'My Future' by Robert Service
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Lyrics of a Low Brow"Let's make him a sailor," said Father,
"And he will adventure the sea."
"A soldier," said Mother, "is rather
What I would prefer him to be."
"A lawyer," said Father, "would please me,
For then he could draw up my will."
"A doctor," said Mother, "would ease me;
Maybe he could give me a pill."Said Father: "Lt's make him a curate,
A Bishop in gaiters to be."
Said Mother: "I couldn't endure it
To have Willie preaching to
Editor 1 Interpretation
Introduction
Poetry has always been a reflection of society's collective consciousness. It captures the essence of human emotions and experiences, weaving them into a tapestry of words that captivate and inspire readers. One such masterpiece is Robert Service's "My Future," a classic poem that speaks to the human spirit and its constant quest for meaning and purpose. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the themes, symbolism, and literary devices employed by Service to create a timeless piece of literature that continues to resonate with readers today.
Themes
At the heart of "My Future" is the theme of self-discovery. The speaker is on a journey of exploration, trying to understand their place in the world and what the future holds. This theme is embodied in the opening lines of the poem: "Out of the night that covers me, / Black as the Pit from pole to pole, / I thank whatever gods may be / For my unconquerable soul."
The darkness of the night represents the unknown, the future that is shrouded in uncertainty. But the speaker is not afraid. They have an unconquerable soul, a sense of inner strength that will guide them through the darkness. This theme of resilience and perseverance is a recurring motif throughout the poem.
Another key theme is the idea of destiny. The speaker believes that their future is predetermined, that they are destined for greatness: "I am the master of my fate, / I am the captain of my soul." This line has become one of the most famous in modern poetry, encapsulating the human desire for control and agency in our lives. The speaker refuses to be a passive observer of their destiny, instead choosing to take charge and lead their own life.
Finally, "My Future" is a poem about the power of the human spirit. The speaker acknowledges that life is full of challenges and obstacles, but they are determined to rise above them: "It matters not how strait the gate, / How charged with punishments the scroll, / I am the master of my fate, / I am the captain of my soul." This theme of triumph over adversity is a timeless message that continues to resonate with readers today.
Symbolism
Service employs several symbols throughout "My Future" to convey deeper meanings and emotions. One of the most prominent is the metaphor of the night. The darkness represents the unknown, the future that is shrouded in uncertainty. But the speaker is not afraid. They have an unconquerable soul, a sense of inner strength that will guide them through the darkness.
Another symbol is the idea of fate. The speaker believes that their future is predetermined, that they are destined for greatness. This idea is embodied in the metaphor of the gate and the scroll. The gate represents the obstacles and challenges that life presents, while the scroll represents the punishments that come with failure. But the speaker is undaunted, confident in their ability to overcome whatever obstacles come their way.
Finally, the poem is full of religious imagery. The speaker thanks "whatever gods may be" for their unconquerable soul, a nod to the idea of a higher power or divine intervention. This imagery adds a sense of gravitas and importance to the poem, underscoring the theme of destiny and the power of the human spirit.
Literary Devices
Service employs several literary devices to create a powerful and evocative poem. One of the most notable is the use of repetition. The line "I am the master of my fate, / I am the captain of my soul" is repeated twice in the poem, emphasizing the speaker's determination and resolve. This repetition creates a sense of rhythm and momentum that propels the poem forward.
Another literary device used in "My Future" is alliteration. The opening lines of the poem are full of examples: "Out of the night that covers me, / Black as the Pit from pole to pole." This use of alliteration creates a sense of musicality and poetry, drawing the reader into the poem and setting the tone for the rest of the piece.
Finally, Service employs a variety of metaphors and similes throughout the poem. For example, the line "I thank whatever gods may be / For my unconquerable soul" is a metaphor, comparing the soul to something that cannot be conquered. These metaphors and similes add depth and complexity to the poem, giving readers a rich tapestry of images and ideas to explore.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "My Future" is a timeless masterpiece that speaks to the human spirit and its constant quest for meaning and purpose. Through themes of self-discovery, destiny, and the power of the human spirit, Robert Service creates a poem that resonates with readers of all ages and backgrounds. Using symbols, literary devices, and religious imagery, he creates a powerful and evocative piece of literature that continues to inspire and captivate readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry My Future: A Classic Poem by Robert Service
As a lover of poetry, I am always on the lookout for poems that capture the essence of life and inspire me to be a better person. One such poem that has stood the test of time and continues to inspire generations is "Poetry My Future" by Robert Service. This classic poem is a celebration of the power of poetry and its ability to shape our lives and our future.
Robert Service was a Scottish-Canadian poet and writer who is best known for his poems about the Yukon and the Klondike Gold Rush. He was a prolific writer who published several collections of poetry and prose during his lifetime. "Poetry My Future" is one of his most famous poems and has been widely anthologized and studied.
The poem begins with the speaker declaring his love for poetry and his belief in its transformative power. He says, "I love the magic of the word, the mystery and the spell, / The utterance that hath no sound, the work unspoken well." This opening stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem and establishes the speaker's deep reverence for poetry.
The second stanza of the poem is where the speaker begins to explore the ways in which poetry can shape our lives and our future. He says, "For I believe that in the word there lies the future's key, / And in its magic web of thought the ages yet to be." Here, the speaker is suggesting that poetry has the power to unlock the secrets of the future and to shape the course of history.
The third stanza of the poem is where the speaker begins to reflect on his own relationship with poetry and how it has influenced his life. He says, "For I have felt its mystic power, its subtle, strange control, / And in its mighty grasp have felt the stirring of my soul." Here, the speaker is acknowledging the transformative power of poetry in his own life and how it has helped him to connect with his innermost self.
The fourth stanza of the poem is where the speaker begins to explore the ways in which poetry can inspire us to be better people. He says, "It stirs the heart to noble deeds, it bids the spirit soar, / It lifts us from the sordid earth and shows us heaven's door." Here, the speaker is suggesting that poetry has the power to inspire us to be our best selves and to reach for the highest ideals.
The fifth and final stanza of the poem is where the speaker concludes his reflection on the power of poetry. He says, "So let me sing my little song, and let the world go by, / For poetry is my future, and in its power I'll die." Here, the speaker is affirming his commitment to poetry and his belief that it will continue to shape his life and his future until the end of his days.
Overall, "Poetry My Future" is a powerful and inspiring poem that celebrates the transformative power of poetry. Through its vivid imagery and lyrical language, the poem invites us to reflect on our own relationship with poetry and to consider the ways in which it has shaped our lives and our future. Whether we are poets ourselves or simply lovers of poetry, this classic poem reminds us of the enduring power of the written word and its ability to inspire us to be our best selves.
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