'The Man From Athabaska' by Robert Service
AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay
Rhymes of a Red Cross ManOh the wife she tried to tell me that 'twas nothing but the thrummingOf a wood-pecker a-rapping on the hollow of a tree;
And she thought that I was fooling when I said it was the drummingOf the mustering of legions, and 'twas calling unto me;'Twas calling me to pull my freight and hop across the sea.And a-mending of my fish-nets sure I started up in wonder,For I heard a savage roaring and 'twas coming from afar;
Oh the wife she tried to tell me that 'twas only summer thunder,And she laughed a bit sarcastic when I told her it was War;'Twas the chariots of battle where the mighty armies are.Then down the lake came Half-breed Tom with russet sail a-flying,And the word he said was "War" again, so what was I to do?
Oh the dogs they took to howling, and the missis took to crying,As I flung my silver foxes in the little birch canoe:Yes, the old girl stood a-blubbing till an island hid the view.Says the factor: "Mike, you're crazy! They have soldier men a-plenty.You're as grizzled as a badger, and you're sixty year or so."
"But I haven't missed a scrap," says I, "since I was one and twenty.And shall I miss the biggest? You can bet your whiskers -- no!"So I sold my furs and started . . . and that's eighteen months ago.For I joined the Foreign Legion, and they put me for a starterIn the trenches of the Argonne with the Boche a step away;
And the partner on my right hand was an apache from Montmartre;On my left there was a millionaire from Pittsburg, U. S. A.(Poor fellow! They collected him in bits the other day.)But I'm sprier than a chipmunk, save a touch of the lumbago,And they calls me Old Methoosalah, and `blagues' me all the day.
I'm their exhibition sniper, and they work me like a Dago,And laugh to see me plug a Boche a half a mile away.Oh I hold the highest record in the regiment, they say.And at night they gather round me, and I tell them of my roamingIn the Country of the Crepuscule beside the Frozen Sea,
Where the musk-ox runs unchallenged, and the cariboo goes homing;And they sit like little children, just as quiet as can be:Men of every crime and colour, how they harken unto me!And I tell them of the Furland, of the tumpline and the paddle,Of secret rivers loitering, that no one will explore;
And I tell them of the ranges, of the pack-strap and the saddle,And they fill their pipes in silence, and their eyes beseech for more;While above the star-shells fizzle and the high explosives roar.And I tell of lakes fish-haunted, where the big bull moose are calling,And forests still as sepulchres with never trail or track;
And valleys packed with purple gloom, and mountain peaks appalling,And I tell them of my cabin on the shore at Fond du Lac;And I find myself a-thinking: Sure I wish that I was back.So I brag of bear and beaver while the batteries are roaring,And the fellows on the firing steps are blazing at the foe;
And I yarn of fur and feather when the `marmites' are a-soaring,And they listen to my stories, seven `poilus' in a row,Seven lean and lousy
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Man From Athabaska: A Poem That Celebrates Bravery and Adventure
When we think of classic poetry that celebrates bravery and adventure, Robert Service's "The Man From Athabaska" is a timeless piece that comes to mind. This 109-line epic tells the story of a young man from the northern wilderness of Athabaska who sets out to prove his worth by facing daunting challenges and obstacles.
As we delve deeper into the poem, we will examine the literary devices Service employs to create a sense of drama and suspense in the narrative, explore the themes of bravery, determination, and self-discovery that are central to the poem, and finally, analyze the poem's significance in the context of Canadian literature and culture.
Literary Devices
"The Man From Athabaska" is full of literary devices that help to create a vivid and engaging narrative. One of the most striking features of the poem is its use of rhyme and meter to create a sense of rhythm and flow. Throughout the poem, Service employs a consistent rhyme scheme (ABCB) that adds a musical quality to the narrative.
Furthermore, Service uses repetition to emphasize certain phrases and ideas, such as the refrain "He was a man from Athabaska." This repetition not only adds to the musicality of the poem but also creates a sense of unity and continuity throughout the narrative.
Another literary device that Service employs is imagery. The poem is rich in description, painting a vivid picture of the landscape and the characters in the story. For example, Service describes the protagonist's journey through the wilderness with phrases such as "he breasted the bitter blast" and "he fought through the blinding snow," creating a sense of the harsh and unforgiving nature of the landscape.
Finally, Service uses hyperbole to exaggerate the heroics of the protagonist, such as when he describes the protagonist climbing a mountain "so sheer that the eagles quit with a sigh of despair." These exaggerations add to the drama and excitement of the narrative, creating a sense of awe and wonder in the reader.
Themes
At its core, "The Man From Athabaska" is a story about bravery, determination, and self-discovery. The protagonist sets out on a journey to prove himself, facing immense challenges and obstacles along the way. Through his trials, he discovers his own strength and resilience, ultimately emerging as a hero in his own right.
The poem also explores the theme of individualism, as the protagonist chooses to leave behind the safety and comfort of his home to forge his own path. In doing so, he learns to trust in his own abilities and instincts, ultimately achieving a sense of independence and self-reliance.
Finally, "The Man From Athabaska" celebrates the natural world and the beauty of the wilderness. Service's descriptions of the landscape are vivid and evocative, capturing the majesty and grandeur of the northern landscape. The poem highlights the importance of preserving and respecting the natural world, reminding us of the power and beauty of nature.
Significance
"The Man From Athabaska" is a significant piece of Canadian literature, reflecting the country's pioneer spirit and rugged landscape. The poem celebrates individualism, self-reliance, and bravery, values that have long been associated with the Canadian identity.
