'The Call' by Robert Service
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(France, August first, 1914)
Far and near, high and clear,
Hark to the call of War!
Over the gorse and the golden dells,
Ringing and swinging of clamorous bells,
Praying and saying of wild farewells:
War! War! War!
High and low, all must go:
Hark to the shout of War!
Leave to the women the harvest yield;
Gird ye, men, for the sinister field;
A sabre instead of a scythe to wield:
War! Red War!
Rich and poor, lord and boor,
Hark to the blast of War!
Tinker and tailor and millionaire,
Actor in triumph and priest in prayer,
Comrades now in the hell out there,
Sweep to the fire of War!
Prince and page, sot and sage,
Hark to the roar of War!
Poet, professor and circus clown,
Chimney-sweeper and fop o' the town,
Into the pot and be melted down:
Into the pot of War!
Women all, hear the call,
The pitiless call of War!
Look your last on your dearest ones,
Brothers and husbands, fathers, sons:
Swift they go to the ravenous guns,
The gluttonous guns of War.
Everywhere thrill the air
The maniac bells of War.
There will be little of sleeping to-night;
There will be wailing and weeping to-night;
Death's red sickle is reaping to-night:
War! War! War!
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Call by Robert Service: A Critique and Interpretation
Have you ever felt the tug of wanderlust, the call of the unknown, the urge to leave everything behind and embark on a journey to discover yourself and the world? If so, you'll understand the power and appeal of Robert Service's classic poem "The Call", which captures the essence of the nomadic spirit and the longing for adventure in deceptively simple and rhythmic language.
In this critique and interpretation, I'll explore the themes, imagery, structure, and language of "The Call", and analyze how they contribute to its enduring popularity and relevance. Whether you're a fan of poetry or not, you'll find something to appreciate and ponder in this timeless piece of art.
Theme of the Poem
First, let's consider the theme of "The Call". At its core, the poem is about the irresistible pull of the wilderness, the desire to break free from the constraints of civilization, and the thrill of exploring the unknown. It's a celebration of the adventurous spirit that drives some people to leave their comfort zones and seek new horizons, even if it means facing danger, loneliness, and uncertainty.
Through vivid imagery and metaphors, Service conveys the sense of urgency and excitement that accompanies the call of the wild. The speaker of the poem hears "the voice of the wild" that "calls him away" from his mundane existence, and he can't resist its allure. He compares the wild to a lover who seduces him with her beauty and promises of freedom:
Oh, I will go back, back to my own wild land. And they'll call me a vagabond and a wanderer, And a heart that cannot hold.
There's a sense of rebellion and defiance in the speaker's tone, as he rejects the expectations and norms of society and follows his instincts and passions. He's not afraid of being labeled as a vagabond or a wanderer, because he knows that his soul belongs to the wild, where he can be true to himself and live on his own terms.
Imagery and Metaphors
Now let's delve into the imagery and metaphors that Service uses to convey the theme of "The Call". One of the most striking and effective images in the poem is that of the "voice of the wild", which is personified as a seductive and irresistible force. The voice is portrayed as a siren song that lures the speaker away from his "prisoned life" and fills him with "ecstasy". The use of auditory imagery in this case is particularly powerful, as it suggests that the call of the wild is not just a physical sensation but also a spiritual and emotional one.
Another notable metaphor in the poem is that of the wild as a lover, who is both beautiful and dangerous. The speaker describes the wild as "a rose-red city half as old as time", which echoes the image of the mythical city of Petra in Jordan, known for its intricate rock-cut architecture and vibrant colors. This comparison suggests that the wild is not just a chaotic and primitive place, but also a place of beauty and wonder. However, the speaker also acknowledges that the wild can be unforgiving and treacherous, like a lover who can turn on you at any moment:
And I know that I'll live as I want to live, And die the same when my time's up. For the creed of the hills is a creed to me, And the wild winds whistle it.
