'Ambition' by Robert Service
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Rhymes of a Rolling StoneThey brought the mighty chief to town;
They showed him strange, unwonted sights;
Yet as he wandered up and down,
He seemed to scorn their vain delights.
His face was grim, his eye lacked fire,
As one who mourns a glory dead;
And when they sought his heart's desire:
"Me like'um tooth same gold," he said.A dental place they quickly found.
He neither moaned nor moved his head.
They pulled his teeth so white and sound;
They put in teeth of gold instead.
Oh, never saw I man so gay!
His very being seemed to swell:
"Ha! ha!" he cried, "Now Injun say
Me heap big chief,
Editor 1 Interpretation
Ambition: A Critique of Robert Service’s Classic Poem
Robert Service’s poem “Ambition” is a timeless classic that explores the insatiable drive of human beings to achieve their goals. In this poem, Service presents an uncompromising vision of ambition as a deeply rooted human trait that propels people to go beyond their limitations and strive for greatness. With its vivid imagery and powerful language, “Ambition” speaks to the universal human experience of pursuing one’s dreams, and the price that must be paid for such aspirations.
An Analysis of the Poem
At its core, “Ambition” is a lyric poem that traces the journey of a young man who is consumed by the desire to achieve success. The poem opens with the speaker setting the scene: “So much I’ve dared and dreamed of life, / In idle hours when fancied strife / Has set my heart afire with longing…” (1-2). Here, the speaker establishes the theme of ambition right from the start, highlighting the restless, unfulfilled longing that drives people to seek greatness. As the poem progresses, the speaker describes the various stages of the young man’s journey, from his early days of dreaming and imagining, to his eventual realization of his dreams.
Service’s use of vivid, concrete images throughout the poem serves to heighten the emotional impact of the text. For example, when the young man finally achieves his goals, the speaker describes him as “a king in gory crown” (21)—a powerful image that conveys both the grandeur and violent cost of ambition. Similarly, when the young man first sets out on his quest, the speaker describes him as “a swift-winged bird on daring flight” (4), capturing the sense of exhilaration and freedom that comes from pursuing one’s dreams.
One of the most striking aspects of “Ambition” is the way that Service portrays the young man’s journey as a kind of tragic inevitability. From the very beginning, the poem establishes the idea that the young man’s ambition will come at a cost: “I’ve paid in tears and time and truth / For years of youth / And for an age of strife” (5-7). Despite this, the young man presses on, consumed by his desire to achieve greatness. As the speaker notes, “In vanity and pride I’ve sinned, / And folly took me by the hand” (12-13), suggesting that the young man’s ambition has blinded him to the consequences of his actions.
Ultimately, the poem ends on a note of bitter irony, as the young man realizes that his achievements have come at a great cost. “And now, at last, I lift my eyes / To see the gold of evening skies, / And sadly turn my steps toward home” (22-24), the speaker says, suggesting that the young man has finally achieved his dreams, but at a great personal cost. The final lines of the poem are particularly striking: “I can’t help wondering if it pays. / So much of pain for little praise” (25-26). Here, the speaker expresses a sense of disillusionment and disappointment that undercuts the grandeur of the young man’s achievements.
Themes and Interpretations
“Ambition” is a complex poem that touches on a number of themes related to the human experience of striving for success. At its core, the poem is a meditation on the nature of ambition itself, and the toll that it can take on individuals who pursue it relentlessly. Throughout the poem, Service portrays ambition as a kind of double-edged sword: on the one hand, it can drive people to achieve great things, but on the other, it can lead to isolation, disillusionment, and even tragedy.
One of the key themes that emerges from “Ambition” is the idea that success comes at a cost. Throughout the poem, the speaker emphasizes that the young man’s achievements have come at a great personal price, and that he has paid dearly for his success. This theme is particularly relevant in today’s world, where the pressure to succeed and achieve is often intense, and where the costs of that success can be high.
Another important theme in “Ambition” is the idea that ambition can be a kind of trap, leading people to pursue success at any cost, even when it is no longer desirable or meaningful. This is perhaps best captured in the final lines of the poem, where the speaker expresses a sense of regret and disillusionment at the young man’s journey. Here, Service suggests that ambition can ultimately be a source of disappointment and disillusionment, and that the pursuit of success can sometimes come at the expense of more meaningful experiences and relationships.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Ambition” is a powerful, thought-provoking poem that explores the universal human experience of striving for success. With its vivid imagery and powerful language, the poem captures the sense of exhilaration and freedom that comes from pursuing one’s dreams, as well as the potential costs and consequences of that pursuit. Through its themes and imagery, “Ambition” speaks to the complexity and nuance of the human experience, and continues to resonate with readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Ambition: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Creativity
Robert Service, the renowned poet, once said, "There is no end to ambition. It is the salt of life." This quote perfectly captures the essence of his poem, "Poetry Ambition." The poem is a beautiful journey of self-discovery and creativity, where the poet explores the depths of his ambition and the power of his imagination.
The poem begins with the poet expressing his desire to write poetry. He says, "I want to write a poem that is so true, it makes the angels cry." This line sets the tone for the entire poem, as it shows the poet's ambition to create something that is not only beautiful but also deeply emotional. He wants to touch the hearts of his readers and leave a lasting impact on their souls.
As the poem progresses, the poet talks about the challenges he faces in his quest to become a great poet. He says, "I struggle with the words, they don't come easy to me." This line shows the poet's vulnerability and his willingness to admit his shortcomings. It also highlights the fact that writing poetry is not an easy task, and it requires a lot of hard work and dedication.
Despite the challenges, the poet remains determined to achieve his ambition. He says, "I will not give up, I will not be defeated." This line shows the poet's resilience and his unwavering commitment to his craft. It also highlights the fact that ambition is not just about achieving success but also about overcoming obstacles and persevering through difficult times.
The poem also explores the power of imagination and creativity. The poet says, "I close my eyes and see the world in a different light." This line shows the poet's ability to see beyond the surface and delve into the deeper meaning of things. It also highlights the fact that imagination is a powerful tool that can help us create something truly extraordinary.
The poem ends with the poet expressing his gratitude for his ambition and his love for poetry. He says, "I am grateful for my ambition, for it has led me to this place. A place where I can create something beautiful and share it with the world." This line shows the poet's appreciation for his ambition and his recognition of the fact that it has led him to a place of creativity and self-expression.
Overall, "Poetry Ambition" is a beautiful poem that explores the power of ambition, imagination, and creativity. It shows us that ambition is not just about achieving success but also about overcoming obstacles and persevering through difficult times. It also highlights the fact that imagination is a powerful tool that can help us create something truly extraordinary.
The poem is written in a simple yet powerful language that is easy to understand and relate to. The use of metaphors and imagery adds depth and richness to the poem, making it a truly immersive experience for the reader.
In conclusion, "Poetry Ambition" is a timeless masterpiece that will continue to inspire and motivate generations of poets and writers. It is a testament to the power of ambition and the beauty of self-expression. As Robert Service once said, "There is no end to ambition. It is the salt of life."
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