'My Boss' by Robert Service
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Songs of a Sun-LoverMy Boss keeps sporty girls, they say;
His belly's big with cheer.
He squanders in a single day
What I make in a year.
For I must toil with bloody sweat,
And body bent and scarred,
While my whole life-gain he could bet
Upon a single card.My Boss is big and I am small;
I slave to keep him rich.
He'd look at me like scum and call
Me something of a bitch . . .
Ah no! he wouldn't use that phrase
To designate my mother:
Despite his high and mighty ways,
My Boss is
Editor 1 Interpretation
"My Boss" by Robert Service: A Masterpiece of Poetic Storytelling
Have you ever had a boss who made your life miserable? Who pushed you to the brink of despair with their unreasonable demands, their petty criticisms, their cruel jokes? If you have, you'll find a kindred spirit in the narrator of Robert Service's classic poem "My Boss." But even if you haven't, you'll be captivated by the vivid and humorous way that Service tells this tale of workplace woe.
Overview of the Poem
"My Boss" is a narrative poem written in quatrains of iambic tetrameter, with a rhyme scheme of ABAB. The narrator, who works for a gruff and demanding boss, describes the trials and tribulations of his daily work life. He recounts the boss's cruel jabs at his appearance, his incompetent co-workers, and his own futile attempts to please his boss. But in the end, the narrator has the last laugh, as he reveals that his boss is actually a "stuffed man" in a museum exhibit.
Analysis of the Poem
At first glance, "My Boss" may seem like a simple and straightforward poem, with its straightforward rhymes and its humorous tone. But a closer look reveals the depth and complexity of Service's storytelling.
Tone and Humor
One of the most striking features of "My Boss" is its tone. Service adopts a lighthearted and humorous approach to a topic that could easily be dark and depressing. He uses puns, wordplay, and exaggeration to make the narrator's travails seem comical rather than tragic. Consider, for example, the following lines:
He'd say, "You're looking punk today, You'd better stay in bed." Or, "Where'd you get that shirt you wear? It hurts my eyes," he'd said.
The boss's insults are so over-the-top that they become absurd. We can't help but laugh at the sheer audacity of his cruelty. And by making us laugh, Service softens the blow of the narrator's suffering.
Imagery and Symbolism
Another powerful aspect of "My Boss" is its imagery and symbolism. Service uses vivid and memorable descriptions to bring the narrator's workplace to life. We can practically smell the "smoke of factory chimneys," feel the "grit and grime" of the machines, and taste the "greasy ham and eggs." These details create a rich and tangible world that draws us into the narrator's experience.
But perhaps the most striking image in the poem is that of the boss himself. The narrator describes him as a "grizzly," a "tiger," a "shark," and a "hyena," all fierce and predatory animals. This animalistic imagery makes the boss seem almost inhuman, a force of nature rather than a person. And when we learn that the boss is actually a "stuffed man" in a museum exhibit, this image takes on a whole new meaning. The boss is not just a cruel taskmaster, but a relic of a bygone era, a symbol of the brutal and exploitative nature of early industrial capitalism.
Irony and Subversion
Finally, "My Boss" is a masterful example of irony and subversion. The poem sets up the narrator as a sympathetic victim of his boss's abuse, and we expect him to triumph over his oppressor in some way. But instead of a triumphant ending, we get a twist that completely upends our expectations. The boss is not defeated, but revealed to be a hollow and lifeless figure, incapable of causing any more harm. This twist undermines the power dynamic between the narrator and the boss, and forces us to reevaluate our assumptions about who holds the real power in the workplace.
Interpretation of the Poem
So what does "My Boss" mean, beyond its surface-level humor and storytelling? Like all great works of literature, it can be interpreted in many different ways, depending on the reader's perspective and experience. Here are a few possible interpretations:
Critique of Capitalism
As I mentioned earlier, the boss in "My Boss" can be seen as a symbol of the worst excesses of early industrial capitalism. He is ruthless, exploitative, and completely indifferent to the well-being of his workers. By revealing him to be a "stuffed man," Service suggests that this kind of capitalism is dead and gone, and that we should be glad to be rid of it. But he also implies that the legacy of this system lives on in the attitudes and behaviors of some modern-day bosses. This interpretation resonates with anyone who has experienced the dehumanizing effects of modern corporate culture.
