'Careers' by Robert Service
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Rhymes for My RagsI knew three sisters,--all were sweet;Wishful to wed was I,
And wondered which would mostly meetThe matrimonial tie.
I asked the first what fate would sheWish joy of life to bring to her.
She answered: 'I would like to beA concert singer.'I asked the second, for my mindWas set on nuptial noosing,
Unto what lot was she inclinedIf she could have the choosing?
Said she: 'For woman I can seeNo fortune finer,
Than to go in for Art and beA dress designer.'With heavy heart I asked the thirdWhat was her life ambition;
A maiden she in look and wordOf modest disposition.
'Alas, I dearly wish,' said she,'My aims were deeper:
My highest hope it is to beA good house-keeper.'Which did I choose? Look at my home,--The answer's there;
As neat and sweet as honeycomb,With children fair.
And so it humbly seems to me,In common life,
A woman's glory is to beA good house-wife.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Careers by Robert Service: A Journey Through Life's Choices
As human beings, we are all faced with the inevitable task of making choices that determine the course of our lives. From the mundane to the life-changing, these choices shape our individual journeys and determine the paths we take. In his poem "Careers," Robert Service delves into the theme of choices and their consequences, weaving a tale of four individuals who each take a different path in life. Through vivid imagery and poignant language, Service invites readers to consider the complex nature of decision-making and the impact it has on our lives.
Overview of the Poem
"Careers" is a narrative poem that tells the story of four individuals who each pursue a different career path. The poem is divided into four stanzas, with each stanza dedicated to one of the characters. The first character is a lawyer, the second a soldier, the third a doctor, and the fourth a priest. Each character is introduced with a brief description of their chosen profession, followed by a portrayal of their life and eventual fate.
The poem begins with the lawyer, who is described as a "grave old cove" who spends his days "drawing deeds and pleadings." Despite his respectable profession, the lawyer is portrayed as a lonely and unhappy individual who "dies with all his music in his heart." The second character is a soldier who "fights for England's glory" and "wins his way to fame." However, his success is short-lived, as he is killed in battle and "buried where the guns have roared."
The third character is a doctor who "heals the sick and dying" and is praised by all for his skills. However, in his pursuit of success, the doctor becomes "a slave to his ambition" and "dies a wreck, with nothing left." The final character is a priest who "guides his flock in meekness" and is revered by all for his wisdom. The priest spends his life in service to others and "dies in peace, leaving a shining name."
At its core, "Careers" is a cautionary tale about the consequences of the choices we make in life. Through its portrayal of the four characters, the poem suggests that success and happiness are not necessarily synonymous and that the pursuit of one often comes at the expense of the other. Service invites readers to consider the importance of balancing ambition with contentment and to reflect on the impact of our choices on our individual journeys.
Interpretation of the Poem
On a surface level, "Careers" is a simple story about four individuals who each pursue a different career path. However, on a deeper level, the poem is a commentary on the human condition and the complexities of decision-making. Through its portrayal of the four characters, Service invites readers to consider the different factors that influence our choices in life and the impact those choices have on our happiness and fulfilment.
The lawyer, for example, is portrayed as a respectable but unhappy individual who dies with "all his music in his heart." The use of the phrase "all his music" is significant, as it suggests that the lawyer has a creative and artistic side to him that he never fully explores due to his commitment to his profession. This portrayal invites readers to consider the importance of pursuing one's passions and the potential consequences of not doing so.
Similarly, the soldier is portrayed as a character who achieves fame and glory but ultimately pays the ultimate price for his success. The phrase "buried where the guns have roared" is a haunting reminder of the cost of war and the toll it takes on individuals and society as a whole. Through this portrayal, Service invites readers to consider the importance of valuing human life and the potential consequences of pursuing power and success at any cost.
The doctor, meanwhile, is portrayed as a character who becomes a "slave to his ambition" and ultimately dies a "wreck" with "nothing left." This portrayal is a poignant reminder of the dangers of unchecked ambition and the potential harm it can cause. Through this portrayal, Service invites readers to consider the importance of finding balance in one's career and the potential consequences of neglecting one's personal life and well-being.
