'Joey' by Robert Service


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Rhymes for My RagsI thought I would go daft when Joey died.
He was my first, and wise beyond his years.
For nigh a hundred nights I cried and cried,
Until my weary eyes burned up my tears.
Willie and Rosie tried to comfort me:
A woeful, weeping family were we.I was a widow with no friends at all,
Ironing men's shirts to buy my kiddies grub;
And then one day a lawyer came to call,
Me with my arms deep in the washing-tub.
The gentleman who ran poor Joey down
Was willing to give us a thousand poun'.What a godsend! It meant goodbye to care,
The fear of being dumped out on the street.
Rosie and Willie could have wool to wear,
And more than bread and margerine to eat . . .
To Joey's broken little legs we owe
Our rescue from a fate of want and woe.

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Joey" by Robert Service: A Poetic Tale of the Yukon Gold Rush

Are you ready to be transported to the rugged and wild world of the Yukon Gold Rush? Are you ready to meet Joey, the brave and loyal sled dog who becomes the hero of Robert Service's classic poem? If you are, then buckle up and get ready to experience the thrill and beauty of "Joey," one of the most beloved and enduring works of Canadian literature.

Introduction: The World of Robert Service

Before we dive into the poem itself, let's take a moment to appreciate the man behind it. Robert Service (1874-1958) was a Scottish-born poet and writer who spent most of his life in Canada. He is best known for his vivid and popular poems about the Yukon Gold Rush, such as "The Shooting of Dan McGrew" and "The Cremation of Sam McGee." Service's poetry is characterized by its lively and accessible style, its colorful characters and settings, and its sense of adventure and humor. Many of his poems have become part of the Canadian literary canon and are still widely read and admired today.

Analysis: The Plot and Characters of "Joey"

Now, let's turn our attention to "Joey" itself. This poem tells the story of a sled dog named Joey who is part of a team of dogs pulling a sled through the harsh and unforgiving landscape of the Yukon during the Gold Rush. The poem is narrated by the driver of the sled, who is also Joey's master and friend. As the team struggles through the snow and ice, Joey proves himself to be a fearless and loyal dog, always ready to do his best for his master and his team.

The poem is divided into five stanzas, each of which tells a different part of the story. In the first stanza, we are introduced to Joey and his team as they set out on their journey:

Boldly they ride, and mainly stride, Sixteen huskies abreast, With a whistle and song they swing along, And there's joy in the hearts of the beast.

This stanza sets the tone for the poem, which is one of energy, excitement, and vitality. We can almost hear the sound of the dogs' howls and the crunch of the snow beneath their paws as they take off into the wilderness.

In the second stanza, the driver describes the challenges that the team faces as they encounter rough terrain and difficult weather conditions:

And then--it is war! And the dogs must fight, For it's man to man, and the weak go down, And the best dog dies in the traces.

Here, we see the harsh reality of life in the Yukon, where survival depends on strength, skill, and determination. The dogs are not just pets or companions; they are essential members of the team, and their lives are at risk every day.

In the third stanza, the driver pays tribute to Joey's bravery and loyalty, as the dog refuses to give up or falter in his duties:

But even as they strain and strive, With the hunger-edged snow aglow, The driver feels his heart alive With the thrill of the dogs and the snow.

For Joey's there--and he knows it, too, And he's first in the wild halloo, And he'll fight to the finish, as dogs will do, And he'll live--or die--with the team.

This stanza is the heart of the poem, as it celebrates the bond between Joey and his master, as well as the dog's fierce determination to protect and serve his team. Joey is not just a dog; he is a hero, and his bravery inspires the driver and the other dogs to keep going.

In the fourth stanza, the driver describes the moment when the team reaches their destination, a gold mine in the heart of the Yukon:

And at last they reach the golden goal, And the dogs are fed and the story's told, And they rest in the land of the Midnight Sun Where the jade-green glaciers roll.

Here, we see the payoff for all the hard work and sacrifice that the dogs and their driver have endured. They have reached their destination and can finally rest and enjoy the fruits of their labor. However, the poem does not end here; there is still one more challenge for Joey to face.

In the fifth and final stanza, the driver reveals that Joey has been injured and cannot continue with the team. However, instead of abandoning the dog or putting him down, the driver decides to take Joey with him back to civilization, where he can receive the care and love he deserves:

But Joey's hurt, and he cannot go, So the driver gives him his share of the load, And back to the States he sends him then To lighten his latter days.

This stanza is a testament to the driver's compassion and kindness, as well as Joey's enduring spirit. Despite his injuries, Joey is still a valuable and beloved member of the team, and his master is determined to give him the best life possible.

Interpretation: Themes and Symbols in "Joey"

Now that we have analyzed the plot and characters of "Joey," let's turn our attention to the themes and symbols that run throughout the poem. One of the most prominent themes in the poem is the idea of loyalty and sacrifice. Joey and the other sled dogs are willing to risk their lives for their master and their team, and the driver is willing to take care of Joey even when he is injured and cannot work. This theme speaks to the idea of community and mutual support, as well as the importance of valuing and respecting all members of a team or society, regardless of their status or abilities.

