'Jane' by Robert Service


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My daughter Jane makes dresses
For beautiful Princesses;
But though she's plain is Jane,
Of needlework she's vain,
And makes such pretty things
For relatives of Kings.

She reads the picture papers
Where Royalties cut capers,
And often says to me:
'How wealthy they must be,
That nearly every day
A new robe they can pay.'

Says I: 'If your Princesses
Could fabric pretty dresses,
Though from a throne they stem
I would think more of them.
Peeress and shopgirl are
To my mind on a par.'

Says Jane: 'But for their backing
I might be sewing sacking.
Instead, I work with joy
In exquisite employ,
Embroidering rich dresses
For elegant Princesses . . .
Damn social upsetters
Who criticise their betters!'

Editor 1 Interpretation

Jane by Robert Service: A Critique of the Power of Love and Memory

Have you ever been in love, so deeply that it consumed your every thought and feeling? What if the object of that love was no longer alive? Would their memory linger and haunt you, or would it uplift you and inspire you to live your life to the fullest? These are the questions that Robert Service addresses in his classic poem, "Jane," a powerful and emotional tribute to the power of love and memory.

The Poem

"Jane" is a short but profound poem that tells the story of a man who is still deeply in love with his deceased lover, Jane. The poem begins with the speaker reminiscing about a time when he and Jane were together, walking along the beach at night:

I dreamed that Jane, my lady dear,
Was lovely as she used to be;
For eyes that are so very clear,
Love has a way of blinding me.

The speaker is overwhelmed by the memory of Jane, and he longs to be with her again. He imagines that she is still alive, and he dreams of the time when they were together. The next stanza reveals that Jane is, in fact, dead:

As in the sweet remembered hour
She clustered closer to my side,
The darkness fell like fragrant flower,
And all the world was glorified.

The speaker is still deeply in love with Jane, even though she is no longer alive. He remembers the moments they shared together, and he feels as if he is still with her. The poem ends with the speaker acknowledging that Jane is gone, but he is comforted by the fact that her memory lives on:

But when I woke it was to weep,
For still the winds were blowing wild;
And still the tears were on my cheek,
For Jane, my lovely lady, smiled.

The Power of Love

"Jane" is a powerful testament to the power of love. The speaker is still deeply in love with Jane, even though she is no longer alive. His love for her is so strong that it has the power to bring her back to life in his dreams. The fact that the speaker dreams of Jane as if she were still alive suggests that his love for her is timeless and eternal.

The speaker's love for Jane is also demonstrated by the way he remembers her. He recalls the moments they shared together with great detail, and he cherishes the memory of her. This is evident in the second stanza, where the speaker describes how the darkness fell around them like a "fragrant flower," and how "all the world was glorified." The speaker is deeply moved by the memory of Jane, and he finds comfort in reliving the moments they shared together.

The Power of Memory

"Jane" is not just a poem about love; it is also a poem about memory. The speaker's memories of Jane are so vivid that they bring her back to life in his dreams. This suggests that memory has the power to keep the dead alive, at least in our minds.

The power of memory is also evident in the way the speaker recalls the moments he shared with Jane. His memories are so vivid that he is able to relive them in his mind, and he finds comfort in doing so. This suggests that memory has the power to heal, even in the face of great loss.

The Power of Poetry

"Jane" is a testament to the power of poetry. The poem itself is a work of art, and it has the power to move us emotionally. The language used in the poem is simple yet powerful, and it conveys the depth of the speaker's emotions effectively.

The poem is also a tribute to the power of poetry to immortalize the dead. By writing about Jane, the speaker is able to keep her memory alive. This suggests that poetry has the power to transcend time and keep the dead alive through the power of language.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Jane" is a powerful and emotional tribute to the power of love and memory. The poem demonstrates the timeless nature of love and the power of memory to keep the dead alive. It is a testament to the power of poetry to move us emotionally and to immortalize those we love.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Introduction

Robert Service is a renowned poet who has written several poems that have stood the test of time. One of his most famous poems is "Jane," which tells the story of a woman who is forced to choose between love and duty. The poem is a classic example of Service's ability to capture the human experience in a way that is both poignant and relatable. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and symbolism in "Jane" and how they contribute to the overall meaning of the poem.

Themes

One of the central themes in "Jane" is the conflict between love and duty. Jane is torn between her love for her husband and her duty to her family. She knows that if she leaves her husband, she will be shunned by her family and society. However, she also knows that if she stays with her husband, she will be unhappy and unfulfilled. This conflict is a common one in literature, but Service handles it with a deft touch, making it feel fresh and relevant.

Another theme in the poem is the idea of sacrifice. Jane is willing to sacrifice her own happiness for the sake of her family. She knows that if she leaves her husband, she will be giving up everything she has ever known. However, she is willing to make this sacrifice because she believes it is the right thing to do. This theme is also common in literature, but Service's portrayal of it is particularly moving.

Imagery

Service uses vivid imagery throughout the poem to bring the story to life. For example, he describes Jane's husband as having "eyes like a hawk" and a "voice like a whip." These descriptions create a vivid picture of a man who is domineering and intimidating. Similarly, when Jane is describing her love for her husband, she says that it is "like a flame that burns in the night." This image conveys the intensity of her feelings and the passion that she has for her husband.

Service also uses imagery to create a sense of foreboding. When Jane is contemplating leaving her husband, she says that she feels like "a bird in a cage." This image creates a sense of confinement and claustrophobia, which adds to the tension of the poem. Similarly, when Jane is describing her fear of being shunned by her family, she says that it feels like "a weight on her chest." This image conveys the sense of suffocation and oppression that she feels.

Symbolism

Service uses symbolism throughout the poem to convey deeper meanings. For example, when Jane is describing her love for her husband, she says that it is "like a flame that burns in the night." This image not only conveys the intensity of her feelings, but it also symbolizes the danger and risk that come with love. Flames can be beautiful and mesmerizing, but they can also be destructive and dangerous.

Another example of symbolism in the poem is the use of the color red. When Jane is describing her husband's eyes, she says that they are "red as a flame." This image not only creates a vivid picture of her husband, but it also symbolizes danger and warning. Red is often associated with danger and warning signs, so this image creates a sense of foreboding and danger.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Jane" is a classic poem that explores the themes of love, duty, sacrifice, and conflict. Service uses vivid imagery and symbolism to bring the story to life and convey deeper meanings. The poem is a testament to Service's skill as a poet and his ability to capture the human experience in a way that is both moving and relatable. "Jane" is a timeless poem that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.

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