'Dreams Are Best' by Robert Service


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I just think that dreams are best,
Just to sit and fancy things;
Give your gold no acid test,
Try not how your silver rings;
Fancy women pure and good,
Fancy men upright and true:
Fortressed in your solitude,
Let Life be a dream to you.

For I think that Thought is all;
Truth's a minion of the mind;
Love's ideal comes at call;
As ye seek so shall ye find.
But ye must not seek too far;
Things are never what they seem:
Let a star be just a star,
And a woman -- just a dream.

O you Dreamers, proud and pure,
You have gleaned the sweet of life!
Golden truths that shall endure
Over pain and doubt and strife.
I would rather be a fool
Living in my Paradise,
Than the leader of a school,
Sadly sane and weary wise.

O you Cynics with your sneers,
Fallen brains and hearts of brass,
Tweak me by my foolish ears,
Write me down a simple ass!
I'll believe the real "you"
Is the "you" without a taint;
I'll believe each woman too,
But a slightly damaged saint.

Yes, I'll smoke my cigarette,
Vestured in my garb of dreams,
And I'll borrow no regret;
All is gold that golden gleams.
So I'll charm my solitude
With the faith that Life is blest,
Brave and noble, bright and good, . . .
Oh, I think that dreams are best!

Editor 1 Interpretation

Dreams Are Best: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Robert Service's poem, Dreams Are Best, is a masterful work of literature that captures the essence of human nature and the power of imagination. The poem speaks to our innate desire to dream and to create the world that we want to live in. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will analyze the various elements of the poem, including its structure, language, themes, and imagery, to better understand its meaning and significance.

Structure

The structure of Dreams Are Best is that of a traditional ballad, with four-line stanzas and a simple ABAB rhyme scheme. This structure is well-suited to the poem's theme of dreaming and imagination, as it allows the reader to easily follow the progression of the narrative. Each stanza presents a new dream or fantasy, building upon the previous one to create a cohesive and compelling story.

Furthermore, the poem's simple structure allows for a focus on the language and imagery used by the poet. The repetition of the ABAB rhyme scheme reinforces the importance of the dreams presented in each stanza, giving the poem a sense of urgency and momentum.

Language

Service's use of language in Dreams Are Best is both lyrical and evocative, drawing the reader in with its musicality and imagery. The poem is full of vivid descriptions and sensory details that transport the reader to different times and places. For example, in the opening stanza, the poet describes a dream of sailing "in a galleon gay / On the Spanish Main, / With a silver flagstaff, / And a golden chain."

The use of alliteration and assonance in this stanza adds to its musicality, with the repeated "s" and "a" sounds creating a sense of movement and fluidity. The imagery of the "silver flagstaff" and "golden chain" adds to the dreamlike quality of the stanza, creating an otherworldly atmosphere that draws the reader in.

Throughout the poem, Service's language is simple yet powerful, conveying complex emotions and ideas with ease. The poet's use of repetition, such as the recurring line "Dreams are best," reinforces the central theme of the poem and creates a sense of unity and coherence.

Themes

The central theme of Dreams Are Best is the power of imagination and the importance of dreaming. The poem encourages the reader to embrace their dreams and to use their imaginations to create the world that they want to live in. Each stanza presents a different fantasy or dream, ranging from sailing on the Spanish Main to flying through the air with a bird.

The poem suggests that dreams are not only important for our personal fulfillment but also for our collective progress as a society. The final stanza, which describes a dream of a world without war or poverty, is particularly powerful in its message of hope and possibility. The poet implies that through our collective imagination and dreams, we can create a better world for ourselves and for future generations.

Furthermore, the poem suggests that dreams are not just idle fantasies but can have a tangible impact on our lives. The dreams presented in the poem are not impossible or unrealistic but are instead achievable with determination and effort. The poet encourages the reader to take action and to use their dreams as a source of inspiration and motivation.

