'Little Puddleton' by Robert Service


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I

Let others sing of Empire and of pomp beyond the sea,
A song of Little Puddleton is good enough for me,
A song of kindly living, and of coming home to tea.


I seldom read the papers, so I don't know what goes on.
I go to bed at sunset, and I leap alert at dawn,
To gossip with my garden, which I'll have you understand,
Is the neatest and the sweetest little garden in the land;
A span of sunny quietude, with walls so high and stout,
They shut me in from all the world, and shut the whole world out,
So that its sad bewilderment seems less than true to me:
As placid as a pool I live, as tranquil as a tree;
And all its glory I would give for glint of linnet's wings;
My cabbages are more to me than continents and kings.
Dominion have I of my own, where feud and faction cease,
A heaven of tranquillity, a paradise of peace.

II

Let continents be bathed in blood and cities leap in flame;
The life of Little Puddleton goes on and on the same;
Its ritual we follow, as we play a pleasant game.


The village wortkies sit and smoke their long-stemmed pipes of clay.
And cheerily they nod to me, and pass the time of day.
We talk of pigs and clover, and the prospect of the crops,
And the price of eggs and butter - there the conversation drops.
For in a doubt-distracted world I keep the rustic touch;
I think it better not to think too deeply nor too much;
But just to dream and take delight in all I hear and see,
The tinker in the tavern, with his trollop on his knee;
The ivied church, the anvil clang, the geese upon the green,
The drowsy noon, the hush of eve so holy and screne.
This is my world, then back again with heart of joy I go
To cottage walls of mellow stain, and garden all aglow.

III

For all I've been and all I've seen I have no vain regret
One comes to Little Puddleton, contented to forget;
Accepting village values, immemorially set.


I did not make this world and so it's not my job to mend;
But I have fought for fifty years and now I hear the end;
And I am heart-faint from the fight, and claim the right to rest,
And dare to hope the last of life will prove to be the best.
For there have I four sturdy walls with low and humble thatch,
A smiling little orchard and a big potato patch.
And so with hoe in hand I stand and mock the dubious sky;
let revolution rock the land, serene, secure am I.
I grow my simple food, I groom my lettuce and my beans;
I feast in colour, form and song, and ask not what it means.
Beauty suffiices in itself; then when my strength is spent,
like simple hind with empty mind, I cultivate content.

Behold then Little Puddleton, the end of all my dreams.
Not much to show for life, I know; yet O how sweet it seems!
For when defeated day goes down in carnage in the West,
How blesses sanctuary is, and peace and love and rest!

Editor 1 Interpretation

Little Puddleton: A Masterpiece of Narrative Poetry

By Jane Smith

Little Puddleton is a narrative poem by Robert Service that tells the story of a small village and its residents. Service, known for his ability to capture the essence of the human experience, does not disappoint in this poem. The poem is a true masterpiece of narrative poetry, and in this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore why that is the case.

The Narrative Structure

One of the most striking things about Little Puddleton is its narrative structure. The poem is divided into five parts, each with its own distinct story. Part I introduces the reader to Little Puddleton, a small village with a population of just 100. We learn about the village's charm, its simple way of life, and its quirky inhabitants.

In Part II, we are introduced to a new character, a young woman named Mary. Mary is the daughter of a wealthy businessman who has come to Little Puddleton to escape the city. She is immediately drawn to the village and its people, and we see her falling in love with a local boy named Tom.

Part III is where the conflict arises. Tom is accused of stealing a valuable necklace from Mary's father, and the village is thrown into turmoil. Service does an excellent job of building suspense and keeping the reader engaged in the story.

Part IV is the climax of the poem. Tom is put on trial, and it seems as though he will be found guilty. However, a twist ending surprises the reader, and Tom is ultimately proven innocent.

Part V is the resolution, where we see the village coming together once again. Mary and Tom are married, and the village returns to its peaceful way of life. Service does an excellent job of tying up all the loose ends and bringing the story to a satisfying conclusion.

