'No Sunday Chicken' by Robert Service


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I could have sold him up because
His rent was long past due;
And Grimes, my lawyer, said it was
The proper thing to do:
But how could I be so inhuman?
And me a gentle-woman.

Yet I am poor as chapel mouse,
Pinching to make ends meet,
And have to let my little house
To buy enough to eat:
Why, even now to keep agoing
I have to take in sewing.

Sylvester is a widowed man,
Clerk in a hardware store;
I guess he does the best he can
To feed his kiddies four:
It sure is hard,--don't think it funny,
I've lately loaned him money.

I want to wipe away a tear
Even to just suppose
Some monster of an auctioneer
Might sell his sticks and clothes:
I'd rather want for bread and butter
Than see them in the gutter.

A silly, soft old thing am I,
But oh them kiddies four!
I guess I'll make a raisin pie
And leave it at their door . . .
Some Sunday, dears, you'll share my dream,--
Fried chicken and ice-cream.

Editor 1 Interpretation

No Sunday Chicken: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Have you ever read a poem that made you laugh, while at the same time, tugged at your heartstrings? If you haven't, then you need to read "No Sunday Chicken" by Robert Service. This poem is a perfect blend of humor and sentimentality, making it a timeless classic that still resonates with readers today.

Background

Before we dive into the poem itself, let's take a quick look at the life of the man who wrote it. Robert Service was a Scottish poet who lived from 1874 to 1958. He is best known for his poems about the Yukon, where he spent several years working as a bank clerk. Service's writing style is characterized by its simple language, vivid imagery, and strong narrative voice. He was a master storyteller, and his poems are often compared to those of Rudyard Kipling and Edgar Allan Poe.

The Poem

Now, let's turn our attention to "No Sunday Chicken." This poem tells the story of a farmer who is about to slaughter his prized rooster for Sunday dinner. However, the rooster has other plans. He escapes from his cage and runs away, determined to live out his days in freedom.

At first glance, this poem may seem like a simple tale of a rooster's daring escape. But upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that there is much more to it than meets the eye. Service uses this story as a metaphor for the human desire for freedom, and the lengths that people will go to in order to achieve it.

Analysis

One of the most striking things about "No Sunday Chicken" is the way that Service uses humor to convey a serious message. The poem is full of witty one-liners and comical descriptions, such as when he describes the rooster as "cock of the walk, with a step that was proud and a crow that was loud." However, beneath the humor lies a deeper meaning.

The rooster's escape represents the human desire for freedom, which is a theme that runs throughout Service's work. He portrays the rooster as a brave and determined creature who is willing to risk everything for his liberty. This is a powerful metaphor for the human struggle for independence, and it speaks to the universal desire for self-determination.

Another important aspect of "No Sunday Chicken" is the way that Service uses language to create a strong sense of place. The poem is set in rural America, and the language is full of dialect and colloquialisms that give it an authentic feel. This creates a vivid picture of the farm and its inhabitants, and it helps to draw the reader into the story.

Finally, the poem's bittersweet ending is another example of Service's storytelling genius. The rooster ultimately meets his demise, but his escape has left a lasting impact on the farmer. The poem ends with the farmer reflecting on the rooster's bravery and the lesson that he has learned about the importance of freedom. This poignant conclusion is a testament to Service's ability to create complex characters and to use them to convey powerful messages.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "No Sunday Chicken" is a masterful poem that combines humor, sentimentality, and powerful imagery to convey a universal message about the human struggle for freedom. Service's storytelling skills are on full display here, and the poem remains a timeless classic that still resonates with readers today. If you haven't read this poem before, I highly recommend that you do so. It's a true masterpiece of poetry.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

No Sunday Chicken: A Poem of Life's Lessons

Robert Service's poem "No Sunday Chicken" is a classic piece of literature that has stood the test of time. It is a poem that speaks to the human condition, and the struggles that we all face in life. In this analysis, we will explore the themes and motifs of the poem, as well as the literary devices that Service employs to convey his message.

The poem is written in the first person, and the speaker is an old man reflecting on his life. He begins by describing himself as "no Sunday chicken," which is a colloquialism that means he is no longer young. This sets the tone for the poem, which is one of reflection and introspection. The speaker then goes on to describe his life, and the lessons that he has learned along the way.

One of the main themes of the poem is the passage of time. The speaker reflects on how quickly time has passed, and how he has grown old without even realizing it. He says, "I've lived my life, and I've had my fling, / And I'm willing to wager I've had my sting." This line conveys a sense of regret, as if the speaker wishes he had done more with his life. It also speaks to the idea that life is fleeting, and that we should make the most of the time we have.

Another theme of the poem is the idea of living life to the fullest. The speaker says, "I've tasted the sweets and the bitters too, / And I've had my fill of the good and the true." This line speaks to the idea that life is a mixture of good and bad, and that we should experience both in order to truly appreciate what life has to offer. The speaker also says, "I've laughed and I've loved, and I've fought and I've won, / And I've drunk from the cup of the setting sun." This line conveys a sense of adventure and excitement, as if the speaker has lived a full and exciting life.

Service employs several literary devices in the poem, including rhyme, repetition, and imagery. The poem is written in a rhyming couplet format, which gives it a musical quality. The repetition of the phrase "no Sunday chicken" throughout the poem serves to reinforce the idea that the speaker is old and wise. The imagery in the poem is also powerful, particularly in the lines, "I've seen the stars on a winter's night, / And I've watched the sun rise in its golden might." These lines paint a vivid picture in the reader's mind, and convey a sense of wonder and awe.

In conclusion, "No Sunday Chicken" is a classic poem that speaks to the human condition. It explores themes of time, regret, and living life to the fullest. Service employs several literary devices to convey his message, including rhyme, repetition, and imagery. The poem is a reminder that life is short, and that we should make the most of the time we have. It is a poem that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.

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