'Wrestling Match' by Robert Service


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What guts he had, the Dago lad
Who fought that Frenchman grim with guile;
For nigh an hour they milled like mad,
And mauled the mat in rare old style.
Then up and launched like catapults,
And tangled, twisted, clinched and clung,
Then tossed in savage somersaults,
And hacked and hammered, ducked and swung;
And groaned and grunted, sighed and cried,
Now knotted tight, now springing free;
To bend each other's bones they tried,
Their faces crisped in agony. . . .

Then as a rage rose, with tiger-bound,
They clashed and smashed, and flailed and flung,
And tripped and slipped, with hammer-pound,
And streamin sweat and straining lung,
The mighty mob roared out their joy,
And wild I heard a wench near-by
Shriek to the Frenchman: "Atta Boy!
Go to it, Jo-jo - kill the guy."

The boy from Rome was straight and slim,
And swift and springy as a bow;
The man from Metz was gaunt and grim,
But all the tricks he seemed to know.
'Twixt knee and calf with scissors-lock,
He gripped the lad's arm like a vice;
The prisoned hand went white as chalk,
And limp as death and cold as ice.
And then he tried to break the wrist,
And kidney-pounded with his knee,
But with a cry and lightning twist
The Roman youth had wrested free. . . .

Then like mad bulls they hooked and mauled,
And blindly butted, bone on bone;
Spread-eagled on the mat they sprawled,
And writhed and rocked with bitter moan.
Then faltered to their feet and hung
Upon the ropes with eyes of woe;
And then the Frenchman stooped and flung
The wop among the mob below,
Who helped to hoist him back again,
With cheers and jeers and course cat-calls,
To where the Gaul with might and main
Hung poised to kick his genitals
And drop him senseless in the ring. . . .
And then an old man cried: "My son!"
The maddened mob began to fling
Their chairs about - the fight was done.

Soft silver sandals tapped the sea;
Palms listened to the lack of sound;
The lucioles were lilting free,
The peace was precious and profound.
Oh had it been an evil dream? . . .
A chapel of the Saints I sought,
And thee before the alter gleam
I clasped my hands and thought and thought. . . .

Editor 1 Interpretation

A Battle of Wits and Brawn: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation of Robert Service’s “Wrestling Match”

“Wrestling Match” by Robert Service is a classic poem that captures the essence of sportsmanship, strength, and strategy. The poem narrates the story of a wrestling match between two burly men, who engage in a fierce battle of wits and brawn. As the poem progresses, it becomes apparent that the match is not just physical, but also mental, as both men try to outsmart each other. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will analyze the poem’s themes, symbolism, and structure, and explore how they contribute to the overall meaning of the poem.

Themes

One of the central themes of “Wrestling Match” is the importance of sportsmanship. The poem emphasizes that while winning is important, it is equally important to show respect for one’s opponent. This is evident in lines such as “And then with a grin they took a spin / And thrice they shook hands like a brother.” The wrestlers may be competing fiercely against each other, but they also acknowledge and appreciate the skill and strength of their opponent. The poem also highlights the camaraderie that exists between athletes, even when they are competing against each other.

Another theme that emerges in the poem is the idea that physical strength alone is not enough to win a match. The wrestlers must also be smart and strategic in their movements. They must anticipate their opponent’s moves and be able to counter them. This is illustrated in lines such as “He saw my thought, he guessed my grip, / And with a sudden twist and nip / He had me like a vise.” The poem suggests that true champions are those who combine physical strength with mental agility.

Symbolism

The poem makes use of several symbols that add depth and meaning to the narrative. One of the most prominent symbols is the wrestling mat itself. The mat represents the arena in which the wrestlers compete, but it also symbolizes the boundaries between the two opponents. The mat serves as a physical barrier that separates the wrestlers, but it also represents the rules of the game that they must adhere to. The wrestlers must stay within the boundaries of the mat and follow the rules of the match, just as they must follow the rules of society in their everyday lives.

