'The God Of Common-Sense' 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 RoughneckMy Daddy used to wallop me for every small offense:
"Its takes a hair-brush back," said he, "to teach kids common-sense."
And still to-day I scarce can look a hair-brush in the face.
Without I want in sympathy to pat a tender place.
For Dad declared with unction: "Spare the brush and spoil the brat."
The dear old man! What e'er his faults he never did do that;
And though a score of years have gone since he departed hence,
I still revere his deity, The God of Common-sense.How often I have played the ass (Man's universal fate),
Yet always I have saved myself before it was too late;
How often tangled with a dame - you know how these things are,
Yet always had the gumption not to carry on too far;
Remembering that fancy skirts, however high they go,
Are not to be stacked up against a bunch of hard-earned dough;
And sentiment has little weight compared with pounds and pence,
According to the gospel of the God of Common-sense.Oh blessing on that old hair-brush my Daddy used to whack
With such benign precision on the basement of my back.
Oh blessings on his wisdom, saying: "Son, don't play the fool,
Let prudence be your counselor and reason be your rule.
Don't get romantic notions, always act with judgment calm,
Poetical emotions ain't in practice worth a damn/
let solid comfort be your goal, self-interest your guide. . . ."
Then just as if to emphasize, whack! whack! the brush he plied.
And so I often wonder if my luck is Providence,
or just my humble tribute to the God of Common-sense.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The God of Common-Sense: A Masterpiece of Robert Service

When one reads Robert Service's poem "The God of Common-Sense," it's impossible not to feel the power of the words and the depth of the message. The poem captures the essence of Service's literary genius, his ability to use simple language to convey complex ideas, and his mastery of poetic form. This essay will provide a detailed literary criticism and interpretation of "The God of Common-Sense," exploring its themes, imagery, and language, and examining how Service uses these elements to create a masterpiece of poetry.

Overview of the Poem

"The God of Common-Sense" is a poem that explores the relationship between faith and reason. It tells the story of a man who is struggling to reconcile his belief in God with his rational mind, which tells him that there is no evidence for the existence of a higher power. The poem is divided into three parts, each of which explores a different aspect of this struggle.

In the first part, the narrator sets the scene and introduces the protagonist. He describes the man as someone who is "sick of the lies of religion and the cant of the priest," and who is searching for a way to reconcile his faith with his reason. The second part of the poem explores the protagonist's internal struggle, as he wrestles with doubts and fears about his beliefs. The third part of the poem provides a resolution to the story, as the protagonist finds a way to reconcile his faith and his reason.

Themes and Imagery

The theme of faith versus reason is central to "The God of Common-Sense." The poem explores the tension between these two concepts, and the struggle to reconcile them. Service does this through the use of vivid imagery, which brings the poem to life and makes it resonate with readers.

In the first part of the poem, Service uses imagery to convey the protagonist's disillusionment with religion. He describes the man as being "sick of the lies of religion and the cant of the priest," which creates a powerful image of someone who has been let down by the institutions of faith. The image of the "cant of the priest" is particularly effective, as it suggests that the protagonist is not just disillusioned with religion itself, but with those who profess to represent it.

The second part of the poem is filled with imagery that conveys the protagonist's internal struggle. Service uses metaphors and similes to create vivid images that capture the protagonist's fear and doubt. For example, he describes the protagonist as being like a "lost lamb in a wilderness of doubt," which creates a powerful image of someone who is searching for direction but cannot find it. Similarly, he describes the protagonist's fear as being like a "wild beast," which creates an image of something that is powerful and dangerous.

In the final part of the poem, Service uses imagery to convey the protagonist's resolution of his struggle. He describes the protagonist as being like a "weary traveler" who has finally found his way home. This image suggests that the protagonist has found a way to reconcile his faith and his reason, and has achieved a sense of peace and contentment.

Language and Poetic Form

Service's use of language and poetic form is masterful in "The God of Common-Sense." He uses simple language that is accessible to all readers, but he also employs poetic techniques that create a musicality and rhythm that make the poem a joy to read.

One of the most effective poetic techniques that Service uses in this poem is repetition. He repeats the phrase "God of Common-Sense" throughout the poem, which creates a sense of unity and coherence. This repetition also emphasizes the central theme of the poem, as it reinforces the idea that the protagonist is searching for a way to reconcile his faith with his reason.

Service also uses rhyme and meter to create a musicality and rhythm in the poem. The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, which means that each line has four stressed syllables. This creates a sense of movement and energy, which makes the poem feel alive and dynamic. Service also uses rhyme to create a sense of unity and coherence. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, which creates a pattern that helps to reinforce the central theme of the poem.

Interpretation

"The God of Common-Sense" is a poem that speaks to the universal human experience of trying to reconcile faith and reason. Service's portrayal of the protagonist's struggle is both powerful and relatable, and his use of language and poetic form create a masterpiece of poetry.

