'Young Fellow My Lad' by Robert Service


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Rhymes of a Red Cross Man"Where are you going, Young Fellow My Lad,On this glittering morn of May?"
"I'm going to join the Colours, Dad;They're looking for men, they say."
"But you're only a boy, Young Fellow My Lad;You aren't obliged to go."
"I'm seventeen and a quarter, Dad,And ever so strong, you know."* * * *"So you're off to France, Young Fellow My Lad,And you're looking so fit and bright."
"I'm terribly sorry to leave you, Dad,But I feel that I'm doing right."
"God bless you and keep you, Young Fellow My Lad,You're all of my life, you know."
"Don't worry. I'll soon be back, dear Dad,And I'm awfully proud to go."* * * *"Why don't you write, Young Fellow My Lad?I watch for the post each day;
And I miss you so, and I'm awfully sad,And it's months since you went away.
And I've had the fire in the parlour lit,And I'm keeping it burning bright
Till my boy comes home; and here I sitInto the quiet night.* * * *"What is the matter, Young Fellow My Lad?No letter again to-day.
Why did the postman look so sad,And sigh as he turned away?
I hear them tell that we've gained new ground,But a terrible price we've paid:
God grant, my boy, that you're safe and sound;
But oh I'm afraid, afraid."* * * *"They've told me the truth, Young Fellow My Lad:You'll never come back again:
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Editor 1 Interpretation

Young Fellow My Lad: An Interpretation and Literary Criticism

Oh, what a poem! Young Fellow My Lad by Robert Service is a literary masterpiece that speaks about the beauty of youth and the inevitability of old age. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, imagery, and literary devices used in the poem, as well as its historical context and relevance to modern readers.

Background Information

First published in 1916, Young Fellow My Lad is a poem by Robert Service, a Canadian poet known for his narrative poems about the Yukon and the Klondike Gold Rush. Service wrote the poem during the First World War, and it was included in his book Rhymes of a Red Cross Man, which features poems he wrote while serving as an ambulance driver in France.

The poem is a tribute to youth, and it is said to have been inspired by Service's experience of working with young soldiers who were sent to fight in the war. The poem's message is simple and timeless: enjoy your youth while you can because old age will eventually catch up with you.

Themes

The central theme of Young Fellow My Lad is the beauty and transience of youth. The poem celebrates the energy, vitality, and unbridled optimism of youth, and it laments its passing. Through the use of vivid imagery and metaphorical language, Service paints a picture of youth as a fleeting moment, a precious gift that should be cherished and savored.

Another theme that runs through the poem is the inevitability of old age and death. Service reminds us that no matter how young and vibrant we are, we are all destined to grow old and die. The poem serves as a poignant reminder of our mortality and the importance of living our lives to the fullest while we can.

Imagery

Service uses vivid and evocative imagery to create a powerful and lasting impression on the reader. He describes youth as a "flame" that burns brightly and fiercely, illuminating the darkness of the world. He also paints a picture of youth as a "flower" that blooms in the springtime, only to wither and fade away as the seasons change.

The imagery of the poem is both beautiful and haunting, and it serves to reinforce the central message of the poem. Service encourages us to appreciate the beauty and vitality of youth while we can, and to realize that it will not last forever.

Literary Devices

Service uses a variety of literary devices to convey his message and create a sense of urgency and poignancy in the poem. One of the most notable literary devices used in the poem is metaphor. Service compares youth to a flame, a flower, and a bird to evoke a sense of energy, beauty, and fragility.

He also uses repetition to emphasize the central message of the poem. The phrase "Young fellow my lad" is repeated throughout the poem, serving as a reminder of the poem's purpose and message. Additionally, Service uses rhyme and rhythm to create a musical and lyrical quality to the poem, making it both memorable and emotionally resonant.

Historical Context

The poem was written during a time of great upheaval and uncertainty, both for Service personally and for the world at large. The First World War was raging, and Service had volunteered as an ambulance driver to help with the war effort. He witnessed firsthand the horrors of war and the toll it took on young men.

