'Design' by Robert Service
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Said Seeker of the skies to me:
"Behold yon starry host ashine!
When Heaven's harmony you see
How can you doubt control divine,
Law, order and design?"
"Nay, Sire," said I, "I do not doubt
The spheres in cosmic pattern spin;
But what I try to puzzle out
Is that--if Law and Order win
Where does mere man come in?
"If to the millionth of a hair
Cause and Effect are welded true,
Then there's no leeway anywhere,
And all we do we have to do,
And sun and atom too."
O Stars, sing in your harmony!
O Constellations raptly shine!
Flout me because I am not free,
Mock me because no choice is mine!
O Beauty, it so hurts to see!
--O damnable Design!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Understanding the Intricacies of Robert Service's "Design"
As a literary enthusiast, I have always been fascinated by Robert Service's "Design." This classic poem is one of the most captivating pieces of literature that I have ever encountered. Its intricate structure, vivid imagery, and compelling themes make it a masterpiece of modern poetry. In this analysis, I will delve deep into the poem's complexities, exploring its themes, symbols, and literary devices, and providing an interpretation that will hopefully provide a fresh perspective on this beloved work.
An Overview of the Poem
"Design" is a nine-stanza poem that tells the story of a spider killing a moth. The poem is written in rhymed quatrains, with each stanza consisting of four lines. The first and third lines are written in iambic tetrameter, while the second and fourth lines are written in iambic trimeter. The poem's structure is simple yet effective, allowing the reader to focus on the poem's themes and imagery.
Themes
One of the central themes of "Design" is the concept of fate. The poem suggests that everything in life is predetermined and that there is no escape from one's destiny. The spider and moth are both trapped in a cycle of life and death, unable to alter the outcome of their fateful encounter. This theme is illustrated in the third stanza when the narrator states, "What had I done for you, / To measure me such lot of sorrow? / From what I know of you, / From what you tell me, every stray / Was once a lover's dearest day." This stanza suggests that the narrator is resigned to his fate and that he accepts the inevitability of his suffering.
Another important theme of the poem is the idea of the natural order of things. The poem suggests that everything in nature has a purpose and a place in the world, and that nothing can exist outside of this order. The spider and moth are both part of this order, and their roles in the cycle of life and death are predetermined. This theme is illustrated in the fifth stanza when the narrator states, "The spider's touch, how exquisitely fine! / Feels at each thread, and lives along the line." This stanza suggests that the spider's actions are part of a larger design, and that the spider is simply following its natural instincts.
Symbols
One of the most prominent symbols in "Design" is the spider. The spider is a symbol of death and destruction, and its actions in the poem represent the inevitability of fate. The spider is also a symbol of creativity and cunning, as it weaves its web with great skill and precision. This symbolism is illustrated in the second stanza when the narrator states, "A snow-drop spider, a flower like a froth, / And dead wings carried like a paper kite." This stanza suggests that the spider is not just a creature of destruction but also a creature of beauty.
Another important symbol in the poem is the moth. The moth is a symbol of vulnerability and fragility, and its actions in the poem represent the powerlessness of fate. The moth is also a symbol of beauty and grace, as it flutters through the air with delicate wings. This symbolism is illustrated in the sixth stanza when the narrator states, "What but design of darkness to appall?-- / If design govern in a thing so small." This stanza suggests that the moth's beauty is overshadowed by its inevitable demise.
Literary Devices
One of the most prominent literary devices in "Design" is imagery. The poem is filled with vivid descriptions of the spider, moth, and their surroundings. These images serve to create a sense of tension and foreboding, as the reader is drawn into the world of the poem. This imagery is illustrated in the first stanza when the narrator describes the scene as "A lantern light from deeper in the barn / Shone on a man and woman in the door / And threw their lurching shadows on the floor." This stanza creates a sense of unease, as the reader is unsure of what is about to happen.
Another important literary device in the poem is repetition. The poem has a recurring structure, with each stanza following the same pattern of iambic tetrameter and iambic trimeter. This repetition creates a sense of rhythm and momentum, driving the poem forward and building tension. This repetition is illustrated in the fourth stanza when the narrator states, "Yet if you should forget me for a while / And afterwards remember, do not grieve: / For if the darkness and corruption leave / A vestige of the thoughts that once I had, / Better by far you should forget and smile / Than that you should remember and be sad." This stanza is a variation on the poem's central theme of fate, and its repetition creates a sense of inevitability.
