'Striving' by Robert Service


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Songs of a Sun-LoverStriving is life, yet life is striving;
I fight to live, yet live to fight;
The vital urge is in my driving,
Yet I must drive with all my might:
Each day a battle, and the fray
Stoutly renewed the coming day.A am myself - yet when I strive
I build a self that's truer, higher;
I keep my bit of God alive
And forgive me in heroic fire:
What if my goal I never gain -
Better to toil than to attain.It is not what I do or make,
It is the travail of my trying;
The aim, the effort and the ache
Is in the end my glorifying:
Through triumph I may never see,
The will to win is victory.Striving is strength: with all that's in me
I will not falter in the fray;
And though no shining crown it win me,
I'll fight unto my latest day:
Strive on! - and though I win no place,
Uphold the spirit of the race.Behold yon peaks that mock my climbing. . . .
I peer from out the dusty plain;
Dark falls, the mission bells are chiming
As on to starry heights I strain;
Despite the night up, up I plod
To gain the golden meads of God.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Striving: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Introduction

Robert Service's "Striving" is a powerful poem that captures the essence of human perseverance and the importance of never giving up. The poem is a testament to the human spirit and its ability to overcome adversity, no matter how challenging the obstacles may seem. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the various themes and literary devices used in "Striving" and how they contribute to the poem's overall meaning and impact.

Overview

"Striving" is a narrative poem that tells the story of a man who has faced numerous challenges in his life, but refuses to give up. The poem is divided into four stanzas, each of which describes a different stage in the man's life. The first stanza opens with the man as a young boy, dreaming of a better life. The second stanza describes his struggles as a young man, facing poverty and hardship. The third stanza details his successes and failures as he strives to achieve his goals. The final stanza concludes with the man's realization that his life has been worth the struggle, and that he has achieved something of value.

Themes

One of the main themes in "Striving" is perseverance. The poem highlights the importance of never giving up, even in the face of adversity. The man in the poem faces numerous challenges, but he never loses sight of his goal. He continues to work hard and strive towards his dreams, no matter how difficult the journey may be. This theme is reinforced throughout the poem with phrases such as "against the odds" and "never faltered".

Another important theme in the poem is the idea of self-reliance. The man in the poem is portrayed as someone who is able to rely on himself and his own abilities to overcome obstacles. He doesn't wait for someone else to come and save him or to solve his problems. Instead, he takes matters into his own hands and works hard to achieve his goals. This theme is highlighted in the third stanza, where the man is described as being "master of his fate" and " captain of his soul".

Literary Devices

Service uses a variety of literary devices to enhance the poem's impact and meaning. One of the most notable devices is imagery. The poem is full of vivid descriptions that paint a picture in the reader's mind. For example, in the second stanza, the man is described as "drudging through the murk and mire". This image of someone struggling through difficult conditions conveys the man's hardship and struggle.

Another literary device used in the poem is repetition. Throughout the poem, certain phrases and words are repeated, such as "striving" and "fighting". This repetition serves to reinforce the poem's themes of perseverance and determination.

The poem also makes use of metaphors and personification. In the second stanza, the man is described as being "buffeted by fate's unfeeling hand". This metaphor compares fate to a person who is actively trying to harm the man. In the third stanza, the man is described as being "the master of his fate" and "the captain of his soul". This personification gives agency to the man's struggle, and reinforces the theme of self-reliance.

Interpretation

"Striving" is a poem that speaks to the human experience of struggle and perseverance. The man in the poem faces numerous challenges, but he never gives up. His determination and self-reliance are admirable qualities that we all can strive towards.

The poem can also be interpreted as a commentary on the idea of the American dream. The man in the poem is striving towards a better life, and he achieves it through hard work and persistence. This idea of the American dream - that anyone can achieve success through hard work - is a prominent theme in American culture.

Finally, "Striving" can also be interpreted as a celebration of the human spirit. The man in the poem faces difficult challenges and obstacles, but he never loses hope. He continues to strive towards his goals, and in the end, he realizes that his life has been worth the struggle. This message of hope and resilience is a powerful one that resonates with readers of all ages and backgrounds.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Striving" is a poem that captures the essence of human perseverance and determination. It is a celebration of the human spirit, and a reminder that no matter how difficult the journey may be, we should never give up on our dreams. The poem's themes of perseverance and self-reliance are reinforced through the use of vivid imagery, repetition, and metaphors. "Striving" is a timeless poem that continues to inspire readers today, and reminds us of the power of the human spirit.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Striving: An Analysis of Robert Service's Classic Poem

Robert Service's poem "Poetry Striving" is a classic piece of literature that captures the essence of the creative process. The poem is a celebration of the struggle that poets go through to create something beautiful and meaningful. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem to understand its significance and impact.

Themes

The central theme of "Poetry Striving" is the creative process. Service portrays the act of writing poetry as a struggle, a battle between the poet's desire to express themselves and the limitations of language. The poem is a celebration of the poet's perseverance and determination to create something beautiful despite the obstacles they face.

Another theme that emerges from the poem is the idea of inspiration. Service suggests that inspiration is not something that comes easily or naturally. Instead, it is something that must be sought after and fought for. The poet must be willing to put in the work and effort to find inspiration and turn it into something meaningful.

Imagery

Service uses vivid imagery throughout the poem to convey the struggle of the creative process. He describes the poet as a "warrior" who must "wrestle with words" and "fight with phrases" to create something beautiful. This imagery creates a sense of tension and conflict, emphasizing the difficulty of the creative process.

Service also uses natural imagery to convey the idea of inspiration. He describes the poet as a "hunter" who must "track the elusive muse" and "snare the fleeting thought." This imagery suggests that inspiration is something that is not easily captured, but must be pursued with determination and skill.

Language

Service's use of language in "Poetry Striving" is particularly noteworthy. He employs a variety of poetic techniques, including alliteration, repetition, and metaphor, to create a sense of rhythm and musicality in the poem.

For example, in the opening lines of the poem, Service uses alliteration to create a sense of momentum and energy:

Poetry, the quest for truth,
In yon green field of endless youth
With starry flowers bedecked,
That truth eternal might be checked.

This use of alliteration creates a sense of movement and excitement, drawing the reader into the poem and setting the tone for the rest of the piece.

Service also uses repetition to emphasize the central themes of the poem. The phrase "Poetry striving" is repeated throughout the poem, creating a sense of unity and coherence. This repetition emphasizes the idea that the act of writing poetry is a struggle, but one that is ultimately rewarding and fulfilling.

Finally, Service uses metaphor to convey the complexity of the creative process. He describes the poet as a "warrior" and a "hunter," emphasizing the idea that writing poetry is a battle that requires skill, determination, and perseverance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Robert Service's poem "Poetry Striving" is a powerful celebration of the creative process. Through vivid imagery and poetic language, Service captures the struggle and beauty of writing poetry. The poem is a testament to the perseverance and determination of poets, who must wrestle with words and phrases to create something beautiful and meaningful. Ultimately, "Poetry Striving" is a timeless piece of literature that speaks to the universal human experience of creativity and inspiration.

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