'Miss Mischievous' by Robert Service


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Miss Don't-do-this and Don't-do-that
Has such a sunny smile
You cannot help but chuckle at
Her cuteness and her guile.
Her locks are silken floss of gold,
Her eyes are pansy blue:
Maybe of years to eighty old
The best is two.

Miss Don't-do-this and Don't-do-that
To roguishness is fain;
To guard that laughter-loving brat
Is quite a strain;
But when she tires of prank and play
And says good-night,
I'm longing for another day
Of child delight.

Miss Don't-do-this and Don't-do-that
Will grow up soon.
I hope she'll never throw her hat
Athwart the moon.
Yet I'll be sorrowful indeed,
Remembering a day
Before she learned to humbly heed
The word OBEY.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Miss Mischievous: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Oh, Miss Mischievous, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways…

Robert Service’s “Miss Mischievous” is a classic poem that has captivated readers for decades. It is a humorous, lighthearted piece that tells the tale of a mischievous young lady who enjoys playing pranks on the men in her life. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, imagery, and symbolism present in this beloved poem.

Background and Context

First, let’s take a moment to consider the context in which “Miss Mischievous” was written. Service was a Canadian poet who lived from 1874 to 1958. He was known for his humorous, narrative-style poetry that often depicted the rugged landscape and rugged characters of the Canadian wilderness. “Miss Mischievous” was published in 1910, during a period of social change and upheaval. Women were beginning to push against traditional gender roles, demanding greater equality and independence. It’s possible that Service was influenced by this cultural shift when he wrote this poem.

Themes

One of the central themes of “Miss Mischievous” is the battle of the sexes. The poem is narrated from the point of view of a man who has fallen victim to Miss Mischievous’ playful pranks. He is initially frustrated and annoyed by her antics, but ultimately finds himself charmed by her wit and intelligence. The poem can be read as a commentary on the tension between men and women in society, particularly during the early 20th century when traditional gender roles were being challenged.

Another theme that emerges in “Miss Mischievous” is that of deception. The title character is portrayed as a cunning trickster who enjoys playing pranks on unsuspecting men. Her deceptions range from harmless (replacing a man’s cigarette with a piece of paper) to more malicious (pretending to be in love with someone for the purpose of making another man jealous). The poem suggests that deception can be both entertaining and dangerous, and that those who engage in it must be prepared to face the consequences.

Imagery and Symbolism

One of the most striking aspects of “Miss Mischievous” is Service’s use of vivid imagery and symbolism. The poem is full of colorful descriptions that bring the characters and settings to life. For example, Miss Mischievous is described as having a “devil’s grin” and “flashing eyes,” while the men she tricks are depicted as “bewildered” and “stunned.” These descriptions help to create a vivid picture of the scene and heighten the reader’s sense of the characters’ emotions.

Another important symbol in “Miss Mischievous” is the cigarette. The poem opens with the narrator lighting a cigarette, which Miss Mischievous promptly replaces with a piece of paper. Later in the poem, she uses a cigarette to play a prank on another man by filling it with gunpowder. The cigarette can be seen as a symbol of both pleasure and danger. It represents the narrator’s desire for a moment of relaxation and enjoyment, but also serves as a reminder that Miss Mischievous is capable of turning harmless pleasures into dangerous traps.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “Miss Mischievous” is a delightful and entertaining poem that offers insight into the tensions between men and women during a time of social change. Service’s use of vivid imagery and symbolism helps to create a rich and complex narrative that is both humorous and thought-provoking. While the poem may be read simply as a lighthearted tale of a mischievous young lady, it also speaks to larger themes of deception, gender roles, and power dynamics. Whether you are a fan of poetry or simply enjoy a good laugh, “Miss Mischievous” is a must-read classic that will delight and entertain readers for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Miss Mischievous: A Classic Poem by Robert Service

Are you ready to embark on a journey of mischief and mayhem? Then let's dive into the world of Miss Mischievous, a classic poem written by Robert Service. This poem is a delightful tale of a mischievous young girl who loves to play pranks on her family and friends. With its playful language and vivid imagery, Miss Mischievous is a timeless masterpiece that has captured the hearts of readers for generations.

The poem begins with the introduction of the titular character, Miss Mischievous. She is described as a young girl with a twinkle in her eye and a mischievous grin on her face. From the very first line, we can tell that Miss Mischievous is not your typical young girl. She is full of energy and always looking for ways to have fun.

The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It describes Miss Mischievous as a girl who loves to play pranks on her family and friends. She is always up to something, whether it's putting frogs in her sister's bed or hiding her brother's shoes. Despite her mischievous ways, Miss Mischievous is still loved by her family and friends. They know that she means no harm and that her pranks are just a way of having fun.

The second stanza of the poem takes us on a journey through Miss Mischievous's world. We see her playing pranks on her family and friends, but we also see her exploring the world around her. She loves to climb trees and play in the mud. She is a free spirit who is not afraid to get her hands dirty.

The third stanza of the poem is where things start to get interesting. Miss Mischievous decides to play a prank on her father by putting a frog in his bed. However, things don't go according to plan. Her father wakes up and is not amused by the prank. He scolds Miss Mischievous and tells her that her pranks are not funny. This is a turning point in the poem. We see that Miss Mischievous's pranks are not always harmless and that they can have consequences.

The fourth stanza of the poem is where we see Miss Mischievous's true character. She is not deterred by her father's scolding. Instead, she decides to play another prank on her brother. This time, she hides his shoes. However, she quickly realizes that this prank is not as harmless as she thought. Her brother needs his shoes to go to school, and without them, he will be in trouble. Miss Mischievous realizes that her pranks can have real consequences and that she needs to be more careful in the future.

The fifth and final stanza of the poem is where we see Miss Mischievous's growth as a character. She realizes that her pranks can have real consequences and that she needs to be more careful in the future. She decides to apologize to her father and brother and promises to be more responsible in the future. This is a heartwarming moment in the poem. We see that Miss Mischievous is not just a mischievous young girl, but she is also a kind and caring person.

In conclusion, Miss Mischievous is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a delightful tale of a mischievous young girl who loves to play pranks on her family and friends. With its playful language and vivid imagery, Miss Mischievous is a timeless masterpiece that has captured the hearts of readers for generations. The poem teaches us that our actions have consequences and that we need to be responsible for our actions. It also teaches us the importance of apologizing and making things right when we make mistakes. So, the next time you're feeling mischievous, remember the lessons of Miss Mischievous and think twice before playing a prank.

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