'Suppose?' by Robert Service


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It's mighty nice at shut of day
With weariness to hit the hey,
To close your eyes, tired through and through,
And just forget that "you are you."

It's mighty sweet to wake again
When sunshine floods the window pain;
I love in cosy couch to lie,
And re-discover "I am I."

It would be grand could we conceive
A heaven in which to believe,
And in a better life to be be,
Find out with joy "we still are we."

Though we assume with lapsing breath
Eternal is the sleep of death,
Would it not be divinely odd
To wake and find that - "God is God."

Editor 1 Interpretation

An Ode to Imagination: A Literary Analysis of Robert Service’s “Suppose”

When it comes to the beauty of imagination, Robert Service’s “Suppose” stands out as an ode to the power of the mind. Written in 1909, Service’s poem is a classic piece of literature that captures the essence of the human condition by exploring the limits of our imagination. In this literary analysis, we will delve deep into the poem’s themes, imagery, and structure to understand why it has remained relevant over the years.

Overview

At a glance, “Suppose” may seem like a simple poem with a straightforward message. However, a closer reading reveals that Service’s poem is a complex piece of literature that touches on several themes. The poem is written in six stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABCB, and the meter is iambic tetrameter, which means that each line has eight syllables with the emphasis on every other syllable. The simplicity of the poem’s structure is reflected in its content, which revolves around the power of imagination.

The Power of Imagination

The most obvious theme in “Suppose” is the power of imagination. The poet invites the reader to imagine various scenarios that would alter their current lives. For instance, in the first stanza, Service asks the reader to “Suppose you were a little cat / Residing in a shoe, / Suppose you were a garden gnome / And I were one, too.” This opening stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the poet takes the reader on a journey of the mind, asking them to imagine different scenarios.

The idea of imagination is further explored in the second stanza, where Service asks the reader to imagine themselves as animals. “Suppose you were a chimpanzee, / A monkey or a bear, / Or any other creature / That people like to stare.” Here, the poet is highlighting the power of imagination to transcend the human experience and imagine oneself in different forms.

The third stanza takes the imagination theme to a new level, as Service invites the reader to imagine being in different locations. “Suppose you were a golden sun, / A diamond or a star, / Or floating, gliding down the sky, / A bird with wings ajar.” This stanza highlights the power of imagination to transport one’s mind to different places and experience the world in a new way.

The Limitations of Imagination

While “Suppose” celebrates the power of imagination, it also acknowledges its limitations. In the fourth stanza, Service asks the reader to imagine themselves as a king, queen, or president. “Suppose you were a ruler, / A king or queen or president, / And all the world were subject / To your imperial intent.” However, the poet quickly reminds the reader that even such power is limited by one’s mortality. “But though your word were law, alas! / Your day must come to end, / And then to dust and nothingness / Your kingly robes descend.”

This stanza highlights the limitations of imagination in that it cannot change the inevitability of death. No matter how powerful one imagines themselves to be, they are still subject to the same fate as every other mortal being.

The Power of Love

Another theme in “Suppose” is the power of love. The fifth stanza asks the reader to imagine themselves as a lover, “Suppose you were a lover, / And by your side your sweet, / And in her heart were you enshrined / And everything was meet.” Here, the poet is highlighting the power of love to transcend the limitations of the physical world.

The final stanza takes this theme even further, as the poet asks the reader to imagine themselves as a creator, “Suppose you were a master, / A poet, painter, sage, / And all the world were thrilled to hear / Or read your written page.” This stanza highlights the power of love to create something lasting and meaningful that will outlast the creator.

Imagery

One of the most striking features of “Suppose” is its vivid imagery. The poet uses various metaphors and similes to create a world of imagination that is both fantastical and relatable. In the first stanza, the reader is invited to imagine themselves as a little cat residing in a shoe. This image is both adorable and relatable, as many of us have had pets that we imagine have their own little worlds.

The second stanza is full of colorful imagery, as the reader is invited to imagine themselves as different animals. The third stanza takes the imagery to new heights, as the reader is invited to imagine themselves as celestial bodies, birds, and other creatures.

The fourth stanza shifts the imagery to that of power and authority, with the reader being asked to imagine themselves as rulers. The fifth stanza uses imagery of love and companionship, with the reader being invited to imagine themselves as a lover. Finally, the sixth stanza uses the imagery of creation and art, with the reader being asked to imagine themselves as a master poet, painter, or sage.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Robert Service’s “Suppose” is a classic poem that explores the power of imagination. The poem highlights the limits of our imagination while also celebrating its ability to transport us to different worlds and experiences. The imagery used in the poem is vivid and relatable, making it easy for the reader to imagine themselves in different scenarios. Overall, “Suppose” is a timeless piece of literature that captures the beauty of the human mind and its endless possibilities.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Suppose? by Robert Service is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a poem that has been analyzed and interpreted by many scholars and literary enthusiasts. The poem is a masterpiece that captures the essence of human nature and the power of imagination. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail.

The poem begins with the word "Suppose." This word sets the tone for the entire poem. It is a word that invites the reader to imagine and explore the possibilities of what could be. The poem is a series of hypothetical scenarios that the speaker presents to the reader. Each scenario is designed to challenge the reader's imagination and encourage them to think outside the box.

The first scenario presented in the poem is "Suppose you were sitting at breakfast." This scenario is designed to make the reader imagine themselves in a comfortable and familiar setting. The speaker then goes on to ask the reader to imagine what it would be like if they suddenly realized that they were a millionaire. This scenario is designed to challenge the reader's perception of wealth and the impact it would have on their life.

The second scenario presented in the poem is "Suppose you were a soldier." This scenario is designed to make the reader imagine themselves in a dangerous and unfamiliar setting. The speaker then goes on to ask the reader to imagine what it would be like if they suddenly realized that they were the enemy. This scenario is designed to challenge the reader's perception of war and the impact it would have on their life.

The third scenario presented in the poem is "Suppose you were an idiot." This scenario is designed to make the reader imagine themselves in a negative and derogatory setting. The speaker then goes on to ask the reader to imagine what it would be like if they suddenly realized that they were a genius. This scenario is designed to challenge the reader's perception of intelligence and the impact it would have on their life.

The fourth scenario presented in the poem is "Suppose you loved one." This scenario is designed to make the reader imagine themselves in a loving and caring setting. The speaker then goes on to ask the reader to imagine what it would be like if they suddenly realized that their loved one did not love them back. This scenario is designed to challenge the reader's perception of love and the impact it would have on their life.

The fifth and final scenario presented in the poem is "Suppose you died." This scenario is designed to make the reader imagine themselves in a final and irreversible setting. The speaker then goes on to ask the reader to imagine what it would be like if they suddenly realized that they had never lived. This scenario is designed to challenge the reader's perception of life and the impact it would have on their legacy.

The poem is a masterful work of art that challenges the reader's perception of reality. It is a poem that encourages the reader to think outside the box and explore the possibilities of what could be. The poem is a testament to the power of imagination and the impact it can have on our lives.

In conclusion, Suppose? by Robert Service is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a poem that challenges the reader's perception of reality and encourages them to think outside the box. The poem is a masterpiece that captures the essence of human nature and the power of imagination. It is a poem that will continue to inspire and challenge readers for generations to come.

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