'My Feud' by Robert Service
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Rhymes for My RagsI hate my neighbour Widow Green;I'd like to claw her face;
But if I did she'd make a sceneAnd run me round the place:
For widows are in way of spleenA most pugnacious race.And yet I must do something quickTo keep the hag in line,
Since her red rooster chose to pickFive lettuce heads of mine:
And so I fed it arsenicWhich it did not decline.It disappeared, but on my matBefore a week had sped
I found Mi-mi, my tabby catAnd it was stoney dead;
I diagnosed with weeping thatOn strychnine it had fed.And so I bought a hamburg steak,Primed it with powdered glass,
And left it for her dog to takeWith gulping from the grass:
Since then, although I lie awakeI have not seen it pass.Well, that's the scoring up to date:And as I read a text
From Job to justify my hateI wonder who'll be next?
Somehow I feel that one must die,Ma Green or I.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry, My Feud: A Literary Criticism
What is it about Robert Service's poetry that captures the hearts of millions of readers across generations? Perhaps it's his masterful use of rhyme and meter, or his ability to evoke vivid images of people and places. Or maybe it's the way he seamlessly weaves together humor, tragedy, and beauty in his verse.
One of Service's most beloved poems is "My Feud," a tale of a man who's locked in a lifelong battle with his neighbor over a patch of land. At its core, "My Feud" is a parable about the destructive power of hatred and the importance of forgiveness. But there's much more going on beneath the surface of this deceptively simple poem.
The Power of Rhyme and Meter
One of Service's greatest strengths as a poet is his use of rhyme and meter to create a musical, almost hypnotic effect. In "My Feud," he employs a simple AABB rhyme scheme that gives the poem a sing-song quality. But within this seemingly straightforward structure, Service manages to pack in a surprising amount of variation and complexity.
For example, the poem's opening lines are deceptively simple:
I hate my neighbour, oh I hate him with an undying hate. I hate him with the hate that is only for the great.
Here, Service uses a two-syllable rhyme to set the tone for the poem: hate/great. But as the poem progresses, he introduces a variety of different rhymes and metrical patterns to keep the reader engaged.
In the second stanza, for example, he uses a series of slant rhymes to create a sense of unease and tension:
My neighbour's curse is on me, on my horse and on my kine, On every stick and stone of all that I call mine.
The words "kine" and "mine" don't quite rhyme, but their similarity in sound creates a subtle dissonance that mirrors the narrator's inner turmoil.
The Importance of Setting
Another key element of "My Feud" is its vivid setting. Service paints an evocative picture of rural life in the early 20th century, with its dirt roads, ramshackle fences, and fields of wheat and barley. But more than that, he uses the setting to underscore the poem's themes of isolation and loneliness.
Consider this stanza:
Between us is no neighbour talk, no comradely salute; We never borrow or lend; we never speak of our dispute. But each in his dingy dungeon broods darkly over his hate, And all that the world is made of is for us desolate.
Here, Service uses the image of the two men living in "dingy dungeons" to create a sense of claustrophobia and despair. The world outside may be full of life and beauty, but for these two men, everything is "desolate." The contrast between the beauty of the natural world and the ugliness of human conflict is a recurring theme throughout the poem.
The Parable of Forgiveness
At its heart, "My Feud" is a powerful parable about the importance of forgiveness. The narrator's hatred of his neighbor has consumed him for years, and he's convinced that his neighbor feels the same way. But when he finally confronts his neighbor, he discovers that the man has been suffering just as much as he has.
"I thought you hated me," I said. "I thought you'd be glad to hear That I was ruined utterly, and driven to despair."
He raised his head and looked at me; and there was something strange In the wan and wasted face that was changed beyond all change.
"I thought you hated me," he said. "I thought you'd triumph and crow To think that I was ruined, and had no place to go.
"I thought you hated me," he said. "I thought you'd be glad to see The place that was mine in the world had ceased to belong to me."
In this moment of shared suffering, the two men are able to see each other's humanity and recognize the futility of their feud. They come together in a moment of reconciliation and forgiveness, and the narrator is able to see the world with new eyes.
Conclusion
In "My Feud," Robert Service uses the power of rhyme and meter, evocative setting, and a profound parable about forgiveness to create a truly timeless work of poetry. It's a poem that speaks to the human condition in a way that's both universal and deeply personal, and one that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry My Feud: A Masterpiece by Robert Service
If you are a poetry enthusiast, you must have come across the name Robert Service. He is one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, known for his captivating and inspiring works. One of his most famous poems is "My Feud," a masterpiece that has captured the hearts of many poetry lovers. In this article, we will delve into the poem, analyzing its structure, themes, and literary devices.
Structure
"My Feud" is a narrative poem that tells the story of a man who is on a mission to avenge his father's death. The poem is divided into six stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which gives the poem a musical quality. The poem is written in the first person, which makes it more personal and engaging.
Themes
The central theme of "My Feud" is revenge. The protagonist is consumed by the desire to avenge his father's death, and he is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goal. The poem also explores the theme of loyalty. The protagonist is loyal to his family and is willing to risk his life to protect their honor. The poem also touches on the theme of justice. The protagonist believes that his father's death was unjust, and he is determined to make things right.
Literary Devices
Robert Service is known for his use of literary devices, and "My Feud" is no exception. One of the most prominent literary devices in the poem is imagery. Service uses vivid descriptions to create a mental picture of the protagonist's journey. For example, in the first stanza, he writes, "I have a rendezvous with Death/At some disputed barricade." This line creates a sense of danger and urgency, setting the tone for the rest of the poem.
Another literary device used in the poem is repetition. Service repeats the phrase "My Feud" throughout the poem, emphasizing the protagonist's obsession with revenge. The repetition also creates a sense of rhythm, making the poem more musical.
Service also uses symbolism in the poem. The protagonist's sword is a symbol of his determination and his willingness to fight for his family's honor. The sword also represents the protagonist's masculinity and his role as a protector.
Analysis
The poem begins with the protagonist declaring his intention to avenge his father's death. He is determined to confront his father's killer, even if it means risking his own life. The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, creating a sense of danger and urgency.
In the second stanza, the protagonist describes his journey to the place where he will confront his father's killer. He is accompanied by his loyal dog, who serves as a symbol of his loyalty to his family. The third stanza describes the protagonist's encounter with his father's killer. He challenges the killer to a duel, and they engage in a fierce battle.
In the fourth stanza, the protagonist emerges victorious, having avenged his father's death. He is filled with a sense of satisfaction and pride, knowing that he has done what he set out to do. The fifth stanza describes the aftermath of the battle. The protagonist is wounded, but he is content knowing that he has fulfilled his duty to his family.
The final stanza of the poem is a reflection on the protagonist's journey. He acknowledges that his obsession with revenge has consumed him, but he has no regrets. He is proud of what he has accomplished and is willing to face the consequences of his actions.
Conclusion
"My Feud" is a powerful poem that explores the themes of revenge, loyalty, and justice. Robert Service's use of literary devices such as imagery, repetition, and symbolism creates a vivid and engaging narrative. The poem is a testament to the power of determination and the importance of family honor. If you haven't read "My Feud" yet, I highly recommend it. It is a masterpiece that will leave you inspired and moved.
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