Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Call of the Wild" is a poem by Robert William Service, first published in 1907. The poem is a celebration of the rugged beauty of the wilderness, and the call of the wild that draws us to it.

Context:

"The Call of the Wild" was written during a time of great social and economic change in North America, as the continent was undergoing rapid industrialization and urbanization. Against this backdrop, the poem can be seen as a reflection on the importance of nature and the wilderness as a source of renewal and inspiration. Service himself spent time in the Yukon during the Klondike Gold Rush, and his experiences in the wilderness provided the inspiration for many of his poems.

Content:

"The Call of the Wild" is a narrative poem that celebrates the beauty and allure of the wilderness. The poem is structured around the speaker's journey into the wilderness, where he experiences the wonder and awe of nature. The poem is divided into three sections: the first section describes the call of the wild, the second section describes the speaker's journey into the wilderness, and the third section describes the speaker's return to civilization.

In the first section of the poem, the speaker hears the call of the wild and is drawn to the wilderness. The speaker describes the call as a mysterious force that pulls him away from the trappings of civilization and into the vastness of nature. The call is described in vivid and evocative language, creating a sense of the wild and untamed beauty of the natural world.

In the second section of the poem, the speaker embarks on his journey into the wilderness. He travels through rugged terrain, encountering various natural wonders along the way. The speaker is awed by the majesty of the mountains, the beauty of the forests, and the power of the rivers. The imagery in this section is particularly striking, and the reader is transported into the world of the wilderness alongside the speaker.

In the third section of the poem, the speaker returns to civilization, but is forever changed by his experience in the wilderness. He is haunted by the memory of the call of the wild, and longs to return to the beauty and majesty of nature. The poem ends with the speaker describing his desire to heed the call of the wild once more, and to venture back into the vastness of nature.

Form:

"The Call of the Wild" is a narrative poem that is characterized by its use of vivid and evocative language, as well as its rhythmic structure. The poem makes use of rhyme and repetition to create a memorable and engaging work. The poem is written in seven stanzas, each consisting of six lines, with a regular rhyme scheme and meter.

Poetic Elements:

"The Call of the Wild" makes use of a variety of poetic devices, including rhyme, repetition, and imagery. The poem's use of rhyme and repetition creates a memorable and engaging rhythm, while its vivid imagery helps to create a sense of place and atmosphere. The poem also makes use of symbolism, particularly in the image of the call of the wild, which represents the draw of nature and the human desire to connect with the natural world.

Summary:

"The Call of the Wild" is a powerful and evocative poem that celebrates the beauty and allure of the wilderness, and the importance of nature as a source of renewal and inspiration. The poem is characterized by its vivid language, engaging rhythm, and memorable imagery, and reflects on the theme of the human connection to nature. Overall, "The Call of the Wild" is a work of great literary merit and cultural significance, and continues to be studied and celebrated today.

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