'The Younger Son' by Robert Service


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If you leave the gloom of London and you seek a glowing land,
Where all except the flag is strange and new,
There's a bronzed and stalwart fellow who will grip you by the hand,
And greet you with a welcome warm and true;
For he's your younger brother, the one you sent away
Because there wasn't room for him at home;
And now he's quite contented, and he's glad he didn't stay,
And he's building Britain's greatness o'er the foam.

When the giant herd is moving at the rising of the sun,
And the prairie is lit with rose and gold,
And the camp is all abustle, and the busy day's begun,
He leaps into the saddle sure and bold.
Through the round of heat and hurry, through the racket and the rout,
He rattles at a pace that nothing mars;
And when the night-winds whisper and camp-fires flicker out,
He is sleeping like a child beneath the stars.

When the wattle-blooms are drooping in the sombre she-oak glade,
And the breathless land is lying in a swoon,
He leaves his work a moment, leaning lightly on his spade,
And he hears the bell-bird chime the Austral noon.
The parrakeets are silent in the gum-tree by the creek;
The ferny grove is sunshine-steeped and still;
But the dew will gem the myrtle in the twilight ere he seek
His little lonely cabin on the hill.

Around the purple, vine-clad slope the argent river dreams;
The roses almost hide the house from view;
A snow-peak of the Winterberg in crimson splendor gleams;
The shadow deepens down on the karroo.
He seeks the lily-scented dusk beneath the orange tree;
His pipe in silence glows and fades and glows;
And then two little maids come out and climb upon his knee,
And one is like the lily, one the rose.

He sees his white sheep dapple o'er the green New Zealand plain,
And where Vancouver's shaggy ramparts frown,
When the sunlight threads the pine-gloom he is fighting might and main
To clinch the rivets of an Empire down.
You will find him toiling, toiling, in the south or in the west,
A child of nature, fearless, frank, and free;
And the warmest heart that beats for you is beating in his breast,
And he sends you loyal greeting o'er the sea.

You've a brother in the army, you've another in the Church;
One of you is a diplomatic swell;
You've had the pick of everything and left him in the lurch,
And yet I think he's doing very well.
I'm sure his life is happy, and he doesn't envy yours;
I know he loves the land his pluck has won;
And I fancy in the years unborn, while England's fame endures,
She will come to bless with pride -- The Younger Son.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Younger Son by Robert Service: A Literary Critique

Have you ever read a poem that made you feel like you were living the life of the protagonist? A poem that was so vivid and relatable that you could feel the emotions of the characters? If you haven't, then you need to read Robert Service's poem, The Younger Son. This poem is a masterpiece that captures the essence of human nature and the desire for independence.

Background and Context

Before we dive into the poem's interpretation, let's first talk about the poet, Robert Service. Robert Service was a Scottish-Canadian poet who lived from 1874 to 1958. He is best known for his poems that capture the spirit of the Canadian frontier, such as The Shooting of Dan McGrew and The Cremation of Sam McGee. Service was a prolific writer who wrote over 50 books of poetry, fiction, and non-fiction.

The Younger Son was first published in 1913 in Service's book, Rhymes of a Red Cross Man. The book was a collection of poems that Service wrote while serving as an ambulance driver during World War I. The Younger Son is a narrative poem that tells the story of a young man who leaves his father's house to seek his fortune.

Interpretation

The Younger Son is a poem that explores the themes of independence, freedom, and self-discovery. The poem begins with the protagonist, the younger son, feeling suffocated and trapped in his father's house. He longs for the freedom to make his own choices and live his life on his terms. The younger son's desire for independence is a universal theme that resonates with all of us. Who among us hasn't felt the desire to break free from the constraints of convention and live life on our terms?

The younger son's decision to leave his father's house is a brave and bold move. He is willing to risk everything for the chance to live his life on his terms. The poem captures the excitement and anticipation of the younger son's journey as he sets out to explore the world. The reader can feel the wind in their hair and the thrill of adventure as the younger son rides off into the sunset.

However, the poem is also a cautionary tale about the consequences of our choices. The younger son's journey is not without its hardships. He experiences poverty, hunger, and loneliness on his journey. The poem shows us that the pursuit of independence is not always easy, and that our choices can have consequences that we may not have anticipated.

