'Madam La Maquise' by Robert Service


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Said Hongray de la Glaciere unto his proud Papa:
"I want to take a wife mon Père," The Marquis laughed: "Ha! Ha!
And whose, my son?" he slyly said; but Hongray with a frown
Cried, "Fi! Papa, I mean - to wed, I want to settle down."
The Marquis de la Glaciere responded with a smile;
"You're young my boy; I much prefer that you should wait awhile."
But Hongray sighed: "I cannot wait, for I am twenty-four;
And I have met my blessed fate: I worship and adore.
Such beauty, grace and charm has she, I'm sure you will approve,
For if I live a century none other can I love."
"I have no doubt," the Marquis shrugged, "that she's a proper pet;
But has she got a decent dot, and is she of our set?"
"Her dot," said Hongray, "will suffice; her family you know.
The girl with whom I fain would splice is Mirabelle du Veau."

What made the Marquis start and stare, and clutch his perfumed beard?
Why did he stagger to a chair and murmur: "As I feared?"
Dilated were his eyes with dread, and in a voice of woe
He wailed: "My son, you cannot wed with Mirabelle du Veau."
"Why not? my Parent," Hongray cried. "Her name's without a slur.
Why should you look so horrified that I should wed with her?"
The Marquis groaned: "Unhappy lad! Forget her if you can,
And see in your respected Dad a miserable man."
"What id the matter? I repeat," said Hongray growing hot.
"She's witty, pretty, rich and sweet... Then- mille diables!- what?"
The Marquis moaned: "Alas! that I your dreams of bliss should banish;
It happened in the days gone-by, when I was Don Juanish.
Her mother was your mother's friend, and we were much together.
Ah well! You know how such things end. (I blame it on the weather.)
We had a very sultry spell. One day, mon Dieu! I kissed her.
My son, you can't wed Mirabelle. She is... she is your sister."

So broken-hearted Hongray went and roamed the world around,
Till hunting in the Occident forgetfulness he found.
Then quite recovered, he returned to the paternal nest,
Until one day, with brow that burned, the Marquis he addresses:
"Felicitate me, Father mine; my brain s in a whirl;
For I have found the mate divine, the one, the perfect girl.
She's healthy, wealthy, witching, wise, with loveliness serene.
And Proud am I to win a prize, half angel and half queen."
"'Tis time to wed," the Marquis said, "You must be twenty-seven.
But who is she whose lot may be to make your life a heaven?"
"A friend of childhood," Hongray cried. "For whom regard you feel.
The maid I fain would be my bride is Raymonde de la Veal."

The Marquis de la Glaciere collapsed upon the floor,
And all the words he uttered were: "Forgive me, I implore.
My sins are heavy on my head. Profound remorse I feel.
My son, you simply cannot wed with Raymonde de la Veal."
Then Hongray spoke voice that broke, and corrugated brow:
"Inform me, Sir, why you demur. What is the matter now?"
The Marquis wailed: "My wicked youth! Ah! how it gives me pain.
But let me tell the awful truth, my agony explain...
A cursed Casanova I; a finished flirt her mother;
And so alas! it came to pass we fell for one another:
Our lives were blent in bliss and joy, The sequel you may gather:
You cannot wed Raymonde, my boy, because I am...her father."

Again sore-stricken Hongray fled, and sought his grief to smother,
And as he writhed upon his bed to him there came his Mother.
The Marquise de la Glaciere was snowy-haired and frigid.
Her wintry featured chiselled were, her manner stiff and rigid.
The pride of race was in her face, her bearing high and stately,
And sinking down by Hongray's side she spoke to him sedately:
"What ails you so, my precious child? What throngs of sorrow smite you?
Why are your eyes so wet and wild? Come tell me, I invite you."
"Ah! if I told you, Mother dear," said Hongray with a shiver,
"Another's honour would, I fear, be in the soup forever."
"Nay trust," she begged, "My only boy, the fond Mama who bore you.
Perhaps I may, your grief alloy. Please tell me, I implore you."

And so his story Hngray told, in accents choked and muffled.
The Marquise listened calm and cold, her visage quite unruffled.
He told of Mirabelle du Veau, his agony revealing.
For Raymonde de la Veal his woe was quite beyond concealing.
And still she sat without a word, her look so high and haughty,
You'd ne'er have thought it was her lord who had behaved so naughty.
Then Hongray finished up: "For life my hopes are doomed to slaughter;
For if I choose another wife, she's sure to be his daughter."
The Marquise rose. "Cheer up," said she, "the last word is not spoken.
A Mother cannot sit and see her boy's heart rudely broken.
So dry your tears and calm your fears; no longer need you tarry;
To-day your bride you may decide, to-morrow you may marry.
Yes, you may wed with Mirabelle, or Raymonde if you'd rather...
For I as well the truth may tell...Papa is not your father."

Editor 1 Interpretation

Madam La Maquise: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Madam La Maquise is a classic poem written by Robert Service, a renowned poet and writer known for his narrative ballads. The poem is set in France during the reign of Louis XIV and tells the story of a beautiful and proud lady who falls in love with a poor soldier. The poem is a masterpiece of literary expression, using vivid imagery and symbolism to create a powerful narrative. This literary criticism and interpretation explores the various elements of the poem, including its themes, imagery, symbolism, and structure.

Analysis of Themes

Madam La Maquise is a poem that explores various themes, including love, pride, class, and power. At its core, the poem is a love story that highlights the power of love to overcome social and economic barriers. The poem depicts the love between Madam La Maquise, a wealthy and powerful lady, and a lowly soldier who is unable to provide her with the luxuries she is accustomed to.

