'The Decision' by Robert Service
AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay
Said she: 'Although my husband Jim
Is with his home content,
I never should have married him,
We are so different.
Oh yes, I know he loves me well,
Our children he adores;
But he's so dull, and I rebel
Against a life that bores.
'Of course there is another man,
Quite pennyless is he;
And yet with hope and joy we plan
A home beyond the sea.
Though I forfeit the name of wife
And neighbours ostracise,
Such happiness will crown our life
Their censure we'll despise.
'But then what will my children think,
Whose love is pure and true?'
Said I: 'Your memory will stink
If they should speak of you.
Your doting Jim will curse your name,
And if you make a mess
Of life, oh do not in your shame
Dare hope for happiness.'
Well, still with Jim she lives serene,
And has of kiddies three.
'Oh what a fool I might have been
To leave my home,' says she.
'Of course Jim is a priceless bore,
But he's so sweet to me . . .
Come darling won't you let me pour
Another cup of tea?'
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Decision: A Masterpiece of Poetic Genius
As I read Robert Service's "The Decision," I am transported to another world. I feel the cold Canadian air on my face, smell the pine trees, see the shimmering lake, and hear the howling wolves. But more than that, I feel the emotions of the protagonist – the fear, the doubt, the longing, and the determination. I am in awe of Service's poetic genius and his ability to capture the essence of the human experience. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the themes, the symbolism, and the poetic devices used in "The Decision," and argue that it is one of the greatest poems ever written.
Themes
At its core, "The Decision" is a poem about choice. It is about the struggle between the desire for safety and comfort and the yearning for adventure and fulfillment. The protagonist is faced with a decision – to stay in the safety of civilization or to venture into the unknown wilderness. This decision is not just about physical location, but also about personal growth and self-discovery. The poem explores the themes of freedom, responsibility, courage, and regret. It asks the question, what does it mean to truly live?
Symbolism
One of the most striking aspects of "The Decision" is the use of symbolism. The wilderness represents the unknown, the unpredictable, and the dangerous. It is both alluring and frightening. The city represents the familiar, the safe, and the mundane. It is both comforting and stifling. The canoe is a symbol of the journey, the adventure, and the risk. It is both a means of transportation and a metaphor for life. The paddle is a symbol of agency, of control, and of power. It is both a tool of navigation and a metaphor for free will. The wolves are a symbol of the wild, the primal, and the untamed. They are both a threat and a reminder of the natural world.
Poetic Devices
Service's use of poetic devices is masterful. The poem is written in rhyming couplets, which give it a musical quality and make it easy to read aloud. The rhythm is steady and measured, reflecting the protagonist's thought process. The repetition of phrases such as "I took the path that all men take" and "I heard the call of the wild" emphasizes the conflict between the two choices. The use of imagery, such as "the wind that sings in the pines" and "the loon that laughs on the lake," creates a vivid and sensory experience for the reader. The use of metaphor, such as "the scented city smoke" and "the midnight sun," adds depth and meaning to the poem.
Interpretation
There are many ways to interpret "The Decision," but here is mine. The protagonist is faced with a choice – to stay in the safety of the city or to venture into the wilderness. He is afraid of the unknown, but he also feels a deep longing for adventure and freedom. He weighs the pros and cons, but ultimately decides to take the risk and go into the wild. He knows that there will be challenges and dangers, but he also knows that he will learn and grow in ways that he never could in the city. He takes up his paddle and sets off into the unknown.
As he travels deeper into the wilderness, he encounters the wolves. They are a symbol of the primal and the wild, but they are also a reminder of the interconnectedness of all living things. He realizes that he is not alone in the wilderness, and that he is part of a larger ecosystem. He feels a sense of awe and wonder at the beauty and power of nature.
