'My Centenarian' by Robert Service
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Lyrics of a Low BrowA hundred years is a lot of living
I've often thought. and I'll know, maybe,
Some day if the gods are good in giving,
And grant me to turn the century.
Yet in all my eighty years of being
I've never known but one ancient man
Who actively feeling, hearing, seeing,
Survived t beyond the hundred span.
Editor 1 Interpretation
My Centenarian by Robert Service: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Introduction
Robert Service's poem "My Centenarian" is a charming and moving piece that celebrates the life of an old woman who has lived for a hundred years. The poem is a tribute to the remarkable resilience, wisdom, and humor of the aged, and it offers a poignant reflection on the fleeting nature of human existence. Through its vivid imagery, rhythmic language, and emotional depth, "My Centenarian" captures the essence of mortality and the beauty of life. This literary criticism and interpretation will delve into the themes, language, and structure of the poem and explore its significance to the human experience.
Themes
One of the central themes of "My Centenarian" is the passage of time and the inevitability of death. The poem portrays the old woman as a witness to the changes and upheavals of the world around her, from wars and revolutions to the advent of technology and modernity. She has survived it all, and her longevity is a testament to the fragility and preciousness of life. However, the poem also suggests that death is not something to be feared or mourned, but rather a natural and peaceful transition from one state of being to another. The old woman's acceptance of her mortality and her readiness to embrace death with open arms is a message of hope and comfort for all who face the end of their own lives.
Another theme that runs throughout the poem is the power of memory and the importance of preserving the past. The old woman's memories of her youth, her family, and her experiences are a precious legacy that she passes on to the younger generation. Through her stories and reminiscences, she keeps alive the history and traditions of her community, and provides a link between the past and the present. The poem suggests that memory is a treasure that must be cherished and protected, and that the wisdom and knowledge of the aged should be valued and respected.
Language
The language of "My Centenarian" is simple and direct, yet rich in imagery and metaphor. The poem is written in free verse, with irregular line lengths and no strict rhyme scheme. This informal structure gives the poem a conversational tone, as if the poet is speaking directly to the reader. The use of colloquial language, such as "she was spry as a cricket," and "she could cuss like a trooper," adds to the poem's charm and authenticity.
The imagery in the poem is vivid and evocative, with the old woman portrayed as a force of nature, "a weathered oak, gnarled and bent, but still defiantly erect." The use of natural imagery, such as "a daisy in a field of rye," and "a star that twinkles in the night," creates a sense of continuity and harmony between the old woman and the natural world. The poem also uses religious imagery, such as the reference to "the great white throne," and the use of the word "soul" to describe the old woman's essence. This religious language suggests a belief in an afterlife and a higher power that transcends human existence.
Structure
The structure of "My Centenarian" is simple and unassuming, with each stanza consisting of four lines. The poem is divided into two parts, with the first part describing the old woman and her life, and the second part reflecting on the poet's own mortality and the legacy of the aged. The use of enjambment, where the lines flow into each other without punctuation, creates a sense of continuity and fluidity, as if the poem is a stream of consciousness.
The poem's rhythm is also notable, with a strong emphasis on the second and fourth beats of each line. This creates a sense of momentum and energy, as if the poem is marching forward, like the old woman herself. The repetition of certain phrases, such as "a hundred years," "a century gone," and "I was born," adds to the poem's musicality and reinforces its themes of time and memory.
Interpretation
"My Centenarian" is a poem that speaks to the human condition in a profound and moving way. It reminds us that life is fleeting and that the only constant is change. The poem celebrates the resilience and spirit of the aged, and acknowledges their role as keepers of memory and wisdom. It also suggests that death is not something to be feared or avoided, but rather a natural and peaceful part of the cycle of life.
At the same time, the poem also challenges us to consider our own mortality and the legacy we will leave behind. The poet's own realization that "I was but a mite, and soon I'll be a ghost" is a sobering reminder that we are all on borrowed time, and that our lives will be judged by the memories we create and the impact we have on others.
In conclusion, "My Centenarian" is a timeless and poignant poem that captures the essence of the human experience. Through its powerful imagery, rhythmic language, and emotional depth, it offers a message of hope, comfort, and inspiration to all who read it. This poem is truly a masterpiece of literary art and a testament to the enduring power of poetry.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
My Centenarian: A Timeless Poem by Robert Service
When it comes to poetry, there are few writers who can match the sheer brilliance of Robert Service. His works are timeless, and they continue to inspire and captivate readers even after all these years. One of his most famous poems is My Centenarian, a beautiful piece that celebrates the life of an old man who has lived for over a hundred years. In this article, we will take a closer look at this poem and explore its themes, imagery, and symbolism.
The poem begins with the speaker describing the old man, who is sitting in his chair and smoking his pipe. The speaker marvels at the fact that this man has lived for so long, and he wonders what kind of life he has led. The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it establishes the central theme of the passage: the passage of time and the inevitability of death.
The second stanza of the poem is where the imagery really starts to shine. The speaker describes the old man's face, which is "like a map of time." This line is particularly powerful because it suggests that the old man's face is a record of all the experiences he has had over the course of his long life. The speaker goes on to describe the old man's eyes, which are "like windows of a house where Death has come to dwell." This line is a bit more ominous, as it suggests that the old man is nearing the end of his life.
The third stanza of the poem is where the speaker begins to reflect on his own mortality. He wonders what kind of life he will lead, and whether he will be able to look back on it with the same sense of satisfaction as the old man. The speaker also acknowledges the fact that death is inevitable, and that we must all face it eventually.
The fourth stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. The speaker describes the old man's hands, which are "like gnarled and knotted roots of some old tree." This image is particularly striking because it suggests that the old man is deeply rooted in the earth, and that he is a part of the natural world. The speaker goes on to describe the old man's voice, which is "like the whisper of the wind in the trees." This line is a beautiful metaphor, as it suggests that the old man's voice is a part of the natural world, and that it will continue to be heard long after he is gone.
The final stanza of the poem is where the speaker reflects on the legacy that the old man will leave behind. He acknowledges the fact that the old man has lived a long and full life, and that he has left his mark on the world. The speaker also acknowledges the fact that the old man will eventually pass away, but he suggests that his memory will live on.
Overall, My Centenarian is a beautiful and powerful poem that celebrates the life of an old man who has lived for over a hundred years. The poem is filled with powerful imagery and metaphors, and it explores themes of mortality, the passage of time, and the legacy that we leave behind. Robert Service was a master of his craft, and this poem is a testament to his skill as a writer. If you haven't read My Centenarian yet, I highly recommend that you do so. It is a true masterpiece of poetry, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who reads it.
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