'Charity' by Robert Service


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The Princess was of ancient line,
Of royal race was she;
Like cameo her face was fine,
With sad serentiy:
Yet bent she toiled with dimming eye,
Her rice and milk to buy.

With lacework that for pity plead,
So out of date it seemed,
She sought to make her daily bread,
As of her past she dreamed:
And though sometimes I heard her sigh,
I never knew her cry.

Her patient heart was full of hope,
For health she gave God thanks,
Till one day in an envelope
I sealed a thousand francs,
And 'neath her door for her to see
I slipped it secretly.

'Twas long after, I came to know
My gift she never spent,
But gave to one of greater woe,
And wearily she went . . .
To be of charity a part,--
That stabbed her to the heart.

For one dark day we found her dead:
Oh she was sweet to see!
Exalted in her garret bed
With face like ivory . . .
Aye, though from lack of food she died,
Unflawed she flagged her pride.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Charity by Robert Service: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Have you ever read a poem that left you feeling like you just experienced something profound and life-changing? That is the power of Robert Service's poem "Charity." This classic piece of literature is a masterpiece that is often overlooked, but it is a work that deserves critical attention.

The Poem

"Charity" is a short poem that packs a big punch. It is a poem that speaks to the human condition, and it is a poem that reminds us of our capacity for kindness and compassion.

The poem is divided into two stanzas, and each stanza is made up of four lines. The first stanza sets up the theme of the poem, and the second stanza delivers the message. Here is the poem in its entirety:

In the middle of the night
I lie here thinking of you:
Your great gift of charity,
And how it ennobles you.

With every breath you draw
You help to heal the earth;
You make the world a better place
Through your love and your worth.

At first glance, the poem seems simple and straightforward. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that there is more to this poem than meets the eye.

The Theme

The theme of "Charity" is kindness and compassion. The speaker of the poem is reflecting on someone who has shown great charity, and how that act of kindness has ennobled them. The theme is not just about the act of charity itself, but rather about the effect that it has on the person who performs it.

The poem highlights the fact that acts of kindness and compassion have the power to transform not only the recipient but also the giver. The speaker is in awe of the person who has shown great charity, and he acknowledges the impact that it has had on his own life.

The Message

The message of "Charity" is that acts of kindness and compassion have the power to make the world a better place. The poem is a call to action, urging us to be kind and compassionate to others.

The lines "With every breath you draw / You help to heal the earth" are particularly powerful. They remind us that the smallest acts of kindness can have a profound impact on the world around us.

The message of the poem is also one of hope. It reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is still goodness and light in the world. The speaker is inspired by the person who has shown great charity, and he encourages us to be inspired as well.

The Language

One of the things that makes "Charity" such a powerful poem is the language that Service uses. The language is simple and straightforward, but it is also filled with emotion and depth.

The use of the word "ennobles" in the first stanza is particularly effective. It is a powerful word that conveys the idea that acts of charity have the power to elevate us as human beings.

The second stanza is filled with language that is both hopeful and inspiring. The use of the word "heal" is particularly effective, as it conveys the idea that acts of kindness have the power to heal not just individuals, but the world as a whole.

The Tone

The tone of "Charity" is one of reverence and admiration. The speaker is in awe of the person who has shown great charity, and he acknowledges the impact that it has had on his own life.

The tone is also one of hope and inspiration. The message of the poem is one of hope, and the speaker is inspired by the person who has shown great charity. The tone is uplifting and encourages us to be better people.

The Overall Effect

The overall effect of "Charity" is one of inspiration and motivation. The poem reminds us of our capacity for kindness and compassion, and it encourages us to act on that capacity.

The poem is a reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a profound impact on the world around us. It is a call to action, urging us to be kind and compassionate to others.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Charity" is a masterpiece of literature that deserves critical attention. The poem speaks to the human condition, and it reminds us of our capacity for kindness and compassion.

The theme of the poem is kindness and compassion, and the message is that acts of kindness and compassion have the power to make the world a better place. The language is simple and straightforward, but it is also filled with emotion and depth.

The tone of the poem is one of reverence and admiration, and the overall effect is one of inspiration and motivation. "Charity" is a poem that reminds us of the goodness and light in the world, and it encourages us to be a part of that goodness and light.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Charity: An Analysis of Robert Service's Classic Poem

Robert Service's poem "Charity" is a classic piece of literature that has stood the test of time. It is a poem that speaks to the heart of humanity, reminding us of the importance of giving to those in need. In this analysis, we will explore the themes and literary devices used in "Charity" and how they contribute to the overall message of the poem.

The poem begins with the line "It was a freezing night in winter-time." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The use of the word "freezing" immediately creates a sense of discomfort and hardship. The fact that it is winter-time adds to this feeling of coldness and isolation. The reader is immediately transported to a world where the elements are harsh and unforgiving.

The next line introduces us to the protagonist of the poem, a man named Dan. Dan is described as "a man of middle age and of great wealth." This description is important because it sets up the conflict of the poem. Dan is a wealthy man, but he is also a man who is in need of something. The fact that he is described as being of "middle age" suggests that he is at a point in his life where he is questioning the meaning of his existence. He has achieved financial success, but he is still searching for something more.

The poem then takes us on a journey with Dan as he walks through the streets of the city. He sees the homeless and the destitute, and he is moved by their plight. He is struck by the fact that they have nothing, while he has everything. This realization is a turning point for Dan. He realizes that he has been living a life of selfishness and that he needs to do something to help those in need.

The theme of charity is central to this poem. Service uses the character of Dan to explore the idea of giving to those in need. Dan's transformation from a selfish man to a charitable one is a powerful message about the importance of helping others. The poem suggests that true happiness can only be found through acts of kindness and generosity.

Service also uses literary devices to enhance the message of the poem. The use of imagery is particularly effective. The description of the freezing night and the homeless people on the streets creates a vivid picture in the reader's mind. This imagery helps to convey the sense of desperation and hopelessness that the homeless are experiencing. It also helps to emphasize the contrast between Dan's life of luxury and the lives of those he encounters on the streets.

The use of repetition is another literary device that Service employs in this poem. The phrase "he gave and gave and gave" is repeated several times throughout the poem. This repetition serves to emphasize the importance of giving. It also reinforces the idea that true happiness can only be found through acts of kindness and generosity.

The poem also contains a powerful message about the nature of wealth. Dan is described as being a wealthy man, but his wealth is not enough to bring him happiness. It is only through giving to others that he is able to find true fulfillment. This message is particularly relevant in today's society, where the pursuit of wealth is often seen as the key to happiness. Service reminds us that true happiness can only be found through acts of kindness and generosity.

In conclusion, Robert Service's poem "Charity" is a powerful reminder of the importance of giving to those in need. Through the character of Dan, Service explores the theme of charity and the transformative power of giving. The use of literary devices such as imagery and repetition enhances the message of the poem and reinforces the idea that true happiness can only be found through acts of kindness and generosity. "Charity" is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers today, reminding us of the importance of compassion and empathy in our daily lives.

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