One interpretation of the poem is that Service is suggesting that faith and reason are not mutually exclusive. He suggests that it is possible to believe in God and to use reason and logic to understand the world. This interpretation is supported by the protagonist's resolution of his struggle, which suggests that he has found a way to reconcile his faith and his reason.

Another interpretation of the poem is that Service is criticizing the institutionalization of religion. He suggests that the protagonist's disillusionment with religion is a result of the lies and hypocrisy of those who profess to represent it. This interpretation is supported by the image of the "cant of the priest," which suggests that the protagonist's disillusionment is not with God, but with those who claim to speak for Him.

Conclusion

"The God of Common-Sense" is a masterpiece of poetry that explores the universal human experience of trying to reconcile faith and reason. Service's use of vivid imagery, simple language, and poetic form create a powerful and relatable portrayal of the protagonist's struggle. The poem speaks to the idea that faith and reason are not mutually exclusive, and that it is possible to believe in God and to use reason and logic to understand the world. It is a poem that will resonate with readers of all backgrounds and beliefs, and one that will continue to be celebrated as a classic of poetry for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The God of Common-Sense: A Masterpiece of Poetry

Robert Service, the renowned poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his captivating works. Among his many masterpieces, "The God of Common-Sense" stands out as a brilliant piece of poetry that captures the essence of human nature and the power of rational thinking.

The poem is a narrative that tells the story of a man who is lost in the wilderness and is struggling to find his way back home. The man is desperate and is on the verge of giving up when he suddenly hears a voice that tells him to use his common sense. The voice is that of the God of Common-Sense, who appears to the man in a vision and guides him back to safety.

The poem is a powerful allegory that speaks to the human condition. It highlights the importance of rational thinking and the role it plays in helping us navigate the challenges of life. The God of Common-Sense is a symbol of the power of reason, and the poem is a celebration of its ability to guide us through the most difficult of situations.

The poem is written in a simple and straightforward style, which makes it accessible to readers of all ages and backgrounds. The language is clear and concise, and the imagery is vivid and evocative. Service's use of rhyme and meter adds to the poem's musicality and makes it a joy to read aloud.

The poem is divided into four stanzas, each of which tells a different part of the story. The first stanza sets the scene and introduces the protagonist, who is lost in the wilderness. The second stanza introduces the God of Common-Sense, who appears to the man and tells him to use his reason to find his way home. The third stanza describes the man's journey back to safety, guided by the voice of the God of Common-Sense. The final stanza concludes the poem with a message of hope and encouragement.

One of the most striking features of the poem is its use of personification. The God of Common-Sense is portrayed as a benevolent deity who cares for the well-being of humanity. The voice of the God is described as "a kindly voice that spoke to me," and the man is urged to "listen to the voice that's speaking in your brain." This personification gives the poem a sense of intimacy and makes it feel as though the reader is being spoken to directly.

Another notable feature of the poem is its use of repetition. The phrase "use your common sense" is repeated several times throughout the poem, emphasizing its importance and reinforcing the message that reason is the key to survival. The repetition also gives the poem a sense of rhythm and momentum, propelling the reader forward through the narrative.

The poem's themes are universal and timeless. It speaks to the human experience of feeling lost and alone, and the struggle to find one's way back to safety. It also highlights the importance of rational thinking and the role it plays in helping us overcome adversity. The poem's message is one of hope and encouragement, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, we can find our way back home if we listen to the voice of reason.

In conclusion, "The God of Common-Sense" is a masterpiece of poetry that speaks to the human condition in a profound and meaningful way. Robert Service's use of personification, repetition, and imagery creates a powerful narrative that celebrates the power of reason and the importance of rational thinking. The poem is a timeless classic that will continue to inspire and uplift readers for generations to come.

Editor Recommended Sites

Learn GPT: Learn large language models and local fine tuning for enterprise applications
Single Pane of Glass: Centralized management of multi cloud resources and infrastructure software
Cloud Actions - Learn Cloud actions & Cloud action Examples: Learn and get examples for Cloud Actions
Jupyter Consulting: Jupyter consulting in DFW, Southlake, Westlake
Datawarehousing: Data warehouse best practice across cloud databases: redshift, bigquery, presto, clickhouse

Recommended Similar Analysis

Rose Pogonias by Robert Frost analysis
Binsey Poplars Felled /79 by Gerard Manley Hopkins analysis
Prospective Immigrants Please Note by Adrienne Rich analysis
Petit, The Poet by Edgar Lee Masters analysis
Ask Me by William Stafford analysis
Will there really be a "Morning"? by Emily Dickinson analysis
Each life converges to some centre by Emily Dickinson analysis
Peter Bell, A Tale by William Wordsworth analysis
"'Tis Said, That Some Have Died For Love" by William Wordsworth analysis
Reasons For Attendance by Philip Larkin analysis