'The Homicide' by Robert Service
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They say she speeded wanton wild
When she was warm with wine;
And so she killed a little child,
(Could have been yours or mine).
The Judge's verdict was not mild,
And heavy was the fine.
And yet I see her driving still,
But maybe with more care . . .
Oh I should hate a child to kill
With vine leaves in my hair;
I think that I should grieve until
Life was too bleak to bear.
I think that I would see each day
That child in beauty grow.
How she would haunt me in her play.
And I would watch her go
To School a-dancing on her way,
With gladness all aglow!
And then one day I might believe,
With angel eyes ashine,
She'd say to me: 'Please do not grieve,
Maybe the fault was mine.
Take heart,--to Heaven's comfort cleave,
For am I not divine!'
I think I know how I would feel
If I a child should slay;
The rest of living I would kneel
And for God's pity pray . . .
Madam, I saw you at the wheel
Of your new car today.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Homicide: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Are you a lover of poetry? Do you enjoy reading works that capture the imagination and transport you to another world? If so, then the classic poem "The Homicide," written by Robert Service, is a must-read.
In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the depths of Service's poem, exploring its themes, symbolism, and literary devices. From the opening stanza to the final lines, we will unravel the intricacies of this haunting work and gain a deeper appreciation for its artistry and meaning.
The Opening Stanza: Setting the Scene
The first stanza of "The Homicide" immediately sets the tone for the poem, with Service painting a vivid picture of the scene:
A man was killed on the side of the road,
And they did not ask his name;
A wagon-load of rifles and saddles
Were thrown off, and the killers came.
From the very beginning, we are confronted with violence and death. The fact that the man killed is not even given a name adds to the sense of impersonality and brutality. The mention of rifles and saddles implies that this is a band of outlaws or soldiers who have committed the crime.
But it is the final line of the stanza that really captures the reader's attention: "And the killers came." It is almost as if they are a force of nature, a storm descending upon the helpless victim. This sets the stage for the rest of the poem, as we continue to follow the killers and their victim on their journey through the wilderness.
The Journey Through the Wilderness: Symbolism and Theme
As the killers and their victim make their way through the wilderness, Service imbues the landscape with symbolism and significance. The wilderness itself becomes a character in the poem, with its rocky crags, rushing rivers, and dark forests representing the primal forces of nature.
But it is the river that truly takes on a life of its own in the poem. The killers and their victim must cross it several times, and each crossing becomes a symbol of the struggle between life and death.
The river was wide and deep and cold,
And the current was swift and strong,
And the murderer's heart was hard and cold,
And the victim's heart was wrong.
Here, we see the contrast between the two characters. The murderer is described as having a "hard and cold" heart, while the victim's heart is "wrong." This suggests that the victim somehow deserved his fate, or at least had done something to bring it upon himself.
But it is the river that ultimately decides their fate. The murderers, riding on horseback, manage to cross safely, while the victim, on foot, is swept away by the current. This is a powerful metaphor for the randomness and unpredictability of life and death. It also underscores the theme of justice, or the lack thereof, in the poem.
The Final Confrontation: Literary Devices and Technique
Finally, we come to the climax of the poem, as the killers and their victim face off in a dramatic confrontation. Here, Service employs a variety of literary devices and techniques to heighten the tension and emotion of the scene.
First, there is the use of repetition, as the killers call out to the victim in a mocking, sing-song voice:
"Come out, come out, you little sneak,
For we've got you in our power!
We've a little surprise that will make you squeak,
And it's yours now, and not ours!"
The repetition of "come out, come out" creates a sense of urgency and menace, while the sing-song quality of the taunts makes the killers seem even more cruel and sadistic.
Service also employs imagery to great effect, describing the victim as "like a hunted thing" and the killers as "cruel as circling wolves." This not only creates vivid mental pictures for the reader but also reinforces the theme of nature and the primal instincts that drive the characters.
Finally, there is the use of rhyme and meter, as Service brings the poem to a close with a stirring and memorable final stanza:
And the killers went back to their campfire,
And they laughed at their little game.
But the man who had died by the side of the road
Had a face that was calm and tame.
The rhyme scheme of a-b-a-b creates a musical quality to the lines, while the contrast between the killers' laughter and the victim's calmness adds a final note of irony and poignancy to the work.
Conclusion: A Masterpiece of Poetry
In conclusion, "The Homicide" is a masterpiece of poetry, combining powerful themes, vivid imagery, and expert use of literary devices and technique. Service's skillful use of symbolism and metaphor creates a work that is both haunting and thought-provoking, while his use of rhyme and meter adds a musical quality to the lines.
At its heart, "The Homicide" is a meditation on life, death, and the struggle between the primal forces of nature and the fragile nature of humanity. It is a work that resonates with readers of all ages and backgrounds, and it is a testament to the enduring power of poetry to capture the imagination and touch the soul.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Homicide: A Classic Poem by Robert Service
Robert Service is a renowned poet who is known for his ability to capture the essence of human emotions in his works. One of his most famous poems is The Homicide, which tells the story of a man who commits a murder and the guilt that follows. This poem is a masterpiece of storytelling and is a testament to Service's skill as a poet.
The Homicide is a narrative poem that tells the story of a man who kills another man in a fit of rage. The poem begins with the man describing his feelings of anger and frustration towards the victim. He talks about how he has been wronged by the victim and how he cannot take it anymore. The man then proceeds to kill the victim and describes the act in vivid detail.
The poem then takes a dark turn as the man begins to feel the weight of his actions. He talks about how he cannot escape the guilt that follows him and how he is haunted by the memory of the murder. The man describes how he tries to forget what he has done, but the guilt is always there, lurking in the back of his mind.
Service's use of language in The Homicide is masterful. He uses vivid imagery to describe the murder and its aftermath. For example, he describes the victim's blood as "a crimson stain upon the ground" and talks about how the man's "hands were red with gore." These descriptions are powerful and help to create a sense of horror and disgust in the reader.
Service also uses repetition to great effect in The Homicide. The phrase "I killed a man" is repeated several times throughout the poem, emphasizing the weight of the man's actions. This repetition helps to create a sense of unease in the reader and highlights the man's guilt.
The theme of guilt is central to The Homicide. Service explores the idea that actions have consequences and that guilt can be a heavy burden to bear. The man in the poem is consumed by his guilt and cannot escape the memory of what he has done. This theme is universal and resonates with readers of all ages and backgrounds.
The Homicide is a powerful poem that explores the darker side of human nature. Service's use of language and imagery creates a sense of horror and disgust in the reader, while his exploration of the theme of guilt is both universal and timeless. This poem is a testament to Service's skill as a poet and is a must-read for anyone interested in the darker side of human nature.
In conclusion, The Homicide is a classic poem that tells a powerful story of murder and guilt. Service's use of language and imagery is masterful, creating a sense of horror and unease in the reader. The theme of guilt is central to the poem and is explored in a way that is both universal and timeless. The Homicide is a masterpiece of storytelling and is a testament to Service's skill as a poet.
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