'The Judgement' by Robert Service

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The Judge looked down, his face was grim,
He scratched his ear;
The gangster's moll looked up at him
With eyes of fear.
She thought: 'This guy in velvet gown,
With balding pate,
Who now on me is looking down,
Can seal my fate.'

The Judge thought: 'Fifteen years or ten
I might decree.
Just let me say the word and then
Go home to tea.
But then this poor wretch might not be
So long alive . . .'
So with surprise he heard that he
Was saying 'Five'.

The Judge went home. His daughter's child
Was five that day;
And with sweet gifts around her piled
She laughed in play.
Then mused the Judge: 'Life oft bestows
Such evil odds.
May he who human mercy shows
Not count on God's?'

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Judgement by Robert Service: A Masterpiece of Poetry

Have you ever read a poem that spoke to your soul? A piece of literature that touched your heart and challenged your beliefs? The Judgement, written by Robert Service, is one such masterpiece. With its vivid imagery, poignant themes, and powerful language, The Judgement is a poem that has stood the test of time.

Overview of the Poem

The Judgement is a narrative poem that tells the story of a man who dies and faces judgement before God. The poem is divided into five stanzas, each with a distinct theme and tone. In the first stanza, we are introduced to the protagonist, who lived a life of sin and selfishness. In the second stanza, we see the protagonist facing judgement before God, who chastises him for his actions. In the third and fourth stanzas, the protagonist tries to defend himself, but God remains unimpressed. In the final stanza, the protagonist is sentenced to eternal damnation, and the poem ends on a somber note.

Analysis of the Poem

The Judgement is a poem that is rich in symbolism and metaphor. The protagonist's journey is a metaphor for the human experience, with its struggles, temptations, and ultimate judgement. The poem also explores the themes of sin, redemption, and the afterlife.

In the first stanza, we see the protagonist as a selfish and greedy man who lived a life of sin. He is described as a "sinner bold" who "lived for lust and greed." The language used in this stanza is harsh and judgmental, reflecting the societal attitudes towards sin at the time the poem was written.

In the second stanza, the protagonist faces judgement before God. The language used in this stanza is more formal and ceremonial, reflecting the solemnity of the occasion. God is portrayed as a stern judge, who is unimpressed by the protagonist's excuses. He chastises the protagonist for his sins, saying "I gave thee wealth and power to do / The things that I had done." This line is a powerful reminder that we are all given gifts and talents, and it is up to us to use them for good or for evil.

In the third and fourth stanzas, the protagonist tries to defend his actions. He reminds God of the good deeds he had done, such as giving to charity and helping the poor. However, God remains unimpressed, saying "Thou didst it not for Me." This line is a reminder that our actions must be motivated by love and compassion, not by selfishness or the desire for recognition.

In the final stanza, the protagonist is sentenced to eternal damnation. The language used in this stanza is stark and final, reflecting the seriousness of the punishment. The protagonist is described as being "hurled from heaven's gate" and "flung into the pit." This imagery is a powerful reminder of the consequences of our actions and the importance of living a life of virtue.

Interpretation of the Poem

The Judgement is a poem that can be interpreted in many ways, depending on the reader's beliefs and values. Some readers may see it as a warning against sin and the importance of living a virtuous life. Others may see it as a commentary on the societal attitudes towards sin and judgement in the early 20th century.

For me, The Judgement is a reminder of the power of our actions and the importance of living a life of love and compassion. It is a reminder that we are all given gifts and talents, and it is up to us to use them for good or for evil. It is a reminder that our actions are not just judged by society, but by a higher power, and that we will ultimately be held accountable for them.

Conclusion

The Judgement is a poem that has stood the test of time. With its vivid imagery, poignant themes, and powerful language, it is a masterpiece of poetry that speaks to the soul. It is a reminder of the consequences of our actions and the importance of living a life of virtue. It is a poem that will continue to inspire and challenge readers for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Judgement: A Masterpiece of Robert Service

Robert Service, the renowned poet, is known for his ability to capture the essence of human emotions in his works. One of his most famous poems, The Judgement, is a masterpiece that explores the themes of death, judgement, and the afterlife. This poem is a perfect example of Service's ability to use vivid imagery and powerful language to convey complex ideas.

The poem begins with the speaker describing a scene of judgement day. The imagery used in the opening lines is striking and sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker describes the "great white throne" and the "multitude" of people who are waiting to be judged. The use of the word "multitude" is particularly effective as it conveys the idea that there are countless people waiting to be judged, which adds to the sense of awe and grandeur of the scene.

As the poem progresses, the speaker describes the different types of people who are waiting to be judged. There are the "saints" who are confident that they will be saved, and the "sinners" who are filled with fear and dread. The speaker also describes the "wise" and the "foolish" who are waiting to hear their fate. The use of these different categories of people adds depth to the poem and makes it more relatable to the reader.

One of the most powerful aspects of The Judgement is the way that Service uses language to convey the emotions of the people waiting to be judged. The fear and anxiety of the sinners is palpable in lines such as "Their faces were all grey with fear, their hearts were all afire." The use of the word "afire" is particularly effective as it conveys the idea that their fear is so intense that it feels like their hearts are burning.

The speaker then describes the arrival of the "Judge" who is described as "a man of middle age, with kindly eyes and grave." The use of the word "kindly" is interesting as it suggests that the Judge is not a harsh or cruel figure, but rather someone who is fair and just. This is an important aspect of the poem as it suggests that the judgement that is about to take place is not arbitrary or capricious, but rather based on a set of rules and principles.

As the Judge begins to pass judgement on the people waiting before him, the poem takes on a more somber tone. The speaker describes the "saints" who are saved and the "sinners" who are condemned. The use of the word "condemned" is particularly effective as it conveys the idea that the sinners are not just punished, but rather they are doomed to eternal damnation.

One of the most interesting aspects of the poem is the way that Service explores the idea of what it means to be saved. The speaker describes the "saints" who are saved as those who have lived a life of virtue and righteousness. However, the poem also suggests that being saved is not just about living a good life, but also about having faith. The speaker describes the "saints" as those who "believed with all their might." This suggests that faith is an important aspect of salvation and that it is not just about living a good life.

The poem ends with the speaker describing the fate of the sinners. The use of the word "doomed" is particularly effective as it conveys the idea that their fate is sealed and there is no hope for redemption. The final lines of the poem are particularly powerful as they suggest that the sinners are not just punished, but rather they are forgotten. The speaker describes how "the Judge passed on, and left them there, forgotten and alone." This suggests that the sinners are not just punished, but rather they are erased from existence.

In conclusion, The Judgement is a masterpiece of poetry that explores complex themes such as death, judgement, and the afterlife. Service's use of vivid imagery and powerful language creates a sense of awe and grandeur that is both captivating and haunting. The poem's exploration of what it means to be saved and the fate of the sinners is thought-provoking and raises important questions about faith and morality. Overall, The Judgement is a timeless work of poetry that continues to captivate and inspire readers to this day.

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