'Hail ! Childish Slave Of Social Rules' by Robert Louis Stevenson


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HAIL!Childish slaves of social rules
You had yourselves a hand in making!
How I could shake your faith, ye fools,
If but I thought it worth the shaking.
I see, and pity you; and then
Go, casting off the idle pity,
In search of better, braver men,
My own way freely through the city.

My own way freely, and not yours;
And, careless of a town's abusing,
Seek real friendship that endures
Among the friends of my own choosing.
I'll choose my friends myself, do you hear?
And won't let Mrs. Grundy do it,
Tho' all I honour and hold dear
And all I hope should move me to it.

I take my old coat from the shelf -
I am a man of little breeding.
And only dress to please myself -
I own, a very strange proceeding.
I smoke a pipe abroad, because
To all cigars I much prefer it,
And as I scorn your social laws
My choice has nothing to deter it.

Gladly I trudge the footpath way,
While you and yours roll by in coaches
In all the pride of fine array,
Through all the city's thronged approaches.
O fine religious, decent folk,
In Virtue's flaunting gold and scarlet,
I sneer between two puffs of smoke, -
Give me the publican and harlot.

Ye dainty-spoken, stiff, severe
Seed of the migrated Philistian,
One whispered question in your ear -
Pray, what was Christ, if you be Christian?
If Christ were only here just now,
Among the city's wynds and gables
Teaching the life he taught us, how
Would he be welcome to your tables?

I go and leave your logic-straws,
Your former-friends with face averted,
Your petty ways and narrow laws,
Your Grundy and your God, deserted.
From your frail ark of lies, I flee
I know not where, like Noah's raven.
Full to the broad, unsounded sea
I swim from your dishonest haven.

Alone on that unsounded deep,
Poor waif, it may be I shall perish,
Far from the course I thought to keep,
Far from the friends I hoped to cherish.
It may be that I shall sink, and yet
Hear, thro' all taunt and scornful laughter,
Through all defeat and all regret,
The stronger swimmers coming after.


Editor 1 Interpretation

Hail! Childish Slave Of Social Rules by Robert Louis Stevenson: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Oh, what a delight it is to delve into the world of Robert Louis Stevenson's poetry! His works are a true treasure trove of literary gems, and "Hail! Childish Slave of Social Rules" is certainly no exception. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will be exploring the themes, symbols, and literary devices employed by Stevenson in this classic poem.

Overview of the Poem

"Hail! Childish Slave of Social Rules" is a poem that celebrates the freedom and joy of childhood. It is a nostalgic look back at a time when one was free to play, dream, and imagine without the constraints of society. The poem consists of four stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of childhood.

Themes Explored in the Poem

One of the major themes explored in the poem is the idea of freedom. Stevenson celebrates the freedom that children have to play and imagine, unencumbered by the constraints of society. He suggests that this freedom is something that adults have lost, and that we should strive to regain it. The poem also explores the theme of imagination, suggesting that it is a powerful force that should be nurtured and celebrated.

Another theme explored in the poem is the idea of innocence. Stevenson suggests that children are innocent and pure, and that we should strive to protect and preserve that innocence. He argues that society's rules and regulations can corrupt that innocence, and that we should be careful not to let that happen.

Symbols and Literary Devices Employed in the Poem

One of the most prominent symbols in the poem is that of the "slave of social rules." Stevenson suggests that children are not yet enslaved by these rules, and that they are able to enjoy a freedom that adults have lost. He contrasts this with the idea of "social rules," suggesting that they are a burden that adults must carry.

Stevenson also employs several literary devices in the poem. One of the most prominent is imagery, which he uses to create vivid, sensory descriptions of childhood experiences. For example, he describes the "smiling countryside" and the "dancing air," which evoke a sense of joy and freedom. He also uses repetition to create a sense of rhythm and momentum, which helps to convey the energy and excitement of childhood.

Interpretation of the Poem

At its core, "Hail! Childish Slave of Social Rules" is a celebration of childhood and the freedom it represents. Stevenson suggests that adults have lost something valuable when they become enslaved by society's rules, and that we should strive to regain the sense of freedom and joy that we once had as children.

The poem also suggests that imagination is a powerful force that should be nurtured and celebrated. Stevenson argues that children are able to tap into this power more easily than adults, and that we should learn from them and cultivate our own imaginations.

