'Old Trouper' by Robert Service
AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay
I was Mojeska's leading man
And famous parts I used to play,
But now I do the best I can
To earn my bread from day to day;
Here in this Burg of Breaking Hears,
Where one wins as a thousand fail,
I play a score of scurvy parts
Till Time writes Finis to my tale.
My wife is dead, my daughter wed,
With heaps of trouble of their own;
And though I hold aloft my head
I'm humble, scared and all alone . . .
To-night I burn each photograph,
Each record of my former fame,
And oh, how bitterly I laugh
And feed them to the hungry flame!
Behold how handsome I was then -
What glowing eye, what noble mien;
I towered above my fellow men,
And proudly strode the painted scene.
Ah, Vanity! What fools are we,
With empty ends and foolish aims . . .
There now, I fling with savage glee
My David Garrick to the flames.
"Is this a dagger that I see":
Oh, how I used to love that speech;
We were old-fashioned - "hams" maybe,
Yet we Young Arrogance could teach.
"Out, out brief candle!" There are gone
My Lear, my Hamlet and MacBeth;
And now by ashes cold and wan
I wait my cue, my prompter Death.
This life of ours is just a play;
Its end is fashioned from the start;
Fate writes each word we have to say,
And puppet-like we strut our part.
Once I wore laurels on my brow,
But now I wait, a sorry clown,
To make my furtive, farewell bow . . .
Haste Time! Oh, ring the Curtain down.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Old Trouper by Robert Service: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
If you're a fan of poetry, then you might have heard of Robert Service. This Canadian poet is known for his narrative poems that often depict the life of the Yukon gold rush, which happened in the late 1800s. One of his most famous works is "The Cremation of Sam McGee," but today, we'll be looking at "Old Trouper." This poem tells the story of an aging circus elephant and his final moments before he dies. Let's dive into this piece of literature and see what we can learn from it.
Overview of the Poem
"Old Trouper" is a 21-stanza poem written in ballad form. It tells the story of an elephant named Old Bill, who has spent his life travelling with a circus. The poem starts with Old Bill's arrival in a small town, where he is put on display for the locals to see. However, the old elephant is tired and sick; his days of performing are over. As the night falls and the crowds disperse, Old Bill is left alone in his enclosure, waiting for his final moments to come. The last stanza tells us that the next morning, Old Bill was found dead.
Literary Criticism
At first glance, "Old Trouper" might seem like a simple and straightforward poem. However, upon closer inspection, we can see that there are several layers of meaning and symbolism present in the text. In this section, we'll take a closer look at some of the literary devices used in the poem and how they contribute to its overall meaning.
Personification
One of the most prominent literary devices in "Old Trouper" is personification. Service gives human qualities to Old Bill, such as emotions, thoughts, and feelings. This technique helps us empathize with the aging elephant and see him as more than just a mere animal. For instance, in stanza nine, Service writes:
And when the tent is all empty,
And they've carted the lions away,
Old Bill will nod to the fiddler,
And softly and sadly sway.
Here, Old Bill is portrayed as a sentimental creature who enjoys music and has a sense of nostalgia. We can almost picture him swaying to the tune of the fiddle in his enclosure, lost in his own thoughts. By personifying Old Bill, Service invites us to see the world from the elephant's perspective and understand his struggles.
Imagery
Another important literary device in "Old Trouper" is imagery. Service uses vivid descriptions to create a sense of atmosphere and bring Old Bill's world to life. For example, in stanza two, he writes:
They've tethered him up to a picket,
And there in the open he stands,
The frost on his back in the moonlight,
His breath coming out in white strands.
Here, Service paints a picture of an old and tired elephant, standing alone in the cold night, with his breath visible in the air. The image is haunting and evocative, and it helps us visualize Old Bill's situation. Throughout the poem, we see several other examples of vivid imagery, such as the description of the circus tent and the other animals in the circus.
