'A Song Of Success' by Robert Service


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Ho! we were strong, we were swift, we were brave.
Youth was a challenge, and Life was a fight.
All that was best in us gladly we gave,
Sprang from the rally, and leapt for the height.
Smiling is Love in a foam of Spring flowers:
Harden our hearts to him -- on let us press!
Oh, what a triumph and pride shall be ours!
See where it beacons, the star of success!

Cares seem to crowd on us -- so much to do;
New fields to conquer, and time's on the wing.
Grey hairs are showing, a wrinkle or two;
Somehow our footstep is losing its spring.
Pleasure's forsaken us, Love ceased to smile;
Youth has been funeralled; Age travels fast.
Sometimes we wonder: is it worth while?
There! we have gained to the summit at last.

Aye, we have triumphed! Now must we haste,
Revel in victory . . . why! what is wrong?
Life's choicest vintage is flat to the taste --
Are we too late? Have we laboured too long?
Wealth, power, fame we hold . . . ah! but the truth:
Would we not give this vain glory of ours
For one mad, glad year of glorious youth,
Life in the Springtide, and Love in the flowers.

Editor 1 Interpretation

A Song of Success: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Robert Service's A Song of Success is a classic poem that celebrates the triumphs of human ambition and perseverance. The poem is a rhythmic masterpiece that captures the essence of success and inspires readers to pursue their dreams relentlessly. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will analyze the poem's themes, structure, and use of literary devices to better understand the message behind the words.

Poem Structure and Form

Firstly, let's examine the poem's structure and form. A Song of Success is a 30-line poem that follows a consistent rhyme scheme of AABB. The poem's meter is predominantly iambic tetrameter, with four stressed syllables per line. This consistent structure and rhythm create a musical quality that makes the poem incredibly memorable and catchy.

The poem is divided into six stanzas, each containing five lines. Each stanza follows a similar structure: the first four lines present a scenario or an obstacle, while the final line provides a solution or resolution. This structure provides a clear progression that drives the poem's message forward.

Themes

The main theme of A Song of Success is the triumph of perseverance and ambition. The poem celebrates the victories of those who have worked hard to achieve success, despite facing adversity and obstacles. The poem's opening line, "Success is counted sweetest by those who ne'er succeed," sets the tone for the poem's message. The poem argues that it is through failure and struggle that success becomes most valuable and sweet. The poem's narrator urges readers to pursue their dreams relentlessly, even in the face of failures or setbacks.

Another theme that emerges in the poem is the idea of the individual triumphing over societal expectations. The poem highlights the struggles of those who are not born into wealth or privilege but who manage to succeed nonetheless. The poem's narrator celebrates the "struggling, striving, pushing ones" who succeed against all odds.

Finally, the poem also touches on the idea of the fleeting nature of success. The poem's final lines, "Success is but a gleaming beach / Upon a barren shore," suggest that success is a temporary state of being that must be continually pursued and maintained.

Literary Devices

Robert Service employs several literary devices in A Song of Success to create a memorable and impactful poem. One of the most prominent devices is repetition. The poem's opening and closing lines are identical, creating a circular structure that emphasizes the poem's message. The repeated phrase, "struggling, striving, pushing ones," reinforces the poem's theme of perseverance and ambition.

Service also employs metaphor and imagery throughout the poem. In the first stanza, the line "The wounded surgeon plies the steel / That questions the distempered part" uses the image of a surgeon to represent the struggles of those who work hard to achieve success. The metaphor emphasizes the pain and sacrifice that often accompany success.

In the second stanza, the line "The white-flaked hemlock-trees reflect / Like women's tears, the glistening rain" uses the image of tears to represent the emotional struggles that accompany the pursuit of success. The metaphor emphasizes the emotional toll that success can take on individuals.

Finally, the poem makes use of allusion, referencing historical figures such as Napoleon and Julius Caesar to emphasize the idea of the individual triumphing over societal expectations.

Interpretation

So, what is Robert Service trying to tell us with A Song of Success? The poem's message is clear: success is not easy, but it is worth pursuing. Through repetition, metaphor, and imagery, Service emphasizes the value of hard work, perseverance, and ambition. The poem celebrates those who succeed against all odds, and urges readers to pursue their own dreams relentlessly.

However, the poem also acknowledges the fleeting nature of success. The final lines suggest that success is never permanent, and must be continually pursued and maintained. This idea emphasizes the importance of humility and hard work, even in moments of success.

In conclusion, A Song of Success is a timeless poem that celebrates the triumph of human ambition and perseverance. Through its memorable structure, powerful themes, and effective use of literary devices, the poem delivers a clear message: success is worth pursuing, but only through hard work and perseverance. It is a message that is as relevant today as it was when the poem was first published over 100 years ago.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

A Song of Success: A Poem That Inspires Greatness

Robert Service’s “A Song of Success” is a classic poem that has inspired generations of readers to strive for greatness. The poem is a celebration of success and the hard work that goes into achieving it. It is a reminder that success is not just about luck or talent, but about perseverance and determination. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, imagery, and language.

The poem begins with a powerful opening line: “We boast no more of our bloodless sword”. This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a celebration of success achieved through hard work and determination, rather than through violence or conquest. The speaker goes on to describe the various achievements of humanity, from the building of great cities to the exploration of space. The poem is a celebration of human progress and the potential of the human spirit.

One of the most striking features of the poem is its use of imagery. Service uses vivid and powerful images to convey the idea of success. For example, he describes the “mighty deeds” of humanity as “a pyramid sublime”. This image of a pyramid suggests that success is built upon a solid foundation of hard work and dedication. The poem also uses images of nature to convey the idea of success. For example, Service describes the “mighty oak” that grows from a tiny acorn, suggesting that success is something that grows slowly and steadily over time.

Another important theme of the poem is the idea of perseverance. Service emphasizes the importance of hard work and determination in achieving success. He writes, “We have learned to say ‘I will’ with a will”. This line suggests that success is not just about talent or luck, but about the willingness to work hard and persevere in the face of obstacles. The poem is a reminder that success is not easy, but it is achievable for those who are willing to put in the effort.

The language of the poem is also worth noting. Service uses a simple and direct style that is easy to understand. He uses short, punchy lines that are easy to remember. This makes the poem accessible to a wide audience and helps to convey its message of inspiration and encouragement. The poem is also full of powerful and memorable phrases, such as “We have harnessed the forces of the air and sea” and “We have conquered the secrets of the atom and star”. These phrases help to convey the idea of human achievement and the potential of the human spirit.

In conclusion, “A Song of Success” is a classic poem that celebrates the achievements of humanity and the potential of the human spirit. It is a reminder that success is not just about talent or luck, but about hard work and determination. The poem uses vivid imagery and powerful language to convey its message of inspiration and encouragement. It is a poem that has inspired generations of readers to strive for greatness and to never give up on their dreams.

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