'Infidelity' by Robert Service


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Three Triangles

TRIANGLE ONE

My husband put some poison in my beer,
And fondly hoped that I would drink it up.
He would get rid of me - no bloody fear,
For when his back was turned I changed the cup.
He took it all, and if he did not die,
Its just because he's heartier than I.

And now I watch and watch him night and day
dreading that he will try it on again.
I'm getting like a skeleton they say,
And every time I feel the slightest pain
I think: he's got me this time. . . . Oh the beast!
He might have let me starve to death, at least.

But all he thinks of is that shell-pink nurse.
I know as well as well that they're in loe.
I'm sure they kiss, and maybe do things worse,
Although she looks as gentle as a dove.
I see their eyes with passion all aglow:
I know they only wait for me to go.

Ah well, I'll go (I have to, anyway),

But they will pay the price of lust and sin.
I've sent a letter to the police to say:
"If I should die its them have dome me in."
And now a lot of vernal I'll take,
And go to sleep, and never, never wake.

But won't I laugh! Aye, even when I'm dead,
To think of them both hanging by the head.


TRIANGLE TWO

My wife's a fancy bit of stuff it's true;
But that's no reason she should do me dirt.
Of course I know a girl is tempted to,
With mountain men a-fussin' round her skirt.
A 'andome women's bound to 'ave a 'eart,
But that's no reason she should be a tart.

I didn't oughter give me 'ome address
To sergeant when 'e last went on 'is leave;
And now the 'ole shebang's a bloody mess;
I didn't think the missis would deceive.
And 'ere was I, a-riskin' of me life,
And thee was 'e, a-sleepin' wiv me wife.

Go blimy, but this thing 'as got to stop.
Well, next time when we makes a big attack,
As soon as we gets well across the top,
I'll plug 'em (accidental) in the back.
'E'll cop a blinkin' packet in 'is spine,
And that'll be the end of 'im, the swine.

It's easy in the muck-up of a fight;
And all me mates'll think it was the foe.
And 'oo can say it doesn't serve 'im right?
And I'll go 'ome and none will ever know,
My missis didn't oughter do that sort o' thing,
Seein' as 'ow she wears my weddin' ring.

Well, we'll be just as 'appy as before,
When otherwise she might a' bin a 'ore.


TRIANGLE THREE

It's fun to see Joe fuss around that kid.
I know 'e loves 'er more than all the rest,
Because she's by a lot the prettiest.
'E wouldn't lose 'er for a 'undred quid.
I love 'er too, because she isn't his'n;
But Jim, his brother's, wot they've put in prision.

It's 'ard to 'ave a 'usband wot you 'ate;
So soft that if 'e knowed you'd 'ad a tup,
'E wouldn't 'ave the guts to beat you up.
Now Jim - 'e's wot I call a proper mate.
I daren't try no monkey tricks wiv 'im.
'E'd flay be 'ide off (quite right, too) would Jim.

I won't let on to Jim when 'e comes out;
But Joe - each time I see 'im kissin' Nell,
I 'ave to leave the room and laughlike 'ell.
"E'll 'ave the benefit (damn little) of the doubt.
So let 'im kiss our Nellie fit to smother;
There ain't no proof 'er father is 'is brother.

Well, anyway I've no remorse. You see,
I've kept my frailty in the family.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Infidelity: A Critique and Interpretation

Robert Service's Infidelity is a classic poem that explores the complex emotions and psychological turmoil experienced by a betrayed lover. The poem is a masterpiece of modernist literature, characterized by its vivid imagery, powerful language, and innovative use of poetic form. In this critique and interpretation, we will explore the various themes and techniques employed by Service in Infidelity and reveal how they contribute to the poem's enduring appeal and significance.

Background and Context

Infidelity was first published in Service's 1916 collection of poetry, Rhymes of a Red Cross Man, which was written during his time as an ambulance driver during World War I. The collection was a commercial and critical success, and Service became known as one of the most popular poets of his time. Infidelity was one of the standout poems in the collection, and it quickly became a favorite among readers and critics alike.

The poem tells the story of a betrayed lover who discovers that his beloved has been unfaithful to him. The speaker is consumed by a range of emotions, from anger and jealousy to despair and heartbreak. The poem is notable for its raw and honest portrayal of the speaker's emotions, as well as its innovative use of poetic form and structure.

Analysis and Interpretation

Themes

Infidelity explores a number of themes that are central to human experience, including love, betrayal, jealousy, and heartbreak. The poem is a powerful exploration of the complex emotions and psychological turmoil that can arise when one's trust and faith in a loved one are shattered.

