'The Woman And The Angel' by Robert Service


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An angel was tired of heaven, as he lounged in the golden street;
His halo was tilted sideways, and his harp lay mute at his feet;
So the Master stooped in His pity, and gave him a pass to go,
For the space of a moon, to the earth-world, to mix with the men below.

He doffed his celestial garments, scarce waiting to lay them straight;
He bade good by to Peter, who stood by the golden gate;
The sexless singers of heaven chanted a fond farewell,
And the imps looked up as they pattered on the red-hot flags of hell.

Never was seen such an angel -- eyes of heavenly blue,
Features that shamed Apollo, hair of a golden hue;
The women simply adored him; his lips were like Cupid's bow;
But he never ventured to use them -- and so they voted him slow.

Till at last there came One Woman, a marvel of loveliness,
And she whispered to him: "Do you love me?" And he answered that woman, "Yes."
And she said: "Put your arms around me, and kiss me, and hold me -- so --"
But fiercely he drew back, saying: "This thing is wrong, and I know."

Then sweetly she mocked his scruples, and softly she him beguiled:
"You, who are verily man among men, speak with the tongue of a child.
We have outlived the old standards; we have burst, like an over-tight thong,
The ancient, outworn, Puritanic traditions of Right and Wrong."

Then the Master feared for His angel, and called him again to His side,
For oh, the woman was wondrous, and oh, the angel was tried!
And deep in his hell sang the Devil, and this was the strain of his song:
"The ancient, outworn, Puritanic traditions of Right and Wrong."

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Woman And The Angel: A Literary Analysis

The Woman And The Angel is a captivating poem written by Robert Service. The author uses rich imagery and symbolism to convey a story that is both mysterious and thought-provoking. This poem has been read and analyzed by countless individuals over the years, and it continues to captivate readers with its timeless themes and elegant language.

Background

Robert Service was a prolific writer who wrote many poems, novels, and plays throughout his career. He was born in 1874 in Lancashire, England, and moved to Canada in 1896. Service lived a remarkable life, spending time in both Europe and North America, working as a bank clerk, cowboy, and war correspondent. He is best known for his poetry, which often explores themes of adventure, courage, and the human condition.

The Woman And The Angel was first published in 1919 in a collection of Service's poems called "Rhymes of a Red Cross Man". The poem tells the story of a woman who encounters an angel in her garden on a dark and stormy night. The angel offers the woman a chance to escape her mundane life and experience a world of wonder, but she ultimately chooses to remain in her familiar surroundings.

Interpretation

The Woman And The Angel is a complex poem that can be interpreted in many different ways. Some readers see it as a parable about the dangers of temptation and the importance of staying true to oneself. Others see it as a commentary on the human desire for adventure and the fear of the unknown. Regardless of how one chooses to interpret the poem, there are several key themes and motifs that are worth exploring.

Temptation and Consequence

One of the most prominent themes in The Woman And The Angel is that of temptation and consequence. The angel offers the woman a chance to escape her mundane life and experience a world of wonder, but in doing so, she risks losing everything she holds dear. The poem suggests that every choice we make has consequences, and that we must be careful when tempted by the allure of the unknown.

Fear and Courage

Another important theme in the poem is that of fear and courage. The woman is initially afraid of the angel and the strange world he promises, but as she contemplates her decision, she begins to realize that the allure of the unknown may be worth the risk. She ultimately chooses to remain in her familiar surroundings, but the poem suggests that her decision was not an easy one. The poem encourages readers to have the courage to face their fears and embrace new opportunities, even if they are uncertain of the outcome.

Imagination and Reality

The Woman And The Angel also explores the relationship between imagination and reality. The woman is initially captivated by the angel's vivid descriptions of the wonders that await her, but as she begins to think more critically, she realizes that these wonders may be nothing more than illusions. The poem suggests that our imaginations can lead us astray, and that it is important to balance our dreams with a healthy dose of skepticism.

Symbolism

Throughout the poem, Service uses rich symbolism to convey his message. The angel, for example, can be seen as a symbol of temptation or of the unknown. The woman's garden can be seen as a symbol of stability and familiarity. The stormy night can be seen as a symbol of the unknown or of impending danger. By using these symbols, Service is able to create a rich and complex narrative that resonates with readers on multiple levels.

