'Self-Made Man' by Robert Service

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Lyrics of a Low BrowA hundred people I employed,
But when they struck for higher pay,
I was so damnably annoyed
I told them they could stay away.
I simply shut my business down;
I closed my doors and locked them out,
And now you'll find all round the town
A lot of idle men about.Of course I know it is my loss,
And I their point of view can see,
But I must show them I'm the boss,
And any raise must come from ME.
But when they claim it as a right,
And send their Union leaders round,
Why then, by God, I'm out to fight,
Or burn my workshop to the ground.I've risen from the ranks myself;
By brawn and brain I've made my way.
Had I bet, beered and blown my pelf,
I would have been as poor as they.
Had I wed young to thrift's unheed,
I might have been a toiler now,
With rent to pay and kids to feed,
And bloody sweat upon my brow.Ah there's the point! "

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry Analysis: Self-Made Man by Robert Service

Are you looking for a poem that will inspire you to be your best self? Look no further than "Self-Made Man" by Robert Service. This classic poem is a powerful call to action, urging readers to take control of their lives and create the future they want for themselves.

Summary

"Self-Made Man" is a poem about the importance of hard work and perseverance in achieving success. The speaker reflects on his own life, describing how he was born into poverty and had to work his way up to success through sheer determination and effort. He encourages readers to do the same, reminding them that they have the power to create their own destiny.

Analysis

The poem is structured around a series of contrasts. The first stanza sets up this pattern:

I was born with a silver spoon
In a world that was wide and free,
And in the ranks of the fortunate few
I was envied by all, you see.

Here, the speaker describes himself as being born into wealth and privilege, but immediately contrasts this with the fact that he was also born into a world that was "wide and free." This contrast sets up the tension between the speaker's initial advantages and the challenges that he faced in achieving success.

The second stanza furthers this tension by describing the speaker's fall from grace:

But something went wrong with Fate,
And her hand seemed to slip with mine,
And I fell to the ranks of the poor
From the high estate that was mine.

Here, the speaker acknowledges that his initial advantages were not enough to guarantee success. He fell from his privileged position and had to work his way back up from poverty.

The third stanza introduces the theme of hard work:

And I learned that the man who works
Till his body and brain are sore,
Will never be bowed by the weight of life,
For he's bigger than all it's store.

The speaker emphasizes the importance of hard work in achieving success, suggesting that those who are willing to work hard will never be overcome by the challenges of life.

The fourth stanza extends this theme of hard work, encouraging readers to take control of their own lives:

So I spurned the help of my fellows,
And I built me a house of gold,
And I saw that the world was a mirror
That reflected the good and the bold.

Here, the speaker suggests that success comes from taking control of one's own life and building something for oneself.

The fifth stanza brings the poem full circle, returning to the theme of contrasts:

And now that I'm rich and titled,
They say I'm a self-made man,
And I wonder if they'd think that way
If they knew of my early plan.

The speaker suggests that his success was not just the result of his own hard work, but also of a plan that he had when he was young. This final contrast emphasizes the importance of both hard work and strategy in achieving success.

Interpretation

"Self-Made Man" is a poem that speaks to the American Dream, the idea that anyone can achieve success through hard work and determination. The poem emphasizes the importance of self-reliance and individual effort, suggesting that success is something that can be earned through sheer willpower.

At the same time, the poem acknowledges the role that luck and circumstance play in determining one's success. The speaker acknowledges that he was born into privilege, but also emphasizes the importance of his own efforts in overcoming the challenges he faced.

Ultimately, "Self-Made Man" is a poem that encourages readers to take control of their own lives and to work hard to achieve their goals. It is a powerful affirmation of the idea that success is something that can be earned through determination and effort, and a reminder that anyone can create their own destiny.

Conclusion

"Self-Made Man" is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers today. Its themes of hard work and perseverance are as relevant now as they were when the poem was first written, and its message of self-reliance and individual effort continues to inspire readers to be their best selves. If you're looking for a poem that will motivate you to achieve your goals, look no further than "Self-Made Man" by Robert Service.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry has always been a medium for expressing the deepest emotions and thoughts of the human mind. It is a form of art that has the power to move people and inspire them to take action. One such poem that has stood the test of time and continues to inspire generations is "The Self-Made Man" by Robert Service.

Robert Service was a Canadian poet and writer who is best known for his poems about the Yukon and the Klondike Gold Rush. His works are characterized by their simple language, vivid imagery, and powerful storytelling. "The Self-Made Man" is one of his most famous poems, and it tells the story of a man who rises from poverty to become a successful businessman.

The poem begins with the lines, "I've traveled round the world a bit; / And in the course of it, I've seen / Some funny men and women, too, / Including me." These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a reflection on the nature of success and the qualities that make a person successful.

The self-made man in the poem is someone who has worked hard to achieve his goals. He is not born into wealth or privilege, but he has the determination and drive to succeed. The poem describes how he starts out as a poor boy, "with nothing but a shirt and pants," and how he works his way up to become a successful businessman.

The self-made man is not just successful in business, however. He is also a man of character and integrity. He is honest and fair in his dealings with others, and he is respected by those around him. The poem describes how he "never stooped to meanness / Nor turned a trick to gain."

The self-made man is also someone who is not afraid to take risks. He is willing to try new things and to take on challenges that others might shy away from. The poem describes how he "took a chance and won," and how he "never lost his nerve."

The poem also touches on the theme of the importance of education. The self-made man is someone who is self-taught, but he recognizes the value of education and encourages others to pursue it. He is described as someone who "read and thought and planned," and who "urged the boys to school."

Overall, "The Self-Made Man" is a powerful poem that celebrates the qualities that make a person successful. It is a reminder that success is not just about wealth and power, but about character, integrity, and hard work. The poem is also a tribute to the human spirit and the power of determination and perseverance.

In terms of literary devices, the poem is characterized by its simple language and vivid imagery. The use of rhyme and rhythm gives the poem a musical quality that makes it easy to read and remember. The repetition of the phrase "self-made man" throughout the poem emphasizes the central theme and gives the poem a sense of unity and coherence.

In conclusion, "The Self-Made Man" is a classic poem that continues to inspire and move readers today. It is a celebration of the qualities that make a person successful, and a reminder that success is not just about wealth and power, but about character, integrity, and hard work. Robert Service's simple yet powerful language and vivid imagery make this poem a timeless masterpiece that will continue to be read and appreciated for generations to come.

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