'The Answer' by Robert Service
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Lyrics of a Low BrowBill has left his house of clay,
Slammed the door and gone away:
How he laughed but yesterday!I had two new jokes to tell,
Salty, but he loved them well:
Now I see his empty shell.Poker-faced he looks at me;
Peeved to miss them jokes - how h
Would have belly-laughed with glee!He gives me the pip, I swear;
Seems just like he isn't there:
Flown the coop - I wonder where?Bill had no belief in "soul";
Thought the body was the whole,
And the grave the final goal.Didn't reckon when we pass,
This old carcass maybe has
Spirit that sneaks out like gas."Look here, Bill, I'm asking you
What's the Answer? Tell me true:
Is death the end of all we do?"Hand me out the dope - are we
No more than monkeys on a tree?"
... And then I swear to God I see
bill bat an eye and - wink at me.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Answer: A Literary Masterpiece by Robert Service
Have you ever read a poem that touches the very core of your being, leaving you with a sense of hope and inspiration? Well, if you haven't, then you need to read Robert Service's classic poem, "The Answer." This stunning piece of literature is a perfect example of how poetry can evoke powerful emotions and leave a lasting impact on its readers. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will delve deeper into the themes, symbolism, and literary devices used by Service to create this masterpiece.
Background and Context
"The Answer" was written by Robert Service in 1923, during a time when the world was still reeling from the aftermath of World War I. The poem was published in Service's collection of poems, "Rhymes of a Red Cross Man." As the title suggests, the collection includes poems that were inspired by Service's experiences working with the Red Cross during the war. Service's time with the Red Cross had a profound impact on his life and writing, and "The Answer" is one of the many poems that reflect this influence.
Themes
At its core, "The Answer" is a poem about the search for meaning and purpose in life. The speaker in the poem is asking a series of questions, trying to understand the mysteries of life and the universe. Throughout the poem, the speaker grapples with the idea of whether there is a higher power or divine force that governs the universe, and if so, what is its purpose? The poem explores the themes of spirituality, faith, and the search for truth in a world that often seems confusing and chaotic.
Literary Devices
Service uses a range of literary devices to create a vivid and evocative picture of the world in the poem. One of the most prominent literary devices used in the poem is rhetorical questions. The speaker in the poem asks a series of questions, starting with "I think I have found the answer to all the riddles," and then goes on to ask a range of questions that explore the mysteries of the universe. These rhetorical questions serve to engage the reader and invite them to contemplate the same questions posed in the poem.
Service also uses symbolism in the poem to create a deeper meaning. For example, the speaker describes the stars as "pinned to the sky with the points of light" and the moon as a "ghostly galleon." These images serve to create a sense of awe and wonder, and to remind the reader of the vastness of the universe.
Another literary device used in the poem is repetition. The speaker repeats the phrase "I think I have found the answer" several times throughout the poem, creating a sense of urgency and conviction. The repeated phrase also serves to emphasize the speaker's search for truth and meaning in life.
Interpretation
While "The Answer" is a poem that explores the themes of spirituality and the search for truth, it can also be interpreted as a commentary on the human condition. The speaker in the poem is searching for answers to the most fundamental questions of life, but ultimately comes up empty-handed. The poem suggests that perhaps the search for meaning and purpose is an endless one, and that the only true answer is to embrace the mystery and beauty of life.
The poem can also be seen as a reflection of the post-World War I era, a time when many people were grappling with questions about the purpose of life and the meaning of existence. The poem suggests that even in times of great upheaval and uncertainty, there is still beauty and wonder to be found in the universe.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Answer" is a masterpiece of poetry that explores the most fundamental questions of life. Robert Service uses a range of literary devices to create a vivid and evocative picture of the world, and the poem invites the reader to contemplate the same questions posed in the poem. The poem can be interpreted in many ways, but ultimately it suggests that the search for meaning and purpose may be an endless one, and that the only true answer is to embrace the mystery and beauty of life. If you haven't read "The Answer" yet, I highly recommend it. It's a poem that will leave you feeling inspired and moved.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry has the power to evoke emotions and stir the soul, and Robert Service's "The Answer" is no exception. This classic poem is a masterpiece of poetic expression that captures the essence of life's most profound questions. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in "The Answer" to understand its deeper meaning.
The poem begins with a question that has puzzled humanity for centuries: "What is the meaning of life?" Service then proceeds to offer a series of possible answers, each one more absurd than the last. He suggests that life is a "crazy-quilt" of experiences, a "bubble" that bursts, a "joke" that's played on us, and a "dream" that fades away. These answers are all unsatisfactory, leaving the reader with a sense of emptiness and confusion.
However, in the final stanza, Service offers a different answer, one that is both simple and profound. He suggests that the meaning of life is to "live it." This answer may seem obvious, but it is often overlooked in our search for deeper meaning. Service reminds us that life is not a puzzle to be solved or a riddle to be deciphered. It is a gift to be cherished and enjoyed.
The imagery used in "The Answer" is both vivid and powerful. Service uses metaphors and similes to convey the complexity of life's questions. He compares life to a "crazy-quilt," a patchwork of experiences that are both beautiful and chaotic. He also compares it to a "bubble" that bursts, reminding us of life's fragility and impermanence. These images are both striking and memorable, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.
Service also uses language to great effect in "The Answer." His use of rhyme and meter gives the poem a musical quality, making it easy to read and remember. He also uses repetition to emphasize the central theme of the poem. The phrase "live it" is repeated several times, driving home the message that life is meant to be lived.
In addition to its themes, imagery, and language, "The Answer" also has a timeless quality that makes it relevant today. Despite being written over a century ago, the poem still resonates with readers today. Its message of living life to the fullest is as relevant now as it was then.
In conclusion, Robert Service's "The Answer" is a masterpiece of poetic expression that captures the essence of life's most profound questions. Through its themes, imagery, and language, the poem reminds us that life is a gift to be cherished and enjoyed. Its message is timeless and relevant, making it a classic that will continue to inspire readers for generations to come. So, let us take Service's advice and "live it" to the fullest.
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