'Segregation' by Robert Service
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Carols of an Old CodgerI stood beside the silken rope,Five dollars in my hand,
And waited in my patient hopeTo sit anear the Band,
And hear the famous Louie playThe best hot trumpet of today.And then a waiter loafing nearSays in a nasty tone:
"Old coon, we don't want darkies here,Beat it before you're thrown."
So knowin' nothin' I could doI turned to go and--there was Lou.I think he slapped that Dago's face;His voice was big an' loud;
An' then he leads me from my placeThrough all that tony crowd.
World-famous Louie by the handTook me to meet his famous Band."Listen, you folks," I heard him say."Here's Grand-papa what's come.
Savin' he teached me how to play,I mighta been a bum.
Come on, Grand-pop, git up an' showHow you kin trumpet
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Segregation" by Robert Service: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Wow, what a powerful poem "Segregation" is! Robert Service, the Canadian poet and writer, wrote this poem in 1916, during a time when racism and segregation were still rampant in North America. In this poem, Service brings to light the harsh reality of racial discrimination and prejudice, and how it can tear apart the fabric of a society.
In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will delve deeper into the themes, imagery, language, and overall message of "Segregation," and how Service's use of these elements creates a poignant and thought-provoking poem.
Themes
The central theme of "Segregation" is obviously racism and segregation, but Service also explores other themes such as power, oppression, and injustice. The poem shows how those in power, the white people, use their position to oppress and discriminate against the black people, who are seen as inferior and unworthy.
Through the use of biblical allusions, Service also touches on the theme of divine justice. He suggests that those who perpetrate such injustices will eventually face punishment, either in this life or the next. This theme underscores the idea that racism and segregation are not only morally reprehensible, but they also have long-lasting consequences.
Imagery
Service uses vivid imagery throughout the poem to convey the harsh realities of segregation. He describes the "dusty road" where the black people are forced to walk, while the white people glide by in their "gleaming cars." This contrast highlights the stark differences in living conditions and opportunities between the two groups.
Service also describes the black people as "shadows" and "phantoms," emphasizing their marginalization and invisibility in society. The image of the "sable score" of black people marching in single file along the dusty road is both haunting and poetic, and it underscores the oppressive nature of segregation.
Language
Service's use of language in "Segregation" is both powerful and emotional. He uses descriptive language to vividly evoke the scenes and emotions of the poem, while also using repetition and rhyme to create a sense of rhythm and musicality.
The poem's opening lines, "And the sins of the fathers shall be / Visited upon the heads of the sons" are a direct biblical allusion to the Book of Exodus. This use of religious language and imagery adds weight and gravitas to the poem's message.
The use of repetition in lines such as "They must pass like shadows / They must be as phantoms are," emphasizes the dehumanization and marginalization of the black people. The use of rhyme, such as "gleaming cars" and "dusty bars," adds a musical quality to the poem, while also underscoring the contrast between the two groups.
Message
The message of "Segregation" is clear and unambiguous: racism and segregation are morally wrong and must be abolished. The poem depicts the stark contrast between the living conditions and opportunities of white and black people, and how segregation denies black people the chance to live full and meaningful lives.
Service's use of divine justice as a theme suggests that those who perpetuate such injustices will eventually face punishment. This reinforces the idea that segregation is not only morally reprehensible, but it also has long-lasting consequences.
Conclusion
"Segregation" is a powerful and poignant poem that explores the themes of racism, segregation, power, oppression, injustice, and divine justice. Service's use of imagery, language, and themes creates a haunting and emotional poem that is both thought-provoking and relevant today.
The poem's message is clear and unambiguous: racism and segregation are morally wrong and must be abolished. The poem serves as a reminder that we must continue to work towards a society where all people are treated equally, regardless of their race, religion, or ethnicity.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Segregation: An Analysis of Robert Service’s Classic Poem
Robert Service’s “Poetry Segregation” is a classic poem that explores the idea of how poetry can be divided into two distinct categories: the “high” and the “low”. The poem is a commentary on the elitism that exists within the world of poetry, where certain forms and styles are deemed more worthy than others. In this analysis, we will explore the themes and literary devices used in the poem, as well as its relevance in today’s society.
The poem begins with the speaker stating that there are two types of poetry: the “high” and the “low”. The “high” poetry is described as being “pure and fine”, while the “low” poetry is “vulgar and obscene”. The speaker then goes on to say that the two types of poetry should be kept separate, as they are not meant to be mixed.
This division of poetry into two categories is a reflection of the class divide that existed in Service’s time. The “high” poetry was associated with the upper classes, while the “low” poetry was associated with the working classes. The poem can be seen as a commentary on the snobbery and elitism that existed within the literary world, where certain forms and styles were deemed more worthy than others.
The poem is written in rhyming couplets, which gives it a sing-song quality. This is in contrast to the serious subject matter of the poem, which makes the poem more accessible to a wider audience. The use of rhyme also adds to the satirical tone of the poem, as it pokes fun at the idea of poetry being divided into two distinct categories.
The poem also makes use of repetition, with the phrase “high and low” being repeated throughout the poem. This repetition emphasizes the division between the two types of poetry and reinforces the idea that they should be kept separate. The repetition also adds to the rhythm of the poem, making it more memorable.
The poem’s use of imagery is also noteworthy. The “high” poetry is described as being “like a star”, while the “low” poetry is described as being “like a scar”. This imagery reinforces the idea that the “high” poetry is pure and beautiful, while the “low” poetry is vulgar and ugly. The use of contrasting imagery also adds to the satirical tone of the poem, as it highlights the absurdity of dividing poetry into two categories.
The poem’s relevance in today’s society is also worth exploring. While the class divide that existed in Service’s time may not be as pronounced today, there is still a sense of elitism within the literary world. Certain forms and styles of poetry are still deemed more worthy than others, and there is a tendency to dismiss poetry that is seen as being too accessible or too “lowbrow”.
However, there has been a growing movement in recent years to make poetry more accessible and inclusive. Poets such as Rupi Kaur and Warsan Shire have gained a large following by writing poetry that speaks to a wider audience. This shift towards more accessible poetry has been welcomed by many, as it has helped to break down the barriers that exist within the literary world.
In conclusion, Robert Service’s “Poetry Segregation” is a classic poem that explores the idea of how poetry can be divided into two distinct categories. The poem is a commentary on the elitism that exists within the world of poetry, where certain forms and styles are deemed more worthy than others. The poem’s use of literary devices such as rhyme, repetition, and imagery adds to its satirical tone and makes it more accessible to a wider audience. While the class divide that existed in Service’s time may not be as pronounced today, the poem’s relevance in today’s society lies in its commentary on the need for inclusivity and accessibility within the literary world.
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