Another symbol that appears in the poem is the sun. The sun represents the passage of time and the changing fortunes of the wrestlers. As the sun moves across the sky, the wrestlers’ strength and stamina wane, and their movements become slower and more deliberate. The sun also represents the inevitability of change and the impermanence of all things. The wrestlers may be at the peak of their physical prowess at the moment, but eventually, they too will grow old and lose their strength.

Structure

The structure of the poem is also significant in conveying its themes and symbolism. The poem is written in rhyming couplets, with each couplet consisting of two lines that rhyme. This gives the poem a musical quality and makes it easy to read aloud. The poem also has a strong rhythm, with each line containing four stressed syllables. This gives the poem a sense of urgency and momentum, as if the wrestlers are constantly moving and shifting on the mat.

The poem is divided into four stanzas, each of which describes a different stage of the match. The first stanza sets the scene and introduces the wrestlers, while the second stanza describes the initial stages of the match. The third stanza depicts the turning point of the match, where one wrestler gains the upper hand, and the fourth stanza describes the final moments of the match and the aftermath. This structure allows the poem to build tension and excitement, as the reader follows the wrestlers’ progress through the match.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “Wrestling Match” by Robert Service is a classic poem that explores the themes of sportsmanship, strength, and strategy. The poem uses symbolism and structure to convey its meaning, and it captures the excitement and intensity of a wrestling match. The poem reminds us that true champions are those who combine physical strength with mental agility, and it emphasizes the importance of showing respect for one’s opponent. Overall, “Wrestling Match” is a powerful and evocative poem that continues to resonate with readers today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Wrestling Match: A Classic Poem by Robert Service

If you're a fan of poetry, then you must have heard of Robert Service, the famous Canadian poet who is known for his narrative poems that tell stories of adventure, love, and life in the wild. One of his most popular poems is "Wrestling Match," a thrilling tale of two men engaged in a fierce wrestling match that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. In this article, we'll take a closer look at this classic poem and analyze its themes, structure, and language.

The poem begins with the speaker describing the scene of a wrestling match that is about to take place. The two wrestlers, Dan and Joe, are introduced as strong and skilled men who are ready to fight for the prize. The speaker sets the tone of the poem by using vivid language that creates a sense of excitement and anticipation in the reader. For example, he describes the wrestlers as "two husky men at hand-grips" and "two giants locked in combat."

As the match begins, the speaker describes the physicality of the wrestlers and the intensity of their struggle. He uses powerful imagery to convey the strength and determination of the men, such as "muscles bulged like iron bands" and "sinews strained like cables." The language is simple yet effective, and it creates a sense of realism that makes the reader feel as if they are watching the match unfold before their eyes.

One of the most interesting aspects of the poem is the way in which Service uses the wrestling match as a metaphor for life. The struggle between Dan and Joe is not just a physical one, but also a symbolic one that represents the challenges and obstacles that we all face in our lives. The speaker notes that "life is a wrestling match" and that we must all fight to overcome our difficulties and emerge victorious.

The theme of perseverance is also present in the poem, as both wrestlers refuse to give up despite the pain and exhaustion they feel. The speaker notes that "neither would give an inch" and that they were "locked in a deadly grapple." This determination to succeed is something that we can all relate to, as we often face obstacles that seem insurmountable. The poem reminds us that we must keep fighting and never give up, no matter how difficult the challenge may seem.

Another interesting aspect of the poem is the way in which Service uses language to create a sense of rhythm and momentum. The poem is written in a simple, straightforward style that is easy to understand, but it is also full of powerful imagery and metaphors that give it depth and meaning. The repetition of certain phrases, such as "hand-grips," "sinews strained," and "muscles bulged," creates a sense of continuity and momentum that mirrors the physical struggle of the wrestlers.

The structure of the poem is also worth noting, as it is divided into four stanzas of equal length. Each stanza focuses on a different aspect of the wrestling match, from the introduction of the wrestlers to the final outcome. This structure creates a sense of balance and symmetry that adds to the overall impact of the poem.

In conclusion, "Wrestling Match" is a classic poem that tells a thrilling tale of two men engaged in a fierce struggle for victory. Through its use of vivid language, powerful imagery, and metaphorical themes, the poem reminds us of the importance of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity. Whether you're a fan of poetry or not, this timeless work is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who reads it.

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