'The Wanderlust' by Robert Service


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The Wanderlust has lured me to the seven lonely seas,
Has dumped me on the tailing-piles of dearth;
The Wanderlust has haled me from the morris chairs of ease,
Has hurled me to the ends of all the earth.
How bitterly I've cursed it, oh, the Painted Desert knows,
The wraithlike heights that hug the pallid plain,
The all-but-fluid silence, -- yet the longing grows and grows,
And I've got to glut the Wanderlust again.

Soldier, sailor, in what a plight I've been!
Tinker, tailor, oh what a sight I've seen!
And I'm hitting the trail in the morning, boys,
And you won't see my heels for dust;
For it's "all day" with you
When you answer the cue
Of the Wan-der-lust.

The Wanderlust has got me . . . by the belly-aching fire,
By the fever and the freezing and the pain;
By the darkness that just drowns you, by the wail of home desire,
I've tried to break the spell of it -- in vain.
Life might have been a feast for me, now there are only crumbs;
In rags and tatters, beggar-wise I sit;
Yet there's no rest or peace for me, imperious it drums,
The Wanderlust, and I must follow it.

Highway, by-way, many a mile I've done;
Rare way, fair way, many a height I've won;
But I'm pulling my freight in the morning, boys,
And it's over the hills or bust;
For there's never a cure
When you list to the lure
Of the Wan-der-lust.

The Wanderlust has taught me . . . it has whispered to my heart
Things all you stay-at-homes will never know.
The white man and the savage are but three short days apart,
Three days of cursing, crawling, doubt and woe.
Then it's down to chewing muclucs, to the water you can eat,
To fish you bolt with nose held in your hand.
When you get right down to cases, it's King's Grub that rules the races,
And the Wanderlust will help you understand.

Haunting, taunting, that is the spell of it;
Mocking, baulking, that is the hell of it;
But I'll shoulder my pack in the morning, boys,
And I'm going because I must;
For it's so-long to all
When you answer the call
Of the Wan-der-lust.

The Wanderlust has blest me . . . in a ragged blanket curled,
I've watched the gulf of Heaven foam with stars;
I've walked with eyes wide open to the wonder of the world,
I've seen God's flood of glory burst its bars.
I've seen the gold a-blinding in the riffles of the sky,
Till I fancied me a bloated plutocrat;
But I'm freedom's happy bond-slave, and I will be till I die,
And I've got to thank the Wanderlust for that.

Wild heart, child heart, all of the world your home.
Glad heart, mad heart, what can you do but roam?
Oh, I'll beat it once more in the morning, boys,
With a pinch of tea and a crust;
For you cannot deny
When you hark to the cry
Of the Wan-der-lust.

The Wanderlust will claim me at the finish for its own.
I'll turn my back on men and face the Pole.
Beyond the Arctic outposts I will venture all alone;
Some Never-never Land will be my goal.
Thank God! there's none will miss me, for I've been a bird of flight;
And in my moccasins I'll take my call;
For the Wanderlust has ruled me,
And the Wanderlust has schooled me,
And I'm ready for the darkest trail of all.

Grim land, dim land, oh, how the vastness calls!
Far land, star land, oh, how the stillness falls!
For you never can tell if it's heaven or hell,
And I'm taking the trail on trust;
But I haven't a doubt
That my soul will leap out
On its Wan-der-lust.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Wanderlust: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Introduction

The Wanderlust by Robert Service is a classic poem that captures the essence of travel and adventure. The poem expresses the irresistible urge to explore the unknown, to go beyond the horizon and to experience the world. The poem is a celebration of the human spirit, its curiosity, and its love for adventure.

In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will examine the poem in detail, exploring its themes, literary techniques, and historical context. We will also analyze the poem's meaning, and the relevance of the poem to contemporary society.

Historical Context

The Wanderlust was first published in 1913 in the book, "The Spell of the Yukon and Other Verses". Robert Service wrote the poem during a time when travel and exploration were gaining popularity. Many people were traveling the world, seeking adventure and new experiences. The poem reflects this spirit of adventure, and the desire to explore the unknown.

During this time, the world was also undergoing significant changes. The Industrial Revolution had led to rapid technological advancements, which in turn led to new forms of transportation, such as steamships and trains. These advancements made travel easier and more accessible, and many people were taking advantage of this to explore the world.

The poem was also written during a time of political and social upheaval. The First World War was on the horizon, and tensions were high between nations. The poem can be seen as a response to these issues, as it celebrates the human spirit and the desire for adventure, in the face of uncertainty and danger.

Themes

The Wanderlust is a poem that explores several themes. The most prominent themes are:

The Spirit of Adventure

The poem celebrates the human spirit of adventure, the desire to explore the unknown, and to experience new things. The speaker in the poem is filled with wanderlust, a longing to travel and to see the world. The poem suggests that this spirit of adventure is an essential part of the human experience, and that it should be celebrated and embraced.

The Beauty of Nature

The poem also celebrates the beauty of nature. The speaker describes the mountains, the rivers, and the forests in vivid detail, highlighting their beauty and majesty. The poem suggests that nature is an essential part of the human experience, and that we should appreciate and respect it.

The Power of Imagination

The poem suggests that the power of imagination is critical to the human experience. The speaker in the poem imagines himself traveling the world, experiencing new things, and meeting new people. The poem suggests that imagination is a powerful tool that allows us to explore the world in our minds, even if we cannot physically travel.

