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Robert W. Service’s poem “The Spell of the Yukon” is an excellent piece of literature. Service tells us of the contrast between the hardships of survival in the Yukon and the beauty of the arctic scenery. In nine stanzas, Service is able to tell us a wonderful story and convey different thematic messages. “The Spell of the Yukon” brings us into the world of the Yukon and shows us the beauty that exists inside its harsh reality. Service writes this poem in a style similar to that of a resident of the Yukon in the time of the gold rush. Although some of his language is far from ordinary, the style in which he writes is very common. He does not hesitate to use coarse language, which also expresses a more time and location appropriate point of view. “You come to get rich (damned good reason), You feel like an exile at first; You hate it like hell for a season, And then you are worse than the worst.” (lines 17–20) Service’s use of language helps us picture the Yukon through the eyes of someone who loves the area. The language brings a feeling of authenticity to the poem and helps us understand the thoughts of Service more clearly. The story that the poem tells is of true love