Finally, the poem suggests that innocence is something that should be protected and preserved. Stevenson argues that society's rules and regulations can corrupt that innocence, and that we should be careful not to let that happen.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Hail! Childish Slave of Social Rules" is a beautiful and nostalgic poem that celebrates the freedom, joy, and innocence of childhood. Through its exploration of themes, symbols, and literary devices, it encourages us to reclaim these qualities in our own lives, and to nurture our imaginations and protect our innocence. Robert Louis Stevenson's poetry always has a way of stirring the heart and this poem is no exception. Hail, Robert Louis Stevenson, hail!

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Hail! Childish Slave of Social Rules: A Masterpiece by Robert Louis Stevenson

Robert Louis Stevenson, the Scottish novelist, poet, and essayist, is known for his works that explore the human condition, the complexities of life, and the beauty of nature. Among his many works, "Hail! Childish Slave of Social Rules" stands out as a masterpiece of poetry that captures the essence of human nature and the struggle for freedom.

In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in this poem to understand its significance and relevance to our lives today.

Themes

The poem "Hail! Childish Slave of Social Rules" is a powerful commentary on the human condition, particularly the struggle for freedom and the constraints of social norms. The poem is divided into two parts, each exploring a different aspect of this struggle.

In the first part, the speaker addresses the "childish slave of social rules" and urges them to break free from the constraints of society. The speaker acknowledges that society has its benefits, but also warns that it can be a trap that stifles creativity and individuality.

The second part of the poem explores the idea of freedom and the struggle to achieve it. The speaker acknowledges that freedom is not easy to attain and that it requires courage and determination. The poem ends with a call to action, urging the reader to embrace their freedom and live life to the fullest.

Imagery

The imagery used in "Hail! Childish Slave of Social Rules" is vivid and powerful, evoking strong emotions and creating a sense of urgency. The poem is full of contrasts, with images of light and darkness, freedom and constraint, and life and death.

One of the most striking images in the poem is that of the "childish slave of social rules." This image captures the idea of a person who is trapped by the expectations of society and unable to break free. The image is both poignant and powerful, evoking a sense of sadness and frustration.

Another powerful image in the poem is that of the "prisoner of the mind." This image captures the idea of a person who is trapped by their own thoughts and unable to break free. The image is both haunting and compelling, evoking a sense of fear and desperation.

The imagery in the poem is also full of contrasts, with images of light and darkness, freedom and constraint, and life and death. These contrasts create a sense of tension and urgency, urging the reader to break free from the constraints of society and embrace their freedom.

Language

The language used in "Hail! Childish Slave of Social Rules" is both powerful and poetic, evoking strong emotions and creating a sense of urgency. The poem is full of vivid imagery, metaphors, and allusions, which add depth and complexity to the text.

One of the most striking aspects of the language in the poem is its use of repetition. The phrase "hail! childish slave of social rules" is repeated throughout the poem, creating a sense of urgency and emphasizing the importance of breaking free from societal constraints.

The language in the poem is also full of metaphors and allusions, which add depth and complexity to the text. For example, the phrase "prisoner of the mind" is a metaphor that captures the idea of a person who is trapped by their own thoughts. The allusion to the "gates of life" and the "gates of death" adds a sense of grandeur and significance to the poem.

Significance

"Hail! Childish Slave of Social Rules" is a poem that speaks to the human condition and the struggle for freedom. The poem is a powerful commentary on the constraints of society and the importance of breaking free from those constraints.

The poem is also significant because it speaks to the universal human experience. We all struggle with the constraints of society and the desire for freedom. The poem reminds us that we are not alone in this struggle and that we can find the courage and determination to break free.

Finally, the poem is significant because it speaks to the importance of living life to the fullest. The poem urges us to embrace our freedom and to live life with passion and purpose. It reminds us that life is short and that we should make the most of the time we have.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Hail! Childish Slave of Social Rules" is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the essence of the human condition. The poem speaks to the struggle for freedom and the constraints of society, using vivid imagery and powerful language to evoke strong emotions and create a sense of urgency.

The poem is significant because it speaks to the universal human experience and reminds us of the importance of breaking free from societal constraints and living life to the fullest. It is a timeless work of art that continues to inspire and resonate with readers today.

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