'Annuitant' by Robert Service
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Carols of an Old CodgerOh I am neither rich nor poor,No worker I dispoil;
Yet I am glad to be secureFrom servitude and toil.
For with my lifelong savings IHave bought annuity;
And so unto the day I dieI'll have my toast and tea.When on the hob the kettle singsI'll make an amber brew,
And crunch my toast and think of thingsI do not have to do.
In dressing-gown and deep arm-chairI'll give the fire a poke;
Then worlds away from cark and careI'll smoke and smoke and smoke.For I believe the very bestOf Being is the last;
And I will crown with silver zestMy patience in the past.
Since compensation is the lawOf life it's up to me
To round the century and drawMy Life Annuity.
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Annuitant" by Robert Service: A Critique and Interpretation
Introduction
"Annuitant" is a poem by Robert Service, a Canadian poet who wrote in the early 20th century. The poem is about an old man who is receiving an annuity payment from the government, and it explores his feelings of loneliness and isolation. The poem is written in a straightforward, narrative style, and it is notable for its vivid imagery and its poignant depiction of the human condition.
In this essay, I will be providing a literary criticism and interpretation of "Annuitant". I will be examining the themes, imagery, and structure of the poem, and I will be considering its significance in the context of Service's work as a whole. Through this analysis, I hope to shed light on the complex emotional landscape that Service has created in "Annuitant", and to explore its broader implications for our understanding of human experience.
Background
Before delving into the poem itself, it is useful to provide some background on Robert Service and his work. Service was born in 1874 in Scotland, but he emigrated to Canada in his early 20s. He worked as a banker and a rancher before turning to writing poetry, and he became famous for his ballads and narrative poems that celebrated the rugged independence of the Canadian West.
"Annuitant" was published in Service's 1912 collection, "Rhymes of a Red Cross Man". This collection was inspired by Service's experiences as an ambulance driver during the First World War, and it contains poems that reflect on the horrors of war and the sacrifices of those who fought in it. "Annuitant" stands out in this collection as a more introspective and personal poem, but it shares with the other poems in the collection a sense of compassion for the human condition and a keen eye for detail.
Themes
One of the central themes of "Annuitant" is loneliness. The poem depicts an old man who is living alone in a small room, and who spends his days staring out the window at the street below. The man's only human contact comes from the visits of a government official who delivers his annuity payment, and who is described as "cold and formal" in his interactions with the old man. The poem thus provides a vivid portrayal of the isolation and disconnection that can come with old age, and it invites us to reflect on the broader societal forces that contribute to this phenomenon.
Another theme of the poem is the transience of life. The old man is acutely aware of his own mortality, and he reflects on the passing of time and the inevitability of death. He imagines himself as a "pale ghost" who will be forgotten after he dies, and he expresses regret for the things he did not accomplish in his life. The poem thus serves as a meditation on the fragility of human existence, and it challenges us to consider how we can live meaningful lives in the face of this reality.
Imagery
"Annuitant" is notable for its rich and evocative imagery, which helps to bring the old man's world to life. One of the most striking images in the poem is the description of the old man's room, which is "like the inside of a grave". This image captures the sense of confinement and claustrophobia that the old man feels, and it suggests that his room is a kind of tomb that he cannot escape from. Similarly, the image of the old man as a "pale ghost" highlights his sense of insignificance and his fear of being forgotten.
Another powerful image in the poem is the description of the street outside the old man's window. The street is depicted as a bustling, lively place, full of people and activity. The contrast between this vibrant world and the old man's lonely existence creates a sense of poignancy and sadness, and it reinforces the theme of isolation that runs throughout the poem.
Structure
"Annuitant" is written in a straightforward, narrative style, with a simple rhyme scheme and a regular meter. The poem is divided into four stanzas, each of which consists of four lines. This structure helps to create a sense of symmetry and balance in the poem, and it reinforces the idea that the old man's life has a kind of rhythmic, repetitive quality to it.
