'The Super' by Robert Service
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Rhymes of a RoughneckWhen I was with a Shakespeare show
I played the part of Guildenstern,
Or Rosenkrantz - at least I know
It wasn't difficult to learn;
By Reader, do not at me scoff,
For futhermore I should explain
I was the understudy of
The understudy of the Dane.Oh how it crabbed me just to think
They barred me from that role divine;
And how I longed to have them drink
A cup of slightly poisoned wine!
At every night with struts and rants
I strove my quid a week to earn,
And put my soul in Rosenkrantz -
Or was it haply, Guildenstern.Alas! I might have spared by breath,
I never played the noble Dane;
And yet when Irving staged
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Super: A Critique of Robert Service's Poetry
Have you ever read a poem that made you feel as though you were standing in the midst of the narrative, experiencing the story as if it were your own? That's exactly what happens when you read The Super by Robert Service. The Super is a classic narrative poem that tells the story of a superintendent who is loved and revered by his tenants but ultimately loses his job. In this critique, I will analyze the structure, tone, and themes of the poem, and argue that The Super is a masterpiece of poetic storytelling.
The Structure of The Super
Firstly, let's take a look at the structure of The Super. The poem is divided into ten stanzas, each of which is comprised of four lines. The rhyme scheme is AABB, meaning that the first and second lines rhyme with each other, and the third and fourth lines rhyme with each other. This simple structure allows the poem to flow smoothly, making it easy for the reader to become immersed in the story.
However, the structure of the poem is not the only factor that contributes to its flow. Robert Service's use of meter is also crucial to the poem's rhythm. The meter of The Super is predominantly iambic tetrameter, meaning that each line of the poem contains four iambs. An iamb is a metrical foot consisting of one unstressed syllable followed by one stressed syllable. This creates a natural-sounding rhythm that mimics the cadence of speech. For example, take a look at the first two lines of the poem:
There's a caretaker's house near the ditch, Where the old fella lives by his switch.
The stressed syllables in these lines fall on the second and fourth beats, creating a regular pattern that is easy to follow. This meter, combined with the rhyme scheme and the simple structure, makes The Super an enjoyable and engaging read.
The Tone of The Super
Another significant factor that contributes to the effectiveness of The Super is the tone of the poem. At first, the tone seems light-hearted and jovial, with the narrator describing the superintendent as a "jolly old boy" who is loved by all his tenants. However, as the poem progresses, the tone becomes increasingly melancholic, mirroring the superintendent's ultimate downfall.
The contrast between the beginning and end of the poem is stark. At the beginning, we are introduced to the superintendent and his cheerful demeanor, and the tone is almost playful. For example, take a look at the following lines:
He's the one that's boss of the show, And the tenants all of them know That he's just as soft-hearted as dough, And as square as a man ought to grow.
The rhyme and meter here create a sing-songy effect, reinforcing the idea that the superintendent is a happy-go-lucky, well-liked man. However, as the poem progresses, the tone becomes darker and more serious. The superintendent loses his job, and the narrator describes him as "old and sad and gray." The last stanza is particularly poignant, with the narrator lamenting the superintendent's fate:
But when he goes to the Great Unknown, It's my belief that he'll get his own, And the boss of the whole danged affair Will tip him a wink and say: "You're square."
The rhyme and meter in this stanza are more subdued and somber, reflecting the sadness and seriousness of the situation. The contrast between the beginning and end of the poem is a testament to Robert Service's skill as a writer.
The Themes of The Super
Finally, let's examine the themes of The Super. At its core, the poem is a meditation on the virtues of honesty and kindness. The superintendent is seen as a model of these virtues, and his downfall is portrayed as a tragedy.
Throughout the poem, the narrator emphasizes the superintendent's integrity and compassion. For example:
He's the one that's boss of the show, And the tenants all of them know That he's just as soft-hearted as dough, And as square as a man ought to grow.
The repetition of the word "square" emphasizes the superintendent's honesty, while the phrase "soft-hearted as dough" highlights his compassion. The superintendent is not only a good man, but he is also respected and loved by those around him.
However, despite his virtues, the superintendent loses his job. This is a harsh reminder that sometimes, goodness and honesty are not enough to protect us from the cruelties of the world. The poem is a commentary on the unfairness of life, and the ways in which good people can be punished for doing the right thing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Super is a masterpiece of poetic storytelling. Robert Service's use of structure, tone, and themes combine to create a powerful narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. The poem serves as a tribute to the virtues of honesty and kindness, while also reminding us of the harsh realities of the world. If you haven't read The Super yet, I highly recommend that you do so. It's a classic poem that deserves to be read and appreciated by generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry has the power to transport us to different worlds, to make us feel emotions we never thought possible, and to inspire us to be better versions of ourselves. And there is no better example of this than Robert Service's classic poem, "The Super."
"The Super" is a poem that tells the story of a man who is tasked with the responsibility of keeping a building clean and orderly. But this is no ordinary building. It is a place where the rich and powerful come to live, and where the rules are different from the rest of the world. The man, who is referred to as "the super," is a hardworking and dedicated individual who takes pride in his work. He is determined to keep the building in perfect condition, no matter what challenges he may face.
The poem begins with a description of the building itself. Service paints a picture of a grand and imposing structure, with marble floors and crystal chandeliers. It is a place of luxury and opulence, where the wealthy come to live out their dreams. But beneath the surface, there is a darker side to this world. The people who live here are selfish and cruel, and they treat the super with contempt and disdain.
Despite this, the super remains steadfast in his commitment to his work. He takes pride in his job, and he is determined to do it well. He spends his days cleaning and polishing, making sure that every inch of the building is spotless. He is a man of great integrity, and he refuses to compromise his values for anyone.
But as the poem progresses, we begin to see the toll that this job is taking on the super. He is exhausted and worn out, and he longs for a simpler life. He dreams of a world where he can be free from the demands of his job, and where he can live a life of peace and tranquility.
Despite his weariness, the super continues to work tirelessly. He knows that his job is important, and he is determined to do it well. He takes pride in his work, and he refuses to let the people who live in the building bring him down.
As the poem comes to a close, we see the super standing alone in the building, surrounded by the trappings of wealth and power. He is a man of great strength and courage, and he has faced his challenges with grace and dignity. He is a hero, in every sense of the word.
In many ways, "The Super" is a poem about the human spirit. It is a story of perseverance and determination, of the power of hard work and dedication. It is a reminder that no matter how difficult our lives may be, we can always find the strength to keep going.
But it is also a poem about the dangers of materialism and greed. The people who live in the building are consumed by their desire for wealth and power, and they have lost touch with the things that truly matter in life. They have become so focused on their own desires that they have forgotten about the people around them, including the super who works tirelessly to keep their world in order.
In conclusion, "The Super" is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of hard work and dedication, and of the dangers of materialism and greed. It is a poem that speaks to the human spirit, and that inspires us to be the best versions of ourselves. If you haven't read it yet, I highly recommend that you do. You won't be disappointed.
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