'Birds Of A Feather' by Robert Service
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Of bosom friends I've had but seven,
Despite my years are ripe;
I hope they're now enjoying Heaven,
Although they're not the type;
Nor, candidly, no more am I,
Though overdue to die.
For looking back I see that they
Were weak and wasteful men;
They loved a sultry jest alway,
And women now and then.
They smoked and gambled, soused and swore,
--Yet no one was a bore.
'Tis strange I took to lads like these,
On whom the good should frown;
Yet all with poetry would please
To wash his wassail down;
Their temples touched the starry way,
But O what feet of clay!
Well, all are dust, of fame bereft;
They bore a cruel cross,
And I, the canny one, am left,--
Yet as I grieve their loss,
I deem, because they loved me well,
They'll welcome me in Hell.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Birds Of A Feather by Robert Service: A Detailed Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Have you ever heard of Robert Service? He is a Canadian poet known for his vivid storytelling and simple language that captivates readers of all ages. One of his most popular poems is Birds Of A Feather, which explores the concept of friendship and loyalty in the animal kingdom. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the meaning and significance of Service's classic poem.
A Brief Overview of Birds Of A Feather
Birds Of A Feather was first published in Service's 1912 collection of poems titled "Rhymes of a Rolling Stone". The poem is written in Service's signature verse style and tells the story of two unlikely friends - a black crow and a white dove. The poem begins with the crow being rejected by his fellow crows due to his unusual color. But the dove, who is also an outsider due to her timid nature, befriends the crow and they form a bond that transcends their differences. As the poem progresses, the crow and dove face various challenges together, including hunger and winter storms, but their friendship remains unbroken. The poem ends with the crow and dove flying away together, free and happy in each other's company.
Themes and Motifs in Birds Of A Feather
One of the main themes in Birds Of A Feather is the idea of friendship and loyalty. The poem explores how two animals from opposite sides of the social spectrum can form a deep, meaningful bond that helps them survive in a harsh environment. This is an important message for humans as well, as it shows that friendship can come from unexpected places and that it's important to be open-minded and accepting of others.
Another important theme in the poem is the idea of identity and belonging. Both the crow and the dove are outsiders in their respective communities - the crow due to his color and the dove due to her timid nature. But when they come together, they find a sense of belonging and acceptance that they couldn't find elsewhere. This is an important message for readers who may also feel like outsiders in their communities, as it shows that there is always a place where they can belong.
In terms of motifs, Birds Of A Feather uses the image of flight and birds to symbolize freedom and the ability to rise above one's circumstances. The crow and dove are both birds, and their ability to fly allows them to escape danger and find food and shelter. This motif is important because it shows that no matter how dire a situation may seem, there is always a way to rise above it and find freedom.
Literary Devices in Birds Of A Feather
One of the most notable literary devices in Birds Of A Feather is Service's use of rhyme and rhythm. The poem is written in a simple, straightforward style that makes it easy to read and understand, but it also has a musical quality that makes it memorable. Service uses internal rhyme and repetition to create a sense of rhythm and flow that draws the reader in and keeps them engaged.
Another important literary device in the poem is Service's use of imagery. Throughout the poem, he uses vivid descriptions to paint a picture of the crow and dove's surroundings and experiences. For example, when he describes the winter storm that the birds face, he writes:
"The storm-fiend raged without a pause,
And every gust was a wolfish jaws
To crunch their bones and slit their claws"
This image of the storm as a "wolfish jaws" is powerful and evocative, and it helps the reader understand the danger that the birds are facing.
Finally, Service uses symbolism to convey deeper meanings in the poem. For example, the crow's black color and the dove's white color can be seen as symbols of their respective identities. The black crow may represent darkness or negativity, while the white dove may represent purity or innocence. However, the fact that the two birds become friends despite their differences shows that these symbols are not always accurate or meaningful.
Analysis and Interpretation of Birds Of A Feather
So, what does Birds Of A Feather really mean? At its core, the poem is a simple story of friendship and loyalty that transcends social barriers. However, there are deeper meanings and messages that can be gleaned from the poem as well.
One interpretation of Birds Of A Feather is that it is a commentary on the human condition. The crow and dove can be seen as stand-ins for humans who are rejected by their societies due to their differences. The poem suggests that it is possible for these individuals to find acceptance and belonging with each other, and that this can lead to a happier, more fulfilling life. This interpretation is particularly relevant in today's society, where there is often a great deal of division and polarization.
Another interpretation of the poem is that it is a meditation on the nature of identity. The crow and dove both struggle with their identities - the crow because of his color, and the dove because of her timid nature. However, when they come together, they are able to transcend their identities and find true friendship and companionship. This interpretation suggests that our identities are not set in stone, and that we have the power to change and evolve as individuals.