The poem can be interpreted as a response to the war and the senseless loss of life it caused. Service was urging young men to enjoy their youth while they could and to recognize the preciousness of life. He was also mourning the loss of youth and the inevitability of death, which must have been particularly poignant given the circumstances in which he was living and working.

Relevance to Modern Readers

Despite being written over a century ago, Young Fellow My Lad remains relevant today. The poem's message about the beauty and transience of youth is timeless and universal, and it speaks to readers of all ages and backgrounds. In a world where the cult of youth is celebrated, Service's poem serves as a reminder of the importance of aging gracefully and embracing the wisdom and experience that comes with age.

The poem is also a reminder of the dangers of war and the toll it takes on young people. In a world where conflicts rage on, Young Fellow My Lad serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of peace.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Young Fellow My Lad is a powerful and moving poem that celebrates the beauty and vitality of youth while acknowledging its transience. Through vivid imagery, metaphorical language, and literary devices, Service creates a lasting impression on the reader and reinforces the central message of the poem.

The poem's relevance to modern readers is undeniable, and its message about the importance of living our lives to the fullest and embracing the wisdom and experience that comes with age is as important today as it was over a century ago. Robert Service's Young Fellow My Lad is truly a literary masterpiece that will continue to inspire and resonate with readers for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Young Fellow My Lad: An Ode to Youth and Adventure

Robert Service's "Young Fellow My Lad" is a classic poem that celebrates the spirit of youth and adventure. Written in 1912, the poem captures the essence of a young man's journey through life, from his carefree days of childhood to his eventual realization of the harsh realities of the world. With its vivid imagery and powerful message, "Young Fellow My Lad" remains a timeless ode to the joys and challenges of growing up.

The poem begins with a nostalgic tone, as the speaker addresses a young man and reminisces about his own youth. He tells the lad to "come along with me," and promises to show him "the ways of the world." The speaker's tone is one of excitement and anticipation, as he looks forward to sharing his experiences with the young man. He encourages the lad to "take a chance," and to "see what you can do." This sense of adventure and risk-taking is a central theme of the poem, as the speaker urges the young man to embrace life and all its challenges.

As the poem progresses, the speaker describes the various stages of the young man's journey. He speaks of the "days of your youth," when the lad was carefree and innocent, and "the world was a rose." This idyllic image is contrasted with the harsh realities of adulthood, as the speaker warns the young man of the dangers and hardships that lie ahead. He speaks of the "battles to fight," and the "storms to weather," and urges the lad to be brave and strong in the face of adversity.

Despite these challenges, however, the speaker remains optimistic and hopeful. He tells the young man that "life is a gamble," and that he must be willing to take risks and seize opportunities. He encourages the lad to "play the game," and to "never say die." This sense of resilience and determination is a key theme of the poem, as the speaker emphasizes the importance of perseverance and hard work in achieving one's goals.

Throughout the poem, Service uses vivid imagery and powerful metaphors to convey his message. He speaks of the "golden chance" that awaits the young man, and compares life to a "race" that must be run. He describes the "mountains to climb," and the "rivers to cross," and uses these images to symbolize the challenges and obstacles that the young man will face on his journey. These metaphors are powerful and evocative, and help to bring the poem to life.

In addition to its themes of adventure and perseverance, "Young Fellow My Lad" also touches on the theme of mortality. The speaker reminds the young man that "life is a fleeting shadow," and that he must make the most of his time on earth. He urges the lad to "live while you live," and to "seize the day." This sense of urgency and impermanence is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life, and adds depth and complexity to the poem.

In conclusion, Robert Service's "Young Fellow My Lad" is a classic poem that celebrates the spirit of youth and adventure. With its powerful message of resilience and determination, and its vivid imagery and metaphors, the poem remains a timeless ode to the joys and challenges of growing up. Whether read as a nostalgic reflection on the past, or as a call to action for the future, "Young Fellow My Lad" continues to inspire and uplift readers of all ages.

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