'Hobo' by Robert Service


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Songs of a Sun-LoverA father's pride I used to know,
A mother's love was mine;
For swinish husks I let them go,
And bedded with the swine.
Since then I've come on evil days
And most of life is hell;
But even swine have winsome ways
When once you know them well.One time I guessed I'd cease to roam,
And greet the folks again;
And so I rode the rods to home
And through the window pane
I saw them weary, worn and grey . . .
I gazed from the garden gloom,
And like sweet, shiny saints were they
Int taht sweet, shiny room.D'ye think I hollored out: "Hullo!"
The prodigal to play,
And eat the fatted calf? Ah no,
I cursed and ran away.
My eyes were blears of whisky tears
As to a pub I ran:
But once at least I beat the beast
And proved myself a man.Oh, some day I am going back,
But I'll have gold galore;
I'll wear a suit of sobber black
And knock upon the door.
I'l tell them how I've made a stake,
We'll have the grandest time. . . .
"

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Poetry of the Hobo: An In-Depth Analysis of Robert Service's Classic

If you're a fan of poetry, then chances are you've heard of Robert Service. But have you heard of his poem "Hobo"? This classic piece of literature is often overlooked in the pantheon of Service's works, but it's a poem that deserves closer examination. In this literary criticism, we'll explore the themes, motifs, and literary devices used by Service to create the world of the hobo, and how it reflects on the human condition.

The World of the Hobo

The first thing that strikes you when reading "Hobo" is the vivid imagery Service uses to describe the life of a hobo. He takes us on a journey through a "land of dust and cactus," where the "sun beats down like a furnace blast." We see the hobo's "ragged clothes" and "grizzled beard," and we can almost feel the heat and the dust on our skin.

Service uses this imagery to create a sense of place, to transport us to a world that's far removed from our own. But it's not just the physical world that he's describing. He's also painting a picture of the hobo's state of mind. We see the "sorrow in his eyes," and we hear the "hopeless sighs" that escape his lips. The hobo is a man who's been beaten down by life, who's lost everything and has nothing left to lose.

The Themes of the Hobo

One of the central themes of "Hobo" is the idea of freedom. The hobo is a man who's chosen to live outside of society's norms, to reject the trappings of a conventional life. He's a man who's free to go wherever he pleases, to live by his own rules. But this freedom comes at a cost. The hobo is also a man who's alone, who has no home, no family, and no friends. This is the paradox of the hobo's life: he's free, but he's also isolated.

Another theme that runs throughout the poem is the idea of survival. The hobo is a man who's learned to survive in a harsh and unforgiving world. He's learned to scavenge for food, to find shelter wherever he can, and to rely on his wits to stay alive. But this survival comes at a cost. The hobo is a man who's always on the move, who never stays in one place for too long. He's a man who's always looking over his shoulder, who's always on the lookout for danger.

The Motifs of the Hobo

One of the most interesting motifs in "Hobo" is the use of trains. Trains are a central part of the hobo's life, and Service uses them to great effect in the poem. We see the hobos "riding the rods," clinging to the sides of trains as they hurtle through the night. We see them "jumping off at sidings," running through the darkness to find a place to rest. Trains represent both the hobo's freedom and his danger. They're a means of escape, but they're also a constant reminder of the dangers that lurk around every corner.

Another motif that runs throughout the poem is the idea of community. Despite the hobo's isolation, he's still part of a larger community. We see this in the way that the hobos share their food and their experiences with each other. We see it in the way that they work together to stay alive. The hobo may be a solitary figure, but he's never truly alone.

The Literary Devices of the Hobo

Service uses a number of literary devices to create the world of the hobo. One of the most striking is his use of rhyme and rhythm. The poem has a strong, driving rhythm that echoes the sound of a train hurtling down the tracks. The use of rhyme gives the poem a sense of cohesion, of all the elements working together to create a whole.

Another literary device that Service uses is repetition. He repeats certain phrases throughout the poem, such as "land of dust and cactus," "riding the rods," and "hopeless sighs." This repetition creates a sense of unity, of all the different parts of the poem working together to create a single, powerful image.

