'My Rival' by Robert Service

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Rhymes of a RoughneckIf she met him or he met her,
I knew that something must occur;
For they were just like flint and steel
To strike the spark of woe and weal;
Or like two splinters broken fine,
In perfect fitness to combine;
And so I ept them well apart,
For she was precious to my heart.
One time we all three met at church
I tried to give the lad the lurch,
But heard him say: "How like a rose!
is it your daughter , I suppose?"
"Why no," said I; "My wife to be,
And sic months gone wi' child is she."
He looked astonished and distraught:
My boy, that's one for you I thought.The wife asked: "What a handsome lad!
A sailor . . ." Somehow she looked sad;
And then his memory grew dim,
For nevermore she mentioned him.
And as I be nigh twice her age
I've always thought it mighty sage,
Lest she might one day go astray,
To keep her in the breeding way.Oh did she ever dream of Jack?
The boy who nevermore came back,
And never will, I heard that he
Was drowned in the China Sea.I told her not, lest she be sad,
And me? It's mean, but I was glad;
For if he's come into my life
He would have robbed me of my wife.But when at night by her I lie,
And in her sleep I hear her sigh,
I have a doubt if I did well
In separating Jack and Nell.
And though we have a brood of seven,
Yet marriage may be made in Heaven:
For Nell has cancer, Doctors state,
So maybe 'tis the way of fate
That in the end them two may mate.

Editor 1 Interpretation

My Rival: A Poem Full of Emotion and Competition

I am excited to share my interpretation of Robert Service's poem, "My Rival." This poem is a beautiful piece of literature that captures the emotions of competition, envy, and pride. Service uses vivid imagery and powerful language to convey the feelings of the speaker as he reflects on his rivalry with another man.

Overview of the Poem

"My Rival" is a poem that explores the idea of envy and competition. The speaker of the poem is reflecting on his feelings towards another man who he considers to be his rival. The poem is divided into four stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of the speaker's emotions.

In the first stanza, the speaker describes his rival's physical appearance and achievements. He acknowledges that his rival is handsome and accomplished, and admits to feeling envious of him. The second stanza delves deeper into the speaker's emotions, as he confesses that he wishes he could be like his rival.

The third stanza takes a turn, as the speaker begins to question his own worth and value. He wonders if he will ever achieve the same level of success as his rival, and admits to feeling a sense of despair. The final stanza is the most powerful, as the speaker declares that he will never give up, and that he will continue to strive for success and recognition.

Imagery and Language

One of the most striking aspects of "My Rival" is the vivid imagery that Service uses to convey the speaker's emotions. For example, in the first stanza, he describes the rival as having "the face of one who has won," and later describes his "dazzling skill" and "golden ease." These phrases create a clear image of a man who is confident and successful, and help to establish the tone of envy and admiration that runs throughout the poem.

Service also uses powerful language to convey the speaker's emotions. In the second stanza, he writes, "I would I were so tall and fair," using the archaic "would" to convey the speaker's deep desire to be like his rival. Later, in the third stanza, he writes, "what hope remains for me?" This question conveys the speaker's sense of despair and hopelessness, and sets the stage for the final stanza, in which the speaker declares that he will never give up.

Themes and Interpretation

At its core, "My Rival" is a poem about envy and competition. The speaker of the poem is consumed by his feelings towards his rival, and is constantly comparing himself to the other man. However, the poem is also about perseverance and determination. Despite his feelings of envy and despair, the speaker refuses to give up, and instead vows to continue striving for success.

