'The Front Tooth' by Robert Service

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Rhymes of a RoughneckA-sittin' in the Bull and Pump
With double gins to keep us cheery
Says she to me, says Polly Crump"
"What makes ye look so sweet. me dearie?
As if ye'd gotten back yer youth . . . ."
Says I: "It's just me new front tooth."Says Polly Crump: "A gummy grin
Don't help to make one's business active;
We gels wot gains our bread by sin
Have got to make ourselves attractive.
I hope yer dentist was no rook?"
Says I: "A quid is what he took."Says Polly Crump: "The shoes you wear
Are down at heel and need new soleing;
Why doncher buy a better pair?
The rain goes in and out the holeing.
They're squelchin' as ye walk yer beat. . . ."
Says I: "blokes don't look at me feet."Says Polly Crump: "You cough all day;
It just don't do in our profession;
A girl's got to be pert and gay
To give a guy a good impression;
For if ye cough he's shy of you. . . ."
Says I: "An' wots a gel to do?"Says Polly Crump: "I'm pink an' fat,
But you are bones an' pale as plaster;
At this dam' rate you're goin' at
You'll never live to be a laster.
You'll have the daisy roots for door. . . ."
Says I: "It's 'ell to be a 'ore."But I don't care now I can smile,
Smile, smile and not that gap-toothed grinning;
I'm wet and cold, but it's worth while
To once again look fairly winning.
And send ten bob or so to Mother. . . ."
Said Polly Crump: "Gwad! Have another?"

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Front Tooth by Robert Service: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

The Front Tooth is a classic poem written by the renowned poet, Robert Service. The poem tells the story of a young boy who loses his front tooth and the ensuing chaos that follows. It is a humorous and entertaining poem that has captivated readers for generations. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deeper into the themes and symbolism present in the poem and analyze how they contribute to the overall meaning of the poem.

Structure and Form

Before we delve into the deeper themes of the poem, let's first take a look at its structure and form. The poem is written in rhyming couplets and has a simple and straightforward structure. Each stanza consists of two lines that rhyme, creating a sing-song rhythm that is easy to follow. The poem is also fairly short, consisting of only six stanzas.

However, the simplicity of the poem's structure and form belies the complexity of the themes it explores. The poem uses simple language and a straightforward narrative to examine the themes of growing up, loss, and the unpredictability of life.

Themes and Symbolism

One of the central themes of The Front Tooth is growing up. The poem tells the story of a young boy who loses his front tooth, a common rite of passage for children. However, the poem also explores the emotional turmoil that comes with growing up. The loss of the front tooth is not just a physical change, but also a symbol of the loss of childhood innocence and the beginning of a new stage of life.

The poem also explores the theme of loss. The boy's loss of his front tooth is a physical loss, but it also represents a loss of something deeper. As he grows up, he is forced to confront the fact that life is unpredictable and that things will not always go as planned. The tooth, which was once a symbol of childhood innocence and security, is now a reminder of the fragility of life and the inevitability of loss.

Another important theme in the poem is the unpredictability of life. The boy's loss of his front tooth is unexpected and sudden, and it sets off a chain of events that he could not have predicted. The poem suggests that life is full of surprises and that we must be prepared to face unexpected challenges and changes.

The poem also uses symbolism to explore these themes. The front tooth is a symbol of childhood innocence and security, but it is also a symbol of vulnerability. The loss of the tooth represents the loss of childhood innocence and security, but it also represents the vulnerability that comes with growing up. The tooth, once a source of comfort, is now a source of discomfort and pain.

Interpretation

So, what is the overall meaning of The Front Tooth? At its core, the poem is a meditation on the complexities of growing up and the emotional turmoil that comes with it. The loss of the front tooth is a symbol of the loss of childhood innocence and security, but it is also a reminder that life is unpredictable and that we must be prepared to face unexpected challenges and changes.

The poem also suggests that growing up is not always easy, and that we must be prepared to confront our fears and vulnerabilities. The boy's loss of his front tooth is a painful and uncomfortable experience, but it is also a necessary part of growing up. By facing his fears and overcoming his discomfort, the boy is able to move forward and embrace the challenges and changes that come with growing up.

Finally, the poem suggests that while growing up can be difficult, it is also a necessary part of life. The loss of childhood innocence and security is a painful experience, but it is also a necessary step towards maturity and independence. The poem encourages us to embrace these changes and to face the challenges of growing up with courage and resilience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Front Tooth is a classic poem that explores the themes of growing up, loss, and the unpredictability of life. Through its use of symbolism and simple language, the poem offers a profound meditation on the emotional turmoil that comes with growing up and the importance of facing our fears and vulnerabilities. It is a poem that has resonated with readers for generations and will continue to do so for many years to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Front Tooth: A Poem of Childhood Memories

Robert Service, the renowned poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his works that are both poignant and humorous. One of his most famous poems, "The Front Tooth," is a nostalgic reflection on childhood memories that is sure to tug at the heartstrings of anyone who has ever experienced the loss of a tooth.

The poem begins with the speaker, who is presumably Service himself, recalling the day he lost his front tooth. He describes the tooth as "a little peg, all I had left / Of babyhood." This simple description sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is filled with a sense of longing for the innocence and simplicity of childhood.

The speaker goes on to describe the events leading up to the loss of his tooth. He was playing with his friends, "a rough-and-tumble crew," when he was accidentally hit in the mouth with a ball. The tooth was knocked out, and the speaker was left with a gap in his smile.

Despite the pain and discomfort of losing a tooth, the speaker seems to take the experience in stride. He describes how his friends were "full of fun and sympathy," and how they all laughed and joked about his missing tooth. This lighthearted attitude is a hallmark of Service's poetry, which often finds humor in even the most difficult situations.

As the poem progresses, the speaker's thoughts turn to his mother. He remembers how she comforted him after the accident, and how she promised to make him a "tooth of gold." This promise is a symbol of the love and care that parents provide for their children, even in the face of adversity.

The speaker's memories of his mother are bittersweet, however. He recalls how she passed away when he was still young, leaving him with a sense of loss that he carries with him to this day. This sense of loss is reflected in the final lines of the poem, where the speaker reflects on the passing of time and the inevitability of death.

Despite the melancholy tone of the poem's ending, "The Front Tooth" is ultimately a celebration of childhood and the memories that shape us into the people we become. Service's use of simple language and vivid imagery creates a sense of nostalgia that is both universal and deeply personal.

In conclusion, "The Front Tooth" is a classic poem that captures the essence of childhood memories. Through its use of humor, nostalgia, and poignant reflection, the poem speaks to the universal experience of growing up and the loss of innocence that comes with it. Whether you are young or old, this poem is sure to resonate with you and leave you with a renewed appreciation for the simple joys of life.

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