The Human Condition of the Hobo

At its heart, "Hobo" is a poem about the human condition. It's about the struggle to survive in a harsh and unforgiving world. It's about the paradox of freedom and isolation. It's about the importance of community, even in the darkest of times.

Service's poem is a powerful reminder that, no matter how different our lives may be, we all share a common humanity. We all struggle to find meaning in a world that often seems senseless. We all long for freedom, even as we fear the consequences of our choices.

In the end, "Hobo" is a poem that speaks to the best and worst of what it means to be human. It's a poem that challenges us to look beyond our own lives, to see the struggles of others, and to find the common thread that unites us all.

Conclusion

Robert Service's "Hobo" is a classic piece of literature that deserves a place among the great poems of our time. Its vivid imagery, powerful themes, and masterful use of literary devices create a world that's both haunting and beautiful. It's a poem that speaks to the struggles of the human condition, and reminds us that, no matter how different our lives may be, we all share a common humanity. So the next time you're looking for a great poem to read, don't overlook "Hobo." It's a true masterpiece that will stay with you long after you've finished reading it.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Poetry Hobo: A Journey Through the Soul of Robert Service

Robert Service, the renowned poet of the early 20th century, is known for his vivid and captivating poetry that captures the essence of the human experience. One of his most famous works, "The Poetry Hobo," is a masterpiece that takes the reader on a journey through the soul of the poet himself.

The poem tells the story of a hobo who travels from town to town, reciting poetry for a living. The hobo is a symbol of the poet's own life, as Service himself was a wanderer who traveled extensively throughout his life. The poem is a reflection of the poet's own experiences, as well as his thoughts and feelings about life, love, and the human condition.

The poem begins with the hobo arriving in a new town, looking for a place to recite his poetry. He is a man of few possessions, carrying only a battered old guitar and a few tattered books of poetry. He is a solitary figure, wandering through life with no fixed destination or purpose.

As the hobo begins to recite his poetry, the people of the town gather around him, drawn in by the power of his words. The hobo's poetry is raw and honest, reflecting the struggles and joys of life in a way that resonates with the audience. He speaks of love, loss, and the beauty of the natural world, painting vivid pictures with his words.

The hobo's poetry is not just a form of entertainment, but a way of connecting with the people around him. His words touch the hearts of those who listen, bringing them together in a shared experience of the human condition. The hobo is a symbol of the power of poetry to bridge the gaps between people, to bring them together in a shared understanding of the world.

As the hobo continues on his journey, he encounters many different people and experiences. He meets lovers and dreamers, soldiers and sailors, all of whom are touched by his poetry in different ways. Through his encounters, the hobo learns about the diversity of human experience, and the many different ways that people find meaning and purpose in life.

The hobo's journey is not just a physical one, but a spiritual one as well. Through his poetry, he explores the deepest parts of his own soul, confronting his fears and doubts, and finding hope and inspiration in the beauty of the world around him. The hobo is a symbol of the poet's own journey through life, as he seeks to understand the mysteries of existence and find his place in the world.

In the end, the hobo's journey comes full circle, as he returns to the town where he began. But he is not the same man who left, for he has been transformed by his experiences and his poetry. He has found a deeper understanding of himself and the world around him, and he has touched the lives of countless people along the way.

"The Poetry Hobo" is a masterpiece of modern poetry, a work that captures the essence of the human experience in all its complexity and beauty. Through the hobo's journey, Robert Service explores the deepest parts of the human soul, and the power of poetry to connect people and bring them together in a shared understanding of life.

The poem is a testament to the enduring power of poetry, and its ability to touch the hearts and minds of people from all walks of life. It is a work that speaks to the universal human experience, and the many different ways that people find meaning and purpose in life.

In conclusion, "The Poetry Hobo" is a work of art that deserves to be celebrated and cherished for generations to come. It is a testament to the power of poetry to inspire, to connect, and to transform the lives of those who encounter it. Robert Service was a true master of his craft, and his legacy lives on in the timeless beauty of his poetry.

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