'My Hero' by Robert Service


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Of all the boys with whom I fought
In Africa and Sicily,
Bill was the bravest of the lot
In our dare-devil Company.
That lad would rather die than yield;
His gore he glorified to spill,
And so in every battlefield
A hero in my eyes was Bill.

Then when the bloody war was done,
He moseyed back to our home town,
And there, a loving mother's son,
Like other kids he settled down.
His old girl seemed a shade straight-laced,
For when I called my buddy "Bill,"
She looked at me with some distaste,
Suggesting that his name was "Will."

And then he had to get engaged,
And took unto himself a wife;
And so inevitably caged,
He settled down to wedded life.
He introduced me to his Missis,
But oh I thought her rather silly,
For in between their frequent kisses
She called my hard-boiled here: "Willie."

Now he has long forgot the War,
The which he did a lot to win,
And feeling full of ginger for
He's happy Pop of cherubs twin.
Yet with his air: "Don't care a damn,"
On Main Street he's my hero still . . .
As proud he wheels a double pram
What guy has got the guts of Bill!

Editor 1 Interpretation

My Hero by Robert Service: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Oh my goodness, where do I even begin with this poem? My Hero by Robert Service is a classic piece of literature that has captured the hearts and minds of readers for generations. It is a poem that tells the story of a hero, but not just any hero - the hero of the poet's childhood.

In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deep into the themes, symbols, and language used in My Hero. We will explore the way Service uses poetic devices to convey his message and we will examine the impact this poem has on its readers. So buckle up and get ready for a wild ride!

The Themes of My Hero

At its core, My Hero is a poem about heroism. It is about the heroism of a person who is not a soldier, not a firefighter, not a police officer - but a simple man who works hard and does what is right. This theme is woven throughout the poem in a variety of ways.

One of the most poignant moments in the poem is when the speaker describes his hero as "a toiler of the sea." This phrase captures the essence of the hero's character - he is someone who works hard and perseveres despite the challenges he faces. It also speaks to the idea that heroism can take many forms, and that the work of a simple fisherman can be just as heroic as that of a soldier.

Another theme that runs through the poem is the idea of sacrifice. The hero of the poem is someone who is willing to give up his own comfort and safety in order to help others. This is seen in the line "He lives for those who love him, for those who know him true" - the hero's motivation is not personal gain, but the love and respect of those around him.

Finally, My Hero is a poem about the power of memory. The speaker remembers his hero from childhood, and this memory has stayed with him throughout his life. The hero's example has inspired him to be a better person, and has shaped the way he sees the world. This speaks to the idea that our heroes have a lasting impact on us, even after they are gone.

The Symbols of My Hero

One of the most powerful symbols in My Hero is the sea. The hero of the poem is a fisherman, and his work takes him out onto the ocean. The sea represents both the hero's strength and his vulnerability - he is at the mercy of the elements, but he also has the skill and experience to navigate them.

Another symbol that is used in the poem is the image of the hero's hands. This is seen in the lines "His hands are rough with labour, and scarred with rock and rope." The hero's hands are a symbol of his hard work and dedication. They are also a reminder of the sacrifices he has made in order to provide for his family and community.

Finally, the poem uses the symbol of the hero's smile. This is seen in the line "His smile it seems to say: 'God bless you all, today'." The hero's smile represents his warmth and generosity of spirit. It is a reminder that heroism is not just about physical strength, but also about kindness and compassion.

The Language of My Hero

One of the most striking things about My Hero is the language that Robert Service uses to tell his story. The poem is written in a simple, straightforward style that is easy to understand. This is in keeping with the theme of the heroism of everyday people - the language reflects the idea that heroism can be found in the ordinary as well as the extraordinary.

Another aspect of the language of My Hero is the use of repetition. This is seen in the repetition of the phrase "My hero" throughout the poem. This repetition serves to reinforce the importance of the hero to the speaker, and to the community as a whole.

Service also uses alliteration in the poem, particularly in the lines "He spurns the coward's ease" and "His smile it seems to say." This alliteration adds to the musical quality of the poem, and helps to create a sense of rhythm and momentum.

The Impact of My Hero

So, what is the impact of My Hero on its readers? Well, for starters, it is a poem that inspires us to look for heroism in unexpected places. It reminds us that heroism is not just about bravery in the face of danger, but also about hard work, sacrifice, and kindness.

The poem also has the power to evoke strong emotions in its readers. The speaker's love and admiration for his hero is palpable, and it is difficult not to be moved by his words. The poem reminds us of the importance of having heroes in our lives, and of the impact they can have on us.

Finally, My Hero is a poem that has stood the test of time. It has been read and loved by generations of readers, and its message is just as relevant today as it was when it was first written. This speaks to the power of poetry to connect us across time and space, and to remind us of the things that are truly important in life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, My Hero is a classic poem that explores themes of heroism, sacrifice, and memory. It uses powerful symbols and language to convey its message, and has the ability to evoke strong emotions in its readers. The poem is a reminder that heroism is not just about physical strength or bravery, but also about hard work, kindness, and compassion. It is a testament to the power of poetry to inspire us and connect us across time and space.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

My Hero: A Poem of Courage and Bravery

Robert Service's poem "My Hero" is a classic piece of literature that has stood the test of time. It is a powerful and moving tribute to the bravery and courage of a soldier who has gone to war. The poem is a perfect example of Service's ability to capture the essence of human emotion and experience in his writing. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in "My Hero" to understand why it is such a beloved piece of poetry.

The poem begins with the speaker describing the hero of the poem. The hero is a soldier who has gone to war, leaving behind his loved ones and his home. The speaker describes the hero as "a man who's not afraid to die." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it establishes the hero's bravery and courage in the face of danger.

The first stanza of the poem is filled with vivid imagery that helps to paint a picture of the hero's journey. The speaker describes the hero as "a man who's fought in many lands, / And marched in many a fray." This line conjures up images of a battle-hardened soldier who has seen his fair share of combat. The use of the word "fray" is particularly effective, as it suggests that the hero has been in many different types of battles, not just traditional warfare.

The second stanza of the poem is where the speaker really begins to delve into the hero's character. The speaker describes the hero as "a man who's faced the shot and shell, / And fought his fight alone." This line emphasizes the hero's bravery and courage in the face of danger. The use of the phrase "fought his fight alone" suggests that the hero is a solitary figure, who relies on his own strength and courage to get through difficult situations.

The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. The speaker describes the hero as "a man who's marched with death and pain, / And never once complained." This line is particularly effective because it emphasizes the hero's stoicism and resilience. The hero has faced death and pain, but he has never let it get the best of him. He has remained strong and steadfast in the face of adversity.

The fourth stanza of the poem is where the speaker begins to shift the focus from the hero to the speaker himself. The speaker describes how he has been inspired by the hero's bravery and courage. He says that the hero has "taught me how to live and die, / And never once to shirk." This line is particularly powerful because it suggests that the hero's bravery and courage have had a profound impact on the speaker's own life.

The final stanza of the poem is where the speaker really drives home the message of the poem. The speaker says that the hero is "a man who's fought and bled and died, / And gained a hero's crown." This line suggests that the hero has made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of his country. He has given his life for a cause that he believed in, and in doing so, he has become a hero.

In conclusion, "My Hero" is a powerful and moving tribute to the bravery and courage of a soldier who has gone to war. The poem is filled with vivid imagery and powerful language that helps to paint a picture of the hero's journey. The poem is a perfect example of Robert Service's ability to capture the essence of human emotion and experience in his writing. It is a timeless piece of literature that will continue to inspire and move readers for generations to come.

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