'The Bulls' by Robert Service


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Lyrics of a Low BrowSix bulls I saw as black as jet,
With crimsoned horns and amber eyes
That chewed their cud without a fret,
And swished to brush away the flies,
Unwitting their soon sacrifice.It is the Corpus Christi

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Bulls by Robert Service: An Analysis of the Poem that Celebrates the Beauty and Bravery of the Bullfight

Are you ready to take a journey into the world of poetry? Do you want to explore the words and images that can transport you to another time, another place, and another culture? If so, then come with me and let's dive into the rich and complex poem that is "The Bulls" by Robert Service.

First published in 1916, "The Bulls" is a celebration of the bullfight, a centuries-old tradition that has inspired artists, writers, and spectators alike. Service, who was known for his vivid and dramatic poems about life in the Canadian wilderness, turns his attention to the sun-drenched landscapes of Spain and the spectacle of the bullring. In doing so, he captures the essence of this ancient sport, with its pageantry, its danger, and its raw emotional power.

At the heart of "The Bulls" is the figure of the bull itself, a fierce and majestic creature that embodies both beauty and terror. Service describes the bull with a mixture of awe and respect, admiring its strength, its agility, and its sheer animal vitality. He writes:

They're off! And who'll deny the thrill Of that great charge, all fire and will, When, midst the feverish cheers and cries, With flying mane and flashing eyes, The bull comes thundering down the arena, A mighty monarch, fierce and proud and fine, The darling of the Spanish serena That worships at his shrine.

Here, Service captures the excitement and energy of the bull's charge, as it hurtles down the arena towards its opponent. He also emphasizes the bull's regal bearing, its noble spirit, and its central role in Spanish culture. For the people of Spain, the bull is not just an animal but a symbol of their national identity, and the bullfight is a ritual that embodies their deepest values and traditions.

Yet, at the same time, Service acknowledges the darker side of the bullfight, the violence and bloodshed that lie at its core. He describes the moment when the matador strikes the fatal blow and the bull falls to the ground, its lifeblood staining the sand. He writes:

The sword sinks deep, the blade is driven Home to the hilt... the beast is riven... The hot blood spurts... and then the pallor Spreads o'er the eye... and the great valor Is gone... and death is there.

Here, Service confronts the reality of the bullfight, the fact that it is a brutal and often cruel spectacle, in which animals are pitted against human beings in a contest of strength and skill. He does not shy away from the violence of the scene but rather presents it in all its stark and terrible reality.

Yet, despite his recognition of the bullfight's darker side, Service ultimately celebrates its beauty, its drama, and its emotional power. He portrays the bullfight as a kind of dance, a choreographed ritual that blends artistry and athleticism. He writes:

Oh, it's a game of skill and art, And every movement plays its part, And every feint and every pace Is meant to lend a certain grace To that great drama of the bullfight.

Here, Service emphasizes the grace and beauty of the bullfight, its intricate choreography and its artistic flourishes. He suggests that, in its own way, the bullfight is a form of art, a performance that requires both physical prowess and creative expression.

Overall, "The Bulls" is a complex and multi-layered poem that explores the beauty and brutality of the bullfight. It celebrates the majesty of the bull, the skill of the matador, and the passion of the Spanish people, while also acknowledging the violence and death that lie at the heart of the spectacle. It is a poem that captures the essence of a culture and a tradition, and that reminds us of the power of poetry to transport us to new and unfamiliar worlds. So, come with me and let's celebrate the beauty and bravery of the bullfight, as we journey through the vivid and evocative words of Robert Service's "The Bulls."

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry has the power to transport us to different worlds and evoke a range of emotions. One such poem that has stood the test of time is "The Bulls" by Robert Service. This classic piece of literature is a thrilling account of a bullfight, and it captures the essence of the sport in a way that few other poems have managed to do.

At its core, "The Bulls" is a poem about courage and bravery. The bullfighters in the poem are portrayed as fearless warriors who are willing to risk their lives for the sake of entertainment. The poem begins with a description of the bulls themselves, and Service does an excellent job of capturing their power and majesty. He writes, "The bulls are in the plaza, / And oh! but they are grand, / Broad of horn and deep of chest, / With necks like muscle-trees."

The bulls are not just animals in this poem; they are almost mythical creatures, with a strength and ferocity that is both awe-inspiring and terrifying. The bullfighters, on the other hand, are mere mortals, but they are no less impressive. Service describes them as "daring men with hearts of steel, / Who play a game of death."

The poem is structured in a way that mimics the ebb and flow of a bullfight. It begins with a sense of anticipation and excitement, as the bulls are led into the arena. The crowd is described as "mad with joy," and the atmosphere is electric. As the bullfighters enter the ring, the tension builds, and the poem becomes more intense.

Service does an excellent job of describing the action in the ring. He captures the movements of the bulls and the bullfighters in vivid detail, and his use of language is both poetic and visceral. He writes, "The bull comes on like thunder, / His eyes are balls of fire, / His horns are sharp as razors, / And he never seems to tire." The bullfighters, meanwhile, are described as "nimble as a cat," and their movements are graceful and precise.

As the poem progresses, the danger and excitement increase. The bullfighters are repeatedly thrown to the ground, and the bulls seem to be getting stronger and more aggressive. Service captures the sense of chaos and unpredictability that is inherent in a bullfight, and he does so in a way that is both thrilling and terrifying.

Despite the danger, the bullfighters remain resolute. They are determined to win the battle, no matter the cost. Service writes, "They'll never flinch or falter, / They'll never turn their back, / They'll fight until they're carried out, / Or else the bull is slack." This sense of determination and bravery is what makes the poem so powerful. It is a celebration of the human spirit, and of our ability to face our fears and overcome them.

In conclusion, "The Bulls" is a classic poem that captures the essence of a bullfight in a way that few other works of literature have managed to do. It is a thrilling and visceral account of a dangerous and exciting sport, and it is a celebration of courage and bravery. Robert Service's use of language is both poetic and powerful, and his ability to capture the movements and emotions of the bullfighters and the bulls is truly remarkable. If you have never read "The Bulls," I highly recommend that you do so. It is a masterpiece of poetry that is sure to leave you breathless and inspired.

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