'Include Me Out' by Robert Service


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I grabbed the new Who's Who to see
My name - but it was not.
Said I: "The form they posted me
I filled and sent - so what?"

I searched the essies," dour with doubt . . .
Darn! It was plain as day
The scurvy knaves had left me out . . .
Oh was I mad? I'll say.

Then all at once I sensed the clue;
'Twas simple, you'll allow . . .
The book I held was Who WAS Who -
Oh was I glad - and how!

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Include Me Out" by Robert Service: A Literary Analysis

Have you ever read a poem that made you feel like you were right there with the narrator, living through their experiences? That's the kind of effect that Robert Service's "Include Me Out" has on its readers. This classic poem, first published in 1958, is a masterpiece of storytelling that captures the spirit of adventure, romance, and rebellion.

A Brief Summary

Before we dive into the literary analysis of "Include Me Out," let's start with a brief summary of the poem. The narrator, a young man who is restless and dissatisfied with his life, decides to leave his comfortable home and travel to exotic places. He sets out on a journey that takes him through the deserts, mountains, and jungles of the world, meeting new people and experiencing new things along the way.

But despite his adventurous spirit, the narrator is also haunted by feelings of loneliness and longing for home. He realizes that no matter where he goes, he can never escape the memories of his past or the people he has left behind. In the end, he comes to the realization that true happiness can only be found within himself.

Imagery and Symbolism

One of the most striking aspects of "Include Me Out" is the vivid imagery that Service uses to describe the narrator's travels. From the scorching heat of the desert to the lush greenery of the jungle, the readers can almost feel the different landscapes and environments that the narrator encounters.

Service also makes clever use of symbolism throughout the poem. For example, the recurring image of the compass represents the narrator's desire for direction and purpose in his life. Likewise, the image of the moon represents the narrator's desire for love and companionship.

The Theme of Rebellion

At its core, "Include Me Out" is a poem about rebellion. The narrator is not content with the conventional life that society expects him to lead, and he decides to break free from those expectations and explore the world on his own terms.

This theme of rebellion is reflected in the narrator's language and tone throughout the poem. He speaks with a sense of defiance and independence, challenging anyone who would try to hold him back or discourage him from following his dreams.

The Search for Meaning

Another central theme of "Include Me Out" is the search for meaning and purpose. The narrator is driven by a desire to find something greater than himself, something that will give his life meaning and significance.

This search for meaning is reflected in the narrator's travels and experiences. He seeks out new adventures and challenges, hoping to find something that will make his life feel more meaningful. But in the end, he realizes that true meaning can only be found within himself.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Include Me Out" is a timeless poem that captures the spirit of adventure, rebellion, and the search for meaning. Through vivid imagery, clever symbolism, and a powerful narrative voice, Robert Service creates a world that is both exciting and introspective. Whether you're a fan of poetry or just looking for a good read, "Include Me Out" is a must-read for anyone who loves a good story.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Include Me Out: A Poem of Irony and Satire

Robert Service, the renowned poet of the early 20th century, is known for his satirical and ironic poems that often poke fun at the human condition. One of his most famous works, "Include Me Out," is a prime example of his wit and humor. This poem, written in 1935, is a commentary on the absurdity of fame and the lengths people will go to achieve it. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of "Include Me Out" to gain a deeper understanding of this classic poem.

Themes

The central theme of "Include Me Out" is the pursuit of fame and the lengths people will go to achieve it. Service uses irony and satire to highlight the absurdity of this pursuit. The speaker of the poem, who is presumably a struggling actor, is tired of the constant rejection and humiliation that comes with trying to make it in Hollywood. He sarcastically declares, "I'm sick of the movies, I'm sick of the stars, I'm sick of the old-time directors and their old-time cigars." He is disillusioned with the glamour and glitz of Hollywood and wants nothing to do with it.

However, as the poem progresses, we see that the speaker is not immune to the allure of fame. He begins to imagine himself as a star, saying, "I'll be the hero, I'll be the heel, I'll be the guy that gets the girl, I'll be the guy that makes the deal." He is willing to compromise his values and integrity to achieve fame, saying, "I'll be the guy that takes the dough, I'll be the guy that steals the show." This is the irony of the poem – the speaker is criticizing the pursuit of fame while simultaneously being drawn to it.

Another theme that emerges in the poem is the idea of identity. The speaker is struggling to define himself in a world that values fame above all else. He is torn between his desire to be a successful actor and his disdain for the Hollywood machine. He says, "I'm not a ham, I'm not a phony, I'm just a guy that wants to be known." He wants to be recognized for his talent, but he doesn't want to compromise his authenticity. This struggle is a common one in our society, where social media and reality TV have made fame more accessible than ever before.

Structure

"Include Me Out" is a free verse poem with no set rhyme scheme or meter. This structure allows Service to play with the language and create a conversational tone. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with a different tone and focus.

The first stanza sets the scene and establishes the speaker's disillusionment with Hollywood. The language is blunt and straightforward, with short, choppy sentences that convey the speaker's frustration. The second stanza is more introspective, as the speaker begins to imagine himself as a star. The language becomes more poetic and flowery, with longer, more complex sentences. The third stanza brings the poem full circle, as the speaker realizes the futility of his pursuit of fame. The language is once again blunt and straightforward, with short, choppy sentences that convey the speaker's resignation.

Language

Service's use of language in "Include Me Out" is masterful. He uses irony and satire to create a tone that is both humorous and critical. The poem is full of clever wordplay and puns, such as "I'm not a ham, I'm not a phony, I'm just a guy that wants to be known." This line is a play on the phrase "ham actor," which means someone who overacts or is melodramatic.

Service also uses repetition to emphasize certain phrases and ideas. The phrase "include me out" is repeated throughout the poem, becoming a sort of refrain. This repetition creates a sense of rhythm and unity in the poem.

Conclusion

"Include Me Out" is a classic poem that uses irony and satire to comment on the pursuit of fame. Service's use of language and structure creates a tone that is both humorous and critical. The poem is a commentary on the human condition, and the struggle to define oneself in a world that values fame above all else. It is a reminder that sometimes the things we think we want are not worth compromising our values and integrity.

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