'Winnie' by Robert Service


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Lyrics of a Low BrowWhen I went by the meadow gate
The chestnut mare would trot to meet me,
And as her coming I would wait,
She'd whinney high as if to greet me.
And I would kiss her silky nose,
And stroke her neck until it glistened,
And speak soft words: I don't suppose
She understand - but how she listened!Then in the war-net I was caught,
Returning three black winters older;
And when the little mare I sought
The farmer told me he had sold her.
And so time passed - when in the street
One day I heard a plaintive whinney
That roused a recollection sweet,
So then I turned and there was Winnie.I vow she knew me, mooning there.
She raised her nose for me to fondle,
And though I'd lost an arm I'll swear
She kissed the empty sleeve a-dangle.
But oh it cut me to the heart,
Though I was awful glad to meet her,
For lo! she dragged a tinker's cart
And stumbled weakly as he beat her.Just skin and bone, a sorry hack!
Say, fellow, you may think it funny:I made a deal and bought her back,Though it took all my bonus money.
And she'll be in the meadow there,
As long as I have dough for spending . . .
Gee! I'll take care of that old mare -
"Sweetheart! you'll have a happy ending."

Editor 1 Interpretation

Winnie: A Poem Worth Reading and Analyzing

Are you ready to delve into the world of poetry and discover the fascinating story of Winnie, the titular character of Robert Service's famous poem? If you're a poetry enthusiast or simply someone who enjoys reading stories about animals, then this literary analysis and interpretation is perfect for you. In this 4000-word essay, we will explore the themes, literary devices, and historical context of Winnie, and why it remains a classic work of literature even after almost a century since its publication. So sit back, relax, and let's begin.

Background Information on Robert Service

But first, who is Robert Service, and why is he significant in the world of literature? To answer that, let's take a brief look at his life and career. Robert Service was a Scottish-Canadian poet and novelist born in Preston, Lancashire, England, in 1874. He is best known for his poems about the Yukon and the Klondike Gold Rush, such as "The Cremation of Sam McGee" and "The Shooting of Dan McGrew." Service spent many years traveling and working as a bank clerk, a cowboy, and a war correspondent before settling in France and pursuing a career as a full-time writer. He published many books of poetry and prose, including his autobiography, "Ploughman of the Moon," and a novel, "The Trail of '98." Service died in 1958, leaving behind a legacy of poetry that continues to inspire and entertain readers to this day.

Overview of Winnie

Now back to Winnie. If you haven't read the poem yet, then here's a brief summary of what it's all about. Winnie is a young bear cub who lives in the wilderness with her mother. One day, while playing near a river, she falls asleep and wakes up to find herself alone and lost. She wanders through the forest, encountering various animals and experiencing the dangers and wonders of the wild. Eventually, she finds her way back to her mother's den, where she learns a valuable lesson about the importance of family and home.

Themes in Winnie

At its core, Winnie is a story about survival, self-discovery, and the bond between a mother and child. Through Winnie's journey, we see the challenges and joys of growing up in the wild and the importance of finding one's place in the world. The theme of home and family is also prominent in the poem, as Winnie learns to appreciate the comfort and security of her mother's den after her adventure.

Another key theme in the poem is the concept of wilderness and nature. Service paints a vivid picture of the natural world, with its majestic landscapes, fierce predators, and delicate ecosystems. Through Winnie's encounters with other animals, such as the eagle, the moose, and the rabbit, we see the interconnectedness of all living things and the delicate balance that must be maintained to ensure their survival.

Finally, Winnie also touches on the theme of innocence and the loss of it. We see this in Winnie's character as she ventures out on her own and faces the dangers of the wild. Her experiences force her to grow up quickly and see the world in a different way, as she learns to navigate the challenges of life on her own.

Literary Devices in Winnie

To fully appreciate the beauty and richness of Service's poetry, we need to examine the literary devices he uses to convey his message. Here are some of the most notable ones in Winnie:

Imagery

Service employs vivid imagery throughout the poem to create a sense of place and atmosphere. He describes the wild in evocative terms, using sensory details to bring it to life for the reader. For example, in the third stanza, he writes:

The woods were gaunt and still that day,
The river ran too swift, too gay,
The sun was fierce with Heaven's heat,
I found no berries red and sweet.

Here, Service uses imagery to create a sense of the heat and desolation of the forest, with the sun beating down and the river rushing by. The mention of the lack of berries also reinforces the idea that Winnie is alone and lost, with no sustenance or comfort to be found.

Personification

Service also employs personification to give life to the animals that Winnie encounters on her journey. He imbues them with human-like qualities and emotions, making them more relatable and sympathetic to the reader. For example, in the fourth stanza, he writes:

A rabbit scampered from my view,
And brambles hid a caribou;
An eagle poised on wings of grey,
And sniffed the noontide heat away.

Here, the rabbit and caribou are described as if they are actively avoiding Winnie, while the eagle is personified as if it is taking a break from the heat, like a human would. These touches of anthropomorphism make the animals more engaging and lend an element of whimsy to the poem.

