'The Three Voices' by Robert Service


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The Spell of the Yukon and Other VersesThe waves have a story to tell me,As I lie on the lonely beach;
Chanting aloft in the pine-tops,The wind has a lesson to teach;
But the stars sing an anthem of gloryI cannot put into speech.The waves tell of ocean spaces,Of hearts that are wild and brave,
Of populous city places,Of desolate shores they lave,
Of men who sally in quest of goldTo sink in an ocean grave.The wind is a mighty roamer;He bids me keep me free,
Clean from the taint of the gold-lust,Hardy and pure as he;
Cling with my love to nature,As a child to the mother-knee.But the stars throng out in their glory,And they sing of the God in man;
They sing of the Mighty Master,Of the loom his fingers span,
Where a star or a soul is a part of the whole,And weft in the wondrous plan.Here by the camp-fire's flicker,Deep in my blanket curled,
I long for the peace of the pine-gloom,When the scroll of the Lord is unfurled,
And the wind and the wave are silent,And world is singing to world.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Three Voices by Robert Service: A Masterpiece of Poetic Narration

Have you ever come across a poem that seems to speak to you on a deeper level? One that evokes emotions you did not know existed within you? Robert Service's "The Three Voices" is one such poem. It is a masterpiece of poetic narration that explores the complexity of the human psyche and the battle between our inner voices. In this literary criticism, we will delve into the nuances of this timeless piece of poetry and analyze the various literary devices that Service employs to create a rich and vivid narrative.

About the Poem

"The Three Voices" is a narrative poem that tells the story of a man who is torn between three voices in his head. Each voice represents a different aspect of his personality and urges him to follow a different path in life. The first voice is that of his "heart," which represents his desires and passions. The second voice is that of his "head," which represents his logic and reason. The third voice is that of his "soul," which represents his moral compass and his sense of right and wrong.

Throughout the poem, the man struggles to decide which voice to listen to. He is torn between his desire for pleasure and his sense of duty. The poem ends on a hopeful note, with the man realizing that he must listen to all three voices and find a balance between them.

Themes and Analysis

The Three Voices: The poem's title itself is a reflection of its central theme. It is a study of the human psyche and the conflict between our desires, logic, and moral compass. The three voices represent the different aspects of our personality that are constantly in conflict with each other. Service uses this conflict to explore the complexities of the human mind and the choices we make in life.

Internal Struggle: The poem presents a vivid portrayal of the internal struggle that the man is going through. He is torn between his desire for pleasure and his sense of duty. This struggle is something that we can all relate to, as we face similar conflicts every day. The poem highlights the importance of finding a balance between our desires and our sense of responsibility.

Choice: The poem is ultimately about choice. The man must choose which voice to listen to, and this choice will determine the course of his life. Service uses this to illustrate the power of choice and how it can shape our destiny. The poem is a reminder that we are in control of our own lives, and it is up to us to make the right choices.

Language: Service's use of language is a key element in the poem's impact. He employs vivid imagery and powerful metaphors to bring the narrative to life. The language is simple and direct, yet it conveys a depth of emotion and meaning that is truly remarkable. The poem is a testament to Service's skill as a wordsmith.

Literary Devices

Metaphor: Service employs metaphors to create a rich and vivid narrative. For example, he describes the man's heart as a "wild bird" and his head as a "stern, grey hawk." These metaphors evoke powerful images and help to convey the conflict between the man's desires and his sense of duty.

Personification: The poem is full of personification, with the three voices being given human-like qualities. The heart is described as a "rebel," the head as a "judge," and the soul as a "saint." This personification helps to create a sense of individuality for each voice and makes them more relatable to the reader.

Imagery: Service uses imagery to create a vivid picture of the man's internal struggle. For example, he describes the heart's desires as a "purple flame" and the soul's voice as a "golden bell." These images are powerful and help to convey the intensity of the man's emotions.

Repetition: The poem makes use of repetition to create a sense of rhythm and emphasis. For example, the phrase "Three voices in my mind" is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the central theme and the conflict that the man is experiencing.