Furthermore, the poem represents a shift in Canadian literature towards a more nationalistic and patriotic tone. Service's use of distinctly Canadian landscapes and dialects, such as the use of the word "bush" instead of "forest," helped to establish a distinctly Canadian literary voice.
Today, "The Man From Athabaska" remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its vivid imagery, engaging narrative, and celebration of the Canadian spirit. It is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of a people, a place, and a time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Robert Service's "The Man From Athabaska" is a masterful piece of poetry that celebrates bravery and adventure in the face of adversity. Through its use of vivid imagery, repetition, and hyperbole, the poem creates a sense of drama and excitement that captures the reader's imagination.
At its core, the poem is about self-discovery, individualism, and the beauty of the natural world. It is a celebration of the Canadian spirit, reflecting the country's rugged landscape and pioneer ethos. Today, "The Man From Athabaska" remains a beloved classic, reminding us of the power of poetry to inspire, challenge, and uplift.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Man From Athabaska: A Classic Poetry Analysis
Robert Service, a renowned poet, has left a lasting legacy in the world of literature with his captivating works. One of his most famous poems, The Man From Athabaska, is a masterpiece that has stood the test of time. This poem is a perfect example of Service's ability to capture the essence of the human spirit and the beauty of nature. In this analysis, we will delve into the themes, structure, and literary devices used in The Man From Athabaska.
The poem tells the story of a man from Athabaska, a region in northern Canada, who is a rugged and fearless adventurer. The man is described as having a "heart of oak" and a "soul of fire," which immediately sets the tone for the poem. The opening lines of the poem are powerful and evoke a sense of awe and admiration for the man's bravery and determination.
The first stanza of the poem sets the scene and describes the man's surroundings. The "land of the midnight sun" and the "land of the muskeg and the moose" are vividly portrayed, and the reader can almost feel the cold, harsh environment that the man is living in. The use of alliteration in "muskeg and moose" adds to the poetic effect of the stanza.
The second stanza introduces the man's character and his love for adventure. He is described as a man who "loves the trail" and "loves the roar of rapids." The use of repetition in "loves" emphasizes the man's passion for the outdoors and his willingness to take risks. The stanza also mentions the man's "bronze-like face," which is a metaphor for his toughness and resilience.
The third stanza is where the poem really starts to shine. It describes the man's encounter with a grizzly bear, which is a symbol of the dangers that he faces in his life. The man is not afraid of the bear and instead faces it head-on. The use of personification in "the grizzly growled defiance" adds to the dramatic effect of the stanza. The man's bravery and fearlessness are highlighted in this stanza, and the reader can't help but feel a sense of admiration for him.
The fourth stanza is a turning point in the poem. It describes the man's encounter with a woman who is "fair as a lily." The use of simile in this stanza is effective in creating a contrast between the harshness of the man's environment and the beauty of the woman. The man is immediately smitten with the woman, and his love for her becomes the driving force in his life.
The fifth stanza is a beautiful portrayal of the man's love for the woman. He is willing to give up his adventurous life and settle down with her. The use of metaphor in "he'd found his star" emphasizes the importance of the woman in the man's life. The stanza also mentions the man's "wilderness heart," which is a metaphor for his untamed spirit. The man's willingness to give up his adventurous life for the woman shows the depth of his love for her.
The sixth and final stanza brings the poem to a close. It describes the man's death and his journey to the afterlife. The use of metaphor in "he's gone to the Great Divide" adds to the poetic effect of the stanza. The man's death is not portrayed as a tragic event but rather as a natural part of life. The stanza also mentions the man's "wilderness soul," which is a metaphor for his spirit that will live on even after his death.
The structure of the poem is simple and effective. It consists of six stanzas, each with four lines. The use of rhyme and repetition adds to the poetic effect of the poem. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, which creates a sense of rhythm and flow in the poem. The repetition of certain phrases, such as "loves the trail" and "wilderness heart," emphasizes the themes of the poem and adds to its overall impact.
The literary devices used in the poem are also effective in creating a vivid and powerful image in the reader's mind. The use of metaphor and simile adds depth and meaning to the poem. The personification of the grizzly bear adds to the dramatic effect of the poem. The use of alliteration in "muskeg and moose" and "heart of oak" adds to the poetic effect of the poem.
In conclusion, The Man From Athabaska is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the essence of the human spirit and the beauty of nature. The poem's themes of bravery, love, and the natural cycle of life and death are portrayed in a powerful and effective way. The structure and literary devices used in the poem add to its impact and make it a timeless classic. Robert Service's legacy lives on through his captivating works, and The Man From Athabaska is a shining example of his talent as a poet.
Editor Recommended Sites
CI/CD Videos - CICD Deep Dive Courses & CI CD Masterclass Video: Videos of continuous integration, continuous deploymentSecops: Cloud security operations guide from an ex-Google engineer
Learn by Example: Learn programming, llm fine tuning, computer science, machine learning by example
Developer Cheatsheets - Software Engineer Cheat sheet & Programming Cheatsheet: Developer Cheat sheets to learn any language, framework or cloud service
Cloud Taxonomy: Graph database taxonomies and ontologies on the cloud. Cloud reasoning knowledge graphs
Recommended Similar Analysis
There's a certain Slant of light by Emily Dickinson analysisPied Piper Of Hamelin, The by Robert Browning analysis
Nigger by Carl Sandburg analysis
In Memory Of W.B. Yeats by W.H. Auden analysis
Mirror by Sylvia Plath analysis
Morning at the Window by Thomas Stearns Eliot analysis
Gerontion by Thomas Stearns Eliot analysis
The Fiddler Of Dooney by William Butler Yeats analysis
A Night-Piece by William Wordsworth analysis
The Lost Leader by Robert Browning analysis