Imagery

One of the most striking aspects of Dreams Are Best is its rich and vivid imagery. The poem is full of sensory details and descriptive language that creates a vivid and immersive world for the reader. From the "galleon gay" sailing on the Spanish Main to the "bright broad wings" of the bird flying through the air, the imagery in the poem is both beautiful and evocative.

The use of imagery serves to reinforce the central theme of the poem, emphasizing the importance of imagination and dreaming. The poet's descriptions of fantastical worlds and impossible feats encourage the reader to imagine the impossible and to dream big.

Furthermore, the imagery in the poem creates a sense of nostalgia and longing, as the reader is transported to different times and places through the poet's words. The poem speaks to our innate desire for adventure and exploration, reminding us of the magic and wonder that can be found in the world around us.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dreams Are Best is a masterful work of literature that speaks to our innate desire to dream and to create the world that we want to live in. Through its simple structure, evocative language, powerful themes, and rich imagery, the poem encourages the reader to embrace their dreams and to use their imaginations to create a better world for themselves and for future generations.

The poem is a testament to the power of literature to inspire and motivate, reminding us of the importance of imagination and the limitless possibilities of the human mind. Whether read as a simple ballad or as a profound meditation on the nature of human desire, Dreams Are Best is a timeless and enduring work of literature that will continue to captivate and inspire readers for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Dreams Are Best: A Poem of Hope and Imagination

Robert Service’s poem “Dreams Are Best” is a beautiful ode to the power of imagination and the hope that it can bring. The poem is a celebration of the human spirit and its ability to transcend the limitations of reality through the power of dreams. In this analysis, we will explore the themes and imagery of the poem, as well as its historical context and relevance to modern readers.

The poem begins with the speaker describing the beauty of the night sky, with its “million stars” and “moon so bright.” The imagery here is vivid and evocative, painting a picture of a world that is both vast and mysterious. The speaker then goes on to describe the power of dreams, saying that “dreams are best” because they allow us to escape the limitations of our everyday lives and imagine a world that is more beautiful and exciting.

The theme of imagination is central to this poem, as the speaker encourages us to “dream of things beyond our ken” and to “build a world that’s all our own.” This theme is particularly relevant in the context of the poem’s historical context, as it was written during a time of great social and political upheaval. The early 20th century was a time of rapid change and uncertainty, with the world still reeling from the devastation of World War I and the Great Depression looming on the horizon. In this context, the poem can be seen as a call to hope and imagination, urging readers to look beyond the darkness of the present and imagine a brighter future.

The imagery of the poem is also significant, as it reinforces the theme of imagination and hope. The speaker describes a world that is full of wonder and possibility, with “mountains high” and “rivers wide” waiting to be explored. The use of natural imagery is particularly effective, as it suggests that the beauty and majesty of the natural world can inspire us to dream and imagine. The speaker also describes the power of music and art to transport us to another world, saying that “songs can make us feel so gay” and “pictures take us far away.” This imagery reinforces the idea that imagination is not just a mental exercise, but a sensory experience that can transport us to another world.

The poem’s structure is also worth noting, as it reinforces the theme of hope and imagination. The poem is written in quatrains, with a consistent rhyme scheme (ABCB) that gives the poem a musical quality. This structure is reminiscent of traditional folk songs and ballads, reinforcing the idea that the poem is a celebration of the human spirit and its ability to find hope and joy in difficult times. The repetition of the phrase “dreams are best” throughout the poem also reinforces this theme, as it suggests that the power of imagination is a constant source of comfort and inspiration.

In conclusion, Robert Service’s poem “Dreams Are Best” is a beautiful celebration of the power of imagination and the hope that it can bring. The poem’s themes of hope, imagination, and the beauty of the natural world are particularly relevant in the context of the early 20th century, when the world was facing great uncertainty and upheaval. The poem’s vivid imagery and musical structure reinforce these themes, creating a powerful and uplifting message that is still relevant to modern readers. As the speaker says, “dreams are best” – and this poem is a testament to the enduring power of hope and imagination in the face of adversity.

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