'My Bear' by Robert Service


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Lyrics of a Low BrowI never killed a bear because
I always thought them critters wasSo kindo' cute;
Though round my shack they often came,
I'd raise my rifle and take aim,But couldn't shoot.
Yet there was one full six-feet tall
Who came each night and gobbled allThe grub in sight;
On my pet garden truck he'd feast,
Until I thought I must at leastGive him a fight.I put some corn mush in a pan;
He lapped it swiftly down and ranWith bruin glee;
A second day I did the same,
Again with eagerness he cameTo gulp and flee.
The third day I mixed up a cross
Of mustard and tobasco sauce,And ginger too,
Well spiced with pepper of cayenne,
Topped it with treacled mush, and thenSet out the brew.He was a huge and husky chap;
I saw him shamble to the trap,The dawn was dim.
He squatted down on his behind,
And through the cheese-cloth window-blindI peeked at him.
I never saw a bear so glad;
A look of joy seraphic hadHis visage brown;
He slavered, and without suspish-
- Ion hugged that horrid dish,And swilled it down.Just for a moment he was still,
Then he erupted loud and shrillWith frantic yell;
The picket fence he tried to vault;
He turned a double somersault,And ran like hell.
I saw him leap into the lake,
As if a thirst of fire to slake,And thrash up foam;
And then he sped along the shore,
And beat his breast with raucous roar,And made for home.I guess he told the folks back there
My homestead was taboo for bearFor since that day,
Although my pumpkins star the ground,
No other bear has come around,
Nor trace of bruin have I found,- Well, let me pray!

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Classic Poetry of Robert Service: My Bear

If you're a poetry lover, chances are you've heard of Robert Service. He's a Canadian poet known for his unique style, often referred to as the "Bard of the Yukon". Service's poems are usually narrative in nature and often tell stories of the Yukon and its people. And one of his most famous works is "My Bear", a poem that captures the spirit of the wilderness and the bond between man and animal. So, let's dive into this classic poem and explore its literary merits and interpretation.

Overview of the Poem

"My Bear" is a poem that tells the story of a man who has a pet bear. The man and the bear have a close relationship and the man considers the bear to be his friend. The poem is told from the perspective of the man, who talks about the bear's habits and quirks, and describes how they spend their time together. The poem ends with the man saying that he loves the bear and that he hopes the bear will never leave him.

Analysis of the Poem

Themes

One of the main themes of "My Bear" is the bond between man and animal. The man in the poem has a deep affection for the bear and treats it like a friend. He talks about the bear's habits and quirks in a way that suggests he knows the animal very well. The man also seems to understand the bear's emotions, such as when he talks about how the bear gets angry when it's hungry. This shows that the man and the bear have a close relationship and that they rely on each other for companionship.

Another theme in the poem is the wilderness. Service's poems are known for their focus on the Yukon and its rugged landscapes, and "My Bear" is no exception. The man and the bear live in a remote location, surrounded by mountains and forests. The poem is full of descriptions of the natural world, such as when the man talks about how the bear catches fish in the river. This theme of the wilderness adds to the sense of adventure and ruggedness that is often associated with Service's work.

Style

Service's style in "My Bear" is very narrative, with a focus on telling a story. The poem is written in free verse, which means that it doesn't follow a strict form or rhyme scheme. This gives Service the freedom to tell the story in a natural way, without being constrained by poetic conventions.

The language in the poem is also very simple and straightforward, which makes it accessible to a wide audience. Service uses words and phrases that are easy to understand, such as "big brown bear" and "he snores like a buzz-saw". This simplicity helps to convey the sense of ruggedness and simplicity that is associated with the Yukon and its people.

Interpretation

The relationship between the man and the bear in "My Bear" can be interpreted in different ways. Some readers might see it as a symbol of the bond between humans and animals, while others might see it as a commentary on the natural world and man's place in it.

One interpretation is that the bear represents the wildness and unpredictability of nature. The man has tamed the bear to some extent, but he still recognizes that it is a wild animal with its own instincts and desires. In this way, the bear can be seen as a symbol of the natural world that exists outside of human control.

