'The Mountain And The Lake' by Robert Service
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Rhymes of a Rolling StoneI know a mountain thrilling to the stars,
Peerless and pure, and pinnacled with snow;
Glimpsing the golden dawn o'er coral bars,
Flaunting the vanisht sunset's garnet glow;
Proudly patrician, passionless, serene;
Soaring in silvered steeps where cloud-surfs break;
Virgin and vestal -- Oh, a very Queen!
And at her feet there dreams a quiet lake.My lake adores my mountain -- well I know,
For I have watched it from its dawn-dream start,
Stilling its mirror to her splendid snow,
Framing her image in its trembling heart;
Glassing her graciousness of greening wood,
Kissing her throne, melodiously mad,
Thrilling responsive to her every mood,
Gloomed with her sadness, gay when she is glad.My lake has dreamed and loved since time was born;
Will love and dream till time shall cease to be;
Gazing to Her in worship half forlorn,
Who looks towards the stars and will not see --
My peerless mountain, splendid in her scorn. . . .
Alas! poor little lake! Alas! poor me!
Editor 1 Interpretation
#The Mountain And The Lake: A Tale of Nature and Human Emotions
Are you looking for a poem that speaks to the beauty of nature and the complexity of human emotions? Look no further than "The Mountain And The Lake" by Robert Service, a stunning poem that captures the essence of the natural world and our place within it. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, symbolism, and language used in this classic poem.
##Overview of the Poem
"The Mountain And The Lake" is a narrative poem that tells the story of a mountain and a lake, two natural landscapes that live in harmony. The mountain watches over the lake, providing protection and shelter, while the lake reflects the mountain's beauty and majesty. The poem then shifts to the human emotions of the persona, who is watching the mountain and the lake. The persona is filled with a sense of awe and wonder, but also a sense of melancholy and longing. The poem ends with the persona realizing that he can never truly possess the mountain and the lake, but he can still appreciate their beauty and find solace in their presence.
##Themes
One of the main themes of "The Mountain And The Lake" is the beauty and power of nature. The poem celebrates the natural world and its ability to inspire awe and wonder in the human spirit. The mountain and the lake are depicted as majestic and timeless, existing long before humans and continuing on after we are gone. The persona is humbled by their grandeur and realizes that his own worries and problems are insignificant in the face of such natural beauty.
Another theme of the poem is the relationship between humans and nature. The mountain and the lake are personified, almost as if they are living beings with their own thoughts and feelings. The mountain is a protector and provider, while the lake reflects the mountain's glory. Humans are seen as having a symbiotic relationship with nature, dependent on its resources and replenished by its beauty.
Finally, "The Mountain And The Lake" explores the human experience of longing and melancholy. The persona is filled with a sense of yearning, perhaps for something he cannot name or possess. He is drawn to the mountain and the lake, but he knows that he can never truly possess them. This sense of unattainable beauty and desire is a common human experience and is beautifully captured in the poem.
##Symbolism
The mountain and the lake are powerful symbols in the poem, representing different aspects of nature and the human experience. The mountain is a symbol of strength, stability, and protection. It is a towering presence that shelters the lake and provides a sense of security. The mountain also represents the passage of time and the continuity of nature, existing long before and after humans.
The lake, on the other hand, is a symbol of beauty, reflection, and fluidity. It reflects the mountain's majesty and enhances its beauty. The lake is also a symbol of change and impermanence, constantly shifting and evolving. The lake represents the transience of life and the need to appreciate beauty before it fades away.
The persona is also a symbol of the human experience, representing our emotions, desires, and longings. The persona is drawn to the mountain and the lake, but he knows that he can never truly possess them. He struggles with a sense of melancholy and longing, perhaps longing for something he cannot name or achieve.
##Language
The language used in "The Mountain And The Lake" is simple yet powerful, capturing the beauty and majesty of nature while also conveying the complex emotions of the persona. Service uses vivid and sensory language to bring the natural world to life, describing the mountain as a "towering crest of blue" and the lake as a "gleaming sheet of green." He also uses personification to give the mountain and the lake their own personalities and traits.
The language used to describe the persona's emotions is equally powerful. Service uses phrases such as "aching soul," "yearning heart," and "longing eyes" to convey the persona's sense of melancholy and longing. The persona is filled with a sense of awe and wonder, but also a sense of sadness and regret. Service captures the complexity of human emotions and our relationship with the natural world.