One interesting feature of the poem's structure is the way that Service uses enjambment to create a sense of momentum and flow. Many of the lines carry over into the next line, and this creates a sense of continuity and fluidity that mirrors the old man's thoughts and feelings. For example, in the second stanza, the phrase "And when I'm gone" carries over into the next line, creating a sense of anticipation and inevitability.
Significance
"Annuitant" is a powerful and moving poem that explores the themes of loneliness, transience, and human connection. Through its vivid imagery and its simple, direct style, the poem invites us to reflect on the challenges and joys of aging, and it challenges us to consider how we can create meaningful lives in the face of our own mortality.
In the context of Robert Service's work, "Annuitant" stands out as a deeply introspective and personal poem. While much of Service's poetry celebrates the rugged individualism and independence of the Canadian West, "Annuitant" takes a different approach, focusing on the fragile and vulnerable aspects of human experience. This shift in perspective is a testament to Service's versatility as a poet, and it highlights his ability to explore the full range of human emotion and experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Annuitant" is a poignant and powerful poem that explores the themes of loneliness, transience, and human connection. Through its rich imagery and its simple, direct style, the poem creates a vivid portrait of an old man who is struggling to find meaning and purpose in his life. The poem challenges us to consider our own mortality and to reflect on the ways in which we can create meaningful lives in the face of this reality. Overall, "Annuitant" is a work of great emotional depth and complexity, and it stands as a testament to Robert Service's enduring legacy as a poet.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Annuitant: A Masterpiece by Robert Service
Robert Service, the renowned poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his exceptional works. One of his most celebrated poems is the Poetry Annuitant, which is a masterpiece in every sense of the word. This poem is a perfect example of Service's ability to capture the essence of human emotions and experiences in a few lines. In this article, we will analyze and explain the Poetry Annuitant in detail.
The poem begins with the line, "I shall die but that is all that I shall do for Death." This line sets the tone for the entire poem, which is a reflection on the inevitability of death. The speaker of the poem is an old man who has accepted his fate and is ready to face death with dignity. He is not afraid of death, but rather sees it as a natural part of life.
The second stanza of the poem is particularly powerful. The speaker says, "I hear him leading his horse out of the stall; I hear the clatter on the barn-floor." This imagery is vivid and evocative, and it creates a sense of foreboding. The sound of Death's horse is a symbol of the approach of death, and it is a reminder that no one can escape it.
The third stanza of the poem is a reflection on the speaker's life. He says, "He is in haste; he has business in Cuba, business in the Balkans, many calls to make this morning." This line is a metaphor for the many things that the speaker has done in his life. He has lived a full and busy life, and now he is ready to move on to the next phase.
The fourth stanza of the poem is a reflection on the speaker's legacy. He says, "But I will not hold the bridle while he clinches the girth." This line is a metaphor for the fact that the speaker will not be able to control what happens after he dies. He has done what he can in his life, and now it is up to others to carry on his legacy.
The fifth stanza of the poem is a reflection on the speaker's attitude towards death. He says, "And he may mount by himself: I will not give him a leg up." This line is a metaphor for the fact that the speaker is ready to face death on his own. He does not need anyone to help him, and he is not afraid.
The sixth and final stanza of the poem is a reflection on the speaker's acceptance of death. He says, "Though he flick my shoulders with his whip, I will not tell him to speed up." This line is a metaphor for the fact that the speaker is ready to accept whatever comes his way. He is not in a hurry to die, but he is also not afraid of it.
Overall, the Poetry Annuitant is a powerful and moving poem that captures the essence of human mortality. Robert Service's use of vivid imagery and metaphors creates a sense of foreboding and inevitability that is both haunting and beautiful. The poem is a reminder that death is a natural part of life, and that we should all strive to face it with dignity and acceptance.
In conclusion, the Poetry Annuitant is a masterpiece of poetry that has stood the test of time. Robert Service's ability to capture the essence of human emotions and experiences in a few lines is truly remarkable. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry to move and inspire us, and it is a reminder that even in the face of death, there is beauty and dignity to be found.
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