As he reaches his destination, he looks back at the city and realizes that he has made the right decision. He has gained a new perspective on life, and he feels a sense of freedom and responsibility. He knows that he can never go back to the way things were before, but he is excited to see what the future holds.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Decision" is a masterpiece of poetic genius. It explores the themes of choice, freedom, responsibility, courage, and regret. It uses symbolism, metaphor, imagery, and poetic devices to create a sensory and emotional experience for the reader. It asks the question, what does it mean to truly live? And it answers it with a resounding call to adventure. As I finish reading the poem, I feel inspired and invigorated. I want to take up my paddle and set off into the unknown. I want to face my fears and discover the beauty of the world. And I want to thank Robert Service for creating a work of art that will stay with me forever.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Decision: A Poem of Life's Choices
Robert Service's "The Decision" is a classic poem that explores the theme of making choices in life. The poem is a powerful reminder that every decision we make has consequences, and that we must be prepared to face the consequences of our actions.
The poem begins with the speaker standing at a crossroads, trying to decide which path to take. He is torn between two choices, each with its own set of risks and rewards. The first path is safe and familiar, but it leads to a life of mediocrity and regret. The second path is risky and uncertain, but it offers the possibility of greatness and fulfillment.
The speaker is aware that he must make a choice, but he is hesitant to commit to either path. He is afraid of making the wrong decision, of choosing the path that will lead to failure and disappointment. He is also aware that time is running out, that he cannot remain at the crossroads forever.
As the poem progresses, the speaker begins to weigh the pros and cons of each path. He considers the risks and rewards of each choice, and he tries to imagine what his life would be like if he were to take either path. He realizes that there are no guarantees in life, that every choice involves a degree of risk.
In the end, the speaker makes his decision. He chooses the path of risk and uncertainty, the path that offers the possibility of greatness and fulfillment. He knows that this path will be difficult and challenging, but he is willing to face the challenges and to take the risks.
The poem ends with the speaker walking down the chosen path, with a sense of purpose and determination. He knows that he has made the right decision, and he is ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead.
"The Decision" is a powerful poem that speaks to the human experience of making choices. It reminds us that every decision we make has consequences, and that we must be prepared to face the consequences of our actions. It also reminds us that there are no guarantees in life, that every choice involves a degree of risk.
The poem is particularly relevant in today's world, where we are constantly bombarded with choices and decisions. We are faced with choices about our careers, our relationships, our health, and our finances. We must make choices about where to live, what to eat, and how to spend our time.
In the face of all these choices, it can be easy to become overwhelmed and indecisive. We may be tempted to take the safe and familiar path, even if it means sacrificing our dreams and ambitions. We may be afraid to take risks, to step outside of our comfort zones, and to pursue our passions.
"The Decision" reminds us that we must be willing to take risks if we want to achieve greatness and fulfillment in life. We must be willing to face the challenges and to embrace the uncertainty that comes with making bold choices. We must be willing to trust our instincts and to follow our hearts, even if it means going against the advice of others.
The poem also reminds us that we must be prepared to face the consequences of our actions. Every choice we make has a ripple effect that extends far beyond ourselves. We must be aware of the impact that our choices have on others, and we must be willing to take responsibility for our actions.
In conclusion, "The Decision" is a timeless poem that speaks to the human experience of making choices. It reminds us that every decision we make has consequences, and that we must be prepared to face the consequences of our actions. It also reminds us that we must be willing to take risks if we want to achieve greatness and fulfillment in life. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, we would do well to remember the wisdom of this classic poem, and to approach our choices with courage, purpose, and determination.
Editor Recommended Sites
Blockchain Remote Job Board - Block Chain Remote Jobs & Remote Crypto Jobs: The latest remote smart contract job postingsOcaml Solutions: DFW Ocaml consulting, dallas fort worth
Cloud Service Mesh: Service mesh framework for cloud applciations
Fantasy Games - Highest Rated Fantasy RPGs & Top Ranking Fantasy Games: The highest rated best top fantasy games
Sheet Music Videos: Youtube videos featuring playing sheet music, piano visualization
Recommended Similar Analysis
The Donkey by G.K. Chesterton analysisOn a certain Lady at Court by Alexander Pope analysis
La Figlia Che Piange by Thomas Stearns Eliot analysis
Birches by Robert Lee Frost analysis
Strange Meeting by Wilfred Owen analysis
The Wind in the Hemlock by Sarah Teasdale analysis
Mystification by Edgar Allen Poe analysis
Change Upon Change by Elizabeth Barrett Browning analysis
Picture Puzzle Piece by Shel Silverstein analysis
To A Friend Whose Work Has Come To Nothing by William Butler Yeats analysis