The poem also explores the theme of pride, as Madam La Maquise is depicted as a proud and vain woman who is unwilling to accept the limitations of her social status. Her pride is evident in the way she treats the soldier, whom she sees as unworthy of her love. However, as the poem progresses, Madam La Maquise's pride is slowly eroded, and she learns to appreciate the soldier for who he is, rather than what he can provide for her.

Another theme that is explored in the poem is the theme of class and power. The poem depicts the stark contrast between the wealthy and powerful Madam La Maquise and the poor soldier. It highlights the social and economic barriers that exist between the two and the challenges that they face in trying to bridge the gap.

Analysis of Imagery and Symbolism

The poem is rich in imagery and symbolism, which is used to create a vivid and powerful narrative. The imagery is used to create a sense of the setting, the characters, and the emotions that they experience. For example, the description of Madam La Maquise's "gleaming coach" and her "rich brocade" dress creates a vivid image of her wealth and power.

Similarly, the description of the soldier's "threadbare coat" and his "rusty sword" creates an image of his poverty and lowly status. The use of the imagery helps to reinforce the themes of class and power that are explored in the poem.

The poem is also rich in symbolism, which is used to convey deeper meanings and emotions. For example, the soldier's sword is a symbol of his bravery and his willingness to fight for what he believes in. The sword is also a symbol of his loyalty and devotion to Madam La Maquise, as he is willing to risk his life to protect her honor.

Madam La Maquise's dress is also a symbol, representing her vanity and pride. Her dress is described as "rich brocade," which is a luxurious and expensive fabric. The use of the symbolism helps to convey the themes of pride and vanity that are explored in the poem.

Analysis of Structure

The poem is structured as a narrative ballad, which is a form of poetry that tells a story. The narrative ballad is characterized by its use of repetition, rhyme, and meter, which help to create a sense of rhythm and momentum.

The poem is written in quatrains, with each stanza consisting of four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, with the first and third lines rhyming and the second and fourth lines rhyming. The use of the rhyme scheme helps to create a sense of unity and cohesion in the poem.

The meter of the poem is iambic tetrameter, which means that each line consists of four iambs. The use of the meter helps to create a sense of rhythm and momentum, which drives the narrative forward.

Interpretation

Madam La Maquise is a classic poem that explores various themes, including love, pride, class, and power. The poem is a masterpiece of literary expression, using vivid imagery and symbolism to create a powerful narrative. The poem is structured as a narrative ballad, which is characterized by its use of repetition, rhyme, and meter, which help to create a sense of rhythm and momentum.

The poem is a tale of love between two individuals who come from vastly different backgrounds. It highlights the power of love to overcome social and economic barriers and the challenges that individuals face when trying to bridge the gap between different classes.

The poem also explores the theme of pride, highlighting the dangers of vanity and arrogance. Madam La Maquise's pride is slowly eroded as she learns to appreciate the soldier for who he is, rather than what he can provide for her.

In conclusion, Madam La Maquise is a classic poem that is rich in imagery, symbolism, and themes. It is a powerful narrative that explores the complexities of love, pride, class, and power. The poem is a testament to Robert Service's skill as a poet and writer and remains a beloved classic to this day.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Madam La Maquise: A Classic Poem by Robert Service

Robert Service, the renowned poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his captivating and thought-provoking poems. One such poem that has stood the test of time is "Madam La Maquise." This poem is a masterpiece that captures the essence of love, passion, and betrayal. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, literary devices, and the poet's message.

The poem "Madam La Maquise" is a narrative poem that tells the story of a French noblewoman who falls in love with a young man. The poem is set in the 18th century, a time when France was known for its aristocracy and lavish lifestyle. The poem begins with the introduction of Madam La Maquise, a beautiful and wealthy woman who is admired by many. She is described as a woman who "had a manner of serene command" and "a face like a benediction." The poet's use of imagery here is striking, as he paints a picture of a woman who is not only beautiful but also powerful.

The poem then introduces the young man who catches Madam La Maquise's eye. He is described as a "gallant youth" who is "fair and slim and tall." The poet's use of alliteration here creates a sense of rhythm and flow, adding to the poem's musicality. Madam La Maquise falls deeply in love with the young man, and they begin a passionate affair. The poet's use of language here is sensual, as he describes their love as "a flame that burned too bright to last."

However, their love is short-lived, as the young man betrays Madam La Maquise by stealing from her. The poet's use of irony here is poignant, as the young man's actions are in stark contrast to the love they shared. Madam La Maquise is heartbroken by the betrayal, and the poem ends with her lamenting her loss.

The themes of love, passion, and betrayal are central to the poem "Madam La Maquise." The poem explores the intensity of love and the pain of betrayal. Madam La Maquise's love for the young man is all-consuming, and the poet's use of language creates a sense of passion and desire. However, the young man's betrayal shatters Madam La Maquise's world, and the poem ends on a note of sadness and regret.

The poet's use of literary devices is also noteworthy in "Madam La Maquise." The use of imagery, alliteration, and irony adds depth and meaning to the poem. The poet's use of imagery creates vivid pictures in the reader's mind, bringing the characters and their emotions to life. The use of alliteration creates a sense of rhythm and flow, adding to the poem's musicality. The use of irony is also powerful, as it highlights the contrast between the characters' actions and their emotions.

The message of "Madam La Maquise" is a timeless one. The poem explores the complexities of love and the pain of betrayal. It reminds us that love can be both beautiful and destructive, and that betrayal can shatter even the strongest of bonds. The poem also highlights the power dynamics at play in relationships, as Madam La Maquise's wealth and status give her a sense of power over the young man.

In conclusion, "Madam La Maquise" is a classic poem that captures the essence of love, passion, and betrayal. The poem's themes, literary devices, and message make it a timeless piece of literature that continues to resonate with readers today. Robert Service's masterful use of language and imagery creates a vivid and powerful picture of love and loss, reminding us of the complexities of the human heart.

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