'At San Sebastian' by Robert Service


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The Countess sprawled beside the sea
As naked a she well could be;
Indeed her only garments were
A "G" string and a brassire
Her washerwoman was amazed,
And at the lady gazed and gazed, -
From billowy-bosom swell
To navel like a pink sea shell.

The Countess has of robes three score,
She doffs and leaves them on the floor;
She changes gowns ten times a ay,
Her chambermaid puts them away.
"How funny!" thinks the washer-wife;
"I've toiled and toiled throughout my life,
And only have, to hide my skin,
This old rag that I'm standing in."

The Countess never toiled at all;
She begged for coin when she was small,
And later, in the ancient fashion,
In gay resorts she peddled passion.|
But now to noble rank arrived,
(Tom wed the old Count she contrived)
Her youthful lover, lounging there,
Is hirsute as a teddy-bear.

The Countess will be honoured when
She dies past three-score years and ten.
The washer-women will wear out
With labour fifty years about . . .
Yet as the two look at each other
The Countess thinks: "So was my mother;
And washer-wife to live and die,
But for God's grace so would be I."

Editor 1 Interpretation

At San Sebastian: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

As the sun sets behind the mountains, the sea comes alive with hues of orange and pink. The waves crash against the rocks, creating a symphony of sound. In the midst of this picturesque scenery lies the town of San Sebastian, and in the heart of this town lies the story of a man, a woman, and a forbidden love.

The poem "At San Sebastian" by Robert Service is a classic tale of love, passion, and societal norms. Written in 1913, the poem explores the complexities of love and the consequences of going against the norms of society. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the themes, symbolism, and literary devices used in the poem to understand the deeper meaning behind this timeless classic.

Themes

The poem "At San Sebastian" is primarily concerned with the themes of love, passion, and societal norms. The central conflict of the poem arises from the fact that the two lovers, Juan and Inez, come from different social classes. Juan is a lowly fisherman, while Inez comes from an affluent family. This difference in social status creates a barrier between the two, making their love forbidden.

The poem also explores the theme of passion. Juan and Inez are consumed by their love for each other, and this passion drives them to go against the norms of society. Their desire for each other is so strong that they are willing to risk everything, including their lives, for a chance to be together.

Finally, the poem touches upon the theme of societal norms. Inez's family is horrified by her relationship with Juan, and they will stop at nothing to put an end to it. This highlights the rigid social structures in place at the time, where class distinctions were of utmost importance, and going against them was seen as a grave offense.

Symbolism

The poem "At San Sebastian" makes use of several symbols to convey its meaning. One of the most prominent symbols in the poem is the sea. The sea represents the vastness of the world and the endless possibilities that lie beyond the confines of societal norms. It is also a symbol of danger and uncertainty, as Juan and Inez risk their lives by venturing out into the open sea.

The town of San Sebastian is another important symbol in the poem. It represents the rigid class structures that were prevalent in society at the time. The town is divided into two distinct parts, one for the wealthy and one for the poor. This division serves as a physical manifestation of the societal norms that are keeping Juan and Inez apart.

Finally, the boat that Juan and Inez use to escape represents freedom and escape from the constraints of society. It is a symbol of hope and possibility, as it offers the lovers a chance to be together and start a new life away from the judgmental eyes of society.

Literary Devices

The poem "At San Sebastian" makes use of several literary devices to convey its message. One of the most prominent of these is imagery. The poem is filled with vivid descriptions of the sea, the town, and the lovers themselves. These descriptions serve to create a rich and immersive world for the reader, making them feel as though they are right there with Juan and Inez as they embark on their dangerous journey.

Another important literary device used in the poem is metaphor. The sea is often used as a metaphor for the vastness of the world beyond societal norms. It is a symbol of freedom and possibility, and Juan and Inez must navigate its treacherous waters in order to reach their desired destination.

Finally, the poem makes use of repetition to emphasize key themes and ideas. The phrase "the sea, the sea, the open sea" is repeated several times throughout the poem, serving as a reminder of the dangers and possibilities that lie beyond the constraints of society.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the poem "At San Sebastian" by Robert Service is a timeless classic that explores the themes of love, passion, and societal norms. The use of symbolism, imagery, and literary devices serves to create a rich and immersive world for the reader, drawing them into the story of Juan and Inez and their forbidden love.

The poem serves as a reminder of the power of love and the lengths that people will go to in order to be with the ones they love. It also highlights the rigid social structures that were prevalent at the time and the dangers of going against them.

Overall, "At San Sebastian" is a beautifully crafted poem that continues to resonate with readers to this day. Its themes and messages are just as relevant now as they were over a century ago, making it a true classic of literature.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

At San Sebastian: A Poem of Love and Adventure

Robert Service’s “At San Sebastian” is a classic poem that tells the story of a young man’s love and adventure in the beautiful coastal town of San Sebastian. The poem is a masterpiece of storytelling, with vivid imagery and powerful emotions that capture the reader’s imagination and transport them to a world of romance and adventure.

The poem begins with the young man, who is unnamed, arriving in San Sebastian on a warm summer day. He is immediately struck by the beauty of the town, with its white-washed buildings and sparkling blue sea. He is also struck by the beauty of a young woman he sees walking along the beach, whom he describes as “a vision of loveliness.”

The young man is immediately smitten with the woman, and he spends the rest of the poem trying to win her heart. He takes her on long walks along the beach, buys her flowers and gifts, and tells her how much he loves her. But despite his best efforts, the woman remains distant and aloof, and the young man begins to despair that he will ever win her love.

As the poem progresses, the young man becomes more and more desperate to win the woman’s heart. He begins to take risks and engage in dangerous activities, such as swimming in the treacherous currents of the sea and climbing the steep cliffs that overlook the town. He does these things in the hope that the woman will see how brave and daring he is, and that she will be impressed by his courage.

But despite his bravery, the woman remains distant and unresponsive. The young man begins to feel that he will never win her love, and he becomes increasingly despondent. He spends his days wandering the streets of San Sebastian, lost in his thoughts and consumed by his love for the woman.

Finally, in the last stanza of the poem, the young man has a moment of clarity. He realizes that he has been foolish to think that he could win the woman’s love through his bravery and daring. He understands that love cannot be won through acts of heroism or grand gestures, but only through patience, kindness, and understanding.

In the end, the young man accepts that he may never win the woman’s love, but he is content to have experienced the beauty and wonder of San Sebastian. He leaves the town with a sense of peace and acceptance, knowing that he has grown and learned from his experiences there.

“At San Sebastian” is a beautiful and powerful poem that captures the essence of love and adventure. It is a testament to the power of the human spirit, and to the beauty and wonder of the world around us. Robert Service’s masterful storytelling and vivid imagery make this poem a true classic, and a must-read for anyone who loves poetry, romance, and adventure.

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