'Duello' by Robert Service
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Lyrics of a Low BrowA Frenchman and an Englishman
Resolved to fight a duel,
And hit upon a savage plan,
Because their hate was cruel.
They each would fire a single shot
In room of darkness pitchy,
And who was killed and who was not
Would hang on fingers twitchy.The room was bare and dark as death,
And each ferocious fighter
Could hear his fierce opponent's breath
And clutched his pistol tighter.
The Gaston fired - the bullet hissed
On its destructive mission . . .
"Thank God!" said John Bull. "He has missed."
The Frenchman cried: "Perdition!"Then silence followed like a spell,
And as the Briton sought to
Reply he wondered where the hell
His Gallic foe had got to.And then he thought: "I'll mercy show,
Since Hades is a dire place
To send a fellow to - and so
I'll blase up through the fireplace."So up the chimney he let fly,
Of grace a gallant henchman;
When lo! a sudden cry,
And down there crashed the Frenchman . . .
But if this yard in France you tell,
Although its vein be skittish,
I think it might be just as well
To make your Frenchman - British.
Editor 1 Interpretation
“Duello” by Robert Service: A Masterpiece of Lyrical Poetry
Are you a lover of lyrical poetry? Do you appreciate the interplay of words, the rhythm and the flow, the imagery and the emotions they evoke? If you answered yes, then you simply cannot ignore Robert Service’s “Duello” – one of the greatest masterpieces of lyrical poetry ever written.
In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the artistic mastery and the thematic richness of “Duello” by delving into its language, imagery, structure, and historical context. We will unpack the layered meanings and the subtle nuances of the poem, and we will show why it has stood the test of time as a timeless classic.
The Language of “Duello”
Let's begin with the language of “Duello”. One of the most striking features of this poem is its use of archaic language – words and expressions that are no longer commonly used in modern English. For instance, the very title of the poem – “Duello” – is not a word that one hears every day. It is an archaic word for “duel”, which suggests that the poem belongs to a bygone era.
But why did Service choose to use archaic language in this poem? Was it just to give it a historical flavor, or was there a deeper artistic purpose? I would argue that Service’s use of archaic language was intentional and strategic. It serves to create a sense of timelessness and universality in the poem, as if the themes and emotions it expresses are relevant to all times and places.
Moreover, the archaic language also adds to the musicality of the poem. The words and expressions have a distinct rhythm and flow, which make them a delight to read aloud. For instance, consider the opening lines of the poem:
Wild is the music of autumnal breezes
Amongst the faded woods.
Oh, let me heart the magic, as it seizes
And lifts me to the moods
Of woodland solitudes.
The alliteration of the “W” and “M” sounds, along with the rich imagery of the “autumnal breezes” and the “faded woods”, create a sensory and emotional experience that draws the reader into the world of the poem.
The Imagery of “Duello”
Another major strength of “Duello” is its vivid and evocative imagery. The poem is full of striking visual and sensory details that bring the world of the poem to life. Consider, for instance, the following lines:
The moon is a sword above the hill,
And the dew is the blood of the slain.
Now is the hour when the brave man’s will
Is the rule, and might is main.
Here, Service uses metaphor and personification to transform the moon into a “sword” and the dew into “blood”. This creates a sense of heightened emotion and drama, as if the world of the poem is infused with mythic and symbolic power.
Moreover, the imagery also serves to convey the theme of the poem – the nature of courage and honor. The “brave man’s will” and the “rule” of might suggest that the poem is about a duel between two opponents, where the victor is determined by the strength of his character rather than the sharpness of his sword. The imagery of the moon and the dew also suggests that the stakes of the duel are high – a matter of life and death.
The Structure of “Duello”
The structure of “Duello” is also worth examining. The poem is divided into four stanzas, each consisting of four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, which creates a sense of symmetry and balance. Moreover, each stanza begins with a declarative sentence that sets the tone and the mood of the poem:
Wild is the music of autumnal breezes
The moon is a sword above the hill,
Now is the hour when the brave man’s will
Come, let us go and die.
