem speaks to our own time, when we are constantly called upon to make sacrifices for the greater good. It reminds us that while our dreams are important, we must also be mindful of the impact they have on those around us. And it reminds us that even in the face of great adversity, the human spirit remains unconquerable.
Conclusion
"Jobson of the Star" is a literary masterpiece that continues to captivate readers to this day. With its powerful themes, rich imagery, and masterful use of language, it has earned its place as one of the most celebrated poems of its time. As we continue to explore the mysteries of the universe and the depths of the human spirit, "Jobson of the Star" remains a beacon of hope and inspiration.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Jobson Of The Star: A Poem That Will Leave You Starry-Eyed
Robert Service, the renowned poet, has left us with a legacy of beautiful verses that have stood the test of time. Among his many works, one poem that stands out is "Jobson Of The Star." This poem is a masterpiece that takes the reader on a journey through the vast expanse of the universe, exploring the mysteries of the stars and the human spirit. In this article, we will delve into the depths of this poem and uncover its hidden meanings.
The poem begins with the introduction of the protagonist, Jobson, who is a sailor on a ship. He is a man of the sea, but he is also a dreamer who is fascinated by the stars. He spends his nights gazing at the stars, wondering about their secrets and their stories. He is not content with the mundane life of a sailor, and he yearns for something more significant, something that will take him beyond the horizon.
The first stanza sets the tone for the poem, with the opening lines, "Jobson of the Star, / In the days afar / Had a soul as clear as the crystal dew." These lines establish Jobson as a man with a pure heart and a clear mind, someone who is not afraid to dream big. The use of the word "soul" is significant here, as it suggests that Jobson is not just a physical being but also a spiritual one. He is a man who is in touch with his inner self and is guided by his intuition.
The second stanza takes us on a journey through the stars, as Jobson gazes at them from the deck of his ship. The lines, "He saw the Star of Bethlehem / And the Three Kings riding free," evoke a sense of wonder and awe, as Jobson witnesses the majesty of the universe. The mention of the Star of Bethlehem is particularly significant, as it is a symbol of hope and redemption. It suggests that Jobson is not just a dreamer but also a seeker of truth and meaning.
The third stanza introduces us to Jobson's fellow sailors, who are skeptical of his dreams and dismissive of his aspirations. They mock him and call him a fool, but Jobson remains undeterred. He knows that his dreams are not just idle fantasies but a reflection of his innermost desires. The lines, "But Jobson of the Star / Was a man who'd go far, / Though he sailed with a lubberly crew," show that Jobson is a man of courage and determination, someone who is not afraid to stand up for what he believes in.
The fourth stanza takes us back to the stars, as Jobson continues his journey of discovery. He sees the constellations and the planets, and he marvels at their beauty and complexity. The lines, "He saw the Pleiades / And the Milky Way like a girdle of pearls," paint a vivid picture of the night sky, and the use of simile adds to the poetic quality of the verse. The mention of the Pleiades is significant, as it is a cluster of stars that has been the subject of myth and legend for centuries. It suggests that Jobson is not just a scientist but also an artist, someone who sees the beauty in the universe and is inspired by it.
The fifth stanza introduces us to Jobson's moment of epiphany, as he realizes that his dreams are not just a flight of fancy but a calling. The lines, "He knew that the Star he sought / Was the Star that guided him," suggest that Jobson has found his purpose in life, and he is now ready to pursue it with all his heart. The use of the word "guiding" is significant here, as it suggests that Jobson is not just a passive observer of the universe but an active participant in it. He is a man who is willing to take risks and follow his dreams, even if it means going against the norms of society.
The sixth stanza takes us to the climax of the poem, as Jobson sets out on his quest to find the Star. He leaves his ship and his crew behind and embarks on a perilous journey through the unknown. The lines, "He sailed in a ship of dreams, / With a crew of ghosts and shades," suggest that Jobson is now in a realm of his own, a world of imagination and possibility. The use of the word "ghosts" is significant here, as it suggests that Jobson is now in a state of transcendence, where the boundaries between reality and fantasy are blurred.
The seventh stanza takes us to the end of Jobson's journey, as he finally finds the Star. The lines, "He saw the Star he sought, / And it beckoned him from afar," suggest that Jobson has achieved his goal, and he is now in a state of ecstasy. The use of the word "beckoned" is significant here, as it suggests that the Star is not just a physical object but also a symbol of Jobson's innermost desires. He has found what he was looking for, and he is now at peace with himself and the universe.
The final stanza takes us back to the present, as the narrator reflects on Jobson's journey and its significance. The lines, "And the Star that Jobson sought / Is the Star that beckons you," suggest that Jobson's journey is not just a story but also a metaphor for the human spirit. It is a reminder that we are all dreamers and seekers, and that we should never give up on our aspirations. The poem ends on a note of hope and inspiration, leaving the reader with a sense of wonder and awe.
In conclusion, "Jobson Of The Star" is a poem that will leave you starry-eyed. It is a masterpiece that explores the mysteries of the universe and the human spirit, and it does so with a poetic quality that is unmatched. Robert Service has left us with a legacy of beautiful verses, and this poem is a shining example of his talent and his vision. If you are a dreamer and a seeker, then this poem is for you. It will take you on a journey through the stars and leave you with a sense of wonder and inspiration.
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