Finally, the priest is portrayed as a character who dedicates his life to serving others and leaves behind a "shining name." This portrayal is a reminder of the potential impact of selfless service and the importance of pursuing a career that is meaningful and fulfilling. Through this portrayal, Service invites readers to consider the importance of finding purpose in one's career and the potential consequences of pursuing success at the expense of one's values and beliefs.
Analysis of the Poem
One of the most striking aspects of "Careers" is its use of vivid imagery and poetic language to convey its message. The opening line, for example, sets the tone for the poem with its use of the phrase "grave old cove." This phrase immediately conjures up an image of a sombre and serious individual, setting the stage for the poem's exploration of the complexities of decision-making.
Throughout the poem, Service uses a range of poetic techniques to convey his message. One particularly effective technique is the use of repetition, which is used to emphasise key themes and ideas. The phrase "dies with all his music in his heart," for example, is repeated in the first and third stanzas, underscoring the importance of pursuing one's passions and the potential consequences of not doing so.
Service also makes use of symbolism to convey his message. The soldier, for example, is buried "where the guns have roared," a symbolic reminder of the cost of war and the potential consequences of pursuing power and success at any cost. Similarly, the doctor is portrayed as a "slave to his ambition," a metaphorical reminder of the dangers of unchecked ambition and the potential harm it can cause.
Finally, it is worth noting the structure of the poem itself, with each character introduced in a separate stanza. This structure serves to underscore the individuality of each character and the uniqueness of their journeys. It also serves to emphasise the poem's overarching message about the importance of individual choice and the impact that those choices have on our lives.
Conclusion
In "Careers," Robert Service offers readers a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of decision-making and the impact of our choices on our individual journeys. Through its vivid imagery, poignant language, and striking symbolism, the poem invites readers to consider the importance of finding balance in one's career and the potential consequences of pursuing success at any cost. Ultimately, the poem serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the importance of finding purpose and meaning in one's life.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Careers: A Classic by Robert Service
Poetry has always been a medium of expression for people across the globe. It is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions, inspire change, and leave a lasting impact on its readers. Robert Service, a renowned poet, captures the essence of poetry in his classic work, Poetry Careers. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of this masterpiece and explore the themes and messages that Service conveys through his words.
The poem begins with a simple yet powerful statement, "I shall not rest quiet in Montparnasse." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Service expresses his desire to make a mark in the world of poetry. He acknowledges that the road to success in this field is not an easy one, but he is determined to pursue it nonetheless. This determination is evident in the lines, "I shall not lie easy under grass/ With dreaming poets when they pass." Service is not content with being just another poet; he wants to be remembered for his work and his contribution to the field.
The poem then takes us on a journey through the various stages of a poet's career. Service describes the initial struggles that a poet faces in the lines, "I shall not go softly into the night/ Like a poet hidden in the light." He acknowledges that poetry is not a lucrative career, and many poets struggle to make ends meet. However, he also emphasizes that this struggle is what makes a poet's work authentic and meaningful. Service believes that a poet's struggles and experiences shape their work and give it depth and substance.
As the poem progresses, Service explores the different paths that a poet can take in their career. He describes the poet who "sings of love and wine" and the one who "sings of war and strife." Service acknowledges that there is no one right way to be a poet, and each poet must find their own voice and style. He also emphasizes that a poet's work should be honest and true to their experiences and beliefs.
Service then goes on to describe the rewards of a successful poetry career. He talks about the fame and recognition that comes with being a renowned poet, but he also emphasizes that these rewards are not the end goal. Service believes that the true reward of a poetry career is the impact that a poet's work has on its readers. He describes the power of poetry in the lines, "But if my verse is living, it will/ Flame back to warm some lonely heart." Service believes that poetry has the power to connect people and inspire change, and this is the ultimate reward for a poet.
The poem ends with a powerful statement, "I shall not rest quiet in Montparnasse." Service reiterates his determination to make a mark in the world of poetry and be remembered for his work. He acknowledges that the road to success is not an easy one, but he is willing to face the challenges and overcome them.
In conclusion, Poetry Careers is a classic work that captures the essence of poetry and the struggles and rewards of a poetry career. Service's words are powerful and inspiring, and they resonate with anyone who has ever pursued a passion or a dream. The poem emphasizes the importance of authenticity and honesty in a poet's work and the impact that poetry can have on its readers. Service's message is timeless and relevant even today, and it serves as a reminder to all aspiring poets to stay true to themselves and their craft.
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