One possible interpretation of the poem is that it is a critique of the competitive nature of society. The speaker's obsession with his rival is a reflection of the pressure that individuals often feel to succeed and outdo others. However, the poem can also be seen as a celebration of the human spirit. Despite the challenges and obstacles that the speaker faces, he refuses to give up, and instead chooses to persevere.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "My Rival" is a powerful and emotive poem that explores the complex emotions of envy and competition. Service's use of vivid imagery and powerful language creates a clear image of the speaker's emotions, and the poem's themes of perseverance and determination make it a relevant and inspiring piece of literature. Whether read as a critique of society or a celebration of the human spirit, "My Rival" is a poem that will continue to resonate with readers for years to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry My Rival: A Masterpiece of Robert Service

Robert Service, the renowned poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his exceptional works. One of his most celebrated poems is "My Rival," which is a masterpiece in its own right. The poem is a perfect example of Service's ability to capture the essence of human emotions and experiences in a simple yet profound manner. In this article, we will delve into the depths of "My Rival" and explore its themes, structure, and literary devices.

The poem "My Rival" is a narrative poem that tells the story of a man who is in love with a woman. However, he is not the only one vying for her affection. There is another man who is his rival, and the speaker is jealous of him. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with eight lines. The rhyme scheme is ABABCCDD, which gives the poem a musical quality.

The first stanza sets the scene and introduces the speaker's feelings towards his rival. The speaker describes his rival as a "man of fame" who is "rich and young and debonair." The speaker is envious of his rival's wealth and status, which he believes gives him an advantage in winning the woman's heart. The speaker also acknowledges his own shortcomings, saying that he is "poor and old and plain." He feels that he cannot compete with his rival and fears that he will lose the woman he loves.

In the second stanza, the speaker describes his love for the woman. He says that he loves her more than his rival ever could, and that his love is pure and true. He describes her beauty and grace, and how she makes his heart sing. He also acknowledges that his love for her is a weakness, as it makes him vulnerable to the pain of rejection. He says that he would rather die than live without her.

The third stanza is the climax of the poem, where the speaker confronts his rival. He challenges him to a duel, saying that the winner will have the woman's hand in marriage. The speaker is willing to risk his life for the woman he loves, and he believes that his love is stronger than his rival's. However, the woman intervenes and stops the duel. She tells the speaker that she loves him, and that his rival was only a friend. The speaker is overjoyed and grateful, and he thanks the woman for choosing him.

The theme of jealousy is central to the poem. The speaker is consumed by jealousy towards his rival, and it clouds his judgment and distorts his perception of reality. He sees his rival as a threat to his happiness, and he is willing to go to extreme lengths to eliminate him. However, his jealousy is unfounded, as his rival is not really his rival at all. The woman he loves has already chosen him, and his rival is just a friend. The poem shows how jealousy can be a destructive force that can lead to irrational behavior and cause unnecessary pain and suffering.

Another theme of the poem is love. The speaker's love for the woman is pure and true, and it is the driving force behind his actions. He is willing to risk his life for her, and he believes that his love is stronger than his rival's. The poem shows how love can be a powerful and transformative force that can inspire us to be our best selves and overcome our fears and weaknesses.

The structure of the poem is simple yet effective. The three stanzas follow a logical progression, with each stanza building on the previous one. The first stanza sets the scene and introduces the conflict, the second stanza explores the speaker's feelings towards the woman, and the third stanza resolves the conflict and brings the poem to a satisfying conclusion. The rhyme scheme and meter give the poem a musical quality, which adds to its emotional impact.

The poem also employs several literary devices to enhance its meaning and effect. The use of imagery, such as the description of the woman's beauty and the speaker's fear of losing her, creates a vivid and emotional picture in the reader's mind. The use of repetition, such as the repetition of the phrase "My rival," emphasizes the speaker's obsession with his rival and his jealousy. The use of irony, such as the revelation that the rival is not really a rival at all, adds depth and complexity to the poem.

In conclusion, "My Rival" is a masterpiece of Robert Service that explores the themes of jealousy and love in a simple yet profound manner. The poem's structure, rhyme scheme, and literary devices all contribute to its emotional impact and enduring appeal. It is a testament to Service's skill as a poet and his ability to capture the essence of human experience in his works. "My Rival" is a timeless classic that will continue to inspire and move readers for generations to come.

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