'Dance-Hall Girls' by Robert Service
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Lyrics of a Low BrowWhere are the dames I used to know
In Dawson in the days of yore?
Alas, it's fifty years ago,
And most, I guess, have "gone before."
The swinging scythe is swift to mow
Alike the gallant and the fair;
And even I, with gouty toe,
Am glad to fill a rocking chair.Ah me, I fear each gaysome girl
Who in champagne I used to toast,
or cozen in the waltz's whirl,
In now alas, a wistful ghost.
Oh where is Touch The Button Nell?
Or Minnie Dale or Rosa Lee,
Or Lorna Doone or Daisy Bell?
And where is Montreal Maree?Fair ladies of my lusty youth,
I fear that you are dead and gone:
Where's Gertie of the Diamond Tooth,
And where the Mare of Oregon?
What's come of Violet de Vere,
Claw-fingered Kate and Gumboot Sue?
They've crossed the Great Divide, I fear;
Remembered now by just a few.A few who like myself can see
Through half a century of haze
A heap of goodness in their glee
And kindness in their wanton ways.
Alas, my sourdough days are dead,
Yet let me toss a tankard down . . .
Here's hoping that you wed and bred,
And lives of circumspection led,
Gay dance-hall girls o Dawson Town!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry, Dance-Hall Girls: A Masterpiece of Emotion and Vibrancy
When it comes to poetry, there are few names that have enjoyed such widespread popularity and admiration as Robert Service. And among his many works, few stand out as much as the unforgettable "Dance-Hall Girls." This poem is a true masterpiece of emotion and vibrancy, capturing the essence of a long-gone era with vivid imagery and evocative language. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deep into the heart of this poem, exploring its themes, structure, and impact on the reader.
An Ode to the Wild West
First and foremost, "Dance-Hall Girls" is an ode to the Wild West, that mythical era of cowboys, outlaws, and saloons that has captured the imagination of generations of Americans. The poem paints a picture of a bustling dance hall, where the air is thick with smoke, the music is loud and raucous, and the patrons are rough and rowdy. Service's language is full of colorful metaphors and similes that bring this scene to life, such as "the band was brassy-throated,/ And the drum-taps seemed to swear," or "the floor was just a wriggling mass/ Of arms and legs and hair."
But this poem is not just a nostalgic look back at a bygone era. It also delves into the darker side of life in the Wild West, particularly for the women who worked in the dance halls. These women were often seen as little more than objects, there to entertain and satisfy the men who came to drink and carouse. Service's poem captures this reality with a mix of sympathy and outrage, as he describes the dance-hall girls as "painted lips and powdered face,/ A-flirting for their pay."
The Power of Music and Dance
Another major theme of "Dance-Hall Girls" is the power of music and dance to transport us to another world. The poem celebrates the way that music can make us forget our troubles, even if only for a little while. Service writes that "the music held me like a spell,/ The lights were garish-bright," and that he was "drunk with the wild delight/ Of dancing in the night."
At the same time, however, the poem acknowledges that this escape is often only temporary. The dancers and patrons of the dance hall are trying to forget their problems, but they can never truly escape them. Service writes that "the men were mostly sinners,/ The girls were mostly sad," and that "the music couldn't drown the sighs/ That came from deep within."
A Message of Empowerment
Despite the bleak picture that "Dance-Hall Girls" paints of life in the Wild West, the poem ultimately delivers a message of empowerment and resilience. The dance-hall girls may be trapped in a world that is not of their choosing, but they are not without agency. Service celebrates their spirit and determination, writing that "they smiled as if they didn't care,/ And danced with all their might."
Furthermore, the poem also suggests that the dance-hall girls are not to be pitied, but rather respected for their ability to survive and thrive in a harsh world. Service writes that "they knew the game, they played it well,/ And when the night was through,/ They'd kiss the boys and wave good-bye,/ And go to bed with you." This is not a message of victimhood, but of strength and resilience in the face of adversity.
