'The Score' by Robert Service


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Rhymes for My RagsI asked a silver sageWith race nigh run:
'Tell me in old of ageYour wisdom won?'
Said he: 'From fret and strifeAnd vain vexation,
The all I've learned from lifeIs--Resignation.'I asked a Bard who thrummedA harp clay-cold:
'How is your story summedNow you are old?'
Though golden voice was his,And fame had he,
He sighed: 'The finish is--Futility.'I'm old; I have no wealthToil to reward;
Yet for the boon of healthI thank the Lord.
While Beauty I can see,To

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Score: Robert Service's Poetic Exploration of the Human Condition

Robert Service's "The Score" is undoubtedly a poetic masterpiece that captures the very essence of the human condition. With its intricate imagery, vivid language, and powerful message, "The Score" has stood the test of time as a timeless piece of literature that continues to inspire generations of readers.

At its core, "The Score" is a story about life, death, and the choices we make in between. The poem follows the journey of a man who is faced with the ultimate decision of whether to continue on the path of righteousness or to succumb to the temptations of the dark side.

Through the use of powerful metaphors and vivid language, Service paints a vivid picture of the internal struggle that plagues the protagonist. The man is torn between his desire for material wealth and his inherent moral compass. He is constantly tempted by the allure of wealth and power, but at the same time, he is haunted by the fear of death and the consequences of his actions.

"Then it's you will stand the test,
Weighed and measured, proved and tried;
And unless your soul attest,
You are wanting, warped and dyed."

These lines capture the very essence of the poem. They represent the challenge that the man faces as he tries to navigate the complex web of life. The poem is a testament to the human spirit and the power of choice.

Service's use of imagery is also remarkable. He uses various metaphors to illustrate the internal struggle of the protagonist. For instance, he compares the man's moral compass to a "needle" that points him in the right direction, and the temptations of the world to a "magnet" that pulls him towards the dark side.

"Gold! Gold! Gold! Gold!
Bright and yellow, hard and cold;
Molten, graven, hammered and rolled,
Heavy to get and light to hold;
Hoarded, bartered, bought and sold,
Stolen, borrowed, squandered, doled:
Spurned by the young, but hugged by the old
To the very verge of the churchyard mould;
Price of many a crime untold.
Gold! Gold! Gold! Gold!"

These lines represent the lure of wealth and power, and how they can corrupt even the most noble of souls. The man is constantly tempted by the allure of gold, but he is also aware of the consequences of his actions.

In addition, Service's use of language is also noteworthy. He employs a variety of techniques such as alliteration, rhyme, and repetition to create a powerful and evocative poem. The use of repetition in particular, is a recurring theme throughout the poem. Service repeats certain lines and phrases to emphasize the internal conflict of the protagonist.

"Is it famine or greed
That lures you to break your fast?
Is it weed or wine
That sows your reason at last?"

These lines represent the dichotomy that the man faces. He is torn between his desire for material wealth and his inherent moral compass. He is constantly tempted by the allure of wealth and power, but at the same time, he is haunted by the fear of death and the consequences of his actions.

In conclusion, "The Score" is a remarkable piece of literature that captures the very essence of the human condition. Service's use of intricate imagery, vivid language, and powerful message, make this poem a timeless piece of literature that continues to inspire generations of readers. The poem is a testament to the human spirit and the power of choice. It teaches us that we must be mindful of the choices we make in life, and that we must always strive to do what is right, even in the face of adversity.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry has always been a medium of expression that has the power to move people, to inspire them, and to touch their hearts. One such poem that has stood the test of time and continues to do so is Robert Service's "The Score." This classic poem is a masterpiece of storytelling, and its vivid imagery and powerful language make it a timeless work of art.

"The Score" is a narrative poem that tells the story of a man who has spent his life chasing after wealth and success. He has worked hard, made sacrifices, and done everything in his power to achieve his goals. But in the end, he realizes that all his efforts have been in vain, and he has nothing to show for it. The poem is a powerful commentary on the futility of materialism and the importance of living a life that is true to oneself.

The poem begins with the speaker describing the man's life and his relentless pursuit of wealth. The man is described as having "a heart of stone" and being "a slave to greed." He is driven by a desire for success and is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve it. The speaker paints a vivid picture of the man's life, describing his long hours of work, his constant striving, and his never-ending pursuit of wealth.

But despite all his efforts, the man realizes that he has nothing to show for it. He has no friends, no family, and no love in his life. He is alone and empty, and he realizes that all his wealth and success have been meaningless. The speaker describes the man's realization in powerful language, saying that "his heart was like a tomb, / And he knew that he had lost the game, / And he knew that he had lost the score."

The poem is a powerful commentary on the dangers of materialism and the importance of living a life that is true to oneself. The man in the poem has spent his life chasing after wealth and success, but in the end, he realizes that these things are not what truly matter. He has sacrificed everything for his pursuit of material gain, and he has nothing to show for it.

The poem is also a commentary on the human condition and the universal struggle to find meaning and purpose in life. The man in the poem is not just a character, but a representation of all of us. We all have our own struggles and our own desires, and we all face the same questions about the meaning of life. "The Score" is a reminder that the pursuit of material gain is not the answer to these questions, and that true happiness and fulfillment can only be found by living a life that is true to oneself.

In terms of literary devices, "The Score" is a masterclass in the use of imagery and language. The poem is full of vivid descriptions and powerful metaphors that bring the story to life. For example, the man's heart is described as "a stone," which is a powerful metaphor for his lack of emotion and his cold, unfeeling nature. The poem also uses repetition to great effect, with the phrase "he knew that he had lost the score" being repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the man's realization and the poem's central message.

In conclusion, "The Score" is a timeless work of art that continues to resonate with readers today. Its powerful message about the dangers of materialism and the importance of living a life that is true to oneself is as relevant now as it was when the poem was first written. Robert Service's use of imagery and language is masterful, and the poem is a testament to the power of poetry to move and inspire people. "The Score" is a classic poem that deserves to be read and appreciated by generations to come.

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