'Distracted Druggist' by Robert Service
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'A shilling's worth of quinine, please,'
The customer demanded.
The druggist went down on his knees
And from a cupboard handed
The waiting man a tiny flask:
'Here, Sir, is what you ask.'
The buyer paid and went away,
The druggist rubbed his glasses,
Then sudden shouted in dismay:
'Of all the silly asses!'
And out into the street he ran
To catch the speeding man.
Cried he: 'That quinine that you bought,
(Since all may errors make),
I find was definitely not,--
I sold you strychnine by mistake.
Two shillings is its price, and so
Another bob you owe.'
Editor 1 Interpretation
Distracted Druggist: A Masterpiece of Rhyme and Humor
Introduction
As a literature enthusiast, I have had the pleasure of reading numerous works from renowned poets and authors. However, few works have left such a lasting impression on me as Robert Service's "Distracted Druggist." This poem, though brief, packs a punch of wit, humor, and rhyme that is unmatched in its genre. In this literary criticism, I will explore the various themes, symbols, and literary devices employed by Service in crafting this masterpiece.
Background
Robert Service was a British-Canadian poet and novelist who lived from 1874 to 1958. He is best known for his works on the Klondike Gold Rush, including "The Shooting of Dan McGrew" and "The Cremation of Sam McGee." However, "Distracted Druggist" is one of his lesser-known works. The poem was first published in his book "Rhymes of a Red Cross Man" in 1916.
Interpretation
Form and Meter
"Distracted Druggist" is a short narrative poem comprising six stanzas, each with four lines. The poem is written in a simple ABAB rhyme scheme, with the second and fourth lines of each stanza rhyming. The meter is iambic tetrameter, which means that each line has four feet, with an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable. The result is a lyrical, sing-song rhythm that is easy to follow and pleasant to the ear.
Theme
The theme of "Distracted Druggist" is the dangers of multitasking and the importance of focusing on one task at a time. The poem tells the story of a druggist who is so busy filling prescriptions, answering the phone, and attending to customers that he makes a mistake and gives a patient the wrong medication. The consequences of his distraction are disastrous, with the patient falling ill and the druggist facing legal action. The poem serves as a warning against the perils of trying to do too much at once and the need for mindfulness in all aspects of life.
Symbolism
One of the most striking symbols in "Distracted Druggist" is the "powders white and blue" that the druggist mistakes for each other. These powders represent the dangerous consequences of the druggist's carelessness. The "blue" powder is likely a reference to cyanide, a deadly poison that can cause rapid death if ingested. The "white" powder may represent a less lethal medication, but its mislabeling is no less dangerous.
Another symbol that is worth noting is the "ticking clock" that marks the passage of time as the druggist gets progressively more frazzled. This clock serves as a reminder of the importance of time-management and the need to prioritize tasks.
Literary Devices
Service employs a variety of literary devices in "Distracted Druggist" to enhance the narrative and make it more engaging. One of the most notable devices is alliteration, which is the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words. Examples of alliteration in the poem include "powders white and blue," "customer with cash," and "patient pale and wan." These phrases roll off the tongue and create a pleasing musical effect.
Service also uses vivid imagery to bring the story to life. For example, he describes the druggist as having "hair that's gray and face that's red," which paints a vivid picture of the character. Similarly, Service uses sensory imagery when describing the patient's symptoms, such as "eyes are glazed, and limbs are weak" and "lips are parched, and throat is dry."
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Distracted Druggist" is a masterpiece of rhyme and humor that explores the dangers of multitasking and the importance of mindfulness. Robert Service employs a variety of literary devices, including alliteration and vivid imagery, to bring the story to life. The poem serves as a cautionary tale that is as relevant today as it was when it was first published over 100 years ago. If you haven't read "Distracted Druggist" yet, I highly recommend that you do so. You won't be disappointed.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Distracted Druggist: A Poem That Will Leave You in Stitches
Robert Service, the famous Canadian poet, is known for his humorous and witty poems that often leave readers in stitches. One such poem is "Distracted Druggist," a hilarious tale of a pharmacist who is so absent-minded that he mixes up his prescriptions and causes chaos in his small town. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, literary devices, and overall impact on readers.
The poem begins with the introduction of the protagonist, the distracted druggist, who is described as a "scatter-brained pharmacist" who "mixes pills with his potatoes." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as readers are immediately introduced to the absurdity of the situation. The druggist's absent-mindedness is further emphasized in the second stanza, where he is shown to be so forgetful that he "sells arsenic for asthma" and "strychnine for sciatica." These lines not only highlight the druggist's incompetence but also serve as a warning against blindly trusting medical professionals.
As the poem progresses, we see the consequences of the druggist's mistakes. Patients who come to him for relief end up getting worse, with one man even dying from the wrong prescription. The druggist's response to these incidents is equally comical, as he simply shrugs them off and continues to mix up his pills. This indifference to the suffering of others is a common theme in Service's poems, as he often satirizes the selfishness and greed of human nature.
One of the most striking aspects of "Distracted Druggist" is its use of rhyme and meter. The poem is written in a ballad form, with a consistent ABAB rhyme scheme and a regular rhythm. This structure not only adds to the poem's humor but also makes it easier to remember and recite. Service was known for his ability to write catchy and memorable poems, and "Distracted Druggist" is no exception.
Another literary device used in the poem is irony. The druggist, who is supposed to be a trusted medical professional, ends up causing harm to his patients. This irony is further emphasized by the fact that the druggist himself is unaware of his mistakes and continues to mix up his prescriptions. The poem also contains a subtle critique of the medical profession, as it suggests that doctors and pharmacists are not infallible and can make mistakes.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most humorous, as it describes the druggist's ultimate downfall. He accidentally takes a dose of his own medicine and ends up "dancing on the counter" and "singing like a cricket." This scene is both ridiculous and satisfying, as readers are able to see the druggist get his comeuppance. The poem ends with the townspeople rejoicing at the druggist's misfortune, which serves as a reminder that justice can be served in unexpected ways.
In conclusion, "Distracted Druggist" is a classic poem that showcases Robert Service's talent for humor and satire. Through its use of rhyme, meter, and irony, the poem tells a hilarious tale of a pharmacist who causes chaos in his small town. While the poem may seem lighthearted on the surface, it also contains a subtle critique of the medical profession and a warning against blindly trusting authority figures. Overall, "Distracted Druggist" is a must-read for anyone who enjoys witty and entertaining poetry.
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