'Her Toys' by Robert Service


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I sat her in her baby chair,
And set upon its tray
Her kewpie doll and teddy bear,
But no, she would not play.
Although they looked so wistfully
Her favour to implore,
She laughed at me with elfin glee
And dashed them to the floor.

I brought her lamb and circus clown,
But it was just the same:
With shrill of joy she threw them down
As if it were a game.
Maybe it was, for she would look
To see where they were lain
And act pathetic till I took
Her toys to her again.

To-day there's just an empty chair,
And 'mid a mist of pain
I'd give my life if she were there
To toss her toys again.
A tiny ghost is all I see,
Who laughs the while I cry,
And lifts her little hands with glee
--Unto the sky.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Her Toys: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Have you ever read a poem that touches your heart and makes you feel nostalgic? A poem that takes you back to your childhood and reminds you of the simple joys of life? Her Toys by Robert Service is one such poem. Written in 1925, Her Toys is a beautiful piece of poetry that captures the innocence and wonder of childhood. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the themes, imagery, and literary devices used in the poem to understand its deeper meaning.

Themes

At its core, Her Toys is a poem about childhood and the memories that stay with us even as we grow older. The poem is written from the perspective of an adult who is looking back on his childhood memories. He observes a young girl playing with her toys and is reminded of his own childhood. The poem celebrates the innocence and wonder of childhood, and reminds us of the importance of holding onto our memories.

Another theme in the poem is the passage of time. The speaker reflects on how things have changed since his childhood, and how the girl's toys are different from the toys he used to play with. The poem reminds us of how quickly time passes, and how important it is to cherish the moments we have.

Imagery

Service uses vivid imagery throughout the poem to bring the scene to life. He describes the girl's toys in great detail, painting a picture in the reader's mind. The toys are described as "brightly painted," "gaily coloured," and "shiny." These descriptions create a sense of joy and playfulness, and remind us of the magic of childhood.

The speaker also describes the setting in detail, from the "crimson curtains" to the "sunlit floor." This imagery creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, and adds to the sense of nostalgia that permeates the poem.

Literary Devices

Service uses a number of literary devices to enhance the poem's meaning and impact. One such device is repetition. The phrase "such wonderful toys" is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the speaker's admiration for the girl's toys. This repetition also creates a sense of rhythm and musicality, adding to the poem's beauty.

Service also uses metaphor to great effect. The girl's toys are compared to "bright jewels" and "magic things," creating a sense of wonder and enchantment. The toys represent the wonder of childhood, and the magic of imagination.

Interpretation

At its heart, Her Toys is a poem about the joys of childhood and the importance of holding onto our memories. The speaker is reminded of his own childhood as he watches the young girl playing with her toys. He realizes that, even though time has passed and things have changed, the memories of his childhood remain with him.

The poem also reminds us of the passage of time and the importance of cherishing the moments we have. The girl's toys represent the fleeting nature of childhood, and the magic that we can easily lose as we grow older. The poem encourages us to hold onto our memories and to appreciate the beauty and wonder of life.

Conclusion

Her Toys is a beautiful poem that captures the innocence and wonder of childhood. Through vivid imagery and powerful literary devices, Robert Service brings the scene to life and reminds us of the importance of holding onto our memories. The poem celebrates the magic of childhood, and encourages us to cherish the moments we have. As we read this poem, we are transported back to our own childhoods, and reminded of the simple joys of life that we sometimes forget as we grow older.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Her Toys: A Poem of Childhood Innocence and Imagination

Robert Service’s poem “Her Toys” is a beautiful and nostalgic tribute to the joys of childhood and the power of imagination. Written in the early 20th century, the poem captures the innocence and simplicity of a bygone era, when children could find happiness in the simplest of things.

The poem tells the story of a little girl who has a collection of toys that are not the usual dolls and teddy bears, but rather a motley assortment of everyday objects that she has transformed into her own personal playthings. The poem begins with the girl’s father describing her toys:

“She has a jolly company of all the things she’s found, A little horse, a jumping frog, a soldier stout and round; A Chinese doll with golden shoes, a woolly dog that barks, A woolly lamb, a rubber ball, a string of shining marks.”

The girl’s toys are not expensive or fancy, but they are precious to her because they are her own creations. She has taken ordinary objects and imbued them with her own imagination, turning them into characters in her own private world of play.

The poem goes on to describe the girl’s adventures with her toys, as she plays with them in the garden and in the house. She rides her little horse, makes her frog jump, and marches her soldier around. She talks to her Chinese doll and cuddles her woolly dog and lamb. She bounces her rubber ball and counts her shining marks.

Through the girl’s play, we see the power of imagination to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. The girl’s toys may be simple and humble, but in her mind they are alive and full of personality. They become her friends and companions, and she shares her adventures with them.

The poem also captures the innocence and joy of childhood. The girl is not worried about the future or burdened by the past. She lives in the moment, enjoying the simple pleasures of play and imagination. She is free to be herself, without the constraints of adult expectations or responsibilities.

The poem’s language is simple and direct, with a gentle rhythm that echoes the girl’s playful spirit. Service uses vivid imagery to bring the girl’s toys to life, describing the “golden shoes” of the Chinese doll and the “woolly” texture of the dog and lamb. He also uses sound to create a sense of movement and energy, as in the “barks” of the dog and the “shining marks” of the string.

Overall, “Her Toys” is a beautiful and timeless poem that celebrates the innocence and imagination of childhood. It reminds us that happiness can be found in the simplest of things, and that the power of imagination can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. It is a poem that speaks to the child in all of us, and reminds us of the joy and wonder of being young.

In conclusion, Robert Service’s “Her Toys” is a poem that captures the essence of childhood innocence and imagination. Through the girl’s simple toys and playful adventures, we see the power of imagination to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. The poem’s language is simple and direct, with vivid imagery and sound that bring the girl’s toys to life. It is a timeless tribute to the joys of childhood, and a reminder that happiness can be found in the simplest of things.

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