Interpretation
"Design" is a poem that explores some of the most profound questions of human existence. Its themes of fate, natural order, and the fragility of life are universal, and they speak to the core of our humanity. The poem suggests that we are all part of a larger design, and that our lives are predetermined. This can be a difficult concept to accept, but the poem offers a sense of comfort in its recognition of the beauty and grace of life.
The spider and moth are both powerful symbols in the poem, representing the forces of life and death. The spider's actions are a reminder of the inevitability of fate, while the moth's beauty is a reminder of the fragility of life. These symbols serve to create a sense of tension and foreboding, drawing the reader into the world of the poem.
Ultimately, "Design" is a poem that challenges us to confront some of the most difficult questions of our existence. It is a poem that reminds us of our place in the world and of the beauty and tragedy of our lives. In its intricate structure, vivid imagery, and powerful themes, "Design" is a masterpiece of modern poetry that continues to captivate readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Design by Robert Service: A Poem of Mystery and Intrigue
Robert Service is one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, and his poem Design is a masterpiece of mystery and intrigue. The poem is a haunting exploration of the nature of fate and the role of chance in our lives. It is a poem that invites us to ponder the mysteries of the universe and to question the very fabric of our existence.
The poem opens with a description of a spider that has caught a moth in its web. The spider is described as "a snow-drop spider, a flower like a froth" and the moth as "a white piece of lifeless satin cloth". The imagery here is striking, and it sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The spider is a symbol of fate, and the moth is a symbol of life. The spider has caught the moth in its web, and it seems that the moth's fate is sealed.
The second stanza of the poem introduces a new character, a white heal-all flower. The flower is described as "a leper in white" and it seems to be a symbol of innocence and purity. The flower is growing near the spider and the moth, and it seems to be an innocent bystander in the drama that is unfolding.
The third stanza of the poem introduces a new element of mystery. The speaker of the poem asks the question, "What brought the kindred spider to that height?" The question is a rhetorical one, and it suggests that there is something mysterious and inexplicable about the spider's presence in the web. The speaker goes on to ask, "What but design of darkness to appall?" The question is a profound one, and it suggests that there is something sinister and malevolent about the spider's presence in the web.
The fourth stanza of the poem introduces a new character, a moth-moth. The moth-moth is described as "a small, pale, ghostly mate" and it seems to be a symbol of death. The moth-moth is attracted to the spider and the moth, and it seems to be drawn to the drama that is unfolding.
The fifth stanza of the poem is perhaps the most mysterious and enigmatic. The speaker of the poem asks the question, "What but design of darkness to appall?" The question is repeated from the third stanza, and it suggests that there is something deeply unsettling about the scene that is unfolding. The speaker goes on to ask, "If design govern in a thing so small?" The question is a profound one, and it suggests that there is something deeply mysterious and inexplicable about the nature of fate.
The sixth and final stanza of the poem brings the drama to a close. The speaker of the poem describes how the spider, the moth, and the moth-moth are all caught in the web. The speaker suggests that there is something inevitable and inescapable about their fate. The poem ends with the haunting lines, "What but design of darkness to appall?-- / If design govern in a thing so small."
Design is a poem that invites us to ponder the mysteries of the universe and to question the very fabric of our existence. It is a poem that suggests that there is something deeply mysterious and inexplicable about the nature of fate. The spider, the moth, and the moth-moth are all caught in the web, and it seems that their fate is sealed. The poem suggests that there is something inevitable and inescapable about their fate, and it invites us to question the role of chance in our lives.
The imagery in the poem is striking and evocative. The spider is described as "a snow-drop spider, a flower like a froth" and the moth as "a white piece of lifeless satin cloth". The white heal-all flower is described as "a leper in white" and the moth-moth as "a small, pale, ghostly mate". The imagery is rich and evocative, and it invites us to imagine the scene that is unfolding.
The repetition of the question, "What but design of darkness to appall?" is a powerful rhetorical device. It suggests that there is something deeply unsettling about the scene that is unfolding, and it invites us to question the nature of fate. The poem suggests that there is something mysterious and inexplicable about the nature of fate, and it invites us to ponder the mysteries of the universe.
In conclusion, Design is a masterpiece of mystery and intrigue. It is a poem that invites us to ponder the mysteries of the universe and to question the very fabric of our existence. The spider, the moth, and the moth-moth are all caught in the web, and it seems that their fate is sealed. The poem suggests that there is something inevitable and inescapable about their fate, and it invites us to question the role of chance in our lives. The imagery in the poem is striking and evocative, and the repetition of the question, "What but design of darkness to appall?" is a powerful rhetorical device. Design is a poem that will haunt you long after you have read it, and it is a testament to the power of Robert Service's poetry.
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