'The Ordinary Man' by Robert Service
AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay
If you and I should chance to meet,
I guess you wouldn't care;
I'm sure you'd pass me in the street
As if I wasn't there;
You'd never look me in the face,
My modest mug to scan,
Because I'm just a commonplace
And Ordinary Man.
But then, it may be, you are too
A guy of every day,
Who does the job he's told to do
And takes the wife his pay;
Who makes a home and kids his care,
And works with pick or pen. . . .
Why, Pal, I guess we're just a pair
Of Ordinary Men.
We plug away and make no fuss,
Our feats are never crowned;
And yet it's common coves like us
Who make the world go round.
And as we steer a steady course
By God's predestined plan,
Hats off to that almighty Force:
THE ORDINARY MAN.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Extraordinary Ordinary Man: A Literary Criticism of Robert Service's Poem
Have you ever heard of an ordinary man being celebrated in a poem? How can someone so seemingly mundane and unremarkable inspire a writer to pen a tribute? Robert Service's "The Ordinary Man" answers these questions and more, with its poignant portrayal of an unsung hero.
Published in 1933, "The Ordinary Man" is one of Service's lesser-known works, overshadowed by his more famous poems such as "The Cremation of Sam McGee" and "The Shooting of Dan McGrew." However, this poem deserves recognition for its depth of emotion and its ability to capture the essence of everyday life.
Summary
The poem begins with the speaker observing an ordinary man going about his day-to-day activities. He is not wealthy or powerful, but he has a kind heart and is always willing to help those in need. The speaker marvels at how this man, who is not famous or influential, is more worthy of praise than those who are.
As the poem progresses, the speaker delves deeper into the man's character, describing his humble beginnings and his struggles to make ends meet. Despite his hardships, the man remains optimistic and always maintains his integrity.
The poem concludes with the speaker reflecting on the impact that this ordinary man has had on his life. Though he may not have achieved great feats or left behind a lasting legacy, the man has touched the speaker's heart and given him a newfound appreciation for the beauty of everyday life.
Analysis
At first glance, "The Ordinary Man" may seem like a simple tribute to a kind and decent human being. However, upon closer inspection, the poem reveals a much deeper message about the value of ordinary people.
Service uses vivid imagery and descriptive language to paint a portrait of the ordinary man. We learn that he is "no prince in purple nor peacock in pride," but rather a man who wears "humble tweeds" and lives a simple life. The use of these contrasting images highlights the idea that true worth is not measured by material possessions or social status, but rather by one's character and actions.
The speaker's admiration for the ordinary man is evident throughout the poem. He marvels at how the man's "calloused hand can grip" and how he "can see a job through to the end." These qualities, which may seem mundane or insignificant, are actually the traits that make the man truly exceptional.
Service also uses the poem to comment on the fleeting nature of fame and glory. He notes that "we build monuments to dead men's deeds / And fame is as fleeting as flowers." By drawing attention to the temporary nature of fame and the lasting impact of small acts of kindness, Service encourages readers to reevaluate their priorities and recognize the value of everyday heroes.
Interpretation
"The Ordinary Man" is a poem that can be interpreted in many different ways, depending on the reader's perspective. Some may see it as a celebration of the working class, while others may view it as a commentary on the value of humility and integrity. However, one interpretation that stands out is the idea that every individual has the potential to make a difference in the world.
The poem's emphasis on the ordinary man's simple acts of kindness and decency sends a powerful message about the power of small actions. Service reminds us that we don't need to be rich or famous to make a positive impact on the world. By treating others with kindness and respect, we can make a difference in the lives of those around us.
Another theme that emerges from the poem is the idea that happiness and contentment can be found in everyday life. The ordinary man may not have achieved great wealth or fame, but he is content with his life and finds joy in the simple pleasures of nature and human connection. In a world that often prioritizes material possessions and social status, Service reminds us that true happiness can be found in the beauty of everyday life.