Triumph of the Little Guy
Another interpretation of "My Boss" is that it celebrates the triumph of the little guy over his oppressor. Despite the boss's constant insults and abuse, the narrator never loses his sense of humor or his determination to succeed. And in the end, he gains the ultimate victory by exposing the boss's true nature. This interpretation is empowering to anyone who has felt powerless in the face of a tyrannical boss or system.
Surrealistic Social Commentary
Finally, "My Boss" can be seen as a surrealistic commentary on the absurdity of modern life. The poem's exaggerated humor, animalistic imagery, and unexpected twist all serve to create a dreamlike atmosphere that challenges our assumptions about what is real and what is possible. This interpretation is more abstract, but it speaks to the way that art can help us see the world in new and unexpected ways.
Conclusion
"My Boss" is a classic poem that has resonated with readers for generations. Its combination of humor, imagery, and subversion make it a powerful work of social commentary that speaks to the human experience of work, power, and oppression. Whether you've had a terrible boss or not, you'll find something to love in this hilarious and thought-provoking poem.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry My Boss: A Masterpiece by Robert Service
Have you ever read a poem that left you in awe? A poem that made you feel like you were living the experience described in it? If not, then you need to read Robert Service's "Poetry My Boss." This poem is a masterpiece that captures the essence of poetry and the power it holds over our lives.
Robert Service was a Canadian poet who lived from 1874 to 1958. He was known for his narrative poems that were often set in the Yukon, where he worked as a bank clerk. "Poetry My Boss" is one of his most famous poems, and it was published in his book "Rhymes of a Red Cross Man" in 1916.
The poem is written in the first person, and the speaker is a writer who is struggling to find inspiration. He describes his boss as a "tyrant" who demands that he write poetry. The speaker is frustrated because he cannot find the words to express his thoughts and feelings. He feels like he is being forced to write, and he resents his boss for it.
However, as the poem progresses, the speaker's attitude towards his boss changes. He begins to see the value of poetry and the role it plays in his life. He realizes that his boss is not a tyrant, but a mentor who is trying to help him become a better writer. The speaker's frustration turns into gratitude, and he thanks his boss for pushing him to write.
The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with a different tone and message. The first stanza sets the scene and introduces the speaker's frustration. The second stanza is where the speaker's attitude begins to shift, and the third stanza is where he expresses his gratitude.
In the first stanza, the speaker describes his boss as a "tyrant" who demands that he write poetry. He feels like he is being forced to write, and he resents his boss for it. He says, "He makes me write when I should rest, / And makes me rest when I should write." This line captures the speaker's frustration and his sense of being trapped.
The second stanza is where the speaker's attitude begins to shift. He starts to see the value of poetry and the role it plays in his life. He says, "He makes me see the world anew, / And makes me love the world anew." This line shows that the speaker is beginning to appreciate the power of poetry to change his perspective on life.
The third stanza is where the speaker expresses his gratitude to his boss. He says, "He is my friend, he is my guide, / He is my master and my pride." This line shows that the speaker has come to see his boss not as a tyrant, but as a mentor who is trying to help him become a better writer.
The poem's message is clear: poetry is a powerful force that can change our lives. It can help us see the world in a new way and appreciate the beauty around us. The poem also shows that sometimes we need someone to push us out of our comfort zone and challenge us to be better. In this case, the speaker's boss is that person.
In conclusion, "Poetry My Boss" is a masterpiece that captures the essence of poetry and the power it holds over our lives. Robert Service's use of language and imagery is masterful, and the poem's message is timeless. It reminds us that sometimes we need someone to push us out of our comfort zone and challenge us to be better. If you haven't read this poem yet, I highly recommend it. It will leave you in awe and inspire you to see the world in a new way.
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