Symbolism
Finally, "Old Trouper" is rich in symbolism. The poem uses various objects and images to represent complex ideas and themes. For instance, the circus itself can be seen as a metaphor for life, with Old Bill being just one of the many performers in a never-ending show. The picket that Old Bill is tethered to can represent the constraints and limitations that we all face in our lives. And the sound of the fiddle can be seen as a symbol of hope and comfort in the face of adversity.
Themes
So, what are the main themes of "Old Trouper"? At its core, the poem is about aging and mortality. It tells the story of an old elephant who has outlived his usefulness and is now waiting for death. We see how difficult this process is for Old Bill, as he struggles with his physical limitations and the loss of his former life. However, the poem also shows us how the other animals in the circus treat Old Bill with respect and compassion, even in his final moments. This is a testament to the importance of empathy and kindness, even in the face of death.
Another theme in "Old Trouper" is the fleeting nature of life. The circus is a place where performers come and go, and Old Bill is no exception. We see how quickly things can change, and how we must cherish the moments we have while we can. This theme is expressed in the poem's final stanza, where we learn that Old Bill has passed away:
And so in the grey of the morning,
They found him asleep in his chains,
With no more will to travel,
And no more need for pains.
This ending is poignant and powerful, reminding us that life is short and that we must make the most of it while we can.
Interpretation
So, what can we learn from "Old Trouper"? There are several lessons we can take away from this poem, depending on our own perspectives and experiences. Here are a few possible interpretations:
Aging and Mortality
One of the most obvious interpretations of "Old Trouper" is that it is a commentary on aging and mortality. We all grow old and face physical limitations as we age, and this can be a difficult process to go through. Old Bill represents the struggles that many of us face as we get older, and his story can be a reminder to cherish the moments we have while we can.
Compassion and Empathy
Another interpretation of "Old Trouper" is that it is a call for compassion and empathy towards others, especially those who are struggling. The other animals in the circus treat Old Bill with respect and kindness, even in his final moments, and this can be seen as a reminder to treat others with the same level of compassion.
Nostalgia and Regret
Finally, "Old Trouper" can be interpreted as a commentary on nostalgia and regret. As Old Bill sways to the fiddle, we see how he is lost in his own thoughts, perhaps thinking about the life he used to have. This can be a reminder to reflect on our own lives and consider the choices we've made, and the things we might regret later on.
Conclusion
Overall, "Old Trouper" is a powerful and moving poem that uses literary devices such as personification, imagery, and symbolism to tell the story of an aging circus elephant. Through Old Bill's struggles, we see themes of aging, mortality, compassion, and regret, and we are reminded of the importance of cherishing our lives while we can. Robert Service's masterful use of language and storytelling makes "Old Trouper" a classic work of poetry that is sure to resonate with readers for years to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Old Trouper: A Poem of Endurance and Resilience
Robert Service's Old Trouper is a classic poem that speaks to the human spirit's resilience and endurance. The poem tells the story of an old horse, once a proud and powerful stallion, now reduced to a worn-out and tired animal. Despite his age and physical limitations, the old trouper continues to work hard, pulling his weight and doing his job with dignity and pride. The poem is a tribute to the working class, to those who toil day in and day out, often without recognition or appreciation. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem's themes, imagery, and language, and explore its relevance to our lives today.
The poem begins with a vivid description of the old horse, setting the tone for the rest of the piece. The horse is described as "a worn-out, old cab-horse" who "staggered down the street." The use of the word "staggered" immediately conveys the horse's physical weakness and exhaustion. The horse's "ribs were showing through his hide," and "his feet were cracked and sore." These details paint a picture of a horse who has seen better days, a horse who has worked hard and long and is now paying the price for his labor. The use of the word "cab-horse" also suggests that the horse was once a valuable asset, a working animal who was once in demand but is now past his prime.
Despite his physical limitations, the old horse continues to work hard, pulling his weight and doing his job with dignity and pride. The poem describes how the horse "tugged and strained and sweated," but never once complained or gave up. The use of the words "tugged" and "strained" suggests that the horse is working hard, but the use of the word "sweated" suggests that the horse is also suffering. The horse's suffering is further emphasized by the line "his eyes were dim with tears." This line suggests that the horse is not only physically exhausted but also emotionally drained, perhaps feeling the weight of his age and limitations.
