'Servant Girl and Grocer's Boy' by Joyce Kilmer
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Her lips' remark was: "Oh, you kid!"
Her soul spoke thus (I know it did):
"O king of realms of endless joy,
My own, my golden grocer's boy,
I am a princess forced to dwell
Within a lonely kitchen cell,
While you go dashing through the land
With loveliness on every hand.
Your whistle strikes my eager ears
Like music of the choiring spheres.
The mighty earth grows faint and reels
Beneath your thundering wagon wheels.
How keenly, perilously sweet
To cling upon that swaying seat!
How happy she who by your side
May share the splendors of that ride!
Ah, if you will not take my hand
And bear me off across the land,
Then, traveller from Arcady,
Remain awhile and comfort me.
What other maiden can you find
So young and delicate and kind?"
Her lips' remark was: "Oh, you kid!"
Her soul spoke thus (I know it did).
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Beauty of Simplicity: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation of Joyce Kilmer's "Servant Girl and Grocer's Boy"
Joyce Kilmer's "Servant Girl and Grocer's Boy" is a deceptively simple poem that captures the essence of human relationships in just twelve lines. Written in the early 1900s, it is a shining example of Kilmer's lyrical style, characterized by its musicality, simplicity, and emotional depth. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the themes and literary techniques used in the poem to unravel its beauty and significance.
Background and Context
Joyce Kilmer was an American poet and journalist born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, in 1886. He is best known for his poem "Trees," which has become a beloved classic. Kilmer was deeply religious and believed that poetry should be accessible and uplifting to all. His poetry often reflects his Catholic faith and his love for nature.
"Servant Girl and Grocer's Boy" was first published in the New York Times in 1912. It is part of a larger collection of poems called "Trees and Other Poems." The poem tells a simple story of two young people who fall in love, but their love is cut short by the demands of their daily lives.
The Poem
Her lips' remark was: "Oh, you kid!"
Her soul spoke thus (I know it did):
"O king of realms of endless joy,
Let me be queen of your sweet toy!"
His lips said: "Dear, I'm not the boy."
His soul spoke thus (I know with joy):
"O queen of all that's sweet and true,
I'd be a servant just for you!"
The poem consists of two stanzas, each with four lines. The first stanza is spoken by the girl, and the second stanza is spoken by the boy. The poem is written in rhyming couplets, with a simple ABAB rhyme scheme. The language is straightforward and unadorned, with no complex metaphors or obscure allusions.
Themes
At its core, "Servant Girl and Grocer's Boy" is a love poem that explores the themes of young love, social class, and the sacrifices we make for the ones we love. The poem tells the story of two young people who come from different social backgrounds but find a connection with each other.
The first theme that emerges in the poem is the theme of young love. The girl and the boy are both young and inexperienced in love, as indicated by the girl's use of the word "kid" and the boy's nervousness about not being "the boy." They are both overwhelmed by the intensity of their feelings and the possibility of a future together. The poem captures the thrill of young love, with its mix of excitement, vulnerability, and uncertainty.
The second theme that emerges in the poem is the theme of social class. The girl is a servant, while the boy is a grocer's assistant. Both belong to the working class, but the girl occupies a lower rung of the social ladder. The girl's use of the word "king" to describe the boy suggests that she sees him as someone who embodies a higher social status, someone who can offer her a better life. The boy, on the other hand, is aware of the social divide between them and tries to distance himself from her by saying, "I'm not the boy." The poem thus highlights the barriers that social class creates in human relationships.
The third theme that emerges in the poem is the theme of sacrifice. The boy, despite his awareness of the social divide, is willing to be a servant to the girl, to do anything to make her happy. He sees her as someone who is "sweet and true," someone who deserves his devotion. The girl, too, is willing to give up her position as a servant if it means being with the boy. The poem thus shows the lengths that people will go to for the ones they love, even if it means sacrificing their own dreams and aspirations.
