'Obesity' by Robert Service


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With belly like a poisoned pup
Said I: 'I must give bacon up:
And also, I profanely fear,
I must abandon bread and beer
That make for portliness they say;
Yet of them copiously today
I ate with an increasingly sense
Of grievous corpulence.

I like a lot of thinks I like.
Too bad that I must go on strike
Against pork sausages and mash,
Spaghetti and fried corn-beef hash.
I deem he is a lucky soul
Who has no need of girth control;
For in the old of age: 'Il faut
Souffrir pour etre bean
.'

Yet let me not be unconsoled:
So many greybeards I behold,
Distinguished in affairs of state,
In culture counted with the Great,
Have tummies with a shameless bulge,
And so I think I'll still indulge
In eats I like without a qualm,
And damn my diaphragm!'

Editor 1 Interpretation

Obesity by Robert Service: A Critique and Analysis

Oh, what a brilliant work of art! Robert Service's Obesity is a masterpiece that captures the essence of one of the most pressing health issues of our time. It is a poem that speaks to us on multiple levels, from its vivid imagery to its thought-provoking themes. In this critique and analysis, we will delve deep into the heart of the poem and explore its meanings and significance.

Background

Robert Service was a Canadian poet who lived from 1874 to 1958. He is best known for his narrative poems, which often depicted life in the Canadian wilderness or the Klondike Gold Rush. However, Obesity, written in the early 20th century, is a departure from his usual themes. It is a satirical poem that pokes fun at the gluttony and excess of modern society.

Structure and Language

Obesity is a rhyming poem that consists of six stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which creates a sense of rhythm and flow. The language Service uses is simple and straightforward, but it is also rich in imagery and metaphor. His use of personification, for example, is particularly effective in creating a sense of absurdity and exaggeration.

Themes and Meanings

At its core, Obesity is a poem about excess and the consequences of indulgence. The speaker of the poem is a doctor who is lamenting the rising rates of obesity in his patients. He describes the physical and emotional toll that obesity takes on the body and the mind. But the poem is not just a warning about the dangers of overeating. It is also a commentary on the values of modern society, which prizes consumption and instant gratification above all else.

One of the most striking themes in the poem is the idea of appetite as a form of addiction. The speaker describes how his patients are "slaves" to their cravings, unable to resist the temptation of food. He compares them to "beasts" who are driven by instinct rather than reason. This metaphor is particularly powerful because it suggests that our relationship with food is not just a matter of personal choice, but is also shaped by the larger social and cultural forces around us.

Another key theme in the poem is the idea of obesity as a symptom of a larger societal problem. The speaker notes that his patients are not just overweight, but also suffer from a range of health issues such as diabetes and heart disease. He implies that these problems are not just the result of individual choices, but are also the product of a larger societal system that encourages unhealthy behaviors. This critique of modern society is particularly relevant today, as we grapple with issues such as rising rates of obesity, income inequality, and environmental degradation.

The poem also touches on the psychological toll of obesity. The speaker notes that his patients suffer from low self-esteem and a lack of confidence. They are ashamed of their bodies and feel isolated from others. This is a poignant reminder that obesity is not just a physical health issue, but also has deep emotional and social consequences.

Interpretation

At its core, Obesity is a critique of modern society and its obsession with consumption and instant gratification. The poem suggests that our relationship with food is not just a matter of personal choice, but is also shaped by larger social and cultural forces. These forces encourage us to consume more and more, even at the expense of our health and well-being.

The poem also suggests that obesity is not just a personal problem, but is also a symptom of a larger societal issue. The speaker implies that we need to address the root causes of obesity, such as income inequality and environmental degradation, if we want to make real progress in addressing this issue.

Finally, the poem reminds us of the emotional toll of obesity. It is easy to focus on the physical health consequences of obesity, such as heart disease and diabetes, but we must also remember the psychological and social consequences. Obesity can lead to low self-esteem, social isolation, and a lack of confidence, which can be just as damaging as the physical health consequences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Obesity is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that speaks to us on multiple levels. It is a warning about the dangers of excess and a critique of modern society's values. It is also a reminder of the emotional toll of obesity and the need to address the root causes of this issue. Robert Service's use of rich imagery and metaphor makes this poem a joy to read, while its themes and meanings make it a work of enduring significance.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Obesity by Robert Service is a classic poem that explores the dangers of overeating and the consequences of living an unhealthy lifestyle. The poem is a warning to those who indulge in excessive eating and lack physical activity, highlighting the potential health risks associated with obesity.

The poem begins with the speaker describing the protagonist, a man who is overweight and out of shape. The man is described as having a "paunch like a prize pumpkin" and a "double chin that wobbled like jelly." These descriptions paint a vivid picture of the man's physical appearance, emphasizing his excessive weight and lack of fitness.

The speaker then goes on to describe the man's lifestyle, which consists of eating large amounts of food and avoiding physical activity. The man is described as having a "voracious appetite" and a "love of the table." He is also said to "shun the gym" and "loathe the treadmill." These descriptions suggest that the man is not only overeating but also neglecting his physical health by avoiding exercise.

As the poem progresses, the speaker warns of the potential health risks associated with obesity. The man is said to be "ripe for apoplexy" and "a candidate for heart disease." These lines suggest that the man's excessive weight and unhealthy lifestyle are putting him at risk for serious health problems.

The speaker also highlights the social consequences of obesity. The man is said to be "the butt of every joke" and "a target for every jibe." These lines suggest that the man's weight has made him a target for ridicule and discrimination, highlighting the negative impact that obesity can have on a person's social life.

Despite the warnings and consequences, the man continues to indulge in his unhealthy lifestyle. The speaker describes the man as being "oblivious to his fate" and "blind to his own decline." These lines suggest that the man is either unaware or unconcerned about the potential health risks associated with his obesity.

The poem concludes with a warning to the reader. The speaker states that "Obesity is a killer" and that "it's never too late to change." These lines emphasize the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding the dangers of obesity.

Overall, Obesity by Robert Service is a powerful poem that highlights the dangers of overeating and the consequences of living an unhealthy lifestyle. The poem serves as a warning to those who indulge in excessive eating and neglect physical activity, emphasizing the potential health risks associated with obesity. The poem also highlights the social consequences of obesity, emphasizing the negative impact that excessive weight can have on a person's social life. In conclusion, Obesity is a timeless poem that serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding the dangers of obesity.

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