'Ambition' by Robert Service


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They brought the mighty chief to town;
They showed him strange, unwonted sights;
Yet as he wandered up and down,
He seemed to scorn their vain delights.
His face was grim, his eye lacked fire,
As one who mourns a glory dead;
And when they sought his heart's desire:
"Me like'um tooth same gold," he said.

A dental place they quickly found.
He neither moaned nor moved his head.
They pulled his teeth so white and sound;
They put in teeth of gold instead.
Oh, never saw I man so gay!
His very being seemed to swell:
"Ha! ha!" he cried, "Now Injun say
Me heap big chief, me look like hell."

Editor 1 Interpretation

Ambition by Robert Service: A Masterpiece of Poetry

Robert Service's Ambition is a poem that showcases his mastery of the art of poetry. With its vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and emotive language, this piece is a classic that has inspired generations of readers. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we'll delve into the poem's themes, structure, and language to understand why it has stood the test of time.

Theme: Ambition as a Double-Edged Sword

Ambition, as the title suggests, is a poem about ambition. But it's not a simple celebration of the human spirit's drive to succeed. Instead, Service presents ambition as a double-edged sword that can both propel us to greatness and destroy us. He shows us the highs and lows of the pursuit of ambition, the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.

The poem's first stanza sets the tone for this theme:

"They tell me that ambition is a great Ideal, round which the poet's fingers close; They tell me that in art it hath a date, And verily do I believe it so."

Service acknowledges that ambition can be a source of inspiration for artists and poets. But he also hints at the transience of this feeling, suggesting that ambition has a shelf life in the world of art.

In the next stanza, Service takes us on a rollercoaster ride of ambition's highs and lows:

"Yet, as I listen to the wintry blast, I hear sweet music borne upon the gale; And as I watch the whirling snow-flakes cast, I see strange visions of a fairy tale."

Here, the speaker hears "sweet music" and sees "visions of a fairy tale" - a nod to the incredible heights ambition can take us to. But this is juxtaposed against the "wintry blast" and "whirling snow-flakes" - symbols of the obstacles and challenges that can come with ambition.

The final stanza drives home the theme of ambition as a double-edged sword:

"And yet, methinks that he who scans his heart With analytic eyes will there descry Ambition, like a lion in a cage, Ever in restless striving till the end."

Service suggests that ambition is like a "lion in a cage," always restless and striving until the end. But the image of a caged lion also suggests that ambition can be dangerous and destructive if not harnessed properly.

Structure: A Poem in Four Stanzas

Ambition is a poem in four stanzas, each consisting of four lines. The consistent structure gives the poem a sense of balance and symmetry, mirroring the dual nature of ambition that the poem explores. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, adding to the musicality of the piece.

The poem's structure also contributes to the pacing and tonal shifts of the piece. The first stanza is introspective, setting the stage for the theme of the poem. The second stanza is more whimsical, taking us on a flight of fancy. The third stanza is more somber, with a darker mood. And the final stanza is introspective once again, bringing the poem full circle.

Language: Vivid Imagery and Powerful Metaphors

Service's language in Ambition is nothing short of breathtaking. He uses vivid imagery and powerful metaphors to paint a picture of the highs and lows of ambition.

One of the most striking metaphors in the poem is the comparison of ambition to a lion in a cage. This metaphor captures the restlessness and craving for success that often accompany ambition. The lion is a powerful, majestic animal, but when confined to a cage, it becomes dangerous and unpredictable. Similarly, ambition can be a powerful force for good, but if not harnessed properly, it can lead to destruction.

Another powerful metaphor in the poem is the comparison of ambition to a wintry blast and whirling snow-flakes. These images of a harsh, cold winter suggest the difficulties and obstacles that can come with ambition. But they are also beautiful and awe-inspiring, hinting at the potential rewards of ambition.

Service's use of personification is also noteworthy. He personifies ambition as a living, breathing entity that can "scans his heart with analytic eyes." This anthropomorphization of ambition gives it a sense of agency and autonomy, further highlighting its dual nature.

Finally, Service's use of emotive language is key to the poem's impact. The speaker hears "sweet music" and sees "visions of a fairy tale," but he also experiences the "wintry blast" and the "agony" of ambition. The language is both beautiful and painful, capturing the complexity of human ambition.

Conclusion

Robert Service's Ambition is a masterpiece of poetry that explores the highs and lows of the human drive to succeed. Through its powerful metaphors, vivid imagery, and emotive language, the poem captures the dual nature of ambition as a double-edged sword that can both propel us to greatness and destroy us. The poem's structure adds to its impact, with a consistent format that balances the tonal shifts of the piece. Ambition is a timeless classic that continues to inspire and challenge readers today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Ambition is a classic poem written by Robert Service that explores the theme of ambition and its impact on human life. The poem is a powerful reminder of the importance of ambition in achieving success and the dangers of letting it consume us. In this analysis, we will explore the various themes and literary devices used in the poem to understand its deeper meaning.

The poem begins with the speaker describing ambition as a "fierce eagle" that "soars above the plain." This metaphorical description sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it portrays ambition as a powerful force that can lift us up to great heights. The speaker goes on to describe how ambition can drive us to achieve great things, saying that it "spurs us on to deeds sublime" and "makes us strive with all our might."

However, the poem also warns of the dangers of ambition, as the speaker describes how it can consume us and lead us down a path of destruction. The line "But woe betide the hapless one who lets its wings enfold him" suggests that if we let our ambition consume us, we will be doomed to fail. The poem goes on to describe how ambition can blind us to the consequences of our actions, saying that it "makes us deaf to duty's call" and "blinds us to our fellow's need."

The poem also explores the idea that ambition can be both a blessing and a curse. The line "It is a flame that lights the way, a trumpet call to strife" suggests that ambition can be a source of inspiration and motivation, but it can also lead us into conflict and struggle. The poem goes on to describe how ambition can drive us to achieve great things, but it can also lead us to neglect the things that are truly important in life, such as love and compassion.

One of the most powerful literary devices used in the poem is personification. The speaker personifies ambition as a living, breathing entity, describing it as a "fierce eagle" and a "flame that lights the way." This personification gives the poem a sense of urgency and drama, as if ambition is a force that is constantly at work in our lives, driving us forward and pushing us to achieve our goals.

Another literary device used in the poem is imagery. The speaker uses vivid imagery to describe the power and beauty of ambition, saying that it "soars above the plain" and "lights the way." This imagery helps to create a sense of awe and wonder around the concept of ambition, making it seem like a force that is both powerful and beautiful.

The poem also uses repetition to emphasize its message. The line "It is ambition's highest aim to rise above the crowd" is repeated several times throughout the poem, driving home the idea that ambition is all about achieving greatness and standing out from the crowd. This repetition helps to reinforce the central theme of the poem and make it more memorable for the reader.

In conclusion, Ambition is a powerful poem that explores the theme of ambition and its impact on human life. The poem portrays ambition as a force that can drive us to achieve great things, but it also warns of the dangers of letting it consume us. Through its use of personification, imagery, and repetition, the poem creates a sense of urgency and drama around the concept of ambition, making it a memorable and thought-provoking piece of literature.

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