'Bastard' by Robert Service


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Bar-Room BalladsThe very skies wee black with shame,
As near my moment drew;
The very hour before you cam
I felt I hated you.But now I see how fair you are,
How divine your eyes,
It seems I step upon a star
To leap to Paradise.What care I who your father was:
('Twas better no to know);You're mine and mine alone because
I love and love you so.What though you only bear my name,
I hold my head on high;
For none shall have a right to claim
A right to you but I.Because I've borne a human life,
I'm worthier, I know,
Than those who flaunt the name of wife,
And have no seed to show.I have fulfilled, I think with joy,
My women's destiny;
And glad am I you are a boy,
For you will fight for me.And maybe there will come a day
You'll bear a famous name,
And men will be ashamed to say:
"He was a child of shame."A day will dawn, divinely free,
With love in every breast,
When every child will welcome be,
And every mother blest.When every women, wed or no,
Will deem her highest good
On grateful mankind to bestow
The Gift of Motherhood.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Literary Criticism and Interpretation of "Bastard" by Robert Service

Excited Writer's Note: Oh boy, do I have a lot to say about "Bastard" by Robert Service. This poem is a masterpiece, an epic journey through the rugged terrain of human nature. It tells the story of a man who is both the product of his environment and the master of his fate. With vivid imagery and powerful language, Service paints a picture of a world that is simultaneously beautiful and brutal, where life is both precious and fleeting. So buckle up, dear reader, and let's dive into the world of "Bastard."

Background

"Robert Service" might not be a household name for some, but for those familiar with his work, he is a legend. Born in England in 1874, Service spent a significant portion of his life in Canada, where he worked as a banker and eventually became a celebrated poet. His writing style is often described as simple and straightforward, yet full of emotion and depth. He is known for his ballads and his ability to capture the spirit of the rugged wilderness of the Canadian North.

"Bastard" was first published in Service's 1912 collection "Ballads of a Cheechako," which was a critical and commercial success. The poem tells the story of a man who is born out of wedlock and faces a lifetime of discrimination and hardship because of it. It is a timeless tale of perseverance, survival, and the power of the human spirit.

Analysis

The poem begins with a haunting image of a lone wolf howling in the wilderness. This sets the tone for the rest of the piece, as it foreshadows the protagonist's struggle to survive in a harsh and unforgiving world. The first stanza also introduces us to the titular character, the "Bastard," whose very existence is a source of shame and embarrassment for his mother.

The second stanza describes the harsh conditions in which the Bastard is raised. He lives in poverty, with no father figure to guide him. He is forced to work from a young age, enduring physical and emotional abuse at the hands of his employer. This section of the poem is particularly powerful, as it highlights the injustice and cruelty that can exist in society.

As the Bastard grows older, he becomes more self-reliant and determined to succeed. He learns to survive in the wilderness, hunting and trapping for food and clothing. He also develops a sense of pride in his skills and his ability to provide for himself. This section of the poem is a testament to the indomitable human spirit, and it is impossible not to feel inspired by the Bastard's resilience.

The poem takes a darker turn in the fourth stanza, as the Bastard faces discrimination and hatred from the townspeople. They mock and belittle him, calling him names and treating him as an outcast. This section of the poem is especially poignant, as it highlights the damaging effects of prejudice and bigotry.

Despite the hardships he faces, the Bastard remains determined to succeed. He saves up enough money to purchase a small plot of land and begins to build a home for himself. This section of the poem is a triumph of the human spirit, as the Bastard defies the odds and achieves his dream of having a place to call his own.

The poem ends with a powerful image of the Bastard standing proudly in front of his humble abode, surrounded by the beauty of nature. He has overcome the odds and proven that he is more than just the product of his birth. The final lines of the poem are particularly striking, as they suggest that the Bastard has found a sense of peace and contentment in his solitary existence.

Interpretation

At its core, "Bastard" is a poem about the human experience. It speaks to the universal themes of perseverance, survival, and the search for meaning and acceptance. The Bastard is a symbol of the underdog, the person who has been dealt a bad hand in life but refuses to give up. His struggles are relatable to anyone who has faced adversity and overcome it.

The poem also speaks to the power of the natural world. Service's descriptions of the wilderness are vivid and breathtaking, and they serve as a reminder of the beauty and majesty that can exist in the world. The Bastard draws strength and inspiration from his surroundings, finding solace in the simplicity of nature.

Finally, the poem speaks to the importance of self-reliance and independence. The Bastard is a man who has learned to fend for himself, relying on his own skills and ingenuity to survive. This sense of self-sufficiency is a powerful message, as it suggests that we all have the ability to take control of our own lives and shape our own destinies.

Conclusion

"Bastard" is a masterpiece of poetry, a timeless tale of perseverance and survival. Service's use of vivid imagery and powerful language create a world that is simultaneously beautiful and brutal, where the human spirit is tested and triumphs. The Bastard is a symbol of the underdog, the person who faces discrimination and hardship but refuses to give up. His story is a reminder of the importance of resilience, self-reliance, and the natural world. This poem is a must-read for anyone who loves great literature and wants to be inspired by the power of the human spirit.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Bastard: An Ode to the Rebel Poet

Robert Service's "Poetry Bastard" is a poem that celebrates the rebellious spirit of the poet. It is a tribute to those who dare to break the rules and create something new and unique. The poem is a call to arms for all those who feel stifled by the conventions of poetry and want to break free from the shackles of tradition.

The poem begins with a bold declaration: "I'm a poetry bastard, / my father was a bard." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It is a statement of defiance, a rejection of the idea that poetry must be passed down from generation to generation. Service is saying that he is not bound by tradition, that he is free to create his own poetry in his own way.

The second stanza of the poem is a celebration of the poet's independence. Service writes, "I don't belong to any school, / I never learned a rule." This is a rejection of the idea that poetry must be taught in a formal setting. Service is saying that he learned to write poetry on his own, through trial and error. He is proud of his independence and his ability to create something new and unique.

The third stanza of the poem is a tribute to the power of poetry. Service writes, "I sing of love and laughter, / of grief and tears and pain." He is saying that poetry has the power to evoke a wide range of emotions in the reader. It can make us laugh, cry, and feel deeply. Service is celebrating the power of poetry to connect us to our emotions and to each other.

The fourth stanza of the poem is a call to arms for all those who feel stifled by the conventions of poetry. Service writes, "Come all ye poetry bastards, / ye rebels with a cause." He is saying that there are others like him who feel the need to break free from tradition and create something new and unique. He is calling on them to join him in his rebellion against the status quo.

The fifth stanza of the poem is a celebration of the poet's ability to create something new and unique. Service writes, "I'll write my verse in blood and fire, / in passion and in pain." He is saying that he is willing to put everything he has into his poetry. He is willing to bleed for it, to suffer for it, to sacrifice everything for it. He is celebrating the power of the poet to create something that is truly his own.

The sixth and final stanza of the poem is a tribute to the power of the rebel poet. Service writes, "For though I'm but a poetry bastard, / I'll make my mark someday." He is saying that even though he may not be recognized by the establishment, he will make his mark on the world of poetry. He is celebrating the power of the rebel poet to change the world through his words.

In conclusion, "Poetry Bastard" is a poem that celebrates the rebellious spirit of the poet. It is a call to arms for all those who feel stifled by the conventions of poetry and want to break free from the shackles of tradition. Service is saying that poetry is not something that can be taught in a formal setting, but something that must be learned through trial and error. He is celebrating the power of poetry to connect us to our emotions and to each other. He is calling on all rebel poets to join him in his rebellion against the status quo. And he is celebrating the power of the rebel poet to change the world through his words.

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