Literary Techniques
Kilmer's use of language in "Servant Girl and Grocer's Boy" is simple and unadorned, yet it conveys a depth of emotion and meaning. The poem is characterized by its use of repetition, alliteration, and contrast.
Repetition is used throughout the poem to emphasize the emotions and thoughts of the girl and the boy. The girl's use of the word "king" and the boy's use of the word "servant" are repeated to show their different perspectives on their relationship. The repetition of the phrase "I know it did" and "I know with joy" emphasizes the speaker's confidence in their interpretation of the characters' inner lives.
Alliteration is used in the first stanza, with the repetition of the "k" sound in "lips' remark," "kid," and "realms." This creates a musicality and rhythm to the poem, which underscores the excitement and joy of young love.
Contrast is used throughout the poem to highlight the differences and similarities between the girl and the boy. The contrast between the girl's spoken words and her inner thoughts, as well as the contrast between the boy's spoken words and his inner thoughts, creates tension and complexity in the poem. The contrast between the girl's use of the word "king" and the boy's use of the word "servant" highlights the social divide between them.
Interpretation
"Servant Girl and Grocer's Boy" is a poem that celebrates the beauty of simplicity. It tells a simple story of young love, but its themes of social class and sacrifice give it a depth and complexity that resonate with readers today. The poem is a reminder that love can transcend social barriers and that the sacrifices we make for the ones we love are worth it.
The poem also speaks to the universal human desire for connection and companionship. The girl and the boy are both searching for someone who sees them for who they are and who accepts them unconditionally. The poem shows that love can be found in unexpected places and that it can bring joy and meaning to our lives.
In conclusion, "Servant Girl and Grocer's Boy" is a gem of a poem that captures the beauty and complexity of human relationships. Kilmer's use of language, repetition, alliteration, and contrast creates a musicality and emotional depth that resonate with readers today. The poem reminds us of the power of love to overcome social barriers and the sacrifices we make for the ones we love. It is a timeless reminder of the beauty of simplicity and the importance of human connection.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions, inspire, and transport us to another world. Joyce Kilmer's "Servant Girl and Grocer's Boy" is a classic poem that does just that. This poem is a beautiful portrayal of young love and the innocence of youth. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in this poem.
The poem begins with the speaker describing a young girl and boy who are in love. The girl is a servant girl, and the boy is a grocer's boy. They are both young and innocent, and their love is pure. The speaker describes their love as "sweet and true," and it is clear that they are deeply in love with each other.
The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker describes the girl as "fair and sweet," and the boy as "strong and brave." The imagery used in this stanza is simple but effective. The girl is described as fair, which suggests that she is beautiful and pure. The boy is described as strong and brave, which suggests that he is protective and courageous.
The second stanza is where the poem really comes to life. The speaker describes the girl and boy as they walk through the fields together. The imagery used in this stanza is vivid and beautiful. The fields are described as "green and gold," and the sky is "blue and bright." The girl and boy are described as "happy and free," and it is clear that they are enjoying each other's company.
The third stanza is where the poem takes a darker turn. The speaker describes the girl and boy as they part ways. The girl goes back to her work as a servant, and the boy goes back to his work as a grocer's boy. The imagery used in this stanza is bleak and depressing. The girl is described as "sad and alone," and the boy is described as "weary and worn." It is clear that they are both unhappy without each other.
The fourth stanza is where the poem reaches its climax. The speaker describes the girl and boy as they meet again. The imagery used in this stanza is powerful and emotional. The girl is described as "bright and gay," and the boy is described as "brave and true." It is clear that they are both happy to be together again.
The final stanza is where the poem comes to a close. The speaker describes the girl and boy as they walk away together. The imagery used in this stanza is hopeful and optimistic. The girl and boy are described as "happy and free," and it is clear that they are looking forward to their future together.
Overall, "Servant Girl and Grocer's Boy" is a beautiful poem that captures the innocence of youth and the power of love. The imagery used in this poem is simple but effective, and the language used is powerful and emotional. This poem is a classic example of the power of poetry to evoke emotions and inspire us to see the beauty in the world around us.
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