'Sailor Son' by Robert Service

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Rhymes for My RagsWhen you come home I'll not be roundTo welcome you.
They'll take you to a grassy moundSo neat and new;
Where I'll be sleeping--O so sound!The ages through.I'll not be round to broom the hearth,To feed the chicks;
And in the wee room of your birthYour bed to fix;
Rose room that knew your baby mirthYour tiny tricks.I'll not be round . . . The garden stillWith bees will hum;
To cheerful you the throstle's billWill not be dumb;
The rambler rose will overspillWhen you will come.Bird, bee and bloom, they'll greet you allWith scented sound;
Yet though the joy of your footfallWill thrill the ground
Your mother with her old grey shawl--Will not be round.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Sailor Son: A Literary Criticism

Are you a fan of poetry that tells stories of adventure and the sea? Do you enjoy the rhythm and melody of ballads that evoke strong emotions? Then you'll love "Sailor Son," a classic poem by Robert Service that combines vivid imagery, dramatic plot, and musical language.

In this literary criticism and interpretation, we'll analyze the themes, symbols, and literary devices used in "Sailor Son" to uncover its deeper meanings and explore its impact on readers.

Background

Robert Service (1874-1958) was a poet and novelist who became famous for his tales of the Yukon gold rush and his romanticized depictions of rugged, independent men. Born in Scotland, he moved to Canada at the age of 21 and worked various jobs, including bank clerk, ranch hand, and war correspondent. He started writing poetry in his spare time and became a best-selling author, especially in the United States, where he was known as the "Bard of the Yukon."

"Sailor Son" was published in Service's book "Rhymes of a Red Cross Man" in 1916, during World War I, which inspired many of his patriotic and sentimental poems. The poem tells the story of a sailor who returns home after a long voyage and finds his mother dead, his father gone, and his childhood sweetheart married to another man. The sailor feels lost and abandoned, but he decides to honor his mother's memory by joining the navy again and fighting for his country.

Analysis

Theme: Loss and Renewal

The central theme of "Sailor Son" is loss and renewal, as the main character experiences the death of his mother, the absence of his father, and the betrayal of his lover. These losses could be seen as symbolizing the broader themes of war, separation, and change that affected many people during the early 20th century.

However, the poem also offers a message of hope and resilience, as the sailor decides to turn his grief into action and join the navy once more. His determination to serve his country and honor his mother's memory shows his inner strength and his capacity for renewal. The final stanza, which describes him sailing away with a "song in his heart," suggests that he has found a new purpose and a new hope.

Symbolism: The Sea and the Ship

The sea and the ship are powerful symbols in "Sailor Son," representing both the sailor's past and his future. The sea is portrayed as both beautiful and dangerous, reflecting the sailor's mixed feelings about his life at sea. On the one hand, he loves the freedom and adventure of sailing, as shown in lines such as "I love the salty odour, / The tang of brine and tar," and "I've seen the Northern Lights ablaze, / And the stars on the Southern Cross." On the other hand, he also knows the risks and the loneliness of the sea, as shown in lines such as "But many's the time I've cursed it, / And longed to be on the shore."

The ship, meanwhile, represents the sailor's identity and his destiny. It is both his home and his workplace, his source of pride and his source of danger. The ship's name, the "Albatross," is a fitting symbol, as the albatross is a bird associated with sailors and good luck. However, the ship is also a reminder of the sailor's past failures, as he lost it in a storm and had to start over again.

Literary Devices: Rhyme and Meter

One of the most striking features of "Sailor Son" is its use of rhyme and meter, which give the poem a musical quality and a memorable structure. The poem is written in quatrains, or stanzas of four lines each, with a consistent rhyme scheme (ABCB) and a regular meter (iambic tetrameter). This means that each line has four stressed and unstressed syllables, creating a rhythmic pattern that is easy to read and remember.

