'Two Blind Men' by Robert Service


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Two blind men met. Said one: "This earth
Has been a blackout from my birth.
Through darkness I have groped my way,
Forlorn, unknowing night from day.
But you - though War destroyed your sight,
Still have your memories of Light,
And to allay your present pain
Can live your golden youth again."

Then said the second: "Aye, it's true,
It must seem magical to you
To know the shape of things that are,
A women's lips, a rose, a star.
But therein lies the hell of it;
Better my eyes had never lit
to love of bluebells in a wood,
Or daffodils in dancing mood.

"You do not know what you have lost,
But I, alas! can count the cost -
Than memories that goad and gall,
Far better not to see at all.
And as for love, you know it not,
For pity is our sorry lot.
So there you see my point of view:
'Tis I, my friend, who envy you.

And which was right still puzzles me:
Perhaps one should be blind to see.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Two Blind Men: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Oh, what a poem! Two Blind Men by Robert Service is a masterpiece of poetic beauty that has captured the hearts of many since its publication in 1916. The poem tells the story of two blind men who embark on a journey to find their way home, facing various obstacles along the way. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we shall delve into the meaning and significance of this poem, analyzing its themes, structure, and language.

Themes

One of the main themes of Two Blind Men is perseverance in the face of adversity. The two men, despite being blind, refuse to give up and persist in their quest to find their way home. They do not let their disability hinder them from achieving their goal. This theme is evident in lines such as "We'll make it yet, we'll make it yet/ The homely cottage light," which shows their determination to succeed despite the challenges they face.

Another theme is the power of friendship. The two men rely on each other for support throughout their journey. They trust each other and work together to overcome the obstacles they encounter. In line 28, the narrator says, "We gripped each other by the hand/ And said we'd never part." This line shows the bond between the two men and how they stick together in times of need.

The theme of hope is also present in the poem. The two men keep their hopes high, believing that they will eventually find their way home. They do not let their fears and doubts consume them. This theme is evident in lines such as "We'll reach it yet, we'll reach it yet/ The light that's shining there."

Structure

The poem is written in quatrains, with a rhyme scheme of ABAB. The structure of the poem is simple, with each stanza consisting of four lines. The simplicity of the structure mirrors the simplicity of the two men's journey.

The poem is also divided into two parts, with the first part describing the obstacles the two men face, and the second part showing their eventual triumph. This structure emphasizes the journey and the struggles that the two men have to overcome.

Language

The language used in the poem is simple and straightforward. Service uses plain language to convey the two men's journey, making it easy for the reader to understand. The language also helps to emphasize the theme of perseverance. Despite the obstacles that the two men face, they continue on their journey, relying on each other for support.

Service also uses imagery to create a vivid picture of the two men's journey. The description of the "wilderness of stone" in line 10 creates a stark image of the landscape that the two men must navigate. The use of the word "wilderness" emphasizes the harshness of the terrain and the difficulties that the men face.

Interpretation

Two Blind Men is a poem that speaks to the human condition. It shows that no matter what challenges we face, we can overcome them if we persist and rely on each other for support. The poem highlights the power of friendship and the importance of hope in our lives.

The poem can also be interpreted as a metaphor for life. The two men represent all of us, struggling to find our way in a world that is often harsh and unforgiving. The obstacles that they face represent the challenges that we all face in our lives. The poem shows that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.

In conclusion, Two Blind Men is a timeless classic that has touched the hearts of many. Its themes of perseverance, friendship, and hope are universal and speak to the human condition. Service's use of simple language and vivid imagery creates a world that we can all relate to, and his message of hope is one that we can all take to heart.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Two Blind Men: A Poem of Hope and Perseverance

Robert Service, the renowned poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his powerful and evocative works. Among his many masterpieces, Two Blind Men stands out as a poignant and inspiring poem that captures the essence of human resilience and determination. In this article, we will delve into the depths of this classic poem, exploring its themes, imagery, and symbolism, and uncovering the hidden meanings that lie beneath its surface.

The poem begins with a vivid description of two blind men walking down a dusty road, their faces turned towards the sun. The opening lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, evoking a sense of warmth and optimism that permeates throughout. The image of the blind men walking towards the light is a powerful metaphor for the human spirit, which always strives towards hope and positivity, even in the darkest of times.

As the poem progresses, we learn more about the two blind men and their journey. They are described as "old and bent and blind," yet their spirits are unbroken, and they continue to walk with a steady pace, guided only by their canes and their faith. The imagery of the canes is significant, as it represents the tools that we use to navigate through life, even when we cannot see the path ahead. The fact that the blind men are able to walk with such confidence and determination despite their disability is a testament to the power of the human will.

The poem takes a darker turn as the blind men encounter a group of people who mock and ridicule them. The lines "They laughed aloud, and jeered and swore, / And asked them why they walked that way" are a stark reminder of the cruelty and indifference that can exist in the world. However, the blind men do not let the taunts of the crowd deter them, and they continue on their journey with even greater resolve. This is a powerful message about the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity.

As the blind men walk on, they come across a stream that they must cross. The imagery of the stream is significant, as it represents the obstacles and challenges that we must overcome in life. The fact that the blind men are able to cross the stream without hesitation or fear is a testament to their courage and determination. The lines "They felt the water, cool and clear, / And then they stepped without a fear" are a powerful reminder that we must face our fears head-on if we want to achieve our goals.

The poem reaches its climax as the blind men reach their destination, a place where they can rest and find shelter. The lines "They found a place where they might rest, / And there they stayed, and were at best" are a powerful reminder that even in the midst of our struggles, there is always a place of refuge and comfort that we can find. The fact that the blind men are able to find this place despite their disability is a testament to the power of hope and perseverance.

In conclusion, Two Blind Men is a powerful and inspiring poem that captures the essence of human resilience and determination. Through its vivid imagery and powerful symbolism, the poem reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of hope that we can hold onto. The blind men in the poem are a testament to the power of the human spirit, and their journey serves as a powerful reminder that we must never give up on our dreams, no matter how difficult the road may be. As Robert Service himself once said, "It's the steady, quiet, plodding ones who win in the lifelong race."

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