'Intolerance' by Robert Service


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Carols of an Old CodgerI have no brief for gambling, nayThe notion I express
That money earned 's the only wayTo pay for happiness.
With cards and dice I do not hold;By betting I've been bit:
Conclusion: to get honest goldYou've got to sweat for it.Though there be evil in strong drinkIt's brought me heaps of fun;
And now, with some reserve, I thinkMy toping days are done.
Though at teetotal cranks I laugh,Yet being sound and hale,
I find the best of drinks to quaffIs good old Adam's ale.I do not like your moralist,Who with a righteous grin
Informs you o'er a pounding fist:"Unchastity is sin."
I don't believe it, but I grant,By every human test,
From parson, pimp and maiden aunt,Morality is best.Yet what a bore our lives would beIf we lived as we should;
It's such a blessing to be free,And not be over-good.
I value virtues great and small,As I in life advance:
But O the greatest sin of allI count--INTOLERANCE.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Intolerance: An In-Depth Analysis

Introduction

Robert Service's poem, "Intolerance," is a timeless classic that continues to captivate readers even in contemporary times. The poem explores the theme of intolerance and its damaging effects on society. This literature critique aims to provide a detailed analysis of the poem, including its structure, language, tone, and themes.

Poem Structure

The poem consists of five stanzas, each composed of four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, and the meter is iambic tetrameter. The consistent rhyme scheme and meter contribute to the poem's overall rhythm, making it easy to read and remember. The poem's structure creates a sense of order, reflecting the speaker's call for tolerance and acceptance.

Language

The language of the poem is simple and straightforward, yet highly effective in conveying its message. Service's use of alliteration, assonance, and repetition serve to emphasize certain words and phrases, making them more memorable. For example, the repetition of the word "hate" in the first stanza highlights the destructive force of intolerance:

Hate is the foe of the world. Whatever is lovely and fair Hates it with all its heart. Whatever is holy and rare Hates it with all its soul. And the very wrath of God Flames in the hate of Man, like incense in a censer's nod.

The use of figurative language also adds depth to the poem. The metaphor of "incense in a censer's nod" creates a vivid image of the intensity of hate. The extended metaphor of a "prison" in the third stanza illustrates the consequences of intolerance:

A prison grim and gaunt, with walls of hate and fear, And iron bars of pride that rust and crumble here; A dungeon dank and dire, where none may see the sun, And the only music heard is the clank of hate undone.

The use of powerful imagery and figurative language contributes to the poem's emotional impact, making it an effective tool for promoting tolerance and acceptance.

Tone

The tone of the poem is one of urgency and passion. The speaker's call for tolerance is rooted in a deep belief in the power of love and compassion to overcome hate and prejudice. The use of rhetorical questions creates a sense of urgency, as the speaker implores the reader to consider the consequences of intolerance:

What profits it to conquer with sword and fire and gun, If we ourselves are conquered by all that's mean and dun? What good of all our pride, if hate and scorn abide, If love be never felt, nor mercy glorified?

The tone is one of hope, despite the bleak depiction of the consequences of intolerance. The speaker believes that change is possible, and that love and acceptance can triumph over hate and prejudice.

Themes

The poem's primary theme is intolerance and its damaging effects on society. Service uses powerful imagery and figurative language to illustrate the consequences of intolerance, depicting it as a prison that traps both the oppressed and the oppressor. The poem also explores the theme of love and compassion, portraying them as the antidote to hate and prejudice. The speaker's call for tolerance is a call to embrace these values, to break down the walls of hate and fear that divide us.

Conclusion

Robert Service's poem, "Intolerance," is a powerful call for tolerance and acceptance. The poem's structure, language, tone, and themes all contribute to its emotional impact, making it an effective tool for promoting tolerance and understanding. The poem's timeless message continues to resonate today, reminding us of the importance of love and compassion in a world rife with hate and prejudice.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is a form of art that has been around for centuries. It is a way for people to express their emotions, thoughts, and ideas through words. However, not everyone appreciates poetry, and some even have a strong intolerance towards it. Robert Service, a renowned poet, wrote a poem titled "Intolerance," which explores this issue in detail.

The poem begins with the speaker expressing his love for poetry. He talks about how he enjoys reading and writing poetry, and how it brings him joy. However, he soon realizes that not everyone shares his passion for this art form. In fact, some people are downright intolerant towards it.

The speaker goes on to describe the various ways in which people show their intolerance towards poetry. Some people simply ignore it, while others mock it and belittle those who enjoy it. The speaker is clearly frustrated by this, and he wonders why people can't appreciate poetry for what it is.

As the poem progresses, the speaker becomes more and more passionate about his love for poetry. He talks about how it can inspire people, bring them together, and even change the world. He argues that poetry is not just a form of entertainment, but a powerful tool for communication and expression.

The poem ends with the speaker urging those who are intolerant towards poetry to give it a chance. He asks them to open their minds and hearts to this art form, and to see the beauty and power that it holds.

Overall, "Intolerance" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the issue of intolerance towards poetry. Robert Service does an excellent job of expressing his love for this art form, while also highlighting the negative attitudes that some people have towards it.

One of the key themes of the poem is the power of poetry. The speaker argues that poetry can inspire people, bring them together, and even change the world. This is a powerful message, and one that is still relevant today. In a world that is often divided and polarized, poetry can be a unifying force that brings people together.

Another important theme of the poem is the need for tolerance. The speaker is clearly frustrated by the intolerance that some people have towards poetry, and he urges them to be more open-minded. This is a message that applies not just to poetry, but to all aspects of life. We need to be more tolerant of those who are different from us, and to embrace diversity and inclusivity.

In terms of the structure of the poem, Robert Service uses a simple and straightforward style that is easy to understand. The poem is written in rhyming couplets, which gives it a musical quality. This is appropriate for a poem about poetry, as it highlights the importance of rhythm and sound in this art form.

In conclusion, "Intolerance" is a powerful and inspiring poem that explores the issue of intolerance towards poetry. Robert Service does an excellent job of expressing his love for this art form, while also highlighting the negative attitudes that some people have towards it. The poem is a reminder of the power of poetry to inspire, unite, and change the world, and it is a call to all of us to be more tolerant and open-minded.

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