The use of rhyme and meter also helps to reinforce the poem's themes and symbols. For example, the repetition of the word "sea" in the first and third lines of each stanza creates a sense of continuity and contrast, as the sailor's feelings about the sea change from stanza to stanza. The use of alliteration, or the repetition of consonant sounds, also adds to the musicality of the poem and helps to create vivid images, such as "The wind was a whip with a knotted thong."

Interpretation

"Sailor Son" is a powerful poem that speaks to the human experience of loss and renewal, as well as the challenges and rewards of a life at sea. It combines vivid imagery, dramatic plot, and musical language to create a memorable and moving work of art.

At its core, the poem is a tribute to the resilience and courage of ordinary people who face adversity with determination and hope. The sailor may have lost everything he held dear, but he refuses to give up or give in. He knows that his destiny is on the sea, and he is willing to risk everything to achieve it. As Service writes in the final stanza, "He's sailing on adventure, / With a song in his heart and a smile."

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Sailor Son" is a classic poem that deserves to be remembered and celebrated for its literary merits and its emotional impact. It tells a universal story of loss and renewal, using powerful symbols and memorable language to create a work of art that speaks to readers of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you are a fan of poetry, history, or adventure, you should read "Sailor Son" and discover for yourself why Robert Service is one of the greatest poets of the 20th century.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Sailor Son: A Classic Tale of Adventure and Love

Robert Service's "Poetry Sailor Son" is a classic poem that tells the story of a sailor's journey through the seas, his love for his sweetheart, and his passion for poetry. The poem is a masterpiece of storytelling, filled with vivid imagery, powerful emotions, and a sense of adventure that captures the reader's imagination.

The poem begins with the sailor's departure from his home port, leaving behind his sweetheart and his dreams of becoming a poet. As he sails through the seas, he encounters various challenges and dangers, including storms, pirates, and treacherous waters. Despite these obstacles, the sailor remains steadfast in his determination to reach his destination and reunite with his beloved.

Throughout the poem, Service uses powerful imagery to convey the sailor's experiences and emotions. For example, in the opening stanza, he describes the sailor's departure as "a silver sail on a silver sea," creating a sense of beauty and wonder that contrasts with the sailor's sadness at leaving his home. Similarly, when the sailor encounters a storm, Service writes, "The wind was a howling wolf at bay, / The thunder bellowed and roared," creating a sense of danger and chaos that reflects the sailor's fear and uncertainty.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is the way Service weaves together the sailor's love for his sweetheart and his passion for poetry. Throughout the poem, the sailor reflects on his love for his sweetheart, describing her as "the star that guides me through the night" and "the light that shines upon my way." At the same time, he also expresses his love for poetry, describing it as "the breath of life, the soul's delight" and "the magic wand that makes me free."

Service's use of language is particularly effective in conveying the sailor's emotions and experiences. He uses vivid metaphors and similes to create a sense of the sailor's surroundings and the challenges he faces. For example, when the sailor encounters a pirate ship, Service writes, "Her sails were black as a funeral pall, / Her decks were slippery red." This description creates a sense of danger and menace that reflects the sailor's fear and uncertainty.

Another notable aspect of the poem is its use of repetition and rhyme. Service uses repetition to create a sense of rhythm and momentum, as well as to emphasize key themes and ideas. For example, he repeats the phrase "my sweetheart" throughout the poem, emphasizing the sailor's love for his beloved. He also uses rhyme to create a sense of musicality and to tie together different parts of the poem. For example, he rhymes "sea" with "me" and "free," creating a sense of unity and continuity that reflects the sailor's journey.

In the final stanza of the poem, the sailor finally reaches his destination and is reunited with his sweetheart. Service writes, "And there was my sweetheart waiting for me, / With a smile as sweet as a rose." This moment of reunion is a powerful conclusion to the poem, emphasizing the sailor's perseverance and his love for his sweetheart.

Overall, "Poetry Sailor Son" is a classic poem that tells a timeless tale of adventure, love, and the power of poetry. Service's use of vivid imagery, powerful language, and repetition creates a sense of momentum and emotion that captures the reader's imagination. Whether read as a tale of adventure or a love story, the poem is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the human spirit.

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