The poem's central theme is the resilience and endurance of the human spirit. The old horse is a symbol of the working class, of those who toil day in and day out, often without recognition or appreciation. Despite his physical limitations, the old horse continues to work hard, pulling his weight and doing his job with dignity and pride. The poem suggests that the old horse's endurance and resilience are qualities that we should all aspire to. We should all strive to work hard, to do our jobs with dignity and pride, and to never give up, no matter how difficult the circumstances.
The poem's imagery is also significant. The use of the word "trouper" in the title suggests that the old horse is a performer, someone who has been on stage and knows how to put on a show. The use of the word "cab-horse" suggests that the old horse was once a valuable asset, a working animal who was once in demand but is now past his prime. The use of the words "ribs were showing through his hide" and "his feet were cracked and sore" suggest that the old horse is suffering, that he is paying the price for his labor. The use of the words "tugged" and "strained" suggest that the old horse is working hard, but the use of the word "sweated" suggests that he is also suffering. The horse's suffering is further emphasized by the line "his eyes were dim with tears." This line suggests that the horse is not only physically exhausted but also emotionally drained, perhaps feeling the weight of his age and limitations.
The poem's language is also significant. The use of the word "trouper" in the title suggests that the old horse is a performer, someone who has been on stage and knows how to put on a show. The use of the word "cab-horse" suggests that the old horse was once a valuable asset, a working animal who was once in demand but is now past his prime. The use of the words "ribs were showing through his hide" and "his feet were cracked and sore" suggest that the old horse is suffering, that he is paying the price for his labor. The use of the words "tugged" and "strained" suggest that the old horse is working hard, but the use of the word "sweated" suggests that he is also suffering. The horse's suffering is further emphasized by the line "his eyes were dim with tears." This line suggests that the horse is not only physically exhausted but also emotionally drained, perhaps feeling the weight of his age and limitations.
The poem's relevance to our lives today is significant. The poem speaks to the human spirit's resilience and endurance, qualities that we should all aspire to. We should all strive to work hard, to do our jobs with dignity and pride, and to never give up, no matter how difficult the circumstances. The poem also speaks to the working class, to those who toil day in and day out, often without recognition or appreciation. The poem suggests that we should all appreciate the hard work and sacrifice of those who work hard to make our lives better.
In conclusion, Robert Service's Old Trouper is a classic poem that speaks to the human spirit's resilience and endurance. The poem tells the story of an old horse, once a proud and powerful stallion, now reduced to a worn-out and tired animal. Despite his age and physical limitations, the old trouper continues to work hard, pulling his weight and doing his job with dignity and pride. The poem is a tribute to the working class, to those who toil day in and day out, often without recognition or appreciation. The poem's themes, imagery, and language are significant, and its relevance to our lives today is undeniable. We should all strive to be like the old trouper, to work hard, to do our jobs with dignity and pride, and to never give up, no matter how difficult the circumstances.
Editor Recommended Sites
Learn Snowflake: Learn the snowflake data warehouse for AWS and GCP, course by an Ex-Google engineerMusic Theory: Best resources for Music theory and ear training online
Datascience News: Large language mode LLM and Machine Learning news
Open Source Alternative: Alternatives to proprietary tools with Open Source or free github software
Ocaml Solutions: DFW Ocaml consulting, dallas fort worth
Recommended Similar Analysis
Tony Kytes, The Arch-Deceiver by Thomas Hardy analysisBook Ends by Tony Harrison analysis
Youth and Art by Robert Browning analysis
Child , Child by Sarah Teasdale analysis
Meditations In Time Of Civil War by William Butler Yeats analysis
This Lime-Tree Bower My Prison by Samuel Taylor Coleridge analysis
You Take My Hand by Margaret Atwood analysis
Sonnet CXXX by William Shakespeare analysis
The Blessed Damozel by Dante Gabriel Rossetti analysis
A Drinking Song by William Butler Yeats analysis