'Repentance' by Robert Service


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"If you repent," the Parson said,"
Your sins will be forgiven.
Aye, even on your dying bed
You're not too late for heaven."

That's just my cup of tea, I thought,
Though for my sins I sorrow;
Since salvation is easy bought
I will repent . . . to-morrow.

To-morrow and to-morrow went,
But though my youth was flying,
I was reluctant to repent,
having no fear of dying.

'Tis plain, I mused, the more I sin,
(To Satan's jubilation)
When I repent the more I'll win
Celestial approbation.

So still I sin, and though I fail
To get snow-whitely shriven,
My timing's good: I home to hail
The last bus up to heaven.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Repentance: A Critical Analysis of Robert Service's Classic Poem

Introduction

Robert Service's poem "Repentance" is a powerful narrative of a man's journey towards redemption. It explores the complex themes of guilt, remorse, and forgiveness through vividly descriptive language and a hauntingly bleak setting. The poem was first published in 1910 and has since remained a classic in the world of English literature. In this critical analysis, we will examine the poem's structure, language, themes, and symbolism to gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and significance.

Structure and Language

The poem consists of six stanzas, each with four lines of alternating rhyme. The use of rhyme and rhythm creates a musicality that draws the reader in and adds to the poem's emotional impact. The language is simple yet evocative, with vivid imagery that immediately transports the reader to the bleak and desolate setting of the poem. For example, in the first stanza, the line "the night was stormy and dark" sets the scene for the rest of the poem and creates a mood of foreboding.

Themes

The central theme of the poem is repentance and redemption. The speaker, who is unnamed, is consumed by guilt and is seeking forgiveness for his past sins. He wanders through the night, tormented by his memories, until he finally comes to a chapel where he can confess his sins and seek absolution. The poem explores the complex emotions of guilt and remorse, and the difficult journey towards forgiveness.

Another theme that is present in the poem is the power of nature. The stormy and dark night is a metaphor for the speaker's inner turmoil, and the natural world serves as a reflection of his emotional state. The wind and rain are described with vivid language, creating a sense of danger and unease. However, at the same time, the natural world also offers a sense of solace and comfort, as the speaker finds refuge in the chapel.

Symbolism

The use of symbolism is prominent throughout the poem. The stormy and dark night is a metaphor for the speaker's troubled conscience, while the chapel represents the possibility of redemption and forgiveness. The rain is symbolic of the tears the speaker sheds as he confesses his sins, and the wind is symbolic of the turmoil within his soul. The use of the word "dank" in the second stanza is also symbolic, representing the cold and dampness of the speaker's heart before he seeks redemption.

Interpretation and Analysis

The poem is a powerful exploration of the complex emotions of guilt and remorse. The speaker is tormented by his past sins and is seeking forgiveness for his transgressions. His journey towards redemption is fraught with danger and despair, as he confronts the stormy night and his own inner demons. However, the poem offers hope in the form of the chapel, where the speaker can confess his sins and seek absolution.

The poem also highlights the power of nature and its ability to reflect the emotional state of the speaker. The stormy night is a metaphor for the speaker's inner turmoil, while the natural world offers a sense of solace and comfort. The chapel, as a symbol of redemption, is also connected to the natural world, offering a sense of connection to something greater than the speaker's own troubled conscience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Robert Service's poem "Repentance" is a powerful exploration of the complex emotions of guilt and remorse. The poem's structure and language create a hauntingly bleak setting that immediately draws the reader in, while the use of symbolism highlights the central themes of repentance and redemption. The poem is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today, offering a message of hope and redemption in the face of even the darkest of sins.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Repentance: A Poem of Redemption and Forgiveness

Robert Service, the renowned poet, is known for his ability to capture the essence of human emotions and experiences in his works. His poem, Repentance, is a classic example of his mastery of the art of poetry. This poem is a powerful and moving piece that explores the themes of guilt, remorse, redemption, and forgiveness. In this analysis, we will delve deeper into the poem and explore its meaning, structure, and literary devices.

The poem is written in the first person, and the speaker is a man who is filled with guilt and remorse for his past actions. The poem begins with the speaker confessing his sins and asking for forgiveness. He acknowledges that he has done wrong and that he deserves to be punished for his actions. The opening lines of the poem set the tone for the rest of the piece:

"I have sinned, and I have suffered, Played the fool, and played the knave; Fought for belly-timber, suffered Scorn and insult like a slave."

These lines convey a sense of regret and self-loathing that the speaker feels for his past actions. He acknowledges that he has made mistakes and that he has suffered the consequences of his actions. The use of the words "sinned" and "played the knave" suggests that the speaker has done something morally wrong and that he is aware of it.

The poem then goes on to describe the speaker's journey towards repentance and redemption. He talks about how he has tried to make amends for his past actions and how he has sought forgiveness from those he has wronged. The following lines illustrate this:

"I have sought the wise and lowly, I have begged the heart of youth; I have run where Thames runs holy, And have felt the bite of truth."

These lines show that the speaker has taken steps to make things right. He has sought the advice of wise and lowly people, he has asked for forgiveness from the young, and he has even gone to holy places to seek redemption. The use of the phrase "felt the bite of truth" suggests that the speaker has come to a realization about the consequences of his actions and that he is willing to face them.

The poem then takes a turn towards hope and redemption. The speaker talks about how he has found peace and forgiveness in the eyes of those he has wronged. He describes how he has been able to let go of his guilt and how he has been able to move on from his past mistakes. The following lines illustrate this:

"I have found the joy of living, And the peace that knows no strife, I have found the heart forgiving, And the sweet absolving life."

These lines convey a sense of hope and redemption. The speaker has found joy and peace in his life, and he has been able to let go of his guilt and move on. The use of the words "heart forgiving" and "sweet absolving life" suggests that the speaker has been forgiven for his past actions and that he has been able to find redemption.

The poem ends with the speaker expressing his gratitude for the forgiveness he has received. He acknowledges that he has been given a second chance and that he is grateful for it. The final lines of the poem are:

"I have sinned, and I have suffered, But I thank the God above For the light that shone and suffered In the eyes of those I love."

These lines show that the speaker has come full circle. He has acknowledged his past mistakes, sought forgiveness, and found redemption. He is grateful for the forgiveness he has received and is willing to move on from his past.

In terms of structure, the poem is written in four stanzas, each with six lines. The rhyme scheme is ABABCC, which gives the poem a sense of rhythm and flow. The use of repetition in the opening and closing lines of the poem ("I have sinned, and I have suffered") creates a sense of unity and coherence in the piece.

In terms of literary devices, the poem makes use of imagery, metaphor, and allusion. The use of the metaphor "played the knave" suggests that the speaker has acted like a dishonest and deceitful person. The allusion to the River Thames suggests that the speaker has gone to a holy place to seek redemption. The use of imagery in the final lines of the poem ("the light that shone and suffered") creates a sense of hope and redemption.

In conclusion, Repentance is a powerful and moving poem that explores the themes of guilt, remorse, redemption, and forgiveness. The poem takes the reader on a journey towards repentance and redemption, and it does so with a sense of hope and optimism. Robert Service has created a masterpiece that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.

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