'The Reckoning' by Robert Service
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The Spell of the Yukon and Other VersesIt's fine to have a blow-out in a fancy restaurant,
With terrapin and canvas-back and all the wine you want;
To enjoy the flowers and music, watch the pretty women pass,
Smoke a choice cigar, and sip the wealthy water in your glass.
It's bully in a high-toned joint to eat and drink your fill,
But it's quite another matter when youPay the bill.It's great to go out every night on fun or pleasure bent;
To wear your glad rags always and to never save a cent;
To drift along regardless, have a good time every trip;
To hit the high spots sometimes, and to let your chances slip;
To know you're acting foolish, yet to go on fooling still,
Till Nature calls a show-down, and youPay the bill.Time has got a little bill -- get wise while yet you may,
For the debit side's increasing in a most alarming way;
The things you had no right to do, the things you should have done,
They're all put down; it's up to you to pay for every one.
So eat, drink and be merry, have a good time if you will,
But God help you when the time comes, and youFoot the bill.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Introduction
The Reckoning by Robert Service is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. With its vivid imagery and powerful language, the poem paints a picture of the harsh realities of life and the inevitability of death. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the themes and motifs in the poem, as well as analyze the literary devices used by the author to convey his message.
Analysis
Theme of Death
The theme of death is central to this poem, as the title suggests. Service uses death as a metaphor for the reckoning that every person must face in life. He describes death as a "grim accountant" who keeps track of every misdeed and transgression.
He will weigh you in his balance and will measure you by span,
And he'll say, "You've been found wanting, you must come with me, old man."
This imagery is powerful and vivid, evoking a sense of dread and inevitability. It reminds us that we are all mortal and that our time on earth is limited.
The poem also explores the idea that death is not something to be feared, but rather embraced. Service suggests that death is a release from the trials and tribulations of life, a chance to rest from our labors.
And you'll meet the everlasting and unchanging peace.
This idea is reflected in the poem's structure, which is divided into two parts. The first part describes the trials and hardships of life, while the second part describes the peace and rest that comes with death.
Motif of Nature
Another prominent motif in the poem is nature. Service uses nature to symbolize the cyclical nature of life and death. He describes the changing seasons, the falling leaves, and the fading light as symbols of the passage of time and the eventual onset of death.
The leaves of brown they fall upon the wind,
And night is closing in.
This imagery is particularly effective in conveying the sense of time passing and the inevitability of death.
Literary Devices
Service employs a number of literary devices in the poem to convey his message. One of the most prominent is repetition. Service repeats certain phrases and images throughout the poem, creating a sense of rhythm and emphasizing their importance.
For example, he repeats the phrase "the reckoning" several times throughout the poem, each time with increasing emphasis. This repetition creates a sense of urgency and reinforces the importance of the theme.
Service also uses metaphor extensively in the poem, particularly in his description of death as a grim accountant. This metaphor is particularly effective in conveying the sense of inevitability and finality that accompanies death.
The poem also employs rhyme and meter, which gives it a sense of structure and formality. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, which creates a sense of symmetry and balance.
Interpretation
The Reckoning is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the themes of death and the cyclical nature of life. Service uses vivid imagery and powerful language to convey his message, which is both universal and timeless.
The poem reminds us that death is an inevitable part of life, and that we must all face our reckoning at some point. However, it also suggests that death is not something to be feared, but rather embraced as a release from the trials and tribulations of life.
Overall, The Reckoning is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers today. It is a testament to the power of poetry to convey complex emotions and ideas in a way that is both accessible and profound.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Reckoning: A Poem of Life and Death
Robert Service's "The Reckoning" is a classic poem that explores the themes of life and death, morality, and the consequences of one's actions. The poem is a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of living a life that is true to oneself.
The poem begins with the speaker reflecting on his life, and the choices he has made. He acknowledges that he has lived a life of sin, and that he has done things that he is not proud of. He knows that he will soon face his reckoning, and that he will be judged for his actions.
The speaker's tone is one of regret and resignation. He knows that he cannot change the past, and that he must face the consequences of his actions. He is not afraid of death, but he is afraid of what comes after. He wonders if he will be judged harshly, or if he will be forgiven for his sins.
As the poem progresses, the speaker becomes more introspective. He reflects on the nature of life and death, and the meaning of existence. He wonders if life is just a fleeting moment, or if there is something more to it. He questions the purpose of his own life, and whether he has lived it to the fullest.
The poem is filled with vivid imagery and powerful metaphors. The speaker compares life to a river, and death to a sea. He describes the journey of life as a "wild and whirling dance," and the journey of death as a "silent, starry trance." These metaphors help to convey the sense of movement and change that is inherent in life and death.
The poem also explores the theme of morality. The speaker acknowledges that he has sinned, and that he will be judged for his actions. He wonders if he will be punished for his sins, or if he will be forgiven. He questions the nature of justice, and whether it is fair or arbitrary.
The poem ends with the speaker accepting his fate. He knows that he cannot change the past, and that he must face his reckoning. He is resigned to his fate, but he is not afraid. He knows that he has lived a life that is true to himself, and that he will be judged accordingly.
In conclusion, Robert Service's "The Reckoning" is a powerful poem that explores the themes of life and death, morality, and the consequences of one's actions. The poem is a reminder of the fragility of life, and the importance of living a life that is true to oneself. The poem is filled with vivid imagery and powerful metaphors, which help to convey the sense of movement and change that is inherent in life and death. The poem is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today.
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