The Structure and Style of "Dance-Hall Girls"
From a technical perspective, "Dance-Hall Girls" is an impressive poem that showcases Service's mastery of rhyme and meter. The poem is written in ballad form, with a regular ABAB rhyme scheme and a meter that alternates between iambic tetrameter and iambic trimeter. This gives the poem a lively, rhythmic quality that perfectly captures the energy and excitement of the dance hall.
Service's language is also notable for its use of vivid imagery and colorful metaphors. He describes the dance-hall girls as "the bright and painted butterflies/ That fluttered in their hair," and the music as "the devil's own tattoo." This language is both evocative and memorable, adding to the impact of the poem on the reader.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Dance-Hall Girls" is a true masterpiece of emotion and vibrancy, celebrating the Wild West while also acknowledging its darker side. Through its themes of music, dance, and empowerment, the poem delivers a powerful message about the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. And from a technical standpoint, the poem is a tour de force of rhyme and meter, showcasing Robert Service's considerable talent as a poet. Whether you are a fan of westerns or poetry in general, "Dance-Hall Girls" is a must-read that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Dance-Hall Girls: A Timeless Classic by Robert Service
Robert Service, the renowned poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his captivating and evocative poems. One of his most famous works, Poetry Dance-Hall Girls, is a masterpiece that has stood the test of time. This poem is a tribute to the women who worked in the dance halls of the Yukon during the gold rush era. In this article, we will delve into the poem and explore its themes, structure, and literary devices.
The poem begins with an introduction to the dance-hall girls. Service describes them as "bold and brazen" and "painted and powdered." He goes on to say that they are "queens of the night" and "mistresses of the dance." This opening stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which celebrates the women who worked in the dance halls.
The second stanza of the poem describes the dance-hall girls' attire. Service paints a vivid picture of their clothing, which he describes as "spangles and frills" and "satin and silk." He also mentions their jewelry, which includes "diamonds and pearls." The use of these luxurious materials emphasizes the opulence and extravagance of the dance halls.
In the third stanza, Service describes the dance-hall girls' movements. He writes that they "sway and swing" and "glide and whirl." He also mentions their laughter, which he describes as "silver and gold." This stanza captures the energy and vitality of the dance-hall girls, who were known for their lively performances.
The fourth stanza of the poem introduces a new theme: the loneliness of the dance-hall girls. Service writes that they are "lonely and sad" and that they "dream of the love that they never had." This stanza adds depth to the poem and highlights the struggles that these women faced. Despite their glamorous appearances and lively performances, they were often isolated and yearned for companionship.
The fifth stanza of the poem returns to the theme of the dance-hall girls' performances. Service writes that they "dance and sing" and "charm and thrill." He also mentions their beauty, which he describes as "radiant and rare." This stanza reinforces the idea that the dance-hall girls were talented performers who captivated their audiences.
The sixth and final stanza of the poem brings the themes of loneliness and performance together. Service writes that the dance-hall girls "dance for joy" but also "dance for bread." He acknowledges that they are performing for a living, but also suggests that their performances bring them happiness. The final line of the poem, "And oh, how lonely it is at night!" is a poignant reminder of the struggles that these women faced.
The structure of the poem is simple but effective. It consists of six stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which gives the poem a musical quality. The repetition of certain phrases, such as "dance and sing" and "lonely and sad," reinforces the themes of the poem and adds to its overall impact.
Service's use of literary devices also contributes to the poem's effectiveness. The use of alliteration, such as "painted and powdered" and "diamonds and pearls," creates a sense of rhythm and emphasizes certain words. The use of metaphor, such as "queens of the night" and "mistresses of the dance," adds depth and complexity to the poem. The use of imagery, such as the description of the dance-hall girls' clothing and movements, creates a vivid picture in the reader's mind.
In conclusion, Poetry Dance-Hall Girls is a timeless classic that celebrates the women who worked in the dance halls of the Yukon during the gold rush era. The poem captures the energy and vitality of these women, while also acknowledging the struggles that they faced. Service's use of structure, literary devices, and vivid imagery make this poem a masterpiece that continues to resonate with readers today.
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