'Aspiration' by Robert Service


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When I was daft (as urchins are),
And full if fairy lore,
I aimed an arrow at a star
And hit - the barnyard door.

I've shot at heaps of stars since then,
but always it's the same -
A barnyard door has mocked me when
Uranus was my aim.

So, I'll shoot starward as of yore,
Though wide my arrows fall;
I'd rather hit a big barn door
Then never aim at all.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Aspiration by Robert Service: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Aspiration is a classic poem written by Robert Service, a renowned Canadian poet known for his works that celebrate the rugged beauty of the wilderness and the human spirit. First published in 1912, Aspiration is a powerful ode to the human desire for greatness and the pursuit of dreams. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the themes, metaphors, and stylistic devices used by Service to convey the spirit of aspiration, and the deeper meanings that lie beneath the surface of the poem.

The Theme of Aspiration

Aspiration is a poem that celebrates the human spirit of ambition and the pursuit of excellence. It is about the desire to achieve greatness, to reach for the stars, and to overcome the obstacles that stand in the way of our dreams. The poem is a tribute to the courage and determination of those who refuse to settle for mediocrity and are willing to take risks to fulfill their potential.

At the heart of the poem is the idea that aspiration is a force that drives us forward, that gives us the strength to overcome adversity and the courage to face our fears. The poem speaks to the universal human need to find purpose and meaning in life, and the belief that we can achieve anything we set our minds to.

The Metaphors of Aspiration

To convey the theme of aspiration, Service uses a series of powerful metaphors that capture the essence of the human desire for greatness. The most striking of these is the metaphor of the mountain, which runs throughout the poem. The mountain symbolizes the challenges and obstacles that stand in the way of our dreams, but also the glory and triumph that come with overcoming them.

The mountain is also a symbol of the vastness and majesty of nature, and the human desire to explore and conquer the unknown. In this sense, the mountain represents not only the external challenges we face but also the internal struggle to overcome our limitations and reach our full potential.

Another metaphor that Service uses to convey the spirit of aspiration is that of the eagle. The eagle is a symbol of freedom, power, and grace, and represents the human desire to soar above the ordinary and achieve greatness. The eagle also represents the courage and determination needed to reach our goals, as well as the need for a clear vision and a sense of direction.

The Stylistic Devices of Aspiration

Service uses a number of stylistic devices to create a vivid and powerful image of the spirit of aspiration. One of these is the use of repetition, which emphasizes the central theme of the poem and gives it a sense of urgency and intensity. For example, the repetition of the phrase "I will" in the opening lines of the poem emphasizes the determination and resolve of the speaker.

Another important stylistic device used by Service is the use of imagery. The poem is full of vivid and striking images that capture the essence of the human desire for greatness. For example, the image of the "crimson crest" of the mountain conveys the idea that the struggle to reach our goals is a battle that must be fought with courage and determination.

The use of rhyme and meter also adds to the poetic power of the poem. The rhyme scheme is aabb, which creates a sense of symmetry and balance, while the meter is a mix of iambic and anapestic, which gives the poem a sense of rhythm and momentum. These stylistic devices work together to create a powerful and memorable image of the spirit of aspiration.

The Deeper Meanings of Aspiration

While the surface meaning of Aspiration is clear - it is a poem about the human desire for greatness - there are deeper meanings that lie beneath the surface of the poem. One of these is the idea that the pursuit of excellence is a never-ending journey, and that the true joy lies not in reaching the destination but in the journey itself.

Another deeper meaning of the poem is the idea that the human desire for greatness is not just about personal achievement but also about contributing to the greater good. The speaker of the poem is not just striving to fulfill his own dreams but also to make a positive impact on the world around him.

Finally, the poem speaks to the idea that the pursuit of excellence is not without sacrifice. The speaker is willing to risk everything to achieve his dreams, and the poem suggests that this is a necessary part of the human experience. We must be willing to make sacrifices and face challenges if we want to achieve our goals.

Conclusion

Aspiration is a powerful and inspiring poem that celebrates the human spirit of ambition and the pursuit of excellence. Through its use of metaphors, imagery, and stylistic devices, it creates a vivid and memorable image of the human desire for greatness. But beneath the surface of the poem lie deeper meanings about the nature of the human experience and the sacrifices and challenges that come with the pursuit of excellence. As such, Aspiration is a timeless ode to the human spirit that continues to resonate with readers today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Aspiration: A Poem of Hope and Ambition

Robert Service, the renowned poet, has left an indelible mark on the literary world with his works that are both inspiring and thought-provoking. One such poem that stands out is "Aspiration," a masterpiece that captures the essence of human ambition and the desire to achieve greatness. In this 2000-word analysis, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this classic poem and explore the themes that make it a timeless piece of literature.

The poem "Aspiration" is a celebration of human potential and the power of dreams. It is a call to action for those who dare to dream big and strive for greatness. The poem begins with the lines, "We'd climb the highest mountain, / We'd swim the deepest sea, / We'd brave the wildest tempest, / To be where we would be." These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a testament to the human spirit and its unrelenting pursuit of excellence.

The first stanza of the poem talks about the lengths to which humans are willing to go to achieve their goals. The lines "We'd climb the highest mountain" and "We'd swim the deepest sea" are metaphors for the obstacles that we must overcome to achieve our dreams. The line "We'd brave the wildest tempest" is a metaphor for the challenges and hardships that we must face along the way. The stanza ends with the line "To be where we would be," which is a statement of purpose and a declaration of intent.

The second stanza of the poem talks about the importance of having a clear vision and a strong sense of purpose. The lines "We'd see the world from end to end, / And never be content, / Until we found the place that we, / Were sure was heaven-sent," highlight the importance of having a goal and a sense of direction. The stanza emphasizes the need to keep striving until we find our true calling and achieve our ultimate purpose.

The third stanza of the poem talks about the sacrifices that we must make to achieve our dreams. The lines "We'd give up all we cherished, / We'd suffer pain and loss, / We'd brave the worst of terrors, / To gain our destined cross," highlight the fact that achieving greatness requires sacrifice and perseverance. The stanza emphasizes the need to be willing to give up everything that we hold dear to achieve our goals.

The fourth stanza of the poem talks about the rewards of achieving our dreams. The lines "We'd win the world's applause, / We'd find a joy supreme, / We'd know the thrill of victory, / And live a glorious dream," highlight the fact that achieving our goals brings with it a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. The stanza emphasizes the fact that the rewards of achieving our dreams are worth all the sacrifices and hardships that we must endure along the way.

The fifth and final stanza of the poem talks about the legacy that we leave behind when we achieve our dreams. The lines "And when we're old and feeble, / And life is almost done, / We'll look back on our journey, / And know that we have won," highlight the fact that achieving our dreams leaves a lasting legacy that we can be proud of. The stanza emphasizes the importance of living a life of purpose and leaving a positive impact on the world.

The themes of the poem "Aspiration" are universal and timeless. The poem speaks to the human desire for greatness and the need to pursue our dreams with passion and determination. It highlights the fact that achieving our goals requires sacrifice and perseverance, but the rewards are worth it. The poem also emphasizes the importance of having a clear vision and a strong sense of purpose, as well as the legacy that we leave behind when we achieve our dreams.

In conclusion, "Aspiration" is a masterpiece that captures the essence of human ambition and the desire to achieve greatness. It is a call to action for those who dare to dream big and strive for excellence. The poem speaks to the universal themes of human potential, perseverance, sacrifice, and legacy. It is a timeless piece of literature that will continue to inspire and motivate generations to come.

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