'Bank Robber' by Robert Service
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Rhymes for My RagsI much admire, I must admit,The man who robs a Bank;
It takes a lot of guts and grit,For lack of which I thank
The gods: a chap 'twould make of meYou wouldn't ask to tea.I do not mean a burglar coveWho climbs into a house,
From room to room flash-lit to roveAs quiet as a mouse;
Ah no, in Crime he cannot rankWith him who robs a Bank.Who seemeth not to care a whoopFor danger at its height;
Who handles what is known as 'soup,'And dandles dynamite:
Unto a bloke who can do thatI doff my bowler hat.I think he is the kind of stuffTo be a mighty man
In battlefield,--aye, brave enoughThe Cross Victorian
To win and rise to high command,A hero in the land.What General with all his swank
Has guts enough to rob a Bank!
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Bank Robber" by Robert Service: A Detailed Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Oh, what a thrilling poem "Bank Robber" by Robert Service is! This is a gripping account of a man who turns to crime and the consequences of his actions. Service's use of language is truly remarkable, and he masterfully captures the essence of human emotions, motivations, and guilt. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the various literary devices and techniques that Service uses to make this poem such a masterpiece.
The Poem's Structure and Form
First of all, let's examine the poem's structure and form. "Bank Robber" is written in four stanzas, each consisting of six lines. The rhyme scheme is AABBCC, which gives the poem a sing-song quality. However, this is not a lighthearted poem, and the rhyme scheme helps emphasise the feeling of inevitability and the fact that the bank robber cannot escape justice. Additionally, the poem is written in a simple and straightforward language, which makes the narrative of the poem more accessible to the reader.
The simplicity of the poem's language is also reflected in the metre. "Bank Robber" consists mostly of iambic tetrameter, which is a rhythmic pattern of four iambs per line. The iambic tetrameter gives the poem a steady and predictable rhythm, which creates a sense of tension and suspense, mirroring the tension the bank robber must be feeling as he contemplates his next move.
Imagery and Metaphors
One of the most striking features of "Bank Robber" is the vivid and powerful imagery that Service uses throughout the poem. For example, in the first stanza, he paints a picture of the bank robber entering the bank with his "rifle at his hip", and "the sweat upon his brow". This imagery immediately creates a sense of danger and tension, making the reader feel as if they are right there with the robber. The various images of the bank robber's actions and the reactions of the people around him create a sense of physicality that makes the poem come alive.
Service also uses metaphors to great effect in "Bank Robber". For example, in the second stanza, he likens the bank robber to a "wild beast" that has been "trapped in a cage". This metaphor emphasises the sense of desperation and hopelessness that the bank robber is feeling, and it also highlights the fact that he is not in control of his own fate. The use of metaphors throughout the poem gives the reader a deeper understanding of the bank robber's mindset and motivations, making his plight all the more compelling.
The Theme of Justice
One of the main themes of "Bank Robber" is the idea of justice. Service presents the bank robber as a man who has made a choice to break the law, and the consequences of his actions are inevitable. In the third stanza, Service writes, "So he fought with the best that was in him / Bravely he fought to the end / But the law is the law, and they got him / With a price on his head, my friend". This stanza summarises the theme of the poem – no matter how hard the bank robber tries, he cannot escape the consequences of his actions.
The theme of justice is also reflected in the language and imagery that Service uses. For example, in the fourth stanza, he writes, "And the judge said, 'This man must hang' / But in his heart he knew / The law is a funny business / And the law gets most of its due". The use of the word "hang" creates a sense of finality and inevitability, and the fact that the judge "knew" that the law would prevail suggests that justice is not always fair, but it is always final.
The Role of Fate
Another important theme of "Bank Robber" is the role of fate in our lives. Service suggests that the bank robber is not entirely in control of his own destiny, and that fate has played a significant role in his life. For example, in the second stanza, he writes, "He could have been a builder / He could have been a clerk / But he was born a little bit crooked / And he couldn't keep away from the work". This stanza highlights the fact that the bank robber's actions were not entirely his own choice, but were influenced by his upbringing and circumstances.
