'The Hand' by Robert Service

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Rhymes of a RoughneckThroughout my life I see
A guiding hand;
The pitfalls set for me
Were grimly planned.
But always when and where
They opened wide,
Someone who seemed to care
Stood by my side.When up the pathway dark
I stumbled on,
Afar, ahead a spark
Of guidance shone.
When forked the tragic trail
And sad my plight,
My guardian without fail
Would lead me right.How merciful a Mind
my life has planned!
Aye, though mine eyes were blind
I touched the Hand;
Though weary ways and wan
My feet have trod,
Always it led me on,
Starways to God.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Hand by Robert Service: An Exploration of Life and Death

Robert Service's poem "The Hand" is a remarkable piece of literature that delves into the mysteries of life and death. It is a work that evokes strong emotions and leaves a lasting impact on the reader. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will examine the various themes and motifs that run through this poem and attempt to uncover its deeper meaning.

The Poem

Before we delve into the analysis, it is important to understand the poem in its entirety. "The Hand" is a short poem consisting of sixteen lines. It is written in rhyming couplets and has a simple, yet powerful structure. Here is the poem in its entirety:

The hand that signed the paper felled a city; Five sovereign fingers taxed the breath, Doubled the globe of dead and halved a country; These five kings did a king to death.

The mighty hand leads to a sloping shoulder, The finger joints are cramped with chalk; A goose's quill has put an end to murder That put an end to talk.

The hand that signed the treaty bred a fever, And famine grew, and locusts came; Great is the hand that holds dominion over Man by a scribbled name.

The five kings count the dead but do not soften The crusted wound nor stroke the brow; A hand rules pity as well as heaven; Hands have no tears to flow.

The Themes

The central theme of "The Hand" is the power of human agency. The poem explores the idea that individuals, through their actions, can have a profound impact on the world around them. The hand that signs the paper, for example, is responsible for felling a city, taxing the breath of people, and causing famine and locusts to come. The poem also touches on the theme of death, as the hand in question is responsible for killing a king. This theme is reinforced by the imagery of the "crusted wound" and the fact that hands "have no tears to flow."

Another important theme of the poem is the idea that actions have consequences. The hand that signs the treaty may have brought about peace, but it also bred a fever and caused famine and locusts to come. The poem highlights the fact that even well-intentioned actions can have unintended consequences, and that those consequences may be severe.

The Motifs

One of the key motifs in "The Hand" is that of power. The hand that signs the paper is a powerful symbol of authority and control. The five sovereign fingers represent the five kings who wield this power. The imagery of the sloping shoulder and cramped finger joints suggest that this power comes at a cost, both physically and morally.

Another important motif in the poem is that of death. The hand that signs the paper is responsible for felling a city and killing a king. The imagery of the "crusted wound" suggests that this death was not peaceful or painless. The fact that hands "have no tears to flow" reinforces the idea that death is a cold, emotionless thing.

The Interpretation

At its core, "The Hand" is a meditation on the power of individual agency and the consequences of actions. It suggests that those who wield power, whether through the signing of treaties or the felling of cities, must be aware of the consequences of their actions. The poem also suggests that death is a natural consequence of power, and that those who wield it must be prepared to face the consequences.

Overall, "The Hand" is a masterful work of literature that explores complex themes and motifs in a simple, yet powerful way. It is a reminder of the impact that individual actions can have on the world around us, and a warning that we must be careful with the power that we wield.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Hand: A Masterpiece of Poetry by Robert Service

Robert Service, a renowned poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his exceptional works. His poems are known for their vivid imagery, captivating storytelling, and profound themes. One of his most celebrated works is "The Hand," a poem that explores the power of the human hand and its ability to shape our lives.

The poem begins with the speaker contemplating the hand and its significance in our lives. He describes the hand as a "wonderful thing" that can create and destroy, heal and harm, love and hate. The hand, according to the speaker, is a symbol of our humanity and our ability to connect with the world around us.

Service's use of vivid imagery is evident in the lines, "It grips and it pinches, it takes and it gives, and sometimes it's cruel and sometimes it's kind." These lines paint a picture of the hand as a multifaceted tool that can be both gentle and brutal, depending on how it is used.

The poem then takes a darker turn as the speaker describes the hand's ability to harm and destroy. He talks about the hand's role in war and violence, and how it can be used to inflict pain and suffering. The lines, "It's the hand of the soldier that's steady and keen, and it's the hand of the tyrant that's cruel and mean," highlight the hand's role in both war and oppression.

Service's use of contrast is particularly effective in this section of the poem. He juxtaposes the hand's ability to create and heal with its ability to destroy and harm, highlighting the duality of the human experience.

The poem then shifts to a more positive tone as the speaker describes the hand's ability to create and build. He talks about the hand's role in art and craftsmanship, and how it can be used to create beauty and inspire awe. The lines, "It's the hand of the artist that's subtle and fine, and it's the hand of the builder that's rugged and strong," showcase the hand's ability to create and build.

Service's use of imagery is particularly effective in this section of the poem. He describes the hand of the artist as "subtle and fine," highlighting the delicate nature of art, while the hand of the builder is "rugged and strong," emphasizing the physical strength required for construction.

The poem concludes with the speaker reflecting on the hand's role in our lives. He talks about how the hand is a symbol of our humanity and our ability to connect with the world around us. The lines, "It's the hand of the lover that caresses and cheers, and it's the hand of the friend that wipes away tears," highlight the hand's role in love and friendship.

Service's use of repetition in the final lines of the poem is particularly effective. He repeats the phrase "it's the hand" to emphasize the hand's role in our lives and to drive home the poem's central message.

In conclusion, "The Hand" is a masterpiece of poetry that explores the power of the human hand and its ability to shape our lives. Service's use of vivid imagery, contrast, and repetition make the poem a captivating and thought-provoking work of art. The poem reminds us of the duality of the human experience and the importance of using our hands for good.

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