One of the most prominent themes in the poem is the destructive power of jealousy. The speaker is consumed by jealousy when he discovers his lover's infidelity, and this emotion drives him to a state of frenzy. He becomes irrational and violent, lashing out at his lover and threatening her with physical harm. This portrayal of jealousy as a destructive force is a common theme in literature and is explored in various works, including Shakespeare's Othello.

Another key theme in the poem is the pain of heartbreak. The speaker is devastated by the discovery of his lover's infidelity, and this pain is expressed through the poem's vivid imagery and powerful language. The use of imagery, such as the comparison of the speaker's heart to a "cracked and bleeding clod," conveys the depth of his emotional turmoil and the intensity of his pain.

The poem also explores the theme of forgiveness and redemption. In the final stanza, the speaker expresses a desire to forgive his lover and move on from the pain of the past. This theme of forgiveness is a common one in literature and is often seen as a path to healing and growth.

Poetic Techniques

Infidelity is notable for its innovative use of poetic form and structure. The poem is structured as a series of dramatic monologues, with each stanza representing a different stage in the speaker's emotional journey. The use of the dramatic monologue allows the reader to enter into the speaker's psyche and experience his emotions in a visceral way.

The poem is also characterized by its vivid imagery, which is used to convey the speaker's emotional state. The use of imagery, such as the comparison of the speaker's heart to a "cracked and bleeding clod," is particularly effective in conveying the depth of the speaker's pain.

The poem is also notable for its use of repetition, which is employed to create a sense of rhythm and momentum. The repetition of phrases such as "Oh Love, be fed with apples while you may" and "I know not why" creates a sense of continuity and unity throughout the poem.

Significance and Legacy

Infidelity is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers today. The poem's exploration of themes such as love, betrayal, jealousy, and heartbreak is timeless and universal, and its innovative use of poetic form and structure remains influential in modern literature.

The poem has also had a significant impact on popular culture, with lines from the poem appearing in films, TV shows, and songs. The line "Oh Love, be fed with apples while you may" has been used in a number of films, including Dead Poets Society and Sabrina, while the line "I know not why" has been referenced in a number of songs, including Bob Dylan's "Desolation Row."

Conclusion

In conclusion, Infidelity is a classic poem that explores the complex emotions and psychological turmoil experienced by a betrayed lover. The poem is a masterpiece of modernist literature, characterized by its vivid imagery, powerful language, and innovative use of poetic form. The poem continues to resonate with readers today, and its exploration of themes such as love, betrayal, jealousy, and heartbreak remains timeless and universal. Infidelity is a powerful and enduring work of literature that continues to inspire and captivate readers to this day.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Infidelity by Robert Service is a classic poem that explores the theme of betrayal in a romantic relationship. The poem is written in a simple and straightforward style, yet it manages to convey a powerful message that resonates with readers even today.

The poem begins with the speaker describing his lover's infidelity. He talks about how he had trusted her completely, but now he feels like a fool for believing in her. The speaker's pain and anger are palpable as he describes the betrayal in vivid detail.

The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, with the speaker expressing his disbelief and shock at his lover's infidelity. He says, "I cannot say the words I would, / They choke upon my tongue." This line conveys the speaker's intense emotions, which are so overwhelming that he cannot even articulate them.

The second stanza is where the speaker begins to describe the actual act of infidelity. He talks about how he saw his lover with another man, and how he felt like he had been stabbed in the heart. The imagery used in this stanza is particularly powerful, with the speaker describing the other man as a "vulture" and his lover as a "snake."

The third stanza is where the speaker begins to question his own judgment. He wonders how he could have been so blind to his lover's true nature. He says, "I thought her true as heaven above, / But now I know she's false as hell." This line conveys the speaker's sense of betrayal and disillusionment, as he realizes that the person he loved and trusted was not who he thought she was.

The fourth stanza is where the speaker begins to express his anger and resentment towards his lover. He says, "I hate her with a hate that's deep, / Beyond all human ken." This line conveys the speaker's intense emotions, which have now turned from sadness to anger.

The fifth and final stanza is where the speaker comes to terms with his lover's infidelity. He says, "I'll go my way and she'll go hers, / And never meet again." This line conveys the speaker's sense of resignation, as he realizes that there is no going back from the betrayal that has occurred.

Overall, Infidelity by Robert Service is a powerful poem that explores the theme of betrayal in a romantic relationship. The poem is written in a simple and straightforward style, yet it manages to convey a complex range of emotions that are universal and timeless. Whether you have experienced infidelity in your own life or not, this poem is sure to resonate with you on a deep and emotional level.

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