'Surtax' by Robert Service
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Rhymes for My RagsWhen I was young and Scottish IAllergic was to spending;
I put a heap of bawbees by,But now my life is ending,
Although I would my hoarded pelfImpetuously scatter,
Each day I live I find myselfFinancially fatter.Though all the market I might buy,There's nothing to my needing;
I only have one bed to lie,One mouth for feeding.
So what's the good of all that doughAccumulating daily?
I should have spent it long agoIn living gaily.So take my tip, my prudent friend,Without misgiving;
Don't guard your fortune to the end,But blow it living.
Better on bubbly be it spent,And chorus cuties,
Than pay it to the GovernmentFor damned Death Duties.
Editor 1 Interpretation
#Surtax: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Oh, what a masterpiece! Robert Service's "Surtax" is a poem that captures the heart and soul of every hardworking person. From the very first line, "I'm tired of being a wage-slave," the poem speaks to the reader on a personal level. We all know what it feels like to work hard and yet, still feel like we're not getting ahead.
The poem is structured in five stanzas, each with four lines. The first and third lines of each stanza rhyme, as do the second and fourth. This structure gives the poem a musical quality, which is fitting since the poem is about the struggle of the working class. The rhyme scheme also gives the poem a sense of consistency, which is in contrast to the disarray in the lives of the wage-slaves the poem depicts.
The title, "Surtax," is a clever play on words. The word "sur" means "over" in French, which is appropriate since the surtax is a tax that is over and above what is already being paid. The word "tax" is a homonym for "task," which relates to the work the wage-slaves are doing. The title sets up the theme of the poem, which is the struggle of the working class against those who profit off their labor.
The first stanza sets the scene for the poem. The speaker is a wage-slave who is tired of working for someone else. The use of the word "slave" is powerful, as it evokes images of the brutal history of slavery in America. The speaker is not just tired, they are "bone-tired," which emphasizes the physical toll of their work. The word "drudge" further emphasizes the monotonous nature of their work.
In the second stanza, the speaker talks about their desire for something more. They want to break free from the cycle of work, pay taxes, and repeat. The use of the word "chained" is effective, as it shows that the speaker feels trapped in their current situation. They don't just want a break, they want a "smashing" of the system that oppresses them.
The third stanza introduces the idea that the wage-slaves are not alone in their struggle. The use of the word "brother" is significant, as it shows that the speaker sees themselves as part of a larger community. The phrase "sweat of the brow" is a biblical reference, which emphasizes the idea that hard work is a virtue. The speaker is not against work, they are against being exploited for their labor.
The fourth stanza continues with the theme of solidarity. The wage-slaves are not just brothers, they are "brothers-in-arms." This phrase has military connotations, which suggests that the struggle of the working class is a battle. The use of the word "tyrant" is also significant, as it shows that the wage-slaves see those who profit off their labor as oppressors.
The final stanza is a call to action. The speaker urges the wage-slaves to unite and fight for their rights. The use of the words "rise" and "revolt" are powerful, as they suggest that the struggle of the working class is a rebellion against an unjust system. The poem ends with the image of a "liberty bell" ringing, which suggests that the fight for freedom is ongoing.
Overall, "Surtax" is a powerful poem that speaks to the struggle of the working class. The use of rhyme and structure gives the poem a musical quality, while the choice of words and imagery convey the message of the poem. The poem is a call to action, urging the wage-slaves to unite and fight for their rights. It is a poem that is just as relevant today as it was when it was written over a century ago.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry is a form of art that has been around for centuries, and it has the power to evoke emotions and transport us to different worlds. One of the most famous poets of the 20th century was Robert Service, who wrote some of the most iconic poems of his time. One of his most famous works is "The Cremation of Sam McGee," but today we will be discussing another one of his classics, "The Poetry Surtax."
"The Poetry Surtax" is a poem that was written in 1916, during a time when the world was at war. It is a satirical poem that pokes fun at the idea of a tax on poetry. The poem is written in Service's signature style, which is characterized by its rhyme scheme and its use of humor.
The poem begins with the speaker receiving a letter from the government, informing him that there will be a surtax on poetry. The speaker is outraged by this news and decides to write a poem about it. He begins by stating that poetry is not a luxury, but a necessity. He argues that poetry is what makes life worth living and that it should not be taxed.
The speaker then goes on to list all of the things that poetry can do. He says that poetry can make us laugh, make us cry, and make us feel alive. He argues that poetry is what gives us hope in times of darkness and that it should be cherished, not taxed.
The poem then takes a humorous turn when the speaker suggests that the government should tax other things instead of poetry. He suggests that they tax the air we breathe, the water we drink, and even the love we feel. He argues that if the government is going to tax something, it should tax things that are actually harmful to us, not things that bring us joy.
The poem ends with the speaker declaring that he will not pay the poetry surtax. He says that he will continue to write poetry, no matter what the government says. He argues that poetry is too important to be taxed and that it should be free for everyone to enjoy.
"The Poetry Surtax" is a poem that is still relevant today, over 100 years after it was written. It speaks to the idea that art should be free and that it should not be taxed. It also speaks to the power of poetry and how it can bring us together in times of hardship.
Service's use of humor in the poem is also noteworthy. He uses humor to make a serious point, which is that poetry is too important to be taxed. By using humor, he is able to make his point in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
In conclusion, "The Poetry Surtax" is a classic poem that speaks to the power of poetry and the importance of art in our lives. It is a poem that is still relevant today and will continue to be relevant for years to come. Service's use of humor and his signature style make this poem a joy to read and a testament to the power of poetry.
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