Finally, Birds Of A Feather can be seen as a celebration of the natural world and the beauty that can be found in even the most unlikely places. The crow and dove are both birds, and their ability to fly and navigate the world is a source of wonder and awe. The poem suggests that there is beauty and wonder to be found in the natural world, and that we should appreciate and protect it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Birds Of A Feather is a classic poem by Robert Service that explores the themes of friendship, loyalty, identity, and belonging. Through vivid imagery, simple language, and powerful symbols, Service creates a world that is both familiar and fantastical, and that inspires readers to reflect on their own lives and relationships. Whether read as a children's story or a philosophical meditation, Birds Of A Feather is a timeless work that continues to resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Birds of a Feather: A Classic Poem by Robert Service
If you're a fan of poetry, then you must have come across Robert Service's "Birds of a Feather" at some point. This classic poem is a masterpiece that has stood the test of time, and it's not hard to see why. With its vivid imagery, clever use of language, and timeless message, "Birds of a Feather" is a poem that speaks to the heart of what it means to be human.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at "Birds of a Feather" and explore its themes, symbolism, and literary devices. We'll also examine the historical context in which the poem was written and discuss its relevance to modern readers.
The Poem
Before we dive into the analysis, let's take a moment to appreciate the poem itself. Here's the full text of "Birds of a Feather":
Birds of a feather flock together, And so will pigs and swine; Rats and mice will have their choice, And so will I have mine.
Dainty dogs will bark at lions On the street or in the lane; But the quarry whelps can gambol With the cubs of the boreal plain.
Man is the hunter; woman is his game; The sleek and shining creatures of the chase, We hunt them for the beauty of their skins; They love us for it, and we ride them down.
With love and flattery, with gifts and gold, We buy their bodies, heart and soul and all, And turn them loose to strut before our eyes, As they were gods or emperors of the earth.
But they are women: and their faces droop And their eyes darken, and their songs are sad, As they follow, follow, follow the long bloody trail Of the hunters and the hounds.
Analysis
Now that we've read the poem, let's break it down and examine its various elements.
Themes
One of the most prominent themes in "Birds of a Feather" is the idea of like attracting like. The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, with its simple yet powerful message that birds of a feather flock together. This idea is reinforced throughout the poem, with references to pigs and swine, rats and mice, and even dogs and lions.
Another theme that emerges in the poem is the idea of power dynamics between men and women. Service portrays men as the hunters and women as the hunted, with men using their wealth and influence to buy the bodies and souls of women. This theme is particularly relevant in the context of the time in which the poem was written, when women's rights were still a contentious issue.
Symbolism
Service uses a number of symbols in "Birds of a Feather" to convey his message. One of the most powerful symbols is that of the hunt. The idea of men hunting women for their beauty and then discarding them once they've had their fill is a metaphor for the way in which men have historically treated women as objects to be possessed and controlled.
Another symbol that appears in the poem is that of the face. Service describes the faces of the women as drooping and their eyes as darkening, symbolizing the emotional toll that the hunt takes on them. This symbol is particularly effective in conveying the idea that women are not just objects to be hunted, but living, breathing beings with their own thoughts and feelings.
Literary Devices
Service employs a number of literary devices in "Birds of a Feather" to enhance the poem's impact. One of the most notable devices is alliteration, which is used throughout the poem to create a sense of rhythm and repetition. For example, in the first stanza, the repetition of the "f" sound in "feather flock together" and "pigs and swine" creates a sense of unity and cohesion.
Another literary device that Service uses is metaphor. The entire poem is a metaphor for the way in which men have historically treated women, with the hunt serving as a metaphor for the way in which men have pursued and possessed women.
Historical Context
"Birds of a Feather" was written in the early 20th century, a time when women's rights were still a contentious issue. Women had only recently gained the right to vote in some countries, and many still faced discrimination and inequality in the workplace and in society as a whole.
Service's poem can be seen as a commentary on the way in which women were treated at the time, with men using their wealth and influence to buy and possess women. The poem is a powerful reminder of the struggles that women have faced throughout history and the ongoing fight for gender equality.
Relevance Today
Although "Birds of a Feather" was written over a century ago, its message is still relevant today. Women continue to face discrimination and inequality in many areas of society, and the poem serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for gender equality.
The poem also speaks to the broader issue of power dynamics in society. The idea of like attracting like is still relevant today, with people often gravitating towards those who are similar to themselves. This can lead to a lack of diversity and inclusivity, and it's important to recognize the value of diversity and the importance of embracing differences.
Conclusion
"Birds of a Feather" is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. With its powerful message, vivid imagery, and clever use of language, the poem speaks to the heart of what it means to be human. Although it was written over a century ago, its themes and symbolism are still relevant today, and it serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for gender equality and the importance of embracing diversity.
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