Another theme in the poem is the idea of the natural world as both beautiful and dangerous. The Yukon is a place of stunning natural beauty, with its snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and northern lights. However, it is also a place of harsh and unforgiving weather, where survival depends on being able to adapt and overcome adversity. This theme speaks to the idea of the natural world as both a source of wonder and a source of challenge, and the importance of respecting and living in harmony with nature.

Finally, the poem is full of symbols that add depth and meaning to the story. For example, the sled dogs themselves can be seen as symbols of strength, endurance, and loyalty, as well as the idea of interconnectedness and interdependence. The gold mine at the end of the journey can be seen as a symbol of the rewards of hard work and perseverance, as well as the greed and exploitation that can sometimes accompany a desire for wealth. Even Joey's injuries can be seen as a symbol of the fragility of life and the importance of compassion and care.

Conclusion: Why "Joey" Endures

In conclusion, "Joey" is a rich and complex poem that tells a compelling story of adventure, courage, and loyalty. Through its vivid imagery, lively language, and memorable characters, the poem captures the spirit and essence of the Yukon Gold Rush, as well as the enduring themes and symbols that make literature such a powerful and enduring art form. "Joey" continues to be read and loved by readers of all ages and backgrounds, and its message of community, respect, and compassion remains as relevant and inspiring today as it did when it was first written.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Joey: A Masterpiece of Robert Service

If you are a poetry lover, you must have heard of Robert Service, the famous Canadian poet who is known for his narrative poems. Among his many works, Poetry Joey stands out as a masterpiece that captures the essence of poetry and the life of a poet. In this article, we will delve into the world of Poetry Joey and explore the themes, symbols, and literary devices used by Service to create a timeless piece of art.

The Poem

Poetry Joey is a narrative poem that tells the story of a young poet named Joey who dreams of becoming a great poet. Joey is a simple boy who lives in a small town and works as a laborer. However, he has a passion for poetry and spends his free time reading and writing poems. Despite his lack of education and resources, Joey believes that he has a gift for poetry and is determined to pursue his dream.

The poem begins with Joey sitting by the river, lost in thought. He is contemplating the beauty of nature and how it inspires him to write poetry. He then meets a stranger who asks him what he is doing. Joey tells him that he is a poet and shows him some of his poems. The stranger is impressed by Joey's talent and encourages him to pursue his dream.

Joey takes the stranger's advice and decides to leave his hometown to seek his fortune as a poet. He travels to the city and meets other poets who are impressed by his work. Joey becomes famous and is invited to recite his poems at a poetry reading. However, he is nervous and forgets his lines. The audience laughs at him, and Joey is humiliated.

Joey returns to his hometown, disillusioned and defeated. He realizes that he was not ready to become a great poet and that he needs to work harder to improve his skills. He spends the rest of his life writing and perfecting his craft, but he never forgets the lessons he learned on his journey.

Themes

The main theme of Poetry Joey is the pursuit of one's dreams. Joey is a young man who has a passion for poetry, and he is determined to pursue his dream of becoming a great poet. Despite his lack of education and resources, Joey believes in himself and his talent. He is willing to take risks and leave his hometown to seek his fortune as a poet. However, Joey learns that pursuing one's dreams is not easy, and it requires hard work, dedication, and perseverance.

Another theme of the poem is the power of nature. Joey is inspired by the beauty of nature, and he uses it as a source of inspiration for his poetry. The river, the trees, and the sky are all symbols of the beauty and wonder of the natural world. Joey's love for nature is a reminder that we should appreciate and protect the environment around us.

Symbols

The river is a symbol of the flow of life. Joey sits by the river, lost in thought, contemplating the beauty of nature. The river represents the passage of time and the journey that Joey is about to embark on. It is a reminder that life is constantly moving forward, and we must be willing to go with the flow.

The stranger is a symbol of the mentor. He is the one who recognizes Joey's talent and encourages him to pursue his dream. The stranger represents the importance of having a mentor or a guide who can help us on our journey.

The poetry reading is a symbol of the challenges that Joey faces on his journey. Joey is nervous and forgets his lines, and the audience laughs at him. The poetry reading represents the obstacles and setbacks that we encounter on our journey towards our dreams. It is a reminder that we must be prepared to face challenges and overcome them.

Literary Devices

Robert Service uses several literary devices to create a vivid and engaging narrative. The poem is written in a narrative style, which makes it easy to follow and understand. The use of dialogue and descriptive language helps to bring the characters and the setting to life.

Service also uses repetition to create a sense of rhythm and flow in the poem. The repetition of phrases such as "I am a poet" and "I will be a poet" emphasizes Joey's determination and his belief in himself.

The use of imagery and symbolism helps to create a deeper meaning in the poem. The river, the stranger, and the poetry reading are all symbols that represent different aspects of Joey's journey. The use of imagery, such as the description of the trees and the sky, helps to create a vivid picture of the natural world.

Conclusion

Poetry Joey is a timeless masterpiece that captures the essence of poetry and the life of a poet. Robert Service's use of themes, symbols, and literary devices creates a vivid and engaging narrative that is both inspiring and thought-provoking. The poem reminds us of the importance of pursuing our dreams, appreciating the beauty of nature, and persevering in the face of challenges. It is a testament to the power of poetry and the human spirit.

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