'The Answer' by Robert Service


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Bill has left his house of clay,
Slammed the door and gone away:
How he laughed but yesterday!

I had two new jokes to tell,
Salty, but he loved them well:
Now I see his empty shell.

Poker-faced he looks at me;
Peeved to miss them jokes - how h
Would have belly-laughed with glee!

He gives me the pip, I swear;
Seems just like he isn't there:
Flown the coop - I wonder where?

Bill had no belief in "soul";
Thought the body was the whole,
And the grave the final goal.

Didn't reckon when we pass,
This old carcass maybe has
Spirit that sneaks out like gas.

"Look here, Bill, I'm asking you
What's the Answer? Tell me true:
Is death the end of all we do?

"Hand me out the dope - are we
No more than monkeys on a tree?"
... And then I swear to God I see
bill bat an eye and - wink at me.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Answer by Robert Service: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Wow! What a poem! Robert Service's "The Answer" is a masterpiece of poetic expression that has mesmerized readers for ages. The poem is a testament to the power of words and their ability to capture the essence of the human experience. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, literary devices, and other elements that make this poem so captivating.

Overview

"The Answer" is a poem that poses a fundamental question: what is life all about? Service uses vivid imagery and powerful metaphors to explore this existential query. The poem consists of four stanzas, each with four lines, and follows an ABAB rhyme scheme. Despite its brevity, the poem encapsulates the complexities and uncertainties of human existence.

Themes

The poem explores several themes that are central to human life, including the search for meaning, the inevitability of death, and the transience of life. Service highlights the futility of material possessions and the importance of living in the moment. The theme of the poem is that life is fleeting, and we must make the most of it while we can.

Literary Devices

Service employs several literary devices to enhance the impact of the poem. The use of metaphors is particularly effective, as it allows the reader to visualize abstract concepts. In the first stanza, for example, Service compares life to a swift river that flows inexorably towards the sea. This metaphor captures the idea that life is constantly moving forward, and we cannot slow it down. The second stanza compares life to a flickering flame that is snuffed out by the wind. This metaphor highlights the fragility of life and how it can be extinguished at any moment.

Service also uses alliteration to create a musical quality to the poem. In the first stanza, for example, we see the repetition of the "s" sound in the line "Life is a journey down a mellow stream." This repetition creates a soothing effect that mirrors the image of a river flowing gently downstream. The third stanza also has a musical quality, with the repetition of the "d" sound in the line "Dazzling day with many a dream to pursue." This repetition creates a sense of urgency and excitement that reflects the idea that life is a precious gift that should be enjoyed to the fullest.

Interpretation

The poem is open to interpretation, but one possible reading is that life is a journey that must be embraced with gusto. The first stanza sets the stage for this interpretation, with its image of a river that flows inexorably towards the sea. In this reading, life is seen as a journey that we cannot control, but we can choose how we navigate it. The second stanza reinforces this idea, with its image of a flickering flame that is snuffed out by the wind. This metaphor suggests that life is fragile and could end at any moment, reminding us of the importance of living in the present.

The third stanza suggests that life is a gift that should be appreciated and enjoyed. The image of a "dazzling day" with "many a dream to pursue" evokes a sense of excitement and wonder. This reading suggests that we should make the most of our time on earth, pursuing our dreams and enjoying the beauty of the world around us. The final stanza reinforces this idea, with its emphasis on the importance of love and the transience of life. The repetition of the phrase "love is the answer" suggests that love is the key to a happy and fulfilling life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Answer" is a poem that explores the fundamental question of what life is all about. Through its use of vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and musical language, the poem captures the complexities and uncertainties of the human experience. The themes of the poem are universal and timeless, speaking to readers of all ages and backgrounds. Whether seen as a call to live life to the fullest or a reminder of the inevitability of death, "The Answer" is a poem that continues to resonate with readers today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Answer: A Poem of Life's Greatest Mystery

Robert Service's "The Answer" is a poem that has captivated readers for generations. It is a poem that speaks to the very heart of life's greatest mystery: what is the meaning of life? In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and symbolism of this classic poem.

The poem begins with a question that has puzzled humanity for centuries: "What is the meaning of life?" The speaker of the poem is searching for an answer to this question, and he turns to the natural world for guidance. He asks the mountains, the sea, and the stars, but they remain silent. He then turns to the animals, but they too are unable to provide an answer.

It is only when the speaker turns inward that he finds the answer he has been seeking. He realizes that the meaning of life is not something that can be found outside of oneself, but rather it is something that must be discovered within. The final lines of the poem capture this realization perfectly:

"You are the answer to all your questions, You are the solution to all your problems, You are the source of all your joy, You are the meaning of life."

The theme of self-discovery is central to this poem. The speaker realizes that the answer to life's greatest mystery is not something that can be found in the external world, but rather it is something that must be discovered within oneself. This theme is particularly relevant in today's society, where many people are searching for meaning and purpose in their lives.

The imagery in the poem is also significant. The speaker turns to the natural world for guidance, but the mountains, sea, and stars remain silent. This imagery suggests that the answers we seek cannot be found in the external world. The animals, too, are unable to provide an answer. This imagery reinforces the idea that the answer to life's greatest mystery must be discovered within oneself.

The final lines of the poem are particularly powerful. The speaker declares that "You are the answer to all your questions." This statement suggests that we already possess the answers we seek, but we must look within ourselves to find them. The speaker also declares that "You are the solution to all your problems." This statement suggests that we have the power to overcome any obstacle that comes our way. Finally, the speaker declares that "You are the source of all your joy." This statement suggests that happiness is not something that can be found outside of oneself, but rather it is something that must be cultivated from within.

The symbolism in the poem is also significant. The natural world represents the external world, which is unable to provide the answers we seek. The animals represent our instincts and desires, which are also unable to provide the answers we seek. The speaker represents our inner self, which is the only source of true wisdom and understanding.

In conclusion, Robert Service's "The Answer" is a poem that speaks to the very heart of life's greatest mystery. It is a poem that encourages us to look within ourselves for the answers we seek. The theme of self-discovery is central to this poem, and the imagery and symbolism reinforce this theme. The final lines of the poem are particularly powerful, as they suggest that we already possess the answers we seek, but we must look within ourselves to find them. This poem is a timeless classic that will continue to inspire readers for generations to come.

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