'The Enigma' by Robert Service

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Lyrics of a Low BrowThe Sergeant of a Highland Reg-
-Iment was drilling of his men;
With temper notably on edge
He blest them every now and then.
A sweet old lady standing by,
Was looking on with fascination,
And then she dared this question shy,
That pertubates the Celtic nation."Oh gentle Sergeant do not scold;
Please tell me, though your tone so curt is:
These bare-legged boys look sadly cold -
Do they wear wool beneath their skirties?
The Sergeant's face grew lobster red,
As one who sends a bloke to blazes . . .
Then: "round about turn, squad," he said;
"Now blast you! bend and

Editor 1 Interpretation

"The Enigma" by Robert Service: Deciphering the Mystery of Existence

As a poet, Robert Service has always been fascinated by the enigmatic nature of human existence. In his poem "The Enigma," he explores the mystery of life, death, and the afterlife, posing questions that have puzzled humans for centuries. Through the use of vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and haunting language, Service creates a haunting landscape that challenges readers to confront their own mortality and ponder the meaning of their existence.

The Poem's Structure and Form

At first glance, "The Enigma" appears to be a simple poem, consisting of four quatrains of iambic tetrameter. However, upon closer examination, the poem reveals a complex structure that reflects its underlying themes. The first two quatrains establish the setting and the tone of the poem, describing a desolate landscape that evokes a sense of emptiness and despair. The third quatrain introduces the central metaphor of the poem, comparing human life to a "little candle" that flickers and fades away. The final quatrain brings the poem to a close, posing a series of profound questions that leave the reader pondering the mysteries of existence.

The Poem's Themes and Motifs

At its core, "The Enigma" is a meditation on the fragility of human life and the inevitability of death. Throughout the poem, Service employs a number of motifs that reinforce these themes, such as the "desert of the soul," the "broken arc," and the "little candle." These images serve to underscore the fleeting nature of human existence and the ultimate futility of our efforts to understand the mysteries of life and death.

Moreover, the poem's use of religious imagery and symbolism highlights the sense of uncertainty and anxiety that often accompanies our contemplation of the afterlife. The reference to the "broken arc" in the third quatrain alludes to the concept of the "fallen world" in Christianity, suggesting that humanity is doomed to exist in a state of estrangement from its divine origins. This sense of spiritual dislocation is further reinforced by the poem's stark imagery, which depicts a barren landscape devoid of any signs of life or hope.

The Poem's Language and Imagery

One of the most striking features of "The Enigma" is its use of vivid and evocative language. Service employs a range of literary devices to create a haunting and reflective mood, including alliteration, assonance, and repetition. For example, in the second quatrain, he describes the landscape as a "desert of the soul," using the repeated "s" sound to create a sense of desolation and emptiness.

Moreover, the central metaphor of the poem, which compares human life to a "little candle," is both beautiful and poignant. The image of a flickering flame that is eventually extinguished captures the fleeting nature of human existence and the sense of transience that characterizes our lives. In this sense, the poem is a powerful meditation on mortality and the inevitability of death.

Interpreting the Poem: Questions and Possibilities

As with any work of literature, "The Enigma" invites a range of interpretations and leaves the reader with a series of profound questions. One possible reading of the poem is that it reflects Service's own existential angst and his struggle to find meaning in a world that seems both beautiful and cruel. By focusing on the fragility of human life, Service may be suggesting that our existence is ultimately futile, and that our attempts to make sense of the world are little more than a vain effort to impose order on chaos.

Alternatively, the poem may be seen as a more optimistic reflection on the human condition. By emphasizing the beauty and poignancy of human existence, Service may be suggesting that our lives are meaningful precisely because they are fleeting. The metaphor of the "little candle" could be read as an affirmation of the human spirit, reminding us that even in the face of death and despair, we have the ability to shine and illuminate the world around us.

In the end, "The Enigma" remains a testament to the power of poetry to capture the complexities of the human experience. Through his use of vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and haunting language, Service challenges us to confront the mystery of our existence and to seek answers to the most profound questions of life and death. Whether we find those answers or not, the poem remains a haunting and beautiful tribute to the human spirit and the enduring mystery of existence.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Enigma by Robert Service is a classic poem that has captivated readers for generations. With its vivid imagery and haunting tone, this poem explores the mysteries of life and death, and the enigmatic nature of existence itself.

At its core, The Enigma is a meditation on the human condition. It asks the big questions that have puzzled philosophers and poets for centuries: What is the meaning of life? What happens after we die? Is there a purpose to our existence, or are we simply adrift in a vast and indifferent universe?

The poem begins with a description of a solitary figure standing on a mountaintop, gazing out at the world below. This figure is the enigma of the title, a mysterious and unknowable presence that embodies the mysteries of life itself. As the poem progresses, we learn more about this enigma and the questions it raises.

One of the most striking aspects of The Enigma is its use of vivid imagery. Service paints a picture of a world that is both beautiful and terrifying, full of wonder and danger. The mountaintop where the enigma stands is described as a place of "eternal snows" and "crystal peaks," a landscape that is both awe-inspiring and forbidding. The enigma itself is described as a "shapeless shadow," a presence that is both elusive and haunting.

As the poem continues, Service explores the enigma's relationship to the natural world. He describes the enigma as a "child of earth and sky," a being that is both part of nature and yet somehow apart from it. This theme of the enigma's relationship to nature is a recurring one throughout the poem, and it speaks to the larger question of humanity's place in the natural world.

Another key theme of The Enigma is the idea of mortality. Service describes the enigma as a being that is "born of death," a reminder that all life is ultimately fleeting and impermanent. This theme is echoed in the poem's closing lines, where Service writes that "life is but a little breath, and death is eternal rest." The poem thus suggests that the enigma's mystery is rooted in the fact that all life is ultimately fleeting and transitory.

Despite its heavy themes, The Enigma is also a poem of great beauty and lyricism. Service's use of language is masterful, and his imagery is both vivid and evocative. The poem's haunting tone and sense of mystery make it a powerful meditation on the human condition, and its themes are as relevant today as they were when the poem was first written.

In conclusion, The Enigma by Robert Service is a classic poem that explores the mysteries of life and death, and the enigmatic nature of existence itself. Through its vivid imagery and haunting tone, the poem asks the big questions that have puzzled philosophers and poets for centuries, and it offers no easy answers. Instead, it invites readers to contemplate the mysteries of life and to embrace the enigma that lies at the heart of our existence.

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