'Forgotten Master' by Robert Service


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As you gaze beyond the bay
With such wanness in your eyes,
You who have out-stayed your day,
Seeing other stars arise,
Slender though your lifehold be,
Still you dream beside the sea.

We, alas! may live too long,
Know the best part of us die;
Echo of your even-song
Hushes down the darkling sky . . .
But your greatness would be less
If you cherished bitterness.

I am sure you do not care
Though the rabble turn thumbs down;
Their neglect you well can bear,
knowing you have won your crown,
proudly given of your best . . .
Masterlinck, leave God the rest.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Forgotten Master: A Masterpiece Resurfaced

Have you ever read a poem that is so captivating that it stays with you long after you have read it? That is the effect that Robert Service’s poem, “The Forgotten Master,” has on its readers. It is a masterpiece that has been forgotten by many but still resonates with those who have had the privilege of reading it. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, symbolism, and literary devices used in the poem, and how they combine to create a compelling and thought-provoking work of art.

Background

Robert Service is a Canadian poet who was born in 1874 and died in 1958. He was a prolific writer who wrote about life in the Canadian wilderness and the gold rush of the late 1800s. Service’s poetry is known for its simplicity, humor, and vivid descriptions, which make it accessible to a wide range of readers. His most famous works include “The Shooting of Dan McGrew,” “The Cremation of Sam McGee,” and “The Spell of the Yukon.”

“The Forgotten Master” is a lesser-known poem by Service, which was first published in his book, “Rhymes of a Rolling Stone,” in 1912. The poem tells the story of an old man who is a master craftsman, but has been forgotten by the world. The poem is a lament for the loss of traditional craftsmanship and the rise of mass production in the modern world.

Themes

One of the main themes of the poem is the loss of traditional craftsmanship. The old man in the poem is a master craftsman who has spent his life perfecting his craft. He has created beautiful works of art that have been admired by all who have seen them. However, in the modern world, his skills are no longer valued. The rise of mass production means that people no longer appreciate the time and effort that goes into creating something by hand.

Another theme of the poem is the passing of time. The old man in the poem has lived a long and productive life, but now he is forgotten by the world. He is a relic of a bygone era, and his skills are no longer relevant in the modern world. The poem is a reminder that time waits for no one, and that even the most talented and respected people will eventually be forgotten.

Symbolism

The poem makes use of several symbols that add depth and meaning to the story. The first symbol is the old man’s workshop. The workshop is a symbol of the old man’s life’s work. It is where he has spent countless hours creating beautiful works of art. However, the workshop is now old and dilapidated, symbolizing the old man’s decline and his forgotten status in the world.

Another symbol in the poem is the old man’s creations. The works of art that the old man has created are a symbol of his talent and dedication to his craft. However, they are also a symbol of the passing of time. The old man’s creations are now outdated and no longer valued by the modern world.

Literary Devices

Service uses several literary devices in the poem to create a vivid and emotional work of art. One of the most notable literary devices used in the poem is imagery. Service uses vivid descriptions to create a picture of the old man’s workshop and his creations. For example, he describes the old man’s workshop as “a dusty shrine of the days of old,” and his creations as “rusty curios of the golden past.” These descriptions create a vivid picture in the reader’s mind and make the poem more engaging.

Another literary device used in the poem is repetition. Service repeats the phrase “forgotten master” several times throughout the poem, emphasizing the old man’s forgotten status in the world. The repetition also creates a sense of sadness and loss, adding to the emotional impact of the poem.

Interpretation

“The Forgotten Master” is a powerful poem that speaks to the loss of traditional craftsmanship and the passing of time. It is a reminder that even the most talented and respected people will eventually be forgotten by the world. The poem is a lament for the loss of beauty and artistry in the modern world, where mass production has replaced the time and effort that goes into creating something by hand.

The poem is also a call to action. It encourages readers to appreciate the beauty of traditional craftsmanship and to support artisans and craftsmen who continue to create works of art by hand. The poem is a reminder that the skills and talents of these individuals are valuable and should not be forgotten.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “The Forgotten Master” is a masterpiece that has been forgotten by many but still resonates with those who have had the privilege of reading it. The poem is a powerful reminder of the loss of traditional craftsmanship and the passing of time. It is a call to action to appreciate the beauty of handmade creations and to support artisans and craftsmen who continue to create works of art by hand. Robert Service’s use of symbolism and literary devices creates a vivid and emotional work of art that is both thought-provoking and engaging.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Forgotten Master: A Poem that Resonates with Timeless Themes

Robert Service, the renowned poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his exceptional works. Among his many poems, "Forgotten Master" stands out as a masterpiece that captures the essence of human emotions and the fleeting nature of fame. The poem is a poignant reminder of how time can erode even the most significant achievements and how the world can forget the very people who once held it in awe.

The poem tells the story of a once-famous artist who has now been forgotten by the world. The artist, who was once the toast of the town, has now faded into obscurity, and his paintings, which were once highly sought after, now gather dust in a forgotten corner of a museum. The poem is a powerful commentary on the transience of fame and the fickleness of the human mind.

The poem begins with the lines, "He lived in a palace of porphyry, / With incense burning by night and day." These lines immediately set the tone for the poem and establish the grandeur of the artist's life. The use of the word "palace" and "porphyry" creates an image of opulence and luxury, and the mention of incense burning day and night adds to the sense of grandeur.

However, the poem quickly takes a turn, and we learn that the artist's life of luxury was short-lived. The next lines read, "As idle as a painted toy, / His days were heavy with dreams of joy." These lines suggest that the artist's life was empty and devoid of meaning. Despite his wealth and fame, he was unable to find true happiness and fulfillment.

The poem then goes on to describe the artist's paintings, which were once highly sought after but are now forgotten. The lines read, "His brush was tipped with the rainbow's hue, / His canvases blazed with sunsets rare." These lines are a testament to the artist's skill and talent. His paintings were once considered masterpieces, and people would travel from far and wide to see them.

However, the poem then takes a darker turn, and we learn that the artist's paintings are now forgotten. The lines read, "But oh, his name is a charnel breath, / And his art as faded as last year's air." These lines are a powerful commentary on the fleeting nature of fame. The artist's name, which was once on everyone's lips, is now forgotten, and his paintings, which were once highly sought after, are now nothing more than relics of a bygone era.

The poem then goes on to describe the artist's final days. The lines read, "He sits in his palace all alone, / With a painted face and a parrot's tone." These lines suggest that the artist has become a shadow of his former self. He is now alone and forgotten, and his once-vibrant personality has been replaced by a painted facade.

The poem then ends with the lines, "He lived for love and art, they say, / And died of neither, the gossips gay." These lines are a powerful commentary on the human condition. Despite the artist's wealth and fame, he was unable to find true happiness and fulfillment. He lived for love and art, but in the end, he died of neither. The gossips may talk, but the truth remains that the artist's life was ultimately empty and unfulfilled.

In conclusion, "Forgotten Master" is a powerful poem that captures the essence of the human condition. It is a poignant reminder of how time can erode even the most significant achievements and how the world can forget the very people who once held it in awe. The poem is a testament to Robert Service's skill as a poet and his ability to capture timeless themes in his works. It is a poem that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.

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