The younger son's journey is also a journey of self-discovery. As he travels, he learns about the world and himself. He learns the value of hard work and the importance of perseverance. He learns that the world can be a cruel and unforgiving place, but that there is also beauty and kindness in it. The younger son's journey is a reminder that the pursuit of independence is not just about breaking free from convention, but also about discovering who we are and what we are capable of.

The poem's ending is bittersweet. The younger son returns home, not as a failure, but as a wiser and more experienced man. He has learned the value of independence, but he also recognizes the importance of family and the love that he left behind. The ending of the poem is a reminder that our choices have consequences, but that we can always find our way back home.

Literary Techniques

The Younger Son is a masterful use of poetic techniques. The poem is written in rhyming couplets, which gives it a musical quality that is easy to read and remember. The rhyme scheme and rhythm of the poem help to capture the excitement and anticipation of the younger son's journey.

The poem also uses vivid imagery to bring the younger son's journey to life. The reader can feel the heat of the sun, the dust on the road, and the hunger in the younger son's belly. The imagery in the poem helps to transport the reader to the world of the poem and make them feel like they are living the younger son's journey.

The poem also uses symbolism to convey its message. The younger son's journey is symbolic of our own journey through life. We all seek independence and freedom, but we also face challenges and hardships along the way. The poem's use of symbolism helps to make its message universal and relatable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Younger Son is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the essence of human nature and the desire for independence. The poem's themes of freedom, self-discovery, and the consequences of our choices are universal and relatable. The poem's use of poetic techniques, such as vivid imagery and symbolism, helps to bring the younger son's journey to life and make its message universal. The Younger Son is a poem that should be read and celebrated for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Younger Son: A Tale of Redemption and Self-Discovery

Robert Service's poem, The Younger Son, is a timeless classic that tells the story of a young man's journey towards redemption and self-discovery. Set against the backdrop of the rugged Canadian wilderness, the poem is a powerful exploration of the human spirit and its capacity for growth and transformation.

At its core, The Younger Son is a story of two brothers, one who stays at home to tend to the family farm and the other who sets out into the world to seek his fortune. The younger son, who is the protagonist of the poem, is restless and eager to explore the world beyond his small town. He dreams of adventure and excitement, and he longs to escape the monotony of his everyday life.

Despite his father's warnings, the younger son sets out on his journey, full of hope and optimism. He travels far and wide, experiencing all the wonders and dangers that the world has to offer. He meets new people, sees new sights, and learns new things. But as time goes by, he begins to realize that his journey is not what he had hoped it would be. He is lonely, tired, and disillusioned. He longs for the comfort and security of his home and family.

It is at this point in the poem that the younger son experiences a moment of profound self-discovery. He realizes that he has been chasing after the wrong things, that his quest for adventure and excitement has led him astray. He understands that true happiness and fulfillment can only be found in the things that truly matter: love, family, and a sense of purpose.

With this newfound understanding, the younger son sets out on the long journey back home. He is filled with a sense of purpose and determination, knowing that he has a lot to make up for. He knows that he has hurt his family by leaving them behind, and he is determined to make things right.

As he travels back home, the younger son is filled with a sense of anticipation and anxiety. He wonders how his family will receive him, whether they will forgive him for his mistakes. But when he finally arrives home, he is greeted with open arms. His family is overjoyed to see him, and they welcome him back with love and forgiveness.

The poem ends on a note of hope and redemption. The younger son has learned a valuable lesson about the importance of family and love, and he has been given a second chance to make things right. He has discovered that true happiness and fulfillment can only be found in the things that truly matter, and he is determined to live his life in a way that reflects this newfound understanding.

In many ways, The Younger Son is a reflection of the human experience. We all have moments of restlessness and dissatisfaction, moments when we long for something more. We all make mistakes and hurt the people we love. But we also have the capacity for growth and transformation, the ability to learn from our mistakes and make things right.

The poem is also a celebration of the natural world. The rugged Canadian wilderness is a powerful symbol of the beauty and majesty of nature, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our natural world for future generations.

In conclusion, The Younger Son is a timeless classic that speaks to the human experience in a profound and meaningful way. It is a story of redemption and self-discovery, a celebration of the natural world, and a reminder of the importance of family, love, and purpose. It is a poem that will continue to inspire and move readers for generations to come.

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