'A Sourdough Story' by Robert Service
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Hark to the Sourdough story, told at sixty below,
When the pipes are lit and we smoke and spit
Into the campfire glow.
Rugged are we and hoary, and statin' a general rule,
A genooine Sourdough story
Ain't no yarn for the Sunday School.
A Sourdough came to stake his claim in Heav'n one morning early.
Saint Peter cried: "Who waits outside them gates so bright and pearly?"
"I'm recent dead," the Sourdough said, "and crave to visit Hades,
Where haply pine some pals o' mine, includin' certain ladies."
Said Peter: "Go, you old Sourdough, from life so crooly riven;
And if ye fail to find their trail, we'll have a snoop round Heaven."
He waved, and lo! that old Sourdough dropped down to Hell's red spaces;
But though 'twas hot he couldn't spot them old familiar faces.
The bedrock burned, and so he turned, and climbed with footsteps fleeter,
The stairway straight to Heaven's gate, and there, of course, was Peter.
"I cannot see my mates," sez he, "among those damned forever.
I have a hunch some of the bunch in Heaven I'll discover."
Said Peter: "True; and this I'll do (since Sourdoughs are my failing)
You see them guys in Paradise, lined up against the railing -
As bald as coots, in birthday suits, with beards below the middle . . .
Well, I'll allow you in right now, if you can solve a riddle:
Among that gang of stiffs who hang and dodder round the portals,
Is one whose name is know to Fame - it's Adam, first of mortals.
For quiet's sake he makes a break from Eve, which is his Madame. . . .
Well, there's the gate - To crash it straight, just spy the guy that's Adam."
The old Sourdough went down the row of greybeards ruminatin'
With optics dim they peered at him, and pressed agin the gratin'.
In every face he sought some trace of our ancestral father;
But though he stared, he soon despaired the faintest clue to gather.
Then suddenly he whooped with glee: "Ha! Ha! an inspiration."
And to and fro along the row he ran with animation.
To Peter, bold he cried: "Behold, all told there are eleven.
Suppose I fix on Number Six - say Boy! How's that for Heaven?"
"By gosh! you win," said Pete. "Step in. But tell me how you chose him.
They're like as pins; all might be twins. There's nothing to disclose him."
The Sourdough said: "'Twas hard; my head was seething with commotion.
I felt a dunce; then all at once I had a gorgeous notion.
I stooped and peered beneath each beard that drooped like fleece of mutton.
My search was crowned. . . . That bird I found - ain't got no belly button."
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Sourdough Story: A Masterpiece of Narrative Poetry
Are you a fan of poetry? Do you like stories that transport you to a different era and place? If you answered yes to either of these questions, you must read "A Sourdough Story" by Robert Service. This classic poem, first published in 1916, is a masterpiece of narrative poetry that tells the story of a young man's journey to Alaska during the Klondike Gold Rush.
A Deep Dive into the Poem
At first glance, "A Sourdough Story" may seem like a simple story about a gold miner's adventures in Alaska. However, as you dive deeper into the poem, you will discover layers of meaning and symbolism that make this poem truly special.
The poem is written in the first person, and the narrator is a young man who has just arrived in Alaska to try his luck in the gold mines. The narrator is full of hope and enthusiasm, but as he faces the harsh realities of life in the wilderness, his optimism fades away.
The poem is divided into four parts, each one representing a different stage in the narrator's journey. In the first part, the narrator arrives in Alaska and meets an old sourdough who becomes his mentor. The old man teaches him the tricks of the trade and warns him of the dangers that lurk in the wilderness.
One of the most striking things about "A Sourdough Story" is the way it captures the beauty and brutality of the Alaskan wilderness. Robert Service was a master of imagery and description, and his words bring the landscape to life in vivid detail. From the snow-capped mountains to the icy rivers, the poem paints a portrait of a harsh and unforgiving environment.
In the second part of the poem, the narrator faces his first real challenge. He and his partner are caught in a snowstorm, and they struggle to survive. This part of the poem is particularly powerful, as it shows the narrator's resilience in the face of adversity.
The third part of the poem is where things take a darker turn. The narrator's partner dies of pneumonia, and the narrator is left alone in the wilderness. This part of the poem is a meditation on loneliness and isolation, as the narrator grapples with the harsh reality of life in the wilderness.
The final part of the poem is where the narrator's journey comes full circle. He returns to civilization, but he is no longer the same person he was when he left. The experiences he had in Alaska have changed him forever, and he realizes that he can never truly leave the wilderness behind.
