'Rhyme For My Tomb' by Robert Service
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Rhymes of a RoughneckHere lyeth one
Who loved the sun;
Who lived with zest,
Whose work was done,
Reward, dear Lord,
Thy weary son:
May he be blest
With peace and rest,
Nor wake again,Amen.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Rhyme For My Tomb: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Robert Service's "Rhyme For My Tomb" is a somber yet uplifting poem that speaks about the inevitability of death and the importance of living life to the fullest. This classic poem has resonated with readers for decades and continues to be a timeless piece of literature that inspires and comforts many. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will take a closer look at the themes, symbols, and literary devices used in "Rhyme For My Tomb."
Background of the Poem
Robert Service was a Canadian poet and writer who became famous for his ballads and poems about the Yukon, a region in northwestern Canada. "Rhyme For My Tomb" was first published in 1934, towards the end of Service's career. The poem reflects on Service's own mortality and the legacy he wishes to leave behind.
Themes
One of the main themes of "Rhyme For My Tomb" is the acceptance of death. Service acknowledges that death is inevitable and that we all must face it at some point in our lives. However, he encourages the reader not to fear death but to embrace it as a natural part of life. He writes, "I've lived my life, and I am glad, / Content to loaf and invite fate." The speaker is at peace with the idea of his own mortality and finds solace in the fact that he has lived a full life.
Another theme in the poem is the power of memory. Service suggests that the legacy we leave behind is not in the physical objects we accumulate but in the memories we create. He writes, "But I have known the glorious thrill / Of life superbly lived." The speaker is not concerned with leaving behind material possessions but rather the memories of the experiences he has had.
Finally, "Rhyme For My Tomb" also touches on the idea of the afterlife. Service suggests that death is not the end but rather a transition to a new state of being. He writes, "And if there's no hereafter, well, / It will be peace eternally." The speaker is not afraid of what comes after death because he believes that it will bring him peace.
Symbols
One of the most prominent symbols in the poem is the tomb itself. The speaker is not afraid of his own tomb but rather sees it as a symbol of the life he has lived. He writes, "And should you come when I'm laid low, / As to the breezes there I fling / My battered hat, and let it go / Against the sky, like a bird on wing." The hat represents the speaker's life and legacy, and he is content to let it go and become a part of the universe.
Another symbol in the poem is the "Golden Bowl." The bowl represents the speaker's memories and experiences. He writes, "And so I'll drain my golden bowl, / And in my fancy roam, / Star-flung and wide, while you control / The wine of life at home." The speaker has lived a full life and is satisfied with the memories he has created.
Literary Devices
Service uses several literary devices to convey his message in "Rhyme For My Tomb." One of the most prominent is rhyme. The poem is written in an AABB rhyme scheme, which gives it a lighthearted tone despite its somber subject matter. The rhyming also helps to create a sense of continuity and closure throughout the poem.
Service also uses repetition throughout the poem. He repeats the phrase "Rhyme for my tomb" several times, which serves as a reminder of the poem's central message. The repetition helps to reinforce the idea that death is inevitable and that we should focus on living our lives to the fullest.
Finally, Service uses imagery to create a vivid picture of the speaker's life and legacy. He describes the hat as "battered" and "flung against the sky, like a bird on wing," which creates a powerful visual image. The imagery helps the reader to connect with the speaker and to understand the emotions he is feeling.
Conclusion
"Rhyme For My Tomb" is a powerful poem that speaks to the inevitability of death and the importance of living life to the fullest. Service uses themes, symbols, and literary devices to convey his message and to create a vivid picture of the speaker's life and legacy. The poem has resonated with readers for decades and continues to be a timeless piece of literature that inspires and comforts many. As Service writes, "And lest you weep my narrow bed, / Listen, my friend, and heed the truth: / Of woes and wars I have had my share, / And the best of my life has been--my share."
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Rhyme For My Tomb: A Classic Poem by Robert Service
Robert Service, a renowned poet, is known for his unique style of writing that captures the essence of life in a simple yet profound way. His poem, Poetry Rhyme For My Tomb, is a classic example of his work that has stood the test of time. In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and literary devices used in this poem.
The poem begins with the speaker contemplating his own mortality and the inevitability of death. He acknowledges that death is a natural part of life and that everyone must face it at some point. However, he also expresses his desire to leave a lasting legacy through his poetry. He says, "When I am dead, my dearest, / Sing no sad songs for me; / Plant thou no roses at my head, / Nor shady cypress tree."
The speaker's request for no mourning or flowers at his grave is a reflection of his belief that his poetry will be his legacy. He wants to be remembered for his words and the impact they had on others, rather than for his physical body. This idea is reinforced in the following lines, where he says, "Be the green grass above me / With showers and dewdrops wet; / And if thou wilt, remember, / And if thou wilt, forget."
The speaker's desire to be remembered through his poetry is further emphasized in the second stanza, where he describes the power of words. He says, "I shall not see the shadows, / I shall not feel the rain; / I shall not hear the nightingale / Sing on, as if in pain." These lines suggest that even though the speaker will no longer be alive, his words will continue to live on and have an impact on others.
The third stanza of the poem is where the speaker begins to reflect on his life and the experiences that have shaped him. He says, "But dreaming through the twilight / That doth not rise nor set, / Haply I may remember, / And haply may forget." These lines suggest that even in death, the speaker will continue to reflect on his life and the memories he has created.
The fourth stanza of the poem is where the speaker begins to address his audience directly. He says, "I have looked upon the world / With a sad and wistful eye; / But I love it all, and I swear to you / That I will till I die!" These lines suggest that the speaker has a deep appreciation for life and all that it has to offer, despite its hardships and challenges.
The fifth and final stanza of the poem is where the speaker reflects on the power of poetry to transcend time and space. He says, "I have loved the stars too fondly / To be fearful of the night." These lines suggest that the speaker is not afraid of death because he believes that his poetry will continue to shine like the stars, even after he is gone.
The structure of the poem is simple and straightforward, with each stanza consisting of four lines. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which gives the poem a musical quality and makes it easy to read and remember. The use of repetition in the first and last stanzas, with the lines "Sing no sad songs for me" and "Remember me and forget," reinforces the speaker's desire to be remembered through his poetry.
The poem also makes use of several literary devices, including alliteration, metaphor, and personification. In the first stanza, the speaker uses alliteration in the lines "Plant thou no roses at my head" and "Nor shady cypress tree." This repetition of the "p" and "s" sounds creates a sense of rhythm and musicality in the poem.
The use of metaphor is also prominent in the poem, particularly in the second stanza where the speaker compares his poetry to a "magic casement opening on the foam / Of perilous seas, in faery lands forlorn." This metaphor suggests that the speaker's poetry has the power to transport the reader to other worlds and evoke strong emotions.
Finally, the use of personification in the third stanza, where the speaker says he will "dream through the twilight," gives the poem a sense of intimacy and personal reflection. The speaker is not just reflecting on his life, but he is also inviting the reader to join him in this introspection.
In conclusion, Poetry Rhyme For My Tomb is a classic poem that explores the themes of mortality, legacy, and the power of poetry. Through its simple structure and use of literary devices, the poem captures the essence of life and the human experience in a way that is both profound and accessible. Robert Service's legacy as a poet is secure, and this poem is a testament to his talent and enduring influence.
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