The idea of fate is also reflected in the poem's structure and form. The rhyme scheme and metre create a sense of predictability and inevitability, suggesting that the bank robber's fate was sealed from the moment he decided to rob the bank. The use of metaphors and vivid imagery also emphasise the idea that the bank robber was not entirely in control of his own fate, but was influenced by external forces.
The Bank Robber's Psychology
Finally, let's examine the psychology of the bank robber. Service presents the bank robber as a complex and multifaceted character, with a range of emotions and motivations. He is not just a criminal, but a man who is struggling with his own identity and place in the world. For example, in the first stanza, Service writes, "He looked like any other man / And he looked a royal king / As he walked out with the money / It was just like taking candy from a kid". This stanza highlights the fact that the bank robber is not a stereotypical criminal, but a man who is struggling with his own identity and place in the world.
The bank robber's psychology is also reflected in the poem's form and structure. The steady and predictable rhythm of the poem suggests that the bank robber is struggling to come to terms with his own fate, and is trying to find a way out of his predicament. The use of vivid imagery and metaphors also emphasise the bank robber's internal struggles, and make his plight all the more compelling.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Bank Robber" is a truly remarkable poem that explores a wide range of themes and ideas. Service's use of language, imagery, and metaphors creates a vivid and powerful narrative that draws the reader in and makes them feel as if they are right there with the bank robber. The themes of justice and fate, as well as the bank robber's complex psychology, make this poem a masterpiece of modern literature. If you haven't read "Bank Robber" yet, I highly recommend that you do – it's a thrilling and thought-provoking poem that will stay with you long after you've finished reading it.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Bank Robber: A Classic Tale of Crime and Rhyme
Robert Service's "Poetry Bank Robber" is a classic poem that tells the story of a daring criminal who robs a bank with nothing but his wit and his way with words. With its catchy rhymes and vivid imagery, this poem has captured the imagination of readers for generations, and continues to be a beloved piece of literature to this day.
The poem begins with the introduction of the bank robber himself, a man who is described as "a poet by trade, but a robber by whim." This sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it becomes clear that this is not your typical bank robbery story. Instead, we are introduced to a character who is both cunning and creative, using his poetic skills to outsmart the authorities and make his escape.
The first stanza of the poem sets the scene for the robbery itself, as the bank robber enters the bank and begins to recite a poem to the teller. The poem is a cleverly crafted piece of verse that serves as a distraction while the robber makes his move. The teller is so entranced by the poem that she doesn't even notice the robber slipping a note across the counter, demanding all the money in the bank.
The second stanza of the poem describes the aftermath of the robbery, as the bank robber makes his escape and the authorities begin to search for him. Here, we see the true genius of the bank robber's plan, as he has left behind a series of clues that will lead the police on a wild goose chase. The clues are all in the form of poems, each one leading to the next, and each one more cryptic than the last.
The third stanza of the poem brings us to the climax of the story, as the bank robber is finally caught by the police. But even in his capture, the bank robber remains defiant, reciting a final poem that serves as a testament to his cleverness and his love of the poetic form.
So what makes "Poetry Bank Robber" such a beloved piece of literature? For one thing, it's the sheer creativity of the poem itself. The idea of a bank robber who uses poetry as his weapon is a truly unique concept, and one that captures the imagination of readers. But it's not just the concept that makes the poem so great - it's also the way that Service executes it.
Service's use of rhyme and meter in the poem is masterful, creating a sense of rhythm and flow that draws the reader in and keeps them engaged. The poem is also full of vivid imagery, from the "jingle of gold" to the "clatter of feet" as the police give chase. These details help to bring the story to life, making it feel like a real event that the reader is witnessing firsthand.
But perhaps the most compelling aspect of "Poetry Bank Robber" is the character of the bank robber himself. Despite his criminal actions, the bank robber is portrayed as a sympathetic figure, a man who is driven by his love of poetry and his desire for adventure. He is not a typical villain, but rather a complex and multi-dimensional character who is both flawed and fascinating.
In conclusion, "Poetry Bank Robber" is a classic poem that continues to captivate readers to this day. With its clever concept, masterful execution, and compelling characters, it is a true masterpiece of literature. Whether you're a fan of poetry, crime stories, or just great storytelling in general, this poem is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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