'The Last Supper' by Robert Service

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Songs of a Sun-LoverMarie Vaux of the Painted Lips,
And the mouth so mocking gay,
A wanton you to the finger-tips,
Who break men's hearts in play;
A thing of dust I have striven for,
Honour and manhood given for,
Headlong to ruin driven for,
And this is the last, you say. . . .

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Last Supper: A Literary Masterpiece by Robert Service

As a lover of poetry, I have come across numerous works that have left a lasting impression on me. However, none has impacted me as much as Robert Service's "The Last Supper." This poem, which was first published in 1941, is a masterpiece that has stood the test of time. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will delve into the themes, structure, and language of this poem to demonstrate why it has remained a timeless classic.

The Themes

At its core, "The Last Supper" is an exploration of the human condition. It delves into the nature of life, death, and the afterlife. The poem is set in a prison, where the narrator, who is a condemned man, is about to have his last meal. As he eats, he reflects on his life, his impending death, and what awaits him beyond the grave.

One of the central themes of the poem is the inevitability of death. The condemned man knows that his time is up, and he is resigned to his fate. He muses on the fact that death is the great equalizer, and that no matter how rich or powerful one may be, death will eventually catch up with them. This theme is captured in the lines, "Death is a black camel that kneels at every gate; And yet how few will enter in."

Another theme that runs throughout the poem is the idea of redemption. The condemned man knows that he has lived a life of sin, and he wonders if there is any hope for him. He asks, "Is there a God to hear my prayer?" and wonders if his soul will be saved. This theme of redemption is further explored in the poem's closing lines, where the narrator says, "And yet I feel that God is good; For in my heart I feel the stirrings of a better mood."

The Structure

"The Last Supper" is a narrative poem that is composed in free verse. It is divided into six stanzas, each of which contains seven lines. The poem is written in the first person, and the narrator is the condemned man who is about to be executed.

The poem's structure is designed to create a sense of tension and anticipation. As the condemned man eats his meal, the reader is drawn into his thoughts and emotions. The narrator's reflections on life, death, and the afterlife are interwoven with descriptions of his meal, which serves as a metaphor for the transience of life.

The Language

One of the things that sets "The Last Supper" apart is its use of language. Robert Service was a master of wordplay, and his use of language in this poem is nothing short of brilliant.

The language in the poem is simple and direct, yet it is imbued with deeper meaning. For example, in the line, "I eat my heart, and curse my soul," the phrase "eat my heart" is a metaphor for the narrator's regret and self-loathing. The line, "the clink of spoon and plate is like a dirge," uses a simile to convey the somber atmosphere of the prison.

Another notable aspect of the poem's language is its use of biblical references. The poem's title, "The Last Supper," is an allusion to the biblical event where Jesus shares a meal with his disciples before his crucifixion. This reference is further reinforced by the line, "And lo! there came a sudden gust of wind; And in a sheet of flame I saw Him there." This line alludes to the biblical story of Elijah's ascension to heaven in a chariot of fire.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Last Supper" is a literary masterpiece that has stood the test of time. Its exploration of themes like life, death, redemption, and the afterlife make it a poem that is still relevant today. The poem's structure and language are both carefully crafted to create a sense of tension and anticipation, and to give deeper meaning to the narrator's reflections. Robert Service's use of wordplay and biblical references further elevates the poem's literary value. It is no wonder that "The Last Supper" has remained a timeless classic that continues to move and inspire readers today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Last Supper by Robert Service is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a powerful and moving piece that captures the essence of the last supper of Jesus Christ and his disciples. The poem is a beautiful tribute to the sacrifice that Jesus made for humanity and the love that he had for his disciples.

The poem begins with a description of the setting of the last supper. The room is described as being dimly lit, with the disciples gathered around the table. The atmosphere is tense, as the disciples are aware that something significant is about to happen. The poem captures the sense of anticipation and apprehension that must have been present in the room.

The poem then moves on to describe the actions of Jesus during the last supper. He takes bread and wine and blesses them, telling his disciples that they are his body and blood. The poem captures the sense of reverence and awe that the disciples must have felt at this moment. The words of Jesus are powerful and moving, and they have a profound impact on the disciples.

The poem then moves on to describe the actions of Judas, who betrays Jesus. The poem captures the sense of shock and betrayal that the disciples must have felt at this moment. The actions of Judas are seen as a betrayal of the love and trust that Jesus had placed in him. The poem captures the sense of sadness and loss that the disciples must have felt at this moment.

The poem then moves on to describe the actions of Jesus after the last supper. He goes to the garden of Gethsemane, where he prays and prepares himself for the ordeal that he knows is coming. The poem captures the sense of courage and determination that Jesus must have felt at this moment. He knows that he is about to face a terrible ordeal, but he is willing to do so for the sake of humanity.

The poem then moves on to describe the crucifixion of Jesus. The poem captures the sense of pain and suffering that Jesus must have felt as he was nailed to the cross. The words of the poem are powerful and moving, and they capture the sense of sacrifice and love that Jesus had for humanity.

The poem ends with a description of the aftermath of the crucifixion. The disciples are left to mourn the loss of their beloved leader, but they are also left with a sense of hope. The poem captures the sense of hope that the disciples must have felt, knowing that Jesus had sacrificed himself for the sake of humanity.

Overall, The Last Supper by Robert Service is a powerful and moving poem that captures the essence of the last supper of Jesus Christ and his disciples. The poem is a beautiful tribute to the sacrifice that Jesus made for humanity and the love that he had for his disciples. The words of the poem are powerful and moving, and they have a profound impact on the reader. The poem is a classic that has stood the test of time, and it will continue to inspire and move people for generations to come.

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