'A Song of the English' by Rudyard Kipling
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Fair is our lot -- O goodly is our heritage!
(Humble ye, my people, and be fearful in your mirth!)
For the Lord our God Most High
He hath made the deep as dry,
He hath smote for us a pathway to the ends of all the Earth!
Yea, though we sinned -- and our rulers went from righteousness --
Deep in all dishonour though we stained our garments' hem.
Oh be ye not dismayed,
Though we stumbled and we strayed,
We were led by evil counsellors -- the Lord shall deal with them!
Hold ye the Faith -- the Faith our Fathers seal]ed us;
Whoring not with visions -- overwise and overstale.
Except ye pay the Lord
Single heart and single sword,
Of your children in their bondage shall He ask them treble-tale!
Keep ye the Law -- be swift in all obedience --
Clear the land of evil, drive the road and bridge the ford.
Make ye sure to each his own
That he reap where he hath sown;
By the peace among Our peoples let men know we serve the Lord!
.....
Hear now a song -- a song of broken interludes --
A song of little cunning; of a singer nothing worth.
Through the naked words and mean
May ye see the truth between
As the singer knew and touched it in the ends of all the Earth!
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Song of the English: A Masterpiece of Poetry
Rudyard Kipling is a name that resonates in the world of literature, and rightfully so. His works have stood the test of time and continue to inspire generations of writers even today. One of his most famous works is "A Song of the English," a poem that celebrates the spirit of the English people and their history. This masterpiece of poetry is a tour de force that captures the essence of what it means to be English, and it is a work that deserves a detailed literary criticism and interpretation.
The Historical Context
Before diving into the poem itself, it is essential to understand the historical context in which it was written. Kipling wrote "A Song of the English" in 1899, during the height of the British Empire. The poem was part of a series of hymns and war songs that Kipling wrote to inspire and rally the English people during the Boer War in South Africa. This was a time of great national pride, but also of great conflict and tension, as the British Empire faced challenges from within and without.
The Structure and Style
"A Song of the English" is a long poem, divided into twelve sections, or "songs." Each song has a different theme, but they all come together to form a cohesive whole, celebrating the history and spirit of the English people. The poem is written in a traditional ballad style, with a regular meter and rhyme scheme. This gives the poem a musical quality, making it easy to read aloud and to remember.
The language of the poem is also notable. Kipling uses a variety of poetic devices, including alliteration, repetition, and metaphor, to create a vivid and powerful image of England and its people. The language is simple and direct, but also rich and evocative, painting a picture of a proud and noble people who have overcome great challenges and achieved great things.
The Themes
At its core, "A Song of the English" is a celebration of the English people and their history. The poem is filled with references to important historical events and figures, from King Alfred the Great to the sailors of the Royal Navy. It is a hymn to the strength and resilience of the English people, who have faced many challenges throughout their history but have always emerged victorious.
One of the key themes of the poem is the idea of duty and sacrifice. Kipling emphasizes the importance of putting one's country and one's duty above oneself, and the idea that a person's worth is measured by their willingness to serve something greater than themselves. This is exemplified in the repeated refrain of the poem, "For the sake of a ribboned coat / Or the selfish hope of a season's fame, / He carries the spell of the English spears / In the Name of Our Lord Who has made the Name."
Another important theme of the poem is the idea of unity and common purpose. Kipling celebrates the diversity of the English people, but also emphasizes the importance of working together towards a common goal. This is conveyed in the section of the poem titled "The Long Trail," in which Kipling describes the journey of the English people from their ancient homeland to the far reaches of the British Empire. The message of this section is that no matter where the English people go, they carry with them the same spirit and the same sense of purpose.
The Interpretation
So what does "A Song of the English" mean, and what message does it have for us today? At its core, the poem is a celebration of the English people and their history, but it is also a call to action. Kipling is urging the English people to remember their past and to take pride in their achievements, but he is also reminding them of the challenges they face in the present and the future.
The poem is a reminder that the strength of the English people comes not from their individual talents or accomplishments, but from their willingness to work together and to serve something greater than themselves. It is a call to put aside personal ambition and to work towards a common goal, whether that goal is the defense of the nation or the improvement of society as a whole.
In today's world, where individualism and self-interest are often celebrated, the message of "A Song of the English" is more relevant than ever. Kipling's poem reminds us that we are all part of something greater than ourselves, and that our worth as individuals is measured not by our personal achievements, but by our willingness to serve something greater than ourselves.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "A Song of the English" is a masterpiece of poetry that celebrates the spirit and history of the English people. It is a powerful and evocative hymn to the strength and resilience of a proud and noble people, and it is a call to action to remember our past and to work towards a common goal in the present and the future. Kipling's poem is a timeless work that continues to inspire and educate readers today, and it deserves to be celebrated as one of the greatest poems in the English language.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
A Song of the English: A Classic Poem by Rudyard Kipling
Rudyard Kipling is a name that is synonymous with classic literature. He is known for his works that are rich in imagery, symbolism, and themes that are relevant even today. One of his most famous works is the poem "A Song of the English." This poem is a celebration of the English people and their achievements. In this article, we will analyze and explain this classic poem in detail.
The poem "A Song of the English" was first published in 1909 in Kipling's collection of poems titled "The Five Nations." The poem is divided into six stanzas, each with four lines. The poem is written in a ballad form, which is a type of poetry that is meant to be sung or recited. The poem is a tribute to the English people and their contributions to the world.
The first stanza of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It talks about the English people and their love for their country. The stanza begins with the line "Now this is the law of the jungle, as old and as true as the sky." This line is a reference to Kipling's famous work "The Jungle Book." The law of the jungle is a metaphor for the natural order of things, where the strong survive and the weak perish. The line "The strength of the pack is the wolf, and the strength of the wolf is the pack" is a reminder that the English people are strong because they work together as a team.
The second stanza of the poem talks about the English people's love for the sea. The stanza begins with the line "They have built them a ship of steel and wood." This line is a reference to the English navy, which was one of the most powerful navies in the world at the time. The stanza talks about how the English people have conquered the sea and how they have used it to explore the world.
The third stanza of the poem talks about the English people's love for the land. The stanza begins with the line "They have built them a house in the highlands." This line is a reference to the English people's love for the countryside. The stanza talks about how the English people have tamed the land and how they have used it to build their homes and farms.
The fourth stanza of the poem talks about the English people's love for their traditions. The stanza begins with the line "They have planted a seed in the hearts of their sons." This line is a reference to the English people's love for their culture and heritage. The stanza talks about how the English people have passed down their traditions from generation to generation.
The fifth stanza of the poem talks about the English people's love for their freedom. The stanza begins with the line "They have written a lesson for each man's hand." This line is a reference to the Magna Carta, which was a document that guaranteed the rights and freedoms of the English people. The stanza talks about how the English people have fought for their freedom and how they have defended it against all odds.
The sixth and final stanza of the poem talks about the English people's love for their country. The stanza begins with the line "They will work till the fields are green and gold." This line is a reference to the English people's love for their land and their willingness to work hard to make it prosper. The stanza talks about how the English people will always be loyal to their country and how they will always defend it against its enemies.
In conclusion, "A Song of the English" is a classic poem that celebrates the English people and their achievements. The poem is a reminder of the English people's love for their country, their traditions, their freedom, and their willingness to work hard to make their land prosper. The poem is a tribute to the English people's strength, courage, and resilience. It is a poem that is relevant even today and will continue to inspire generations to come.
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