'Going Home' by Robert Service


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I'm goin' 'ome to Blighty -- ain't I glad to 'ave the chance!
I'm loaded up wiv fightin', and I've 'ad my fill o' France;
I'm feelin' so excited-like, I want to sing and dance,
For I'm goin' 'ome to Blighty in the mawnin'.

I'm goin' 'ome to Blighty: can you wonder as I'm gay?
I've got a wound I wouldn't sell for 'alf a year o' pay;
A harm that's mashed to jelly in the nicest sort o' way,
For it takes me 'ome to Blighty in the mawnin'.

'Ow everlastin' keen I was on gettin' to the front!
I'd ginger for a dozen, and I 'elped to bear the brunt;
But Cheese and Crust! I'm crazy, now I've done me little stunt,
To sniff the air of Blighty in the mawnin'.

I've looked upon the wine that's white, and on the wine that's red;
I've looked on cider flowin', till it fairly turned me 'ead;
But oh, the finest scoff will be, when all is done and said,
A pint o' Bass in Blighty in the mawnin'.

I'm goin' back to Blighty, which I left to strafe the 'Un;
I've fought in bloody battles, and I've 'ad a 'eap of fun;
But now me flipper's busted, and I think me dooty's done,
And I'll kiss me gel in Blighty in the mawnin'.

Oh, there be furrin' lands to see, and some of 'em be fine;
And there be furrin' gels to kiss, and scented furrin' wine;
But there's no land like England, and no other gel like mine:
Thank Gawd for dear old Blighty in the mawnin'.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Going Home by Robert Service: A Journey Through Nostalgia

If you've ever felt the tug of nostalgia, the bittersweet longing for a past that's gone, then Robert Service's Going Home will resonate with you. This classic poem captures the feeling of returning to a childhood home after years away, and the conflicting emotions that can arise. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we'll explore the themes, imagery, and language of Going Home to understand how Service creates a powerful sense of nostalgia and the human experience.

The Themes of Going Home

Going Home is all about nostalgia, but it's not just a simple longing for the past. Service's poem explores the complex emotions that can arise when we return to a place that was once familiar but is now changed. The speaker is torn between the excitement of seeing his childhood home again and the sadness of realizing that things will never be the same. He remembers the people who once lived there and the experiences he had, but he also recognizes that he can never truly go back to that time.

One of the most striking themes of Going Home is the passage of time. Service uses vivid imagery to convey the changes that have taken place, from the "new barn" that's replaced the old one to the "strange trees" that have grown up in the yard. The speaker realizes that even though he may have memories of this place, it's no longer his home. He's a stranger in a familiar land, and that realization is both exhilarating and painful.

Another theme of Going Home is the power of memory. The speaker recalls the people and events of his childhood with great clarity, and these memories are what draw him back to his old home. But memory is also a double-edged sword. While it can bring us great joy, it can also cause us pain. The speaker remembers the people who are no longer there, like his father and the "girl who loved him," and this realization fills him with grief.

Finally, Going Home is a poem about the human experience. We all have places that hold special meaning for us, whether they're childhood homes, summer camps, or college towns. When we return to these places, we're forced to confront the changes that have taken place, both within ourselves and in the world around us. Service's poem captures this universal experience and reminds us that even though we can never truly go back, we can still hold onto the memories that make these places so important to us.

The Imagery of Going Home

One of the most striking aspects of Going Home is the vivid imagery that Service uses to convey the speaker's emotions. The poem is full of sensory details that evoke a strong sense of place, from the "sunburned hills" to the "smell of hay." Service's use of imagery is particularly effective in conveying the passage of time. The "new barn" and the "strange trees" are symbols of the changes that have taken place, and they remind the speaker that he can never truly go back to the way things were.