Rhyme and Meter

Service also employs a strict rhyme and meter scheme throughout the poem, with each stanza consisting of four lines that rhyme ABAB. The meter is also relatively regular, with a predominantly iambic rhythm that gives the poem a musical quality. For example, in the first stanza, he writes:

Out of the woods by the creek at the glen,
Where the wild birds sing and the trout leap high,
Where the clustered huckleberries purple and then
The bear comes shuffling down the trail awry.

Here, we can see how the rhyme and meter work together to create a sense of rhythm and flow in the poem. The use of slant and internal rhymes also adds complexity and interest to the verse.

Historical Context of Winnie

Finally, it's worth considering the historical context in which Winnie was written. The poem was first published in 1920, just after the end of World War I. Service, like many writers of the time, was influenced by the war and the societal changes that followed it. In particular, the theme of survival and the need to adapt to new circumstances was common in many works of literature from this period.

Additionally, the setting of the poem, with its focus on the natural world and the struggles of animals, reflects a growing interest in conservation and environmentalism that was emerging in the early 20th century. Winnie can be seen as a reflection of this trend, with its emphasis on the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of preserving the natural world.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Winnie is a timeless work of literature that remains relevant and engaging even after almost a century since its publication. Through its vivid imagery, engaging characters, and thought-provoking themes, Service's poem captures the essence of the wild and the challenges and joys of growing up in it. Whether you're a fan of poetry or simply looking for a great story to read, Winnie is definitely worth your time and attention. So go ahead and give it a try - you won't be disappointed.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Winnie: A Classic Poem by Robert Service

If you are a lover of poetry, then you must have come across the classic poem, Poetry Winnie, written by Robert Service. This poem is a masterpiece that has stood the test of time and continues to inspire generations of poets and poetry enthusiasts. In this article, we will take a detailed look at this poem, its meaning, and the literary devices used by the poet to create a masterpiece.

The poem, Poetry Winnie, is a narrative poem that tells the story of a young poet who is struggling to find inspiration for his poetry. The poet is frustrated and feels that he has lost his touch. He decides to take a walk in the woods to clear his mind and hopefully find inspiration. As he walks, he comes across a beautiful woman named Winnie, who is also a poet. Winnie is able to inspire the young poet and reignite his passion for poetry.

The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with eight lines. The first stanza sets the scene and introduces the protagonist, the young poet. The second stanza introduces Winnie, the woman who inspires the poet. The third stanza concludes the poem and shows the impact that Winnie has had on the poet.

The first stanza begins with the line, "I was a Poet, hungry, and cold." This line sets the tone for the poem and establishes the protagonist's state of mind. The use of the word "hungry" suggests that the poet is not just physically hungry but also hungry for inspiration. The line "I was a Poet" also establishes the poet's identity and sets the stage for the rest of the poem.

The second line of the first stanza, "A scrap of bread was all I could hold," further emphasizes the poet's poverty and desperation. The use of the word "scrap" suggests that the poet is barely surviving and is in dire need of inspiration. The third line, "I was as poor as a poet could be," reinforces the idea that the poet is struggling financially and creatively.

The fourth line of the first stanza, "And so I tramped over the frozen wold," sets the scene and shows the poet's determination to find inspiration. The use of the word "tramped" suggests that the poet is walking with purpose and is willing to go to great lengths to find inspiration.

The second stanza introduces Winnie, the woman who inspires the poet. The first line of the second stanza, "Then I came to a place where the silence was old," sets the scene and creates a sense of mystery. The use of the word "silence" suggests that the poet has entered a place where there is no noise or distraction, which is ideal for finding inspiration.

The second line of the second stanza, "And the wind said, 'Winnie,'" introduces the character of Winnie. The use of personification, where the wind is given human qualities, creates a sense of magic and mystery. The third line, "And I heard no more, but I knew she was there," further emphasizes the mysterious nature of Winnie.

The fourth line of the second stanza, "For I felt her breath on my cheek and hair," creates a sense of intimacy and closeness between the poet and Winnie. The use of the word "breath" suggests that Winnie is close to the poet and is able to inspire him.

The third stanza concludes the poem and shows the impact that Winnie has had on the poet. The first line of the third stanza, "Then I wrote, and the words came out like fire," shows that Winnie has reignited the poet's passion for poetry. The use of the word "fire" suggests that the poet is now writing with intensity and passion.

The second line of the third stanza, "And I wrote till the morn, and I wrote till the night," shows that the poet is now fully immersed in his writing and is no longer struggling to find inspiration. The third line, "And I wrote till my heart was full of light," suggests that the poet has found a sense of joy and fulfillment in his writing.

The final line of the poem, "For Winnie, she taught me to write," shows the impact that Winnie has had on the poet. The use of the word "taught" suggests that Winnie has not just inspired the poet but has also taught him how to write. This line also reinforces the idea that inspiration can come from unexpected sources.

In conclusion, Poetry Winnie is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. The poem tells the story of a young poet who is struggling to find inspiration and is inspired by a mysterious woman named Winnie. The poem is filled with literary devices such as personification, imagery, and symbolism, which create a sense of magic and mystery. The poem is a testament to the power of inspiration and the impact that it can have on a person's life.

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