Rhyme: The poem is written in rhyme, with each stanza following an ABAB rhyme scheme. This helps to create a sense of flow and continuity throughout the narrative.

Conclusion

"The Three Voices" is a masterpiece of poetic narration that explores the complexity of the human psyche and the battle between our inner voices. Robert Service's use of language, metaphor, and imagery create a vivid and powerful narrative that speaks to readers on a deep and emotional level. The poem is a reminder that we are in control of our own lives and that the choices we make determine our destiny. It is a timeless piece of poetry that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Three Voices: A Poem That Resonates Through Time

Robert Service, the famous Scottish-Canadian poet, is known for his ability to capture the essence of human emotions and experiences in his poetry. One of his most famous works, "The Three Voices," is a poem that has resonated with readers for over a century. This poem is a masterpiece of storytelling, with its vivid imagery and powerful message. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, structure, and literary devices.

The poem begins with the speaker hearing three voices in his mind, each representing a different aspect of his personality. The first voice is the voice of the "I," the ego, which represents the speaker's desires and ambitions. The second voice is the voice of the "Me," the conscience, which represents the speaker's moral compass. The third voice is the voice of the "Myself," the soul, which represents the speaker's innermost thoughts and feelings.

The first stanza sets the tone for the poem, with the speaker describing the three voices as "three ghosts" that haunt him. The use of the word "ghosts" creates a sense of unease and suggests that the speaker is struggling with his inner demons. The second stanza introduces the three voices, with the "I" voice declaring that it wants to "live and love and be loved." This voice represents the speaker's desire for pleasure and fulfillment.

The third stanza introduces the "Me" voice, which warns the "I" voice that its desires are selfish and will lead to pain and regret. The "Me" voice represents the speaker's conscience, which is trying to guide him towards the right path. The fourth stanza introduces the "Myself" voice, which is described as "a still small voice that clings." This voice represents the speaker's innermost thoughts and feelings, which are often drowned out by the louder voices of the ego and conscience.

The fifth and sixth stanzas describe the struggle between the three voices, with the "I" voice and the "Me" voice arguing back and forth. The "I" voice insists that it wants to live life to the fullest, while the "Me" voice warns of the consequences of selfishness. The seventh stanza introduces a new character, the "Master," who is described as "a wise old man." This character represents the speaker's higher self, the part of him that is capable of making wise decisions.

The eighth and ninth stanzas describe the "Master" voice, which advises the speaker to listen to all three voices but to ultimately follow the guidance of the "Me" voice. The "Master" voice represents the speaker's intuition, which is capable of seeing the bigger picture and making wise decisions. The final stanza concludes the poem with the speaker acknowledging the wisdom of the "Master" voice and vowing to follow its guidance.

The structure of the poem is simple but effective. The use of three voices creates a sense of conflict and tension, which is resolved by the introduction of the "Master" voice. The repetition of the phrase "I said to my myself" at the beginning of each stanza creates a sense of rhythm and unity, tying the poem together.

The poem is also rich in literary devices. The use of personification, with the three voices being described as "ghosts," "a still small voice," and a "wise old man," creates a sense of depth and complexity. The use of metaphor, with the "I" voice being compared to a "wild bird," and the "Me" voice being compared to a "wise old tree," creates vivid imagery and helps to convey the different personalities of the three voices.

The poem also contains several themes that are relevant to the human experience. The conflict between the ego and conscience is a common theme in literature, and "The Three Voices" explores this theme in a unique and powerful way. The poem also explores the idea of intuition and the importance of listening to one's inner voice. The "Master" voice represents the speaker's intuition, which is often ignored in favor of the louder voices of the ego and conscience.

In conclusion, "The Three Voices" is a poem that has stood the test of time. Its powerful message and vivid imagery have resonated with readers for over a century, and its themes are still relevant today. The poem is a masterpiece of storytelling, with its simple but effective structure and rich use of literary devices. It is a poem that reminds us of the importance of listening to our inner voice and making wise decisions.

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