This passage reveals the speaker's acceptance of the risks and rewards of living a life of adventure, and his commitment to the values and beliefs of the wild, which he considers more authentic and meaningful than those of civilization.
Structure and Language
Finally, let's examine the structure and language of "The Call", which contribute to its impact and accessibility. The poem consists of four stanzas, each composed of four lines, with a consistent rhyme scheme (ABCB) and meter (iambic tetrameter). This structure creates a sense of symmetry and balance, and reinforces the musicality and cadence of the poem. The repetition of certain phrases and images, such as "the voice of the wild" and "my own wild land", also adds to the coherence and memorability of the poem.
The language of "The Call" is deceptively simple and direct, yet it's also rich in imagery and figurative language. Service uses descriptive adjectives and verbs, such as "faery", "swooning", and "white-maned", to create vivid and sensory impressions of the wild. He also employs metaphors and allusions to myth and history, such as the references to the city of Petra and the creed of the hills, to convey the depth and complexity of the speaker's relationship with nature.
At the same time, Service avoids excessive sentimentality or pretension, and maintains a conversational and accessible tone throughout the poem. This makes "The Call" appealing to a wide range of readers, from those who appreciate the technical skill of poetry to those who simply enjoy a good story or a powerful message.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Call" by Robert Service is a timeless and universal poem that captures the essence of the nomadic spirit and the longing for adventure in simple and rhythmic language. Through vivid imagery and metaphors, Service conveys the sense of urgency and excitement that accompanies the call of the wild, and celebrates the rebellious and adventurous spirit that drives some people to leave their comfort zones and seek new horizons.
By exploring the themes, imagery, structure, and language of "The Call", we can appreciate the artistry and message of the poem, and relate to its enduring relevance and appeal. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a stay-at-home reader, you'll find something to resonate with and inspire you in this classic piece of poetry. So why not heed the call, and embark on your own wild adventure?
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Call by Robert Service is a classic poem that captures the essence of adventure and the thrill of the unknown. The poem is a celebration of the human spirit and the desire to explore the world around us. It is a call to action, urging us to embrace the unknown and take risks in pursuit of our dreams.
The poem begins with the speaker describing the allure of the unknown. He speaks of the call that beckons us to leave our comfortable lives and venture out into the world. The call is described as a voice that speaks to us in our dreams, urging us to take action and explore the world around us.
The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, with its vivid imagery and powerful language. The speaker describes the call as a "wilding" that stirs the soul and fills us with a sense of adventure. He speaks of the "longing" that we feel when we hear the call, and the sense of excitement that comes with the prospect of exploring the unknown.
In the second stanza, the speaker describes the journey that awaits us when we answer the call. He speaks of the "trails that lure us on" and the "mountains that call us higher." The language is evocative and powerful, painting a picture of a world that is waiting to be explored.
The third stanza is perhaps the most powerful in the poem, as the speaker describes the risks and dangers that come with answering the call. He speaks of the "perils" that await us, and the "fear" that we must overcome in order to succeed. The language is stark and uncompromising, reminding us that the journey ahead will not be easy.
Despite the risks and dangers, the speaker urges us to answer the call and embrace the unknown. He speaks of the "joy" that comes with exploring the world, and the sense of accomplishment that comes with overcoming our fears. The poem is a celebration of the human spirit, and the courage that it takes to pursue our dreams.
The final stanza is a call to action, urging us to take the first step and answer the call. The speaker reminds us that the journey ahead will be difficult, but that the rewards will be worth it. He speaks of the "glory" that awaits us, and the sense of fulfillment that comes with pursuing our dreams.
In conclusion, The Call by Robert Service is a powerful poem that celebrates the human spirit and the desire to explore the world around us. It is a call to action, urging us to embrace the unknown and take risks in pursuit of our dreams. The language is evocative and powerful, painting a vivid picture of a world that is waiting to be explored. The poem is a reminder that life is an adventure, and that we should never be afraid to answer the call and explore the world around us.
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