##Conclusion
"The Mountain And The Lake" is a stunning poem that captures the beauty and majesty of nature while also exploring the complexities of human emotions. Through the symbols of the mountain and the lake, the persona's emotions, and the language used throughout, Robert Service creates a powerful and moving poem that speaks to our place in the natural world. Whether you are a nature lover or simply appreciate beautiful poetry, "The Mountain And The Lake" is a must-read.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Mountain And The Lake: A Poetic Masterpiece
Robert Service, the renowned poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his captivating and thought-provoking poems. Among his many works, "The Mountain And The Lake" stands out as a poetic masterpiece that has captured the hearts and minds of readers for generations. In this 2000-word analysis, we will delve deep into the poem's themes, structure, and language to understand why it continues to resonate with readers today.
The poem begins with a vivid description of a mountain and a lake, two natural wonders that stand in stark contrast to each other. The mountain is described as "a mighty monarch throned on high," while the lake is "a mirror at his feet." The imagery is powerful, and it immediately draws the reader into the world of the poem. We can almost see the mountain towering over the lake, casting its shadow over the water below.
As the poem progresses, we learn that the mountain and the lake are not just physical entities but also symbolic representations of two different ways of life. The mountain represents strength, power, and resilience, while the lake represents calmness, serenity, and reflection. The poem explores the tension between these two ways of life and asks the reader to consider which one is more valuable.
The first stanza sets the stage for this exploration by describing the mountain as a "mighty monarch" who "looks down on the world with a lordly air." The language is grandiose and regal, and it emphasizes the mountain's power and dominance. In contrast, the lake is described as "a mirror at his feet," which suggests that it is subservient to the mountain. The language used to describe the lake is more subdued and reflective, which highlights its peaceful nature.
The second stanza continues this exploration by describing the mountain's strength and resilience. The mountain is described as "a fortress that no foe can storm," which suggests that it is impervious to outside forces. The language used to describe the mountain is forceful and commanding, which emphasizes its power. In contrast, the lake is described as "a pool of peace where beauty lingers." The language used to describe the lake is more gentle and calming, which highlights its tranquility.
The third stanza explores the tension between these two ways of life by asking the reader to consider which one is more valuable. The stanza begins with the line, "Which is the finer sight to see?" This question sets up a comparison between the mountain and the lake and asks the reader to consider which one is more beautiful. The stanza goes on to describe the mountain as "a giant grim and awe-inspiring," while the lake is described as "a thing of beauty unsurpassed." The language used to describe the mountain is more ominous and intimidating, while the language used to describe the lake is more delicate and refined.
The fourth stanza continues this exploration by describing the mountain's power and dominance. The mountain is described as "a king who rules a realm of snow," which suggests that it is in control of its environment. The language used to describe the mountain is more authoritative and commanding, which emphasizes its strength. In contrast, the lake is described as "a pool of peace where beauty lingers." The language used to describe the lake is more gentle and calming, which highlights its tranquility.
The fifth stanza brings the poem to a climax by asking the reader to consider which way of life is more valuable. The stanza begins with the line, "But which would you choose if the choice were yours?" This question puts the reader in the position of having to make a decision between the mountain and the lake. The stanza goes on to describe the mountain as "a giant grim and awe-inspiring," while the lake is described as "a thing of beauty unsurpassed." The language used to describe the mountain is more ominous and intimidating, while the language used to describe the lake is more delicate and refined.
The final stanza provides a resolution to the tension between these two ways of life by suggesting that they are both valuable in their own way. The stanza begins with the line, "Yet though to the summit the climber may strain," which suggests that the mountain is still worth climbing despite its challenges. The stanza goes on to describe the lake as "a pool of peace where beauty lingers," which suggests that it is still worth reflecting on despite its calmness. The language used in this stanza is more balanced and even-handed, which emphasizes the poem's message that both ways of life are valuable.
In terms of structure, the poem is written in six stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, which gives the poem a sense of rhythm and flow. The language used in the poem is grandiose and regal, which emphasizes the power and dominance of the mountain. The language used to describe the lake is more subdued and reflective, which highlights its peaceful nature. The contrast between these two ways of life is what gives the poem its tension and makes it so compelling.
In conclusion, "The Mountain And The Lake" is a poetic masterpiece that explores the tension between two different ways of life. The poem uses vivid imagery, powerful language, and a structured rhyme scheme to draw the reader into its world and ask them to consider which way of life is more valuable. Ultimately, the poem suggests that both ways of life are valuable in their own way and that we should strive to find a balance between them. It is a timeless message that continues to resonate with readers today and is a testament to Robert Service's skill as a poet.
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