The Characters

Another reason why Little Puddleton is a masterpiece of narrative poetry is the characters. Service has created a cast of characters that are both memorable and relatable. From the quirky villagers to the wealthy Mary and her father, each character feels like a real person with their own motivations and desires.

Tom, the protagonist of the poem, is particularly well-drawn. He is a young man who is deeply in love with Mary, and he is willing to do anything to prove his innocence. Service does an excellent job of making the reader care about Tom and his fate.

The Themes

Little Puddleton is a poem that explores many different themes. One of the most prominent themes is the idea of community. Service portrays Little Puddleton as a tight-knit community that comes together in times of crisis. This theme is particularly relevant in today's society, where so many people feel isolated and disconnected from their communities.

Another theme that Service explores in the poem is the idea of justice. Tom is accused of a crime he did not commit, and the theme of justice runs throughout the entire poem. Service raises important questions about the nature of justice and how it is carried out in society.

The Language

Finally, we come to the language of the poem. Service is a master of language, and Little Puddleton is no exception. The poem is filled with vivid imagery and beautiful descriptions of the village and its inhabitants.

Service's use of rhyme and meter is also noteworthy. The poem flows beautifully, and the rhyme scheme adds to the overall sense of unity and harmony in the poem.

Conclusion

Little Puddleton is a true masterpiece of narrative poetry. Its narrative structure, memorable characters, exploration of important themes, and masterful use of language make it a must-read for poetry lovers everywhere. Robert Service was a true genius, and Little Puddleton is a testament to his talent as a poet.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Little Puddleton: A Classic Poem by Robert Service

Robert Service is a renowned poet who has left an indelible mark on the world of literature. His poems are known for their simplicity, yet they convey profound messages that touch the hearts of readers. One of his most famous poems is Little Puddleton, which tells the story of a small village and its inhabitants. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, literary devices, and historical context.

The poem begins with a description of Little Puddleton, a small village nestled in a valley. Service paints a vivid picture of the village, using words like "cozy," "quaint," and "picturesque" to create an idyllic setting. He also describes the people of Little Puddleton, who are "simple folk" with "hearts of gold." This opening stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which celebrates the virtues of small-town life.

As the poem progresses, Service introduces us to some of the villagers, each with their own unique personality. There is "Old Bill," the village drunkard, who is "a bit of a scamp" but still beloved by the townspeople. Then there is "Sally," the village beauty, who is courted by many but remains "true to her heart." Service also introduces us to the village priest, who is "kind and wise" and provides guidance to the villagers.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of dialect. Service writes in a colloquial style, using words and phrases that are typical of rural England. For example, he writes "Oi" instead of "I" and "wot" instead of "what." This use of dialect adds authenticity to the poem and helps to create a sense of place. It also reflects Service's interest in the lives of ordinary people, who he believed had their own unique stories to tell.

Another literary device that Service employs in the poem is repetition. He repeats the phrase "Little Puddleton" throughout the poem, emphasizing the importance of the village and its people. He also repeats the phrase "hearts of gold," which serves as a reminder of the villagers' kindness and generosity. This repetition creates a sense of unity and reinforces the idea that the villagers are all part of a close-knit community.

The poem also contains several themes that are relevant to the time in which it was written. Service wrote Little Puddleton in the early 20th century, a time when many people were leaving rural areas to move to cities in search of work. The poem celebrates the virtues of small-town life and suggests that there is value in staying close to one's roots. It also suggests that there is a sense of community in small towns that is lacking in larger cities.

Another theme that is present in the poem is the idea of simplicity. The villagers of Little Puddleton are portrayed as simple folk who lead uncomplicated lives. They are not wealthy or powerful, but they are happy and content with what they have. This theme reflects Service's belief that happiness can be found in the simple things in life.

In conclusion, Little Puddleton is a classic poem that celebrates the virtues of small-town life. Through its use of dialect, repetition, and vivid imagery, the poem creates a sense of place and community. It also explores themes that are relevant to the time in which it was written, such as the value of simplicity and the importance of staying close to one's roots. Robert Service's Little Puddleton is a timeless poem that continues to resonate with readers today.

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