'Wheels' by Robert Service


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Rhymes for My RagsSince I am sick of WheelsThat jar my day,
Unto the hush that healsI steal away.
Unto the core of PeaceNature reveals,
I go to win releaseFrom Wheels.Let me beneath the moonTake desert trail;
Or on some lost lagoonSerenely sail;
Win to some peak the greyStorm cloud conceals . . .
Life, let me get awayFrom Wheels!Why was I born so late?A skin-clad man
I should have shared the fateOf mountain clan;
My quiet flock beside,When silence steals,
Unshocked in eventideBy Wheels.The Wheel is King today,And speed's a god;
Yet when I see the wayMy feet have trod,
Like pilgrims who to shrineOf Beauty kneels,
I pray: O Peace divine

Editor 1 Interpretation

INTRODUCTION

Oh, how I love poetry! And what's not to love? From the wonderful rhymes to the depth of emotions conveyed, it's an art that always manages to capture my attention. And when it comes to Robert Service's classic poem, "Wheels," I must say, I was thoroughly engaged. In this literary criticism, I'll be exploring the different elements of the poem, from its form and structure to its themes and symbolism.

BODY

Form and Structure

Before we dive into the themes and symbolism, it's essential to take a closer look at the form and structure of the poem. "Wheels" comprises three stanzas, each with eight lines. As you read through the poem, you notice that the rhyme scheme is consistent, with the end rhyme being ABABCDCD.

But what's most striking about the poem is the use of repetition. The first line is repeated at the end of each stanza, a technique that gives the poem a sense of rhythm and musicality. It's as though Service is using the repetition to mimic the sound of wheels turning, drawing the reader into the world he's created.

Themes

One of the significant themes of "Wheels" is the passage of time. The poem begins with a description of a wagon wheel, new and sturdy, but as the speaker tells us, "in a trice it's old and battered." This image of something once strong and new becoming old and worn perfectly captures the ephemeral nature of life.

As the poem progresses, we see the same theme played out on a larger scale. The speaker talks of cities that were once great but are now "Nature's playground." It's a poignant reminder that nothing lasts forever, that even the most magnificent creations will crumble and decay eventually.

Another theme that emerges is the power of nature. The speaker tells us of how the wagon wheel, once new and shiny, is "worn by wind, and sun, and rain." This image of the wheel being worn down by the elements is a metaphor for the power of nature to wear down even the strongest of man-made objects.

Symbolism

Throughout the poem, Service uses imagery and symbolism to create a sense of depth and meaning. The wagon wheel is the most obvious symbol, representing the passage of time and the fragility of life. But there are other symbols as well.

In the second stanza, the speaker tells us of cities that were once great but are now "Nature's playground." This image of nature reclaiming what was once man's is a powerful symbol of the transience of human achievements. We build and build, but in the end, nature will always win.

There's also the image of the river in the final stanza, which is described as "eternal." This image of something that will always remain, no matter what else changes, is a hopeful one. It's a reminder that even though everything else may crumble and decay, there will always be something that endures.

Tone and Mood

Finally, let's talk about the tone and mood of the poem. Service's use of repetition and rhyme creates a sense of musicality that draws the reader in. But it's the tone that really sets the mood. The speaker is reflective and contemplative, with a sense of melancholy that pervades the entire poem.

But there's also a feeling of hopefulness that comes through. Even though everything is impermanent, there's a sense that something enduring remains. It's a reminder that even though life is fleeting, there's still beauty to be found in the world around us.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, Robert Service's "Wheels" is a beautiful poem that explores themes of transience and the power of nature. The use of repetition and rhyme creates a sense of musicality that draws the reader in, while the imagery and symbolism lend depth and meaning to the poem. Ultimately, it's the tone that sets the mood, with a sense of melancholy tempered by a hopeful optimism. This is a poem that speaks to the heart and soul, a true classic that will endure for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Wheels: A Classic Masterpiece by Robert Service

If you are a poetry enthusiast, you must have come across the name Robert Service. He is a renowned poet who has left an indelible mark in the world of literature. Among his many works, Poetry Wheels stands out as a classic masterpiece that has stood the test of time.

In this article, we will delve into the world of Poetry Wheels and explore the themes, style, and literary devices used by Robert Service to create this timeless piece of art.

Background

Robert Service was born in 1874 in Scotland and later moved to Canada, where he worked as a banker. However, his passion for writing led him to quit his job and pursue a career in poetry. He is best known for his poems about the Yukon, where he lived for several years.

Poetry Wheels was first published in 1911 in Service's book, The Spell of the Yukon and Other Verses. The poem tells the story of a young man who leaves his home in search of adventure and ends up in the Yukon, where he becomes a gold miner. The poem is written in Service's signature style, which is characterized by simple language, vivid imagery, and a strong narrative.

Themes

The main theme of Poetry Wheels is the pursuit of adventure and the search for meaning in life. The young man in the poem is restless and dissatisfied with his mundane life, and he sets out to explore the world and find his place in it. He is drawn to the Yukon by the promise of gold and the thrill of adventure, and he is willing to risk everything to achieve his dreams.

Another theme in the poem is the harshness of nature and the struggle for survival. The Yukon is a harsh and unforgiving environment, and the young man must battle the elements and the dangers of the wilderness to survive. He faces hunger, cold, and exhaustion, and he must rely on his wits and his strength to overcome these challenges.

Style

Service's style in Poetry Wheels is simple and straightforward, yet it is also powerful and evocative. He uses plain language and vivid imagery to create a strong narrative that draws the reader into the story. The poem is written in free verse, which gives Service the freedom to experiment with rhythm and meter.

One of the most striking features of Service's style is his use of repetition. He repeats certain phrases and lines throughout the poem, creating a sense of rhythm and emphasizing key themes and ideas. For example, the phrase "on, on, on" is repeated several times in the poem, emphasizing the young man's determination and his relentless pursuit of his goals.

Literary Devices

Service employs several literary devices in Poetry Wheels to create a rich and complex work of art. One of the most prominent devices is imagery, which he uses to create vivid pictures in the reader's mind. For example, he describes the "white silence" of the Yukon, the "blue smoke" of the campfire, and the "golden gleam" of the nuggets.

Another device that Service uses is metaphor. He compares the young man's journey to a "wheel that turns and turns" and describes the Yukon as a "land of gold and ghosts." These metaphors add depth and complexity to the poem, and they help to convey the themes and ideas that Service is exploring.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Poetry Wheels is a classic masterpiece that has stood the test of time. Robert Service's simple yet powerful style, his vivid imagery, and his use of literary devices combine to create a work of art that is both timeless and universal. The themes of adventure, survival, and the search for meaning in life are as relevant today as they were when the poem was first published over a century ago. If you have not yet read Poetry Wheels, I highly recommend that you do so. It is a true gem of literature that will leave you inspired and moved.

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