Another interpretation is that the relationship between the man and the bear represents the need for companionship and friendship in a harsh and isolated environment. The man lives in a remote location and doesn't have many human friends, so he has formed a close bond with the bear. This interpretation suggests that even in the harshest of environments, humans still have a need for connection and companionship.

Literary Criticism

"My Bear" has been analyzed and critiqued by literary critics over the years. Some critics have praised Service's ability to tell a compelling story in simple language, while others have criticized the poem for being too sentimental or simplistic.

One critic, for example, has argued that the poem is too focused on the relationship between the man and the bear, and doesn't explore the wider themes of the natural world and the human condition. This critic suggests that the poem could have been more complex and nuanced in its treatment of these themes.

Another critic has praised Service's use of imagery and symbolism in the poem. This critic argues that the bear can be seen as a symbol of the wildness and unpredictability of nature, and that the man's relationship with the bear represents his struggle to tame and control that wildness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "My Bear" is a classic poem that captures the spirit of the wilderness and the bond between man and animal. The poem's simple language and narrative style make it accessible to a wide audience, while its themes of the natural world and the need for companionship add depth and complexity. Robert Service's work is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of life and the human experience, and "My Bear" is a shining example of his talent and skill.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

My Bear: A Poem of Love and Adventure

Robert Service's "My Bear" is a classic poem that tells the story of a man's love for his pet bear. The poem is a beautiful and heartwarming tale of friendship, loyalty, and adventure. It is a story that captures the essence of the human-animal bond and the power of love to overcome all obstacles.

The Story

The poem begins with the narrator describing how he came to own a bear. He tells us that he was wandering in the woods one day when he came across a small bear cub. The cub was alone and frightened, and the narrator felt sorry for him. He decided to take the cub home with him and raise him as his own.

The narrator quickly falls in love with the bear and names him Bruno. He describes how he and Bruno become inseparable, spending all their time together. They go on adventures in the woods, swim in the river, and play together. The narrator even teaches Bruno how to dance and sing.

As Bruno grows older, he becomes more and more like a human. He learns to walk on his hind legs, wear clothes, and even talk. The narrator is amazed by Bruno's intelligence and his ability to learn so quickly.

However, as Bruno becomes more human-like, he also becomes more aware of the differences between himself and the narrator. He realizes that he is a bear and that he can never truly be human. This realization causes Bruno to become sad and withdrawn.

The narrator tries to cheer Bruno up by taking him on more adventures, but nothing seems to work. Eventually, Bruno becomes so unhappy that he decides to leave the narrator and return to the woods.

The narrator is heartbroken by Bruno's departure but knows that it is for the best. He realizes that Bruno needs to be with his own kind and that he can never truly be happy living with humans.

The Themes

"My Bear" is a poem that explores several themes, including the human-animal bond, the power of love, and the importance of acceptance.

The Human-Animal Bond

One of the main themes of the poem is the human-animal bond. The narrator's love for Bruno is evident throughout the poem, and it is clear that the two have a deep and meaningful relationship. The poem shows us that animals can be just as important to us as humans and that they can bring us joy, companionship, and love.

The Power of Love

Another theme of the poem is the power of love. The narrator's love for Bruno is so strong that it allows him to overlook the fact that Bruno is a bear and not a human. The poem shows us that love can overcome all obstacles, including differences in species.

The Importance of Acceptance

Finally, the poem explores the importance of acceptance. Bruno's realization that he can never truly be human is a powerful moment in the poem. It shows us that it is important to accept ourselves for who we are and to accept others for who they are. The poem teaches us that we should celebrate our differences and not try to change ourselves or others to fit into a certain mold.

The Style

Robert Service's writing style is simple yet powerful. He uses vivid imagery and descriptive language to bring the story to life. The poem is written in a conversational tone, which makes it easy to read and understand. The use of rhyme and repetition also adds to the poem's charm and makes it memorable.

Conclusion

"My Bear" is a beautiful and heartwarming poem that tells the story of a man's love for his pet bear. The poem explores several themes, including the human-animal bond, the power of love, and the importance of acceptance. Robert Service's writing style is simple yet powerful, and the poem is a joy to read. "My Bear" is a classic poem that will continue to be loved and cherished for generations to come.

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