The Human Spirit

Finally, the poem celebrates the human spirit. The speaker in the poem is filled with wanderlust, a longing to explore the world. The poem suggests that this spirit of adventure is an essential part of the human experience, and that it should be celebrated and embraced.

Literary Techniques

The Wanderlust is a poem that uses several literary techniques to convey its message. The most prominent literary techniques are:

Imagery

The poem uses vivid imagery to describe the natural world. The speaker describes the mountains, the rivers, and the forests in great detail, allowing the reader to visualize these landscapes. The use of imagery helps to create a sense of wonder and awe, and it reinforces the themes of the poem.

Alliteration

The poem uses alliteration to create a rhythmic effect. The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words creates a musical quality to the poem, making it more enjoyable to read. The use of alliteration also helps to reinforce the themes of the poem, highlighting the beauty and power of nature.

Personification

The poem also uses personification to give human qualities to non-human objects. For example, the speaker describes the mountains as "majestic", suggesting that they have a personality and a character of their own. The use of personification helps to create a sense of connection between the natural world and the human experience.

Repetition

The poem uses repetition to reinforce its themes. The phrase "I must go" is repeated several times throughout the poem, emphasizing the speaker's desire to travel and explore the world. The use of repetition helps to create a sense of urgency and passion, making the poem more engaging and enjoyable to read.

Analysis and Interpretation

The Wanderlust is a poem that celebrates the human spirit of adventure and the desire to explore the unknown. The poem suggests that this spirit of adventure is an essential part of the human experience, and that it should be celebrated and embraced. The poem also emphasizes the beauty and power of nature, suggesting that we should appreciate and respect the natural world.

The poem can be interpreted in several ways. One interpretation is that the poem is a response to the uncertainty and danger of the time. The First World War was on the horizon, and tensions were high between nations. The poem can be seen as a call to embrace life and to enjoy the world, even in the face of danger and uncertainty.

Another interpretation is that the poem is a celebration of the power of imagination. The speaker in the poem imagines himself traveling the world, experiencing new things, and meeting new people. The poem suggests that imagination is a powerful tool that allows us to explore the world in our minds, even if we cannot physically travel.

Finally, the poem can be interpreted as a call to action. The speaker in the poem is filled with wanderlust, a longing to explore the world. The poem suggests that we should embrace this spirit of adventure, and that we should not be afraid to explore the unknown. The poem can be seen as a call to action, inspiring us to go out and experience the world.

Conclusion

The Wanderlust is a classic poem that celebrates the human spirit of adventure and the desire to explore the unknown. The poem emphasizes the beauty and power of nature, and it suggests that we should appreciate and respect the natural world. The poem uses several literary techniques to convey its message, including imagery, alliteration, personification, and repetition.

The poem can be interpreted in several ways, including as a response to the uncertainty and danger of the time, a celebration of the power of imagination, and a call to action. Regardless of the interpretation, the poem remains a powerful and moving celebration of the human spirit, and a reminder to embrace life and enjoy the world.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Wanderlust: A Poem of Adventure and Exploration

Are you feeling restless? Do you have an insatiable desire to explore the world and see all that it has to offer? If so, then you can relate to Robert Service's classic poem, The Wanderlust.

Written in 1907, The Wanderlust captures the essence of the human spirit's desire to travel and experience new things. It is a poem that speaks to the adventurer in all of us, urging us to leave our comfort zones and embark on a journey of discovery.

The poem begins with the speaker describing the feeling of wanderlust that has taken hold of him. He speaks of the "itch" that he feels, a restlessness that cannot be satisfied by staying in one place. He longs to see new lands, meet new people, and experience all that life has to offer.

The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, with the speaker expressing his desire to leave behind the mundane and embark on an adventure. He speaks of the "dull routine" of everyday life and how it has left him feeling unfulfilled. He longs for something more, something that will give his life meaning and purpose.

In the second stanza, the speaker describes the allure of the unknown. He speaks of the "mystic call" that draws him to far-off lands, where he can explore new cultures and ways of life. He is not afraid of the unknown, but rather embraces it, eager to discover all that it has to offer.

The third stanza is perhaps the most powerful in the poem, as the speaker describes the feeling of being trapped. He speaks of the "prison walls" that surround him, keeping him from the freedom and adventure that he craves. He longs to break free from these walls and explore the world beyond.

The fourth stanza is a call to action, urging the reader to join the speaker on his journey. He speaks of the "open road" that lies ahead, and how it is calling to him. He invites the reader to come along, to leave behind the mundane and embark on an adventure of a lifetime.

The final stanza is a reflection on the journey that lies ahead. The speaker acknowledges that the road will not be easy, that there will be challenges and obstacles to overcome. But he is undeterred, for he knows that the rewards of the journey will far outweigh the risks.

The Wanderlust is a poem that speaks to the adventurer in all of us. It is a call to action, urging us to leave behind the mundane and embark on a journey of discovery. It is a reminder that life is short, and that we should make the most of every moment that we have.

The poem is also a reflection on the human spirit's desire for freedom and adventure. It speaks to our innate need to explore and discover, to push the boundaries of what is possible and see all that the world has to offer.

In conclusion, The Wanderlust is a timeless poem that continues to resonate with readers today. It is a reminder that life is an adventure, and that we should embrace every opportunity to explore and discover. So if you're feeling restless and longing for adventure, take a cue from Robert Service and hit the open road. Who knows where it might take you?

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