'Henry' by Robert Service
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Mary and I were twenty-two
When we were wed;
A well-matched pair, right smart to view
The town's folk said.
For twenty years I have been true
To nuptial bed.
But oh alas! The march of time,
Life's wear and tear!
Now I am in my lusty prime
With pep to spare,
While she looks ten more years than I'm,
With greying hair.
'Twas on our trip dear friends among,
To New Orleans,
A stranger's silly trip of tongue
Kiboshed my dreams:
I heard her say: 'How very young
His mother seems.'
Child-bearing gets a woman down,
And six had she;
Yet now somehow I feel a clown
When she's with me;
When cuties smile one cannot frown,
You must agree.
How often I have heard it said:
'For happy fate,
In age a girl ten years ahead
Should choose her mate.'
Now twenty years to Mary wed
I know too late.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Henry: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Robert Service is a name that's often mentioned in the same breath as 'Canadian poetry'. This is not just because he was one of the most celebrated poets in Canada in the early 20th century, but because he was instrumental in establishing a distinct Canadian style of poetry, one that was rooted in the land and the people of Canada.
One of his most famous poems is 'Henry', which was first published in his collection of poems, 'Rhymes of a Red Cross Man', in 1916. It's a poem that's been analyzed, interpreted and appreciated by many scholars and poetry enthusiasts over the years, and for good reason. It's a powerful poem that captures the essence of a soldier's experiences during the First World War, and the impact of the war on his life.
In this literary criticism and interpretation, we'll take a closer look at 'Henry', examining the themes, language, structure and imagery used in the poem, and exploring the significance of each element.
Themes
The central theme of 'Henry' is the devastating impact of war on soldiers, both physically and emotionally. The poem begins by painting a picture of Henry, a young man who was once full of life and vigor, but who has been transformed by the horrors of war. The opening lines of the poem set the tone for what's to come:
"Henry lay dying in the field,
His regiment behind him.
Mud and blood were on his wounds,
His face was grim and blind."
The image of a dying soldier lying in a field is a powerful one, and the description of the mud and blood on his wounds immediately conjures up a sense of the brutality and violence of war. As we read on, we learn more about Henry's experiences, and we see the toll that they've taken on him:
"He thought of Lena in the town
And how they walked in glory,
And of the pastures gay with flowers
And birds that sang the story."
These lines contrast starkly with the grim reality of the battlefield, and they highlight the sense of loss and longing that Henry feels. He's not just physically wounded, he's emotionally scarred as well, and he's haunted by memories of a life that he can never return to.
Another theme that's woven into the poem is the idea of sacrifice. Henry's death is not just a random event, it's the result of his decision to join the army and fight for his country. The poem acknowledges the bravery and dedication of soldiers like Henry, but it also asks us to reflect on the cost of war, and the human toll that it takes:
"And so he died, as men have died
In countless other places.
He gave his life for freedom's sake
And the glory of his races."
Language
One of the most striking things about 'Henry' is the language that Service uses. He's known for his simple, direct style, and this is evident in the poem. There are no elaborate metaphors or convoluted sentence structures here; instead, the language is clear and concise, and it communicates the emotions and ideas of the poem with great clarity.
For example, the opening lines of the poem are simple, but they convey a great deal of information:
"Henry lay dying in the field,
His regiment behind him."
There's no need for complex descriptions or flowery language; the image of a dying soldier in a field is powerful enough on its own. Similarly, the line "He thought of Lena in the town" is a poignant and understated way of conveying the sense of loss that Henry feels.
Another notable feature of the language in 'Henry' is the use of repetition. The phrase "And so he died" is repeated twice in the final stanza, emphasizing the finality of Henry's death, and the sense of sacrifice that it represents.
Structure
The structure of 'Henry' is relatively simple, but it's effective in conveying the emotions and themes of the poem. The poem consists of three stanzas, each of which is four lines long. The first stanza paints a vivid picture of Henry's death, while the second stanza explores the memories and emotions that are running through his mind. The final stanza brings the poem to a close, reflecting on the significance of Henry's death.
The repetition of the phrase "And so he died" in the final stanza gives the poem a sense of closure, and emphasizes the idea that Henry's death was not just a random event, but a sacrifice for a greater cause.