Literary Devices

In addition to its themes and symbolism, The Woman And The Angel also employs several literary devices that contribute to its effectiveness as a poem. These include:

Imagery

Service uses vivid imagery to create a sense of atmosphere and mood. The stormy night is described in great detail, with images of lightning, thunder, and rain. The angel's descriptions of the wonders that await the woman are also rich in detail, with images of golden cities, enchanted forests, and crystal seas.

Metaphor

The poem also employs several metaphors to convey its message. The woman's garden, for example, can be seen as a metaphor for her stable and familiar life. The angel's promises can be seen as a metaphor for the allure of the unknown.

Alliteration

Service uses alliteration to create a sense of rhythm and musicality in the poem. The repetition of sounds such as "s" and "w" create a sense of flow and momentum that adds to the poem's effectiveness.

Conclusion

The Woman And The Angel is a timeless poem that continues to captivate readers with its rich imagery, complex themes, and elegant language. Through its exploration of temptation, fear, and imagination, the poem encourages readers to have the courage to face their fears and embrace new opportunities, even if they are uncertain of the outcome. By employing literary devices such as imagery, metaphor, and alliteration, Service creates a rich and complex narrative that resonates with readers on multiple levels. The poem is a testament to the power of poetry to convey complex ideas and emotions in a way that is both beautiful and thought-provoking.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Woman And The Angel: A Masterpiece of Robert Service

Robert Service, the renowned poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his exceptional works. Among his many masterpieces, The Woman And The Angel stands out as a timeless classic that has captivated readers for generations. This poem is a beautiful portrayal of the human condition, exploring the themes of love, loss, and redemption. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of this poem and analyze its meaning and significance.

The poem begins with a woman who is mourning the loss of her lover. She is consumed by grief and cannot find solace in anything. She wanders aimlessly through the streets, lost in her thoughts, when she suddenly encounters an angel. The angel is a symbol of hope and redemption, and he offers to help the woman find peace.

The woman is initially hesitant to accept the angel's help, as she is consumed by her grief and cannot imagine a life without her lover. However, the angel persists, and he takes the woman on a journey through time and space. They travel through the ages, witnessing the beauty and wonder of the world, and the woman begins to see that there is more to life than her own pain.

As they journey together, the woman begins to open up to the angel and share her story. She tells him about her lover and how they had planned to spend their lives together. She speaks of the pain she feels at his loss and how she cannot imagine a life without him. The angel listens patiently, offering words of comfort and wisdom.

Through her conversations with the angel, the woman begins to see that her lover's death was not the end of her story. She realizes that she still has a life to live and that there is still beauty and joy to be found in the world. The angel helps her to see that her grief is a natural part of the human experience, but it does not have to define her.

The poem reaches its climax when the woman finally accepts the angel's help and begins to let go of her grief. She sees that there is a world beyond her pain, and she begins to embrace it. The angel leads her to a beautiful garden, where she sees her lover waiting for her. He is not a physical presence, but rather a symbol of the love that they shared. The woman realizes that her love for him will never die, but she can still find happiness and fulfillment in life.

The Woman And The Angel is a beautiful poem that explores the complexities of the human experience. It speaks to the universal themes of love, loss, and redemption, and it offers a message of hope and healing to those who are struggling with grief. The poem is a testament to Robert Service's skill as a poet, as he weaves together a story that is both poignant and uplifting.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is the way in which Service uses imagery to convey the emotions of the characters. The woman is described as wandering through the streets, lost in her thoughts, which creates a sense of isolation and despair. The angel, on the other hand, is described as a radiant figure, full of light and hope. This contrast between the two characters creates a powerful image that speaks to the human experience of grief and hope.

Another notable aspect of the poem is the way in which Service uses language to convey the emotions of the characters. The woman's dialogue is full of pain and sorrow, while the angel's words are full of comfort and wisdom. This contrast in language creates a sense of tension that adds to the emotional impact of the poem.

In conclusion, The Woman And The Angel is a masterpiece of poetry that speaks to the human experience in a profound and meaningful way. It is a testament to Robert Service's skill as a poet, as he weaves together a story that is both poignant and uplifting. The poem offers a message of hope and healing to those who are struggling with grief, and it reminds us that there is always beauty and joy to be found in life, even in the midst of our pain.

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