'Treat 'Em Rough' by Robert Service
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First time I dared propose,
A callow lad was I;
I donned my Sunday clothes,
I wore my Old School Tie.
Awaiting me Louise
Was dolled to beat the band,
So going on my knees
I begged her hand.
Oh yes, she gave me her hand,--
A box upon the ear;
I could not understand,
I blinked away a tear.
Then scornfully she said:
'Next time you kneel before
A maid, young man don't spread
Your hankey on the floor.'
So next time I proposed,
Thinks I, I'll treat 'em rough.
Her name was Lily Rose,
I gave her he-man stuff.
I yanked her on my knee,
And as her ear I bit,
To my amazement she
Seemed to like it.
The old cave-men knew best;
Grab girlies by the hair,
And though they may protest
Drag them into your lair.
So young men seeking mates,
Take my tip, if rejected:
A modern maid just hates
To be respected.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Treat 'Em Rough: A Classic Poem by Robert Service
Have you ever read a poem that made you feel like you're right there in the scene, watching it unfold before your eyes? That's what Robert Service's "Treat 'Em Rough" does. It's a gritty, action-packed poem that tells the story of a cowpuncher's life on the range. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we'll explore the themes, literary devices, and style of "Treat 'Em Rough."
The Poem
Before we dive into the analysis, let's take a moment to read the poem in its entirety:
"Treat 'em rough!" the swaddy said; "Fifty Suffolks raised the cheer. "Slipper us along the road, An' what's the odds so long as we get there?"
Dusty kids with flannel mufflers Rushing every time they hear The wheezy tune of an accordion, Or the jerky bark of a mandoline.
Beggars with their pints and sandwiches Sunning on the steps of Saint George's Hall; Cripples sprawling on the pavement, Legless, unwashed, with a football.
"Scuse me, lady! Got a copper? "Scuse me, lady! Got a bite?" "Scuse me, lady! Got a cigarette?" An' the ladies passin' by polite.
"Treat 'em rough!" the soldier said; "Treat 'em rough or they'll treat you worse. "Mind you, I don't mind a bit -- "An' what's the odds so long as we win the war?"
In the murky-red November They are fighting side by side; At the roar of the belching maxim, At the shriek of the bursting bomb.
In the reek of the blinding gas-cloud, In the piteous uttering moan, Lie the lads from every corner, Of the land that love their own.
"Treat 'em rough!" the sergeant growls; "Treat 'em rough, you bleedin' swine. "We've got to save the Empire, An' what's your precious skin alongside mine?"
Sixty rounds a minute, Curtain fire when the Boches attack; Then it's over the top with bayonets fixed, An' there ain't no way of turnin' back.
Huddled in the slimy funk-hole, Praying God that you'll be saved, Hearing the bullets swish and whistle, Seeing your comrades one by one go west.
"Treat 'em rough!" the sergeant barks; "Treat 'em rough, you dogs of war! "Rifles and machine-guns ready, "An' what's the odds who you're shootin' for?"
Analysis
Theme
The poem's central theme is war and violence. The title, "Treat 'Em Rough," sets the tone for the entire poem. The soldiers are encouraged to be ruthless and brutal in their treatment of the enemy. The poem portrays war as a savage, bloody conflict that leaves behind only death and destruction. The soldiers are willing to do anything to win, even if it means sacrificing their own lives.
Literary Devices
Service uses a variety of literary devices throughout the poem to convey its themes and ideas. Here are some of the most prominent:
- Repetition: The phrase "treat 'em rough" is repeated multiple times throughout the poem, emphasizing the soldiers' callous attitude towards the enemy.
- Imagery: The poem is filled with vivid images that transport the reader to the battlefield. Examples include "the roar of the belching maxim" and "the reek of the blinding gas-cloud."
- Metaphor: The soldiers are compared to dogs of war, emphasizing their animalistic and savage nature.
- Rhyme: The poem has a consistent rhyme scheme (ABAB), which contributes to its musical quality.