Service also uses imagery to convey the speaker's conflicting emotions. The "young girl's face" that he remembers is a symbol of the happiness and innocence of his childhood, but it also reminds him of the loss he's experienced. Similarly, the "wheat straw hair" of his father reminds him of the man he loved and admired, but also of the fact that he's gone forever.

Another striking image in Going Home is the "little stream that sings" in the yard. This stream is a symbol of the continuity of life, and it serves as a reminder that even though things change, some things remain the same. The stream is also a source of comfort for the speaker, and its presence helps to ease the pain he feels at being back in his childhood home.

The Language of Going Home

Service's use of language is another important aspect of Going Home. He employs a simple, direct style that's easy to understand, but he also uses poetry to evoke powerful emotions. The poem is full of vivid verbs and descriptive adjectives that bring the scenes to life, from the "stir of things" in the yard to the "clatter and creak" of the old gate.

One of the most striking aspects of Service's language is his use of repetition. The phrase "going home" is repeated throughout the poem, and this repetition serves to reinforce the central theme of the poem. The repeated phrase becomes a mantra that the speaker uses to remind himself of why he's there and what he hopes to find.

Another notable aspect of Service's language is his use of symbolism. The "new barn" and the "strange trees" are symbols of the changes that have taken place, while the "little stream that sings" is a symbol of continuity and comfort. Service also uses symbolism to convey the speaker's emotions. The "young girl's face" and the "wheat straw hair" of his father are symbols of the happiness and loss that he feels.

Conclusion

In Going Home, Robert Service captures the complex emotions of returning to a childhood home after years away. He uses vivid imagery, powerful language, and evocative symbolism to convey the passage of time, the power of memory, and the universal experience of the human condition. The poem is a reminder that even though we can never truly go back, we can hold onto the memories that make these places so important to us. Whether you've experienced the bittersweet tug of nostalgia or not, Going Home is a poem that's sure to resonate with anyone who's ever longed for a place that's gone forever.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Going Home: A Poem of Reflection and Nostalgia

Robert Service's Going Home is a classic poem that speaks to the heart of anyone who has ever felt the pull of nostalgia and the longing for home. The poem is a beautiful reflection on the journey of life, the memories we make along the way, and the ultimate destination that awaits us all.

At its core, Going Home is a poem about the journey of life. The speaker reflects on the many roads he has traveled, the people he has met, and the experiences he has had. He speaks of the joys and sorrows of life, the highs and lows, and the moments that have shaped him into the person he is today.

The poem is also a meditation on the power of memory. The speaker recalls the sights, sounds, and smells of his childhood home, and the memories flood back to him with a sense of warmth and comfort. He remembers the people he loved, the games he played, and the simple pleasures of life that he took for granted at the time.

As the speaker reflects on his journey, he realizes that he is nearing the end of his life. He knows that he will soon be going home, not just to his childhood home, but to the ultimate home that awaits us all. He speaks of the peace and comfort that he feels knowing that he will soon be reunited with those who have gone before him.

The poem is filled with beautiful imagery that captures the essence of the speaker's journey. The roads he has traveled are described as "winding ways" that lead through "valleys deep" and "mountains high." The memories of his childhood home are described in vivid detail, from the "roses red" in the garden to the "apple tree" in the yard.

One of the most powerful images in the poem is the description of the speaker's ultimate destination. He speaks of a "golden gate" that leads to a "city fair," where he will be reunited with his loved ones. This image is both comforting and inspiring, reminding us that there is a greater purpose to our journey through life.

Going Home is a poem that speaks to the heart of anyone who has ever felt the pull of nostalgia and the longing for home. It reminds us that no matter where life takes us, there is always a place that we can call home. It also reminds us that our journey through life is not just about the destination, but about the memories we make along the way.

In conclusion, Going Home is a beautiful and inspiring poem that captures the essence of the human experience. It speaks to our longing for home, our love of memory, and our ultimate destination. It is a poem that will resonate with readers for generations to come, reminding us of the power of poetry to capture the beauty and complexity of life.

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