'The Contented Man' by Robert Service


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"How good God is to me," he said;
"For have I not a mansion tall,
With trees and lawns of velvet tread,
And happy helpers at my call?
With beauty is my life abrim,
With tranquil hours and dreams apart;
You wonder that I yield to Him
That best of prayers, a grateful heart?"

"How good God is to me," he said;
"For look! though gone is all my wealth,
How sweet it is to earn one's bread
With brawny arms and brimming health.
Oh, now I know the joy of strife!
To sleep so sound, to wake so fit.
Ah yes, how glorious is life!
I thank Him for each day of it."

"How good God is to me," he said;
"Though health and wealth are gone, it's true;
Things might be worse, I might be dead,
And here I'm living, laughing too.
Serene beneath the evening sky
I wait, and every man's my friend;
God's most contented man am I . . .
He keeps me smiling to the End."

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Contented Man by Robert Service: A Poem of Inner Peace and Simplicity

Oh, have you ever heard of Robert Service's "The Contented Man"? If you haven't, let me tell you that it's one of the most beautiful and inspiring poems you'll ever read. It's a poem about a man who lives a simple life, far away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and yet finds true contentment in his solitude and connection with nature.

About Robert Service

Robert Service (1874-1958) was a Scottish-Canadian poet and novelist, best known for his poems about the Yukon gold rush of the late 19th century. He was a prolific writer, and his work influenced many other poets and writers of his time, including Jack London and W. H. Auden.

The Contented Man: An Analysis

The poem begins with the speaker describing the man's simple life, in which he lives in a small cabin by a lake, surrounded by mountains and trees. The man spends his days fishing, chopping wood, and tending to his garden, and at night he sits by the fire and reads or plays his harmonica. He doesn't have much in the way of material possessions, but he's happy and content with what he has.

The speaker then contrasts the man's life with that of the city-dwellers, who are always in a hurry and never seem to be satisfied with what they have. They're always chasing after money and success, thinking that those things will bring them happiness, but they never do.

The man, on the other hand, has found true happiness in the simplicity of his life. He's content to live off the land and to be surrounded by nature, and he doesn't need anything else to be happy.

The poem ends with the speaker saying that he wishes he could be like the contented man, and that he's envious of the peace and serenity that the man has found in his life.

Interpretation

The Contented Man is a poem about the importance of simplicity and finding happiness in the things that really matter. The man in the poem has found true contentment by living a simple life, and he's not concerned with material possessions or social status. He's happy just being alive and being surrounded by the beauty of nature.

The poem can be interpreted as a critique of modern society, which is often driven by consumerism and the pursuit of wealth and status. The man in the poem represents an alternative way of life, one that values simplicity and inner peace over material possessions and external validation.

The poem also has a spiritual dimension, as the man's connection with nature can be seen as a form of meditation or contemplation. By being in nature, he's able to connect with something greater than himself and find meaning and purpose in his life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Contented Man is a beautiful and inspiring poem that reminds us of the importance of simplicity, inner peace, and connection with nature. It's a powerful critique of modern society, which often values material possessions over human connection and spiritual fulfillment. The poem challenges us to reexamine our priorities and to find meaning and happiness in the things that really matter.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Contented Man: A Poem of Life's Simple Pleasures

Robert Service's "The Contented Man" is a poem that speaks to the heart of what it means to be truly happy. In just a few short stanzas, Service captures the essence of a life lived in contentment, free from the trappings of material wealth and societal expectations. The poem is a celebration of life's simple pleasures, and a reminder that true happiness can be found in the most unexpected places.

The poem begins with the speaker describing a man who is content with his lot in life. He is not rich or famous, but he is happy nonetheless. The man is described as having "no mansion grand and no estate", but he is content with his humble abode and the simple pleasures it affords him. He is not concerned with the latest fashions or the newest gadgets, but is content with the things he has and the people he loves.

The second stanza of the poem describes the man's daily routine. He rises early in the morning and tends to his garden, taking pleasure in the simple act of nurturing life. He then spends his day doing odd jobs and helping his neighbors, finding joy in the act of service. In the evening, he returns home to his family and enjoys a simple meal, content in the knowledge that he has done his best to make the world a better place.

The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most poignant. Here, the speaker describes the man's attitude towards death. He is not afraid of dying, for he knows that he has lived a good life and has done his best to make the world a better place. He is content in the knowledge that he has loved and been loved, and that his legacy will live on in the memories of those he has touched.

The final stanza of the poem is a celebration of the man's life. The speaker describes him as a "king" who has lived a life of purpose and meaning. He has not amassed great wealth or achieved great fame, but he has lived a life of contentment and joy. He has found happiness in the simple things, and has lived a life that is rich in love and compassion.

What makes "The Contented Man" such a powerful poem is its simplicity. Service does not rely on flowery language or complex metaphors to convey his message. Instead, he uses simple, straightforward language to describe a life that is lived in contentment. The poem is a reminder that true happiness can be found in the most unexpected places, and that a life lived in service to others is a life well-lived.

At its core, "The Contented Man" is a poem about the importance of living a life of purpose and meaning. It is a reminder that true happiness cannot be found in material possessions or societal expectations, but in the simple pleasures of life. The poem is a call to action, urging us to live our lives with purpose and to find joy in the act of service.

In conclusion, "The Contented Man" is a timeless poem that speaks to the heart of what it means to be truly happy. It is a celebration of life's simple pleasures, and a reminder that true happiness can be found in the most unexpected places. The poem is a call to action, urging us to live our lives with purpose and to find joy in the act of service. It is a poem that will continue to inspire and uplift readers for generations to come.

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