'The Wedding Ring' by Robert Service
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I pawned my sick wife's wedding ring,
To drink and make myself a beast.
I got the most that it would bring,
Of golden coins the very least.
With stealth into her room I crept
And stole it from her as she slept.
I do not think that she will know,
As in its place I left a band
Of brass that has a brighter glow
And gleamed upon her withered hand.
I do not think that she can tell
The change - she does not see too well.
Pray God, she doesn't find me out.
I'd rather far I would be dead.
Yet yesterday she seemed to doubt,
And looking at me long she said:
"My finger must have shrunk, because
My ring seems bigger than it was."
She gazed at it so wistfully,
And one big tear rolled down her cheek.
Said she: "You'll bury it with me . . ."
I was so moved I could not speak.
Oh wretched me! How whisky can
Bring out the devil in a man!"
And yet I know she loves me still,
As on the morn that we were wed;
And darkly guess I also will
Be doomed the day that she is dead.
And yet I swear, before she's gone,
I will retrieve her ring from pawn.
I'll get it though I have to steal,
Then when to ease her bitter pain
They give her sleep oh I will feel
Her hand and slip it on again;
Through tears her wasted face I'll see,
And pray to God: "Oh pity me!"
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Wedding Ring: A Poem That Weaves a Tale of Love and Loss
The Wedding Ring is a beautiful poem written by Robert Service, one of the most renowned poets of the 20th century. The poem narrates the story of two lovers who were forced to part ways due to circumstances beyond their control. However, the poem is not just about heartbreak but also about the eternal power of love that transcends even death. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will delve deeper into the themes, language, and symbols used by the poet and explore how they contribute to the overall meaning of the poem.
Themes
The Wedding Ring touches upon several themes that are universal and timeless. The most prominent theme is that of love and loss. The poem depicts the agony of two lovers who are torn apart by fate, and the pain of the one left behind. The theme of death and immortality is also explored in the poem. The poet suggests that even though the body may die, the spirit lives on through memories and love. Another theme that the poem explores is that of the power of objects and symbols. The wedding ring becomes a symbol of the couple's love and commitment, and even after death, it continues to hold a significant meaning.
Language
The language used in The Wedding Ring is simple yet powerful. The poet uses a lot of imagery and metaphors to convey his message. For example, in the first stanza, the poet describes the wedding ring as "a circle of gold and a wreath of pearl." This image of the ring as a circle symbolizes eternity and the idea that love is infinite. The use of the word 'wreath' suggests that the ring is not just an object but also a symbol of the couple's love, a wreath that they wear on their fingers. The use of alliteration in the line "Her eyes were bright as the stars o'erhead" adds a musical quality to the poem, making it more melodious and pleasing to the ear.
The poet also uses symbolism to convey his message. For example, the image of the "sable hearse" in the second stanza represents death and foreshadows the end of the couple's love story. The allusion to the "lilies in her hair" suggests purity and innocence, which are both qualities associated with love. The use of the word 'silence' in the last stanza emphasizes the theme of death and highlights the absence of the voice of the beloved. The use of repetition in the last two lines of the poem, "And every night by her side he slept / In the tomb where his bride was laid," emphasizes the idea of eternal love and the fact that death cannot separate the two lovers.
Symbols
The Wedding Ring is full of powerful symbols that contribute to the overall meaning of the poem. The wedding ring itself is the most prominent symbol used in the poem. It represents the couple's love and commitment to each other. The fact that the ring is made of gold and pearl suggests that it is a precious object that has sentimental value. The image of the ring being placed on the bride's finger is a symbol of the couple's union and the beginning of their journey together.
Another symbol used in the poem is the lilies in the bride's hair. Lilies are often associated with purity and innocence, and they symbolize the bride's beauty and grace. The use of this symbol reinforces the idea that the couple's love was pure and innocent.
The image of the sable hearse in the second stanza is a symbol of death. The hearse represents the end of the couple's love story and foreshadows the tragic events that are to come. The image of the hearse is a powerful reminder of the inevitability of death and the fact that it can come at any moment.
Interpretation
The Wedding Ring is a poignant and moving poem that explores the themes of love and loss, death and immortality, and the power of symbols. The poem tells the story of two lovers who are separated by death but whose love continues to live on. The use of powerful symbols such as the wedding ring, the lilies in the bride's hair, and the sable hearse all contribute to the overall meaning of the poem.
At its core, The Wedding Ring is a poem about the power of love. The fact that even after death, the couple's love continues to hold a significant meaning is a testament to the eternal nature of love. The poem is a reminder that no matter what happens in life, love is the one thing that will always endure.
In conclusion, The Wedding Ring is a beautiful and moving poem that explores some of the most fundamental themes of human existence. Robert Service's use of language, imagery, and symbolism all contribute to the overall meaning of the poem, which is a celebration of love and the power of the human spirit. The poem is a timeless masterpiece that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Wedding Ring: A Timeless Poem of Love and Commitment
Robert Service, the renowned poet and writer, is known for his ability to capture the essence of human emotions and experiences in his works. One of his most celebrated poems, The Wedding Ring, is a beautiful and timeless piece that explores the themes of love, commitment, and the power of a simple object to hold great significance.
The Wedding Ring is a narrative poem that tells the story of a young couple who are about to be married. The poem begins with the description of the wedding ring, a simple band of gold that is to be worn by the bride. Service describes the ring as a symbol of love and commitment, a physical representation of the bond between two people who have chosen to spend their lives together.
As the poem progresses, we are introduced to the bride and groom. The bride is described as a beautiful and radiant young woman, while the groom is depicted as a strong and handsome man. Service uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of the couple, highlighting their love and devotion to each other.
The poem then moves on to the wedding ceremony itself. Service describes the scene in great detail, from the flowers and decorations to the music and the guests. He captures the excitement and anticipation of the moment, as the couple exchange their vows and the wedding ring is placed on the bride's finger.
But it is not just the physical object of the wedding ring that holds significance in this poem. Service also explores the emotional and spiritual significance of the ring, and the commitment that it represents. He writes:
"O ring of gold, you bind love's vow And give it consecrated power; O hallowed circle, shining now, Like sunshine on a silver tower."
Here, Service is emphasizing the idea that the wedding ring is not just a piece of jewelry, but a symbol of the couple's commitment to each other. The ring represents the promises that they have made to each other, and the love that they share.
The Wedding Ring is a poem that celebrates the power of love and commitment, and the importance of a simple object to hold great significance. Service's use of vivid imagery and powerful language creates a sense of excitement and emotion that is palpable throughout the poem.
But the poem is not just a celebration of love and commitment. It is also a reminder of the challenges and difficulties that come with any relationship. Service writes:
"O ring of gold, when love is old, And eyes are dim, and hearts are cold, How potent then, though seared and thin, The little circle's mystic spin!"
Here, Service is acknowledging that love is not always easy, and that relationships can face challenges and difficulties over time. But he also emphasizes the enduring power of the wedding ring, and the commitment that it represents. Even when love is old and hearts are cold, the wedding ring remains a symbol of the love and commitment that the couple shared.
In conclusion, The Wedding Ring is a timeless poem that celebrates the power of love and commitment, and the importance of a simple object to hold great significance. Service's use of vivid imagery and powerful language creates a sense of excitement and emotion that is palpable throughout the poem. But the poem is not just a celebration of love and commitment. It is also a reminder of the challenges and difficulties that come with any relationship, and the enduring power of the wedding ring to represent the love and commitment that the couple shared.
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