Final Thoughts
"The Ordinary Man" is a poem that deserves more recognition for its timeless message about the value of everyday heroes. Robert Service's eloquent language and vivid imagery are a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of the human experience. This poem reminds us that true worth is not measured by wealth or fame, but rather by one's character and actions. It is a tribute to the unsung heroes of the world and an inspiration to all those who seek to make a positive impact on the lives of those around them.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Ordinary Man: A Poem That Celebrates the Unsung Heroes of Society
Robert Service, the renowned poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his works that capture the essence of human emotions and experiences. One of his most celebrated poems, The Ordinary Man, is a masterpiece that celebrates the unsung heroes of society who work tirelessly to make the world a better place. In this article, we will delve into the poem's meaning, symbolism, and significance, and explore why it continues to resonate with readers even after almost a century since its publication.
The Ordinary Man is a poem that tells the story of a man who is not famous, rich, or powerful, but who lives a life of quiet dignity and purpose. The poem begins with the line, "The ordinary man is a hero in disguise," which sets the tone for the rest of the work. Service uses this line to convey the idea that ordinary people, who may not have extraordinary talents or abilities, can still be heroes in their own right.
The poem goes on to describe the ordinary man's daily routine, which involves waking up early, going to work, and coming home to his family. Service uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of the man's life, describing how he "shovels snow in winter, mows the lawn in summer, and rakes the leaves in autumn." These mundane tasks may seem insignificant, but they are essential to the smooth functioning of society.
Service also highlights the man's selflessness and generosity, describing how he "gives his time and money to those in need, without expecting anything in return." This is a crucial aspect of the poem, as it emphasizes the importance of kindness and compassion in our daily lives. The ordinary man may not be a celebrity or a millionaire, but he is rich in the things that truly matter - love, empathy, and generosity.
The poem's central message is that we should not underestimate the power of ordinary people to make a difference in the world. Service writes, "He may not be a king or a millionaire, but he is a hero in his own right." This line encapsulates the poem's theme, which is that heroism is not limited to those who hold positions of power or influence. Anyone can be a hero, regardless of their social status or wealth.
Service also uses symbolism to convey the poem's message. The ordinary man is compared to a "soldier in the ranks," which suggests that he is part of a larger army of unsung heroes who work tirelessly to keep society running smoothly. The soldier metaphor also implies that the ordinary man is engaged in a battle, albeit a peaceful one, against the forces of chaos and disorder.
The poem's significance lies in its ability to inspire readers to appreciate the value of ordinary people in society. It reminds us that we should not take for granted the people who work behind the scenes to make our lives easier. The poem also encourages us to be kind and generous to others, even if we do not expect anything in return.
In conclusion, The Ordinary Man is a timeless poem that celebrates the unsung heroes of society. It reminds us that heroism is not limited to those who hold positions of power or influence, but can be found in the everyday actions of ordinary people. The poem's message of kindness, compassion, and generosity is as relevant today as it was when it was first published almost a century ago. It is a testament to Robert Service's skill as a poet that his words continue to resonate with readers across generations.
Editor Recommended Sites
Prompt Chaining: Prompt chaining tooling for large language models. Best practice and resources for large language mode operatorsLearn Devops: Devops philosphy and framework implementation. Devops organization best practice
Learn Go: Learn programming in Go programming language by Google. A complete course. Tutorials on packages
Ocaml Solutions: DFW Ocaml consulting, dallas fort worth
Coin Exchange - Crypto Exchange List & US Crypto Exchanges: Interface with crypto exchanges to get data and realtime updates
Recommended Similar Analysis
Journey Of The Magi by T.S. Eliot analysisI cannot dance upon my Toes by Emily Dickinson analysis
Crossing The Bar by Alfred Lord Tennyson analysis
Mystification by Edgar Allen Poe analysis
Paradise Lost: Book 03 by John Milton analysis
Ulster by Rudyard Kipling analysis
The Little Vagabond by William Blake analysis
When Earth's Last Picture Is Painted by Rudyard Kipling analysis
Holy Sonnet IV: Oh My Black Soul! Now Art Thou Summoned by John Donne analysis
Sonnet 38 - First time he kissed me, he but only kissed by Elizabeth Barrett Browning analysis