'The Choice' by Robert Service
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Rhymes of a Roughneck. . . And then I came to Three ways,
And each was mine to choose;
For all of them were free ways,
To take or to refuse.
"Now which shall be the best way,
East, West or South?" said I . . .
So then I went the West way -
I often wonder why.. . . And then I cam to Two ways,
And each was luring me:
For both of them were new ways,
And I was fancy free.
"Now which shall be the least way,"
Said I: "to gain my goal?"
And so I took the East way,
With freedom in my soul.. . . And then I came to One way,
And to the South it ran;
Then lo! I saw this sun way
Was mine since time began;
My pitiless, my doom way;
No other could there be,
For at its end my tomb lay,
And it was waiting me. . . .
Poor fools! Who think you're free.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Choice: A Poem that Speaks to the Heart
Robert Service was an incredible poet who wrote about life, love, and adventure. His poem, The Choice, is one of his most famous works and has been widely acclaimed for its powerful storytelling and emotional depth.
At its core, The Choice is a poem about the struggle between passion and reason. It speaks to the heart of every reader who has ever been torn between following their dreams and doing what is expected of them. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the various themes and literary devices used by Service to bring his message to life.
Analyzing the Poem's Structure and Form
To fully appreciate The Choice, it is important to first consider its structure and form. The poem is written in six stanzas, each consisting of four lines. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which gives the poem a simple and straightforward structure.
However, there is more to the poem's form than just its rhyme and meter. Service's use of repetition, particularly in the first and last stanzas, serves to underscore the central conflict of the poem. In the first stanza, the repeated phrase "I'd rather" highlights the speaker's desire to follow their dreams, while in the final stanza, the repeated phrase "But I've had to" emphasizes the speaker's resignation to a life of practicality.
Additionally, the poem's use of imagery is particularly effective. Service paints vivid pictures of the speaker's two options: "I'd rather be the man who bought the Brooklyn Bridge" and "I'd rather be the man who took the toll." The former conjures up images of adventure, risk-taking, and potential reward, while the latter portrays a safe, predictable life.
Themes of Passion vs. Practicality
The central theme of The Choice is the conflict between passion and practicality. The speaker is torn between two paths, one that promises excitement and adventure, and another that offers stability and security.
The poem poses an age-old question: is it better to follow your heart and pursue your dreams, or to play it safe and do what is expected of you? Service does not offer a clear answer to this question, but rather presents both options and leaves it up to the reader to make their own choice.
Furthermore, the poem suggests that there is a cost to choosing practicality over passion. The speaker admits that "my heart is like a feather, awheeling in the sky," indicating a sense of restlessness and dissatisfaction with their current situation. This sentiment is echoed in the final stanza when the speaker laments, "But I've had to clip my wings and be the man who took the toll."
Literary Devices and Imagery
Service's use of literary devices and imagery is a significant aspect of The Choice's emotional impact. One of the most powerful devices he employs is personification. In the third stanza, the speaker personifies their heart, describing it as "awheeling in the sky." This adds a sense of urgency and desperation to the poem, making it clear that the speaker's heart is driving them to make a choice.
The poem's use of imagery is also noteworthy. Service's descriptions of the two paths the speaker could take are vivid and evocative. The line "I'd rather be the man who bought the Brooklyn Bridge" is a reference to a famous scam in which a con artist sold the Brooklyn Bridge to gullible buyers. This image suggests a sense of adventure and risk-taking, but also hints at the potential for deception and disappointment.
The line "I'd rather be the man who took the toll" is also powerful, but in a different way. Service describes the toll-taker as a man who "wears a sober gladness in his eyes." This description creates a sense of resignation and acceptance, as if the toll-taker has given up on his dreams and resigned himself to a life of practicality.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Choice is a powerful poem that speaks to the heart of every reader who has ever been torn between passion and practicality. Robert Service's use of repetition, imagery, and personification creates a vivid and emotional portrait of a person struggling to make a difficult decision.
Ultimately, the poem asks us to consider what is truly important in our lives. Is it more important to follow our hearts and pursue our dreams, or to play it safe and do what is expected of us? Service does not provide a definitive answer, but he does offer us a powerful reminder that every choice we make comes with a cost.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Choice: A Poem of Life's Decisions
Robert Service's "The Choice" is a classic poem that explores the theme of life's choices and the consequences that come with them. The poem is a powerful reminder that every decision we make has a ripple effect on our lives and the lives of those around us. In this analysis, we will delve deeper into the meaning of the poem and explore its relevance to our lives today.
The poem begins with the speaker reflecting on his life and the choices he has made. He acknowledges that he has made mistakes and has taken the wrong path at times. However, he also recognizes that every decision he has made has led him to where he is today. The speaker then poses a question to the reader: "What if you had a choice?"
This question is the crux of the poem. It forces the reader to consider the choices they have made in their own lives and the impact those choices have had. The speaker then goes on to describe two paths that one could take in life. The first path is one of comfort and security. It is a path that is well-trodden and familiar. The second path is one of risk and uncertainty. It is a path that is less traveled and more challenging.
The speaker then asks the reader which path they would choose. He acknowledges that both paths have their advantages and disadvantages. The first path may provide comfort and security, but it may also lead to a life of mediocrity and regret. The second path may be more challenging, but it may also lead to a life of fulfillment and purpose.
The poem then takes a darker turn as the speaker describes the consequences of choosing the wrong path. He describes a life of regret and despair, a life that is filled with missed opportunities and unfulfilled dreams. He warns the reader that once they have made their choice, they cannot go back. They must live with the consequences of their decision.
The poem ends with the speaker urging the reader to choose wisely. He reminds them that life is short and that every moment is precious. He encourages them to take risks and to follow their dreams, even if it means taking the road less traveled.
The poem is a powerful reminder that every decision we make has consequences. It forces us to consider the choices we have made in our own lives and the impact those choices have had. It also encourages us to take risks and to follow our dreams, even if it means stepping outside of our comfort zone.
The poem is particularly relevant in today's society, where many people are afraid to take risks and to pursue their dreams. Many people choose the path of comfort and security, even if it means sacrificing their happiness and fulfillment. The poem reminds us that life is too short to live with regret and that we must take risks if we want to live a life of purpose and meaning.
In conclusion, Robert Service's "The Choice" is a classic poem that explores the theme of life's choices and the consequences that come with them. It is a powerful reminder that every decision we make has a ripple effect on our lives and the lives of those around us. The poem encourages us to take risks and to follow our dreams, even if it means stepping outside of our comfort zone. It is a timeless message that is just as relevant today as it was when it was first written.
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