'Divine Device' by Robert Service


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Would it be loss or gain
To hapless human-kind
If we could feel no pain
Of body or of mind?
Would it be for our good
If we were calloused so,
And God in mercy should
End all our woe?

I wonder and I doubt:
It is my bright belief
We should be poor without
The gift of grief.
For suffering may be
A blessing, not a bane,
And though we sorrow we
Should praise for Pain.

Aye, it's my brave belief
That grateful we should be,
Since in the heart of grief
Is love and sympathy,
We do not weep in vain,
So let us kiss the rod,
And see in purging Pain
The Grace of God.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Divine Device - A Literary Analysis

Oh, what a poem! Robert Service's Divine Device is a masterpiece that is both enchanting and thought-provoking. The poem is a perfect example of how a skilled poet can use words to not only describe a scene but also evoke emotion and convey a message.

At first glance, the poem seems like a simple description of a bird singing in a tree. However, as we delve deeper, we realize that there is more to the poem than meets the eye. Through his use of poetic devices, Service manages to create an entire universe within a few short lines.

Overview

Divine Device is a poem that describes a bird sitting in a tree and singing. The poem is divided into two stanzas, each containing four lines. In the first stanza, the poet describes the bird's song, and in the second stanza, he describes the effect it has on him.

Poetic Devices

Service's use of poetic devices is what makes Divine Device such a powerful poem. He uses imagery, personification, and alliteration to create a vivid picture and evoke emotion in the reader.

Imagery

The imagery in Divine Device is stunning. Service uses words that appeal to the five senses to paint a picture of the scene. For example, he writes:

And suddenly it came to me
The singing bird was like a key
That turned the lock and set me free

This image of a bird as a key unlocking a door is powerful. It suggests that the bird's song has the power to unlock something within the poet, something that has been locked away. The bird's song is a catalyst for change.

Personification

Service personifies the bird in Divine Device, giving it human qualities. For example, he writes:

To me it seemed an angel bright
With heaven's own radiance dight

This personification of the bird makes it seem more than just an animal. The bird becomes a divine being, a messenger of the heavens.

Alliteration

Service also uses alliteration in Divine Device to create a musical quality to the poem. For example, he writes:

The liquid notes that overflowed
Were pure as dew on grassblade glowed

The repeated use of the "L" sound in these lines creates a flowing, musical quality that mimics the bird's song.

Themes

The themes in Divine Device are universal and timeless. The poem explores the power of nature, the human condition, and the transcendent.

The Power of Nature

The bird in Divine Device is a symbol of the power of nature. Its song has the ability to transform the poet, to unlock something within him. This theme is universal, and it speaks to the power of nature to heal and transform us.

The Human Condition

Divine Device also explores the human condition. The poet describes himself as being "caged" before the bird's song set him free. This imagery is powerful, as it suggests that we are all trapped in some way, and that nature has the power to set us free.

The Transcendent

Finally, Divine Device explores the transcendent. The bird's song is described as "divine" and "heavenly." This suggests that there is something beyond our earthly existence, something that is divine and transcendent.

Interpretation

Divine Device is a poem that can be interpreted in many ways. At its core, the poem is about the power of nature to transform and heal us. However, there are many different ways to interpret the poem, depending on the reader's perspective.

Environmental Interpretation

One interpretation of Divine Device is that it is an environmental poem. The bird in the poem represents nature, and its song represents the power of nature to heal us. The poet's description of himself as being "caged" suggests that he has been trapped by the modern world, and that nature has the power to set him free.

Spiritual Interpretation

Another interpretation of Divine Device is that it is a spiritual poem. The bird in the poem represents a divine being, and its song represents the voice of God. The poet's description of himself as being "set free" suggests that he has found spiritual enlightenment through the bird's song.

Psychological Interpretation

Finally, Divine Device can be interpreted as a psychological poem. The bird in the poem represents the poet's own inner voice, and its song represents the poet's own thoughts and feelings. The poet's description of himself as being "caged" suggests that he has been trapped by his own thoughts and feelings, and that the bird's song has helped him to break free.

Conclusion

Divine Device is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the power of nature, the human condition, and the transcendent. Through his use of poetic devices, Robert Service creates a vivid picture of a bird singing in a tree, and he uses this image to convey a deeper message about the world we live in. Whether interpreted as an environmental, spiritual, or psychological poem, Divine Device speaks to something universal within all of us, and it reminds us of the power of nature to heal and transform us.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Divine Device: A Poem of Wonder and Mystery

Robert Service's "Divine Device" is a poem that captures the essence of wonder and mystery. It is a poem that speaks to the human spirit, and the desire to understand the world around us. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and symbolism that make this poem a classic.

The poem begins with a description of a "divine device" that is "wrought of gold and ivory." This device is described as having "wheels of fire" and "jewels that glow." The imagery here is one of opulence and grandeur. The device is clearly something of great value and importance.

As the poem progresses, we learn that this device is capable of great feats. It can "measure the stars" and "weigh the sun." It can "tell the time of day" and "the hour of night." It is a device that seems to have almost magical powers.

The poem then takes a turn, as the speaker begins to question the purpose of this device. He asks, "What is the use of this divine device?" This question is one that has been asked by humans for centuries. We are constantly seeking to understand the purpose of the world around us, and the things that we create.

The speaker then goes on to suggest that perhaps the purpose of this device is simply to inspire wonder and awe. He says, "It may be that its only use is to make us marvel." This idea is one that is central to the poem. The device may not have a practical purpose, but it is still valuable because it inspires us to wonder and dream.

The poem then takes another turn, as the speaker begins to question the nature of the device itself. He asks, "Is it a toy or a tool?" This question is one that is central to the poem. The device may be beautiful and inspiring, but is it actually useful?

The speaker then suggests that the device may be both a toy and a tool. He says, "It may be that it is both, and that its purpose is to remind us that even the most practical tools can be beautiful." This idea is one that is central to the poem. The device may not have a practical purpose, but it is still valuable because it reminds us that beauty and practicality can coexist.

The poem then ends with a final question. The speaker asks, "What is the use of this divine device?" This question is one that is left unanswered. The device may have a practical purpose, or it may simply be a thing of beauty. The answer is left up to the reader to decide.

In conclusion, "Divine Device" is a poem that captures the essence of wonder and mystery. It is a poem that speaks to the human spirit, and the desire to understand the world around us. The imagery and symbolism in the poem are rich and evocative, and the themes of beauty and practicality are explored in a thoughtful and nuanced way. This is a poem that will continue to inspire and captivate readers for generations to come.

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