The Symbolism of "A Sourdough Story"
As I mentioned earlier, "A Sourdough Story" is a poem full of symbolism and meaning. One of the most important symbols in the poem is the sourdough himself. The term "sourdough" was used to describe experienced gold miners who had been in Alaska for a long time. The sourdough in the poem represents wisdom and experience, and he serves as a mentor to the young narrator.
Another important symbol in the poem is the wilderness itself. The harsh landscape of Alaska represents the challenges and hardships that the narrator faces on his journey. It also represents the unknown and the uncontrollable, as the narrator is at the mercy of the elements.
The gold that the narrator is searching for is also a powerful symbol in the poem. On one level, it represents wealth and prosperity, but on a deeper level, it represents the search for meaning and purpose in life. The gold represents the narrator's quest to find something that is valuable and meaningful, but he soon realizes that the real treasure was the journey itself.
The Importance of Narrative Poetry
One of the most powerful things about "A Sourdough Story" is the way it tells a compelling story through poetry. Narrative poetry is a genre that has been around for thousands of years, and it continues to be a powerful form of artistic expression.
Narrative poetry allows the poet to tell a story in a way that is both musical and meaningful. By using rhyme and rhythm, the poet can create a sense of momentum and energy that propels the narrative forward. At the same time, the poet can use language and imagery to create a rich and immersive world that draws the reader in.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "A Sourdough Story" is a masterpiece of narrative poetry that tells a powerful story of adventure, hardship, and self-discovery. Robert Service's words bring the Alaskan wilderness to life in vivid detail, and his use of symbolism and imagery adds layers of meaning to the poem.
If you haven't read "A Sourdough Story" yet, I highly recommend it. Whether you're a poetry enthusiast or just someone who loves a good story, this poem is sure to captivate you from beginning to end.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
A Sourdough Story: A Tale of Adventure and Survival in the Yukon
Robert Service’s A Sourdough Story is a classic poem that tells the tale of a young man’s journey to the Yukon during the Klondike Gold Rush. The poem is a masterpiece of storytelling, capturing the spirit of adventure and the harsh realities of life in the wilderness. In this article, we will explore the themes and motifs of the poem, as well as the historical context in which it was written.
The poem begins with the protagonist, a young man from the city, setting out on a journey to the Yukon in search of gold. He is full of hope and excitement, eager to make his fortune in the rugged wilderness. However, as he travels deeper into the Yukon, he begins to realize the harsh realities of life in the wilderness. The weather is brutal, the terrain is treacherous, and the other prospectors are ruthless and competitive.
Despite these challenges, the young man perseveres, driven by his desire for wealth and adventure. He learns to adapt to the harsh conditions, becoming a “sourdough” – a term used to describe experienced miners who have survived the harsh winters of the Yukon. He becomes skilled at panning for gold, and he learns to navigate the dangerous terrain of the wilderness.
As the poem progresses, the young man encounters a series of challenges and setbacks. He is robbed by other prospectors, he is caught in a blizzard, and he is forced to endure long periods of isolation and loneliness. However, he never loses his determination or his sense of adventure. He continues to search for gold, driven by the promise of wealth and the thrill of the hunt.
One of the most striking aspects of A Sourdough Story is its vivid portrayal of the Yukon wilderness. Service’s descriptions of the landscape are both beautiful and terrifying, capturing the awe-inspiring beauty of the mountains and the danger of the icy rivers and treacherous trails. The poem is a testament to the power of nature, and to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Another important theme of the poem is the idea of survival. The young man is forced to rely on his own wits and skills in order to survive in the wilderness. He must learn to adapt to the harsh conditions, and he must be willing to take risks in order to succeed. The poem is a celebration of the human spirit, and of the courage and determination that are necessary for survival in the face of adversity.
The historical context of A Sourdough Story is also important to consider. The poem was written during the Klondike Gold Rush, a period of intense economic and social change in the Yukon. Thousands of prospectors flocked to the region in search of gold, creating a boomtown atmosphere that was both exciting and dangerous. Service’s poem captures the spirit of this era, with its emphasis on adventure, risk-taking, and the pursuit of wealth.
In conclusion, A Sourdough Story is a classic poem that captures the spirit of adventure and survival in the Yukon during the Klondike Gold Rush. The poem is a masterpiece of storytelling, with its vivid descriptions of the wilderness, its celebration of the human spirit, and its exploration of the themes of survival and adaptation. Service’s poem is a testament to the power of nature, and to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. It is a timeless work of literature that continues to inspire and captivate readers today.
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