'Prelude' by Robert Service


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Because the rhymes I make for raiment
Fail to avail its meed of payment,
I fain must make my well-worn tweeds
Suffice me for tomorrow's needs--
Until my verse the public reads.

I used to go to Savile Row,
But now their prices are so high,
With royalties at all time low,
Because my books few want to buy . . .
No, I don't blame them, but that's why.

Well, anyway I'd rather fare
In tattered rags and ring my chimes
Than strut around in wealthy wear.
--So in these tough and trying times
Let me flaunt like defiant flags
The jubilation of my RAGS.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Prelude by Robert Service: A Masterpiece of Emotion and Imagery

When I first read Robert Service's "Prelude," I was struck by its vivid imagery and emotional depth. The poem tells the story of a man who, as he walks through the misty hills of Scotland, is transported back in time to his childhood. The poem is a testament to the power of memory, and the way in which our past experiences shape who we are.

Emotion and Imagery

Service's use of imagery is masterful. He paints a vivid picture of the misty hills of Scotland, describing them as "ghostly hills" that "loom and fade away." This imagery is both haunting and beautiful, and captures the sense of mystery and wonder that the narrator feels as he wanders through the hills.

Service's use of language is equally impressive. He uses a range of poetic devices, including alliteration, repetition, and onomatopoeia, to create a musical and rhythmic poem that captures the emotional intensity of the narrator's experience. For example, he describes the sound of a stream as "the sibilant hiss of spray," and the sound of the wind as "a wild soprano."

Memory and Identity

At its heart, "Prelude" is a poem about memory and identity. The narrator is transported back in time to his childhood, and he reflects on the experiences that have shaped him into the person he is today. He remembers the joy and wonder he felt as a child, but also the pain and sadness that he has experienced as an adult.

The poem explores the complex relationship between memory and identity. The narrator realizes that his memories are a part of who he is, but they are also separate from him. He says, "I am myself, yet not myself at all; / Nightmares and dreams within me rise and fall." This line captures the sense of dislocation that the narrator feels as he navigates his memories.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Robert Service's "Prelude" is a masterpiece of emotion and imagery. The poem captures the sense of mystery and wonder that we feel when we reflect on our past experiences, and it explores the complex relationship between memory and identity. Service's use of language is masterful, and his vivid imagery and poetic devices create a musical and rhythmic poem that captures the emotional intensity of the narrator's experience. If you haven't read "Prelude" yet, I highly recommend it.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Prelude by Robert Service is a classic poem that has been enjoyed by generations of readers. This poem is a beautiful and powerful piece of literature that captures the essence of life and the human experience. In this analysis, we will take a closer look at the poem and explore its themes, structure, and literary devices.

The Prelude is a poem that tells the story of a man who is reflecting on his life. The poem begins with the man looking back on his childhood and the memories that he has of his youth. He remembers the simple pleasures of life, such as playing in the fields and swimming in the river. As he grows older, he begins to experience the complexities of life, such as love and loss.

One of the main themes of the poem is the passage of time. The man in the poem is acutely aware of how quickly time passes and how fleeting life can be. He reflects on the fact that he is getting older and that his youth is behind him. This theme is captured beautifully in the following lines:

"Time, you old gypsy man, will you not stay, Put up your caravan just for one day?"

These lines convey a sense of longing and nostalgia for the past. The man is asking time to slow down so that he can savor the present moment and hold onto the memories of his youth.

Another theme that is explored in the poem is the idea of the journey of life. The man in the poem is on a journey, both physically and emotionally. He is traveling through life, experiencing all of its ups and downs. This theme is captured in the following lines:

"I have been one acquainted with the night. I have walked out in rain—and back in rain."

These lines convey a sense of the man's journey through life. He has experienced both joy and sorrow, and he has walked through the rain and the darkness. However, despite the hardships that he has faced, he has continued on his journey, and he has not given up.

The structure of the poem is also worth noting. The poem is written in free verse, which means that it does not follow a strict rhyme scheme or meter. This gives the poem a sense of freedom and spontaneity, which is fitting for a poem that is about the journey of life. The poem is divided into four stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of the man's life. The first stanza is about his childhood, the second is about his youth, the third is about his adulthood, and the fourth is about his old age.

The literary devices used in the poem are also worth exploring. One of the most prominent devices used in the poem is imagery. The poem is filled with vivid descriptions of nature and the world around the man. For example, in the following lines, the man describes the beauty of the night sky:

"The sky was starless and the gloom of the sky Was palpable and thick as ink."

These lines create a vivid image of the night sky, and they convey a sense of the man's awe and wonder at the beauty of the world around him.

Another literary device used in the poem is repetition. The phrase "I have" is repeated throughout the poem, which creates a sense of continuity and unity. This repetition also emphasizes the idea of the journey of life, as the man is reflecting on all of the experiences that he has had throughout his life.

In conclusion, The Prelude by Robert Service is a beautiful and powerful poem that captures the essence of life and the human experience. The poem explores themes such as the passage of time and the journey of life, and it is written in a free verse structure that gives it a sense of freedom and spontaneity. The poem is filled with vivid imagery and literary devices such as repetition, which make it a joy to read and analyze. Overall, The Prelude is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers today, and it is a testament to the enduring power of poetry.

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