Imagery
The imagery in 'Henry' is powerful and evocative, capturing the brutality and violence of war, as well as the sense of loss and longing that soldiers feel. The description of Henry's wounds, and the mud and blood that cover him, immediately conjures up an image of the horrors of the battlefield:
"Mud and blood were on his wounds,
His face was grim and blind."
The contrast between the image of the dying soldier and the memories that he's holding onto is also striking:
"He thought of Lena in the town
And how they walked in glory,
And of the pastures gay with flowers
And birds that sang the story."
This contrast emphasizes the sense of loss that Henry feels, and underscores the idea that war destroys not just bodies, but lives and memories as well.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 'Henry' is a powerful and moving poem that captures the essence of a soldier's experiences during the First World War. The themes of sacrifice, loss and longing are explored through the language, structure and imagery of the poem, and the result is a work that is both haunting and unforgettable.
Robert Service's simple, direct style is ideally suited to the subject matter of the poem, conveying the emotions and ideas of the poem with great clarity. The repetition of the phrase "And so he died" in the final stanza gives the poem a sense of closure, and emphasizes the idea that Henry's death was not just a random event, but a sacrifice for a greater cause.
Overall, 'Henry' is a masterpiece of Canadian poetry, and a fitting tribute to the soldiers who fought and died in the First World War.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Henry: A Poem of Adventure and Perseverance
Robert Service’s poem, “Henry,” is a classic tale of adventure and perseverance that has captivated readers for generations. The poem tells the story of a young man named Henry who sets out on a journey to find his fortune in the wilds of the Yukon. Along the way, he faces numerous challenges and obstacles, but through his determination and grit, he ultimately triumphs.
The poem begins with Henry leaving his home and family behind to seek his fortune in the Yukon. He is filled with excitement and anticipation as he sets out on his journey, eager to see what the world has in store for him. The opening lines of the poem set the tone for the adventure that lies ahead:
“Henry went to the Yukon
Where the river runs icy and cold,
‘He said, ‘I’ll go and do some prospectin’
And stake me a claim of gold.’”
From the very beginning, it is clear that Henry is a man of action, determined to make his mark on the world. He is not content to sit back and let life pass him by; instead, he is eager to take risks and pursue his dreams.
As Henry makes his way through the wilderness, he faces a number of challenges and setbacks. He encounters harsh weather, dangerous animals, and treacherous terrain, but he never loses his determination or his sense of purpose. He is a man on a mission, and nothing will stand in his way.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is the vivid imagery that Service uses to describe the Yukon landscape. He paints a picture of a wild and untamed wilderness, full of danger and beauty. The following lines are a perfect example:
“The peaks and the valleys were lonely,
And the winds whispered mournfully,
And the wolves howled at the moon only,
And the ice blinked sullenly.”
Through his use of vivid language and powerful imagery, Service transports the reader to the heart of the Yukon, immersing them in the world of Henry and his fellow prospectors.
Despite the challenges he faces, Henry never loses sight of his goal. He continues to search for gold, working tirelessly day after day. He is a man of great determination and perseverance, and his unwavering commitment to his goal is an inspiration to all who read the poem.
One of the most memorable moments in the poem comes when Henry finally strikes gold. After months of hard work and disappointment, he finally hits paydirt, and his joy and excitement are palpable:
“He danced like a dervish and hollered,
And he laughed till his sides were sore,
And he ran like a madman and collared
The man who had worked next door.”
This moment of triumph is a testament to Henry’s perseverance and dedication. He never gave up, even when the odds were against him, and his hard work and determination ultimately paid off.
In the end, Henry’s journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity. It is a story of a man who refused to give up, even when the going got tough, and who ultimately achieved his dreams through sheer force of will.
Service’s poem is a masterpiece of storytelling, full of vivid imagery, memorable characters, and powerful themes. It is a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit, and a reminder that anything is possible if we are willing to work hard and never give up.
In conclusion, “Henry” is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a story of adventure, perseverance, and triumph that has inspired readers for generations. Through his vivid language and powerful imagery, Service transports us to the heart of the Yukon, immersing us in the world of Henry and his fellow prospectors. And through Henry’s journey, we are reminded of the importance of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity. It is a poem that will continue to inspire and captivate readers for generations to come.
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