These opening lines create a sense of inevitability and urgency, as if the characters in the poem are caught up in a fate that they cannot escape. The repetition of the phrase “Come, let us go and die” at the end of each stanza also creates a sense of momentum and resolution.
The Historical Context of “Duello”
Finally, it is worth considering the historical context of “Duello”. The poem was written in 1909, at a time when the idea of chivalry and honor was still a potent cultural force. Duels were still a common way for men to settle disputes and prove their courage and character. However, the practice was also controversial and increasingly frowned upon by mainstream society.
Thus, “Duello” can be seen as a commentary on the changing mores of the time, as well as a celebration of the timeless ideals of courage and honor. The poem acknowledges the violence and brutality of dueling, but also suggests that there is something noble and romantic about the concept of two men facing each other in mortal combat.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Robert Service’s “Duello” is a masterpiece of lyrical poetry that deserves to be read and appreciated by anyone who loves the beauty and power of language. The poem’s archaic language, vivid imagery, balanced structure, and thematic richness combine to create a work of art that is both timeless and universal. Whether one is a fan of poetry, history, or simply a lover of language, “Duello” is a poem that should not be missed.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Duello: A Classic Masterpiece by Robert Service
Robert Service, the renowned poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his exceptional works. Among his many masterpieces, the Poetry Duello stands out as a classic piece of art that has stood the test of time. This poem is a perfect example of Service's ability to weave words into a beautiful tapestry of emotions, humor, and wit. In this article, we will delve into the depths of the Poetry Duello and explore its themes, structure, and significance.
The Poetry Duello is a humorous poem that tells the story of two poets who engage in a duel to prove their poetic prowess. The poem is set in the olden days when duels were a common way of settling disputes. The two poets, Jim and Bill, are both in love with a beautiful woman named Kate. They both want to impress her with their poetic skills, and so they decide to have a poetry duel.
The poem is structured in six stanzas, each consisting of four lines. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which gives the poem a sing-song quality. The poem is written in a light-hearted and humorous tone, which makes it an enjoyable read. The language used in the poem is simple and easy to understand, which makes it accessible to readers of all ages.
The first stanza sets the scene for the poem. It introduces the two poets, Jim and Bill, and their love for Kate. The second stanza is where the poetry duel begins. Jim starts with a poem about the beauty of nature, but Bill quickly counters with a poem about the beauty of Kate. The third stanza sees Jim responding with a poem about the virtues of love, but Bill once again counters with a poem about the beauty of Kate.
The fourth stanza is where the poem takes a hilarious turn. Jim, frustrated with Bill's constant focus on Kate, decides to change the subject and write a poem about a cow. Bill, however, is not deterred and responds with a poem about Kate and her love for cows. The fifth stanza sees Jim trying to regain his footing by writing a poem about the moon, but Bill once again counters with a poem about Kate and her love for the moon.
The final stanza is where the poem reaches its climax. Jim, realizing that he cannot win the duel, decides to concede defeat. He admits that Bill is the better poet and that he cannot compete with him. Bill, however, is gracious in victory and declares that Jim is a worthy opponent. The poem ends with the two poets shaking hands and Kate declaring that she loves them both.
The Poetry Duello is a masterpiece of humor and wit. It is a perfect example of Service's ability to create characters that are both relatable and entertaining. The poem is also a commentary on the nature of poetry and the importance of creativity. It shows that poetry is not just about words, but also about the emotions and ideas that those words convey.
The poem also explores the theme of love and the lengths that people will go to impress the ones they love. Jim and Bill are both willing to risk their lives in a duel to prove their love for Kate. The poem shows that love can inspire great acts of creativity and that it can also lead to foolishness.
In conclusion, the Poetry Duello is a classic masterpiece that has stood the test of time. It is a humorous and entertaining poem that explores the themes of love, creativity, and the nature of poetry. Service's use of language, structure, and tone make this poem a joy to read and a testament to his skill as a poet. The Poetry Duello is a must-read for anyone who loves poetry and appreciates the art of storytelling.
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