'Tranquillity' by Robert Service
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Oh if it were not for my wife
And family increase,
How gladly would I close my life
In monastery peace!
A sweet and scented isle I know
Where monks in muteness dwell,
And there in sereness I would go
And seek a cell.
On milk and oaten meal I'd live,
With carrot, kail and cheese;
The greens that tiny gardens give,
The bounty of the bees.
Then war might rage, I would not know,
Or knowing would not care:
No echo of a world of woe
Would irk me there.
And I would be forgotten too
As mankind I forgot;
Read Shakespeare and the Bible through,
And brood in quiet thought.
Content with birds and trees and flowers
In mellow age to find
'Mid monastery's holy hours
God's Peace of Mind.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Tranquillity by Robert Service: A Masterpiece of Nature Poetry
Tranquillity, the serene and contemplative poem by Robert Service, is a timeless masterpiece of nature poetry that captures the essence of peacefulness through vivid imagery and gentle rhythms. With its lyrical descriptions of the natural world and its evocative portrayal of the human spirit, Tranquillity is a poem that speaks directly to the heart and soul of its readers, inviting them to experience the beauty and stillness of the world around them.
In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the many layers of meaning and symbolism in Tranquillity, examining the ways in which Service uses language, imagery, and metaphor to create a deeply moving and profound work of art. From its opening lines to its final stanzas, Tranquillity is a poem that rewards close reading and careful analysis, revealing new insights and perspectives with each reading.
Analysis of the Poem
Opening Lines
The opening lines of Tranquillity set the tone for the entire poem, introducing us to the speaker's contemplative mood and the peaceful surroundings in which he finds himself. The speaker begins by describing the "silence of the midnight hour," emphasizing the stillness and quietness of the night. This silence is broken only by the "whispering trees," which adds a sense of movement and fluidity to the scene. The trees are personified, suggesting that they have a life and a voice of their own, and are in tune with the natural world around them.
Description of the Scene
As the poem progresses, Service paints a vivid and detailed picture of the natural world. He describes the "moonlit lake" that "mirrors" the stars above, creating a sense of reflection and contemplation. The lake is personified as a "ghostly galleon," a metaphor that suggests both the beauty and fragility of the natural world. The moon, too, is personified, as "she sails in silver state," emphasizing the femininity and gracefulness of the natural world.
Service's descriptions of the natural world are richly layered with meaning and symbolism. The moon, for example, is often associated with femininity, intuition, and the unconscious mind, while water is a symbol of the emotions and the subconscious. By using these symbols in his descriptions, Service suggests that the natural world is intimately connected to the inner life of the human spirit, and that it can serve as a powerful tool for reflection and self-discovery.
The Speaker's Emotions
Throughout the poem, the speaker's emotions and thoughts are closely tied to the natural world around him. He describes himself as feeling "sad and lonely," but also "calm and lovely," suggesting a complex and multifaceted emotional state. He is in awe of the beauty and stillness around him, but he is also aware of his own inner turmoil and sadness. This tension between inner and outer worlds is a key theme in Tranquillity, and it is one that Service explores with great sensitivity and insight.
The Final Stanza
The final stanza of Tranquillity is particularly powerful, as it brings together all of the themes and symbols that have been introduced throughout the poem. Service writes:
"O Moon, in lonely majesty, Thou climb'st the crystal sky; And underneath thee, lo! I see The shadows sleeping lie. Silent as death, in bower and dell, All nature seems to be; But hark! a sigh, a mournful knell, And Memory wakes in me."
Here, the moon is once again personified, emphasizing its grace and majesty. The shadows are "sleeping," suggesting a peaceful and still world, but there is also a sense of sadness and loss in the speaker's voice. He hears a "sigh," a "mournful knell," and is reminded of his own memories and emotions. This final stanza encapsulates the themes of Tranquillity, suggesting that the natural world can be a source of both beauty and sadness, and that it has the power to awaken memories and emotions within us.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tranquillity is a truly remarkable poem, one that captures the essence of peacefulness and stillness with great sensitivity and insight. Through its vivid descriptions of the natural world and its evocative language and symbolism, Tranquillity invites the reader to reflect on the beauty and complexity of the world around us, and to explore the connections between our inner and outer lives. For anyone who loves nature poetry, Tranquillity is a must-read work of art, and one that will continue to inspire and move readers for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Tranquillity: A Poem of Serenity and Solitude
Robert Service, the renowned poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his captivating and thought-provoking works. Among his many masterpieces, Tranquillity stands out as a poem that captures the essence of peace and calmness in a world that is often chaotic and tumultuous. In this 2000-word analysis, we will delve deep into the poem and explore its themes, imagery, and symbolism to understand its significance and relevance in today's world.
The poem begins with a vivid description of a serene and tranquil landscape. The speaker describes a "silvered, tranquil sea" that stretches out to the horizon, with "purple peaks" rising in the distance. The imagery here is striking, as the contrast between the silver sea and the purple mountains creates a sense of harmony and balance. The use of the word "tranquil" in the first line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the speaker invites us to experience the peace and stillness of this idyllic setting.
As the poem progresses, the speaker invites us to join him in this tranquil world, away from the noise and chaos of the city. He describes the "city's roar" as a "dull, discordant note" that is drowned out by the "music of the sea." Here, the speaker is contrasting the artificial sounds of the city with the natural sounds of the sea, suggesting that the latter is more soothing and harmonious. The use of the word "music" to describe the sound of the sea is significant, as it implies that nature has its own rhythm and melody that can be just as enchanting as human-made music.
The speaker then goes on to describe the various sights and sounds of this tranquil world, from the "gulls that wheel and dip" to the "scent of seaweed" that fills the air. The use of sensory imagery here is powerful, as it allows the reader to imagine themselves in this peaceful setting, surrounded by the sights, sounds, and smells of nature. The speaker's description of the "sun that warms the world" is particularly evocative, as it suggests that nature has the power to heal and rejuvenate us, both physically and spiritually.
As the poem reaches its climax, the speaker reflects on the deeper meaning of this tranquil world. He suggests that it is not just a physical place, but a state of mind that can be achieved through solitude and introspection. He describes how, in this world of tranquillity, he is able to "dream and drift and ponder" and "find the peace that passeth understanding." Here, the speaker is suggesting that true peace and serenity can only be found within ourselves, and that we must disconnect from the distractions of the world to find it.
The final lines of the poem are perhaps the most powerful, as the speaker invites us to join him in this world of tranquillity. He says, "Come, let us sail together / Where the silvered waters gleam / And the purple peaks of shadowland / Are mirrored in the stream." Here, the speaker is not just inviting us to join him in a physical sense, but also in a spiritual sense. He is inviting us to embrace the peace and stillness of this world, and to find our own inner tranquillity.
In terms of symbolism, the sea and the mountains are perhaps the most significant. The sea represents the vastness and depth of the human psyche, while the mountains represent the challenges and obstacles that we must overcome to find inner peace. The contrast between the two creates a sense of balance and harmony, suggesting that we must navigate the depths of our own minds to find peace, but that this journey is not without its rewards.
Overall, Tranquillity is a poem that speaks to the human need for peace and stillness in a world that is often chaotic and overwhelming. Through its vivid imagery and powerful symbolism, it invites us to disconnect from the distractions of the world and find our own inner tranquillity. In today's fast-paced and stressful world, this message is more relevant than ever, and the poem serves as a reminder that true peace and serenity can only be found within ourselves.
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