Style
Service's style in "Treat 'Em Rough" is direct and uncompromising. He doesn't shy away from depicting the horrors of war in graphic detail. The use of slang and colloquial language also adds to the poem's rough and gritty tone. The poem is written in a conversational style, as if the speaker is telling a story to a group of listeners.
Interpretation
The poem can be interpreted in a number of ways, depending on the reader's perspective. Here are a few possible interpretations:
- Anti-war: Despite the poem's glorification of violence, it may actually be a critique of war. By depicting the brutality of warfare, Service may be suggesting that it's a senseless and pointless activity that only leads to death and destruction.
- Patriotic: On the other hand, the poem can also be interpreted as a celebration of patriotism and duty. The soldiers are willing to sacrifice everything for their country, even their own lives.
- Dehumanization: The soldiers are portrayed as ruthless and savage, which can be seen as a commentary on the dehumanization that occurs during war. When soldiers are encouraged to treat the enemy "rough," they are essentially reducing them to mere objects rather than fellow human beings.
Conclusion
"Treat 'Em Rough" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that offers a stark portrayal of war and violence. Although it may be difficult to read at times, it's an important reminder of the human cost of conflict. Service's use of literary devices and style contribute to the poem's overall impact, making it an enduring classic of English literature.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Treat 'Em Rough: An Ode to the Wild West
Robert Service's poem "Treat 'Em Rough" is a classic ode to the Wild West, a time when cowboys and outlaws roamed the vast expanse of the American frontier. The poem captures the rugged spirit of the West, with its rough and tumble lifestyle, its lawlessness, and its sense of adventure.
The poem begins with the line "Treat 'em rough!" which sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The speaker is urging his fellow cowboys to be tough and unyielding in the face of danger. He tells them to "ride 'em hard and put 'em away wet," which is a reference to the practice of working horses hard and then letting them cool down without properly caring for them. This was a common practice in the West, where horses were seen as tools rather than companions.
The speaker goes on to describe the harsh realities of life in the West. He talks about the "long, long trail" that stretches out before them, and the dangers that lurk around every corner. He tells his fellow cowboys to be prepared for anything, whether it's a stampede, a shootout, or a run-in with a grizzly bear.
Despite the dangers, the speaker is clearly enamored with the Wild West. He describes it as a place where "men are men" and where "the weaklings go to pot." He sees the West as a place where a man can prove his mettle, where he can test his courage and his strength.
The poem is full of vivid imagery that brings the Wild West to life. The speaker describes the "sagebrush plain" and the "purple peaks" that rise up in the distance. He talks about the "cactus bloom" and the "mesquite tree," which are iconic symbols of the West.
The poem also contains a number of references to cowboy culture. The speaker talks about "chewing the rag" with his fellow cowboys, which is a term for engaging in idle conversation. He mentions the "lariat" and the "spur," which are both essential tools for a cowboy. He even references the "chuck wagon," which was the mobile kitchen that accompanied cowboys on their long cattle drives.
One of the most interesting aspects of the poem is the way it portrays the relationship between cowboys and their horses. The speaker talks about how a cowboy's horse is his "pal," his "pardner," and his "buddy." He describes the bond between a cowboy and his horse as something that is almost sacred. This is a theme that is common in Western literature, and it speaks to the deep connection that cowboys had with their animals.
At the same time, however, the poem also acknowledges the harsh realities of life in the West. The speaker talks about how a cowboy's horse might be "lame and sore and sick," and how it might have to be "shot and buried deep." This is a reminder that life in the West was not always glamorous or romantic. It was a hard life, and sometimes tough decisions had to be made.
Overall, "Treat 'Em Rough" is a classic poem that captures the spirit of the Wild West. It is a celebration of the rugged individualism and the sense of adventure that defined that era. At the same time, it is also a reminder that life in the West was not always easy, and that cowboys had to be tough and unyielding in order to survive. It is a poem that speaks to the enduring appeal of the Wild West, and to the timeless values of courage, strength, and loyalty that it represents.
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