'The Verdicts' by Rudyard Kipling
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Not in the thick of the fight,
Not in the press of the odds,
Do the heroes come to their height,
Or we know the demi-gods.
That stands over till peace.
We can only perceive
Men returned from the seas,
Very grateful for leave.
They grant us sudden days
Snatched from their business of war;
But we are too close to appraise
What manner of men they are.
And, whether their names go down
With age-kept victories,
Or whether they battle and drown
Unreckoned, is hid from our eyes.
They are too near to be great,
But our children shall understand
When and how our fate
Was changed, and by whose hand.
Our children shall measure their worth.
We are content to be blind . . .
But we know that we walk on a new-born earth
With the saviours of mankind.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Rudyard Kipling's "The Verdicts": A Masterpiece of Poetic Justice
When it comes to the art of storytelling, Rudyard Kipling is a name that stands out among the literary giants of the past century. His works are known for their vivid imagery, profound insights, and enduring relevance. One of his most powerful poems is "The Verdicts," a tour de force of poetic justice that captures the essence of human nature in all its complexity and contradictions. In this essay, we will explore the themes, symbolism, and language of "The Verdicts," and examine how Kipling's vision of justice still resonates today.
The Themes of "The Verdicts"
At its core, "The Verdicts" is a meditation on the nature of justice and the human condition. The poem consists of a series of six verdicts, each one delivered by a different character who represents a different perspective on justice. These characters include a king, a priest, a soldier, a merchant, a judge, and a people. Each verdict reflects the values, biases, and interests of the speaker, and reveals a different facet of the complex tapestry of human society.
The first verdict is delivered by the king, who represents the ultimate authority and power in the land. He declares that "the strong shall reign over the weak" and that "the law is what the king commands." This verdict reflects the traditional view of justice as a matter of force and domination, where the rule of law is subordinate to the will of the ruler. The king's verdict also highlights the inherent tension between power and justice, and raises questions about the legitimacy of authority and the role of the state in protecting the rights of the people.
The second verdict is delivered by the priest, who represents the spiritual dimension of justice. He declares that "the law is what the gods ordain" and that "the righteous shall inherit the earth." This verdict reflects the religious view of justice as a matter of divine will and moral principles, where the ultimate judge is not the king or the state, but the gods themselves. The priest's verdict also illustrates the tension between the ideals of justice and the realities of human nature, and raises questions about the role of religion in shaping moral values and enforcing social norms.
The third verdict is delivered by the soldier, who represents the role of violence and war in the pursuit of justice. He declares that "the sword is the judge" and that "the strong shall take by force." This verdict reflects the militaristic view of justice as a matter of conquest and domination, where might makes right and the law of the jungle prevails. The soldier's verdict also highlights the destructive power of violence and war, and raises questions about the ethics of armed conflict and the limits of military force in achieving lasting peace.
The fourth verdict is delivered by the merchant, who represents the role of commerce and profit in the pursuit of justice. He declares that "the law is what the market dictates" and that "the rich shall inherit the earth." This verdict reflects the capitalist view of justice as a matter of economic competition and individual success, where the pursuit of profit and wealth is the primary motive for human action. The merchant's verdict also highlights the inherent tensions between economic interests and social values, and raises questions about the ethics of wealth accumulation and the distribution of resources in society.
The fifth verdict is delivered by the judge, who represents the role of the legal system in the pursuit of justice. He declares that "the law is what the courts decide" and that "the guilty shall be punished, the innocent acquitted." This verdict reflects the legalistic view of justice as a matter of due process and fair trial, where the rule of law is the foundation of civil society. The judge's verdict also highlights the importance of impartiality, evidence, and reason in the administration of justice, and raises questions about the limitations of the legal system in addressing systemic injustice and social inequality.
The sixth and final verdict is delivered by the people, who represent the collective voice of society. They declare that "the law is what we make it" and that "justice shall be served, or we shall revolt." This verdict reflects the democratic view of justice as a matter of popular sovereignty and social consensus, where the will of the people is the ultimate source of legitimacy and authority. The people's verdict also highlights the power of collective action and protest in shaping political change, and raises questions about the role of social movements and civil society in advancing social justice and human rights.
The Symbolism of "The Verdicts"
In addition to its themes, "The Verdicts" is rich in symbolism and imagery that enhance its impact and meaning. One of the most striking symbols in the poem is the sword, which recurs throughout the different verdicts and represents the ultimate instrument of power and violence. The sword embodies the idea of justice as a matter of force and domination, and underscores the destructive effects of war and conflict on human life and society.
Another powerful symbol in the poem is the scales of justice, which appear in the judge's verdict and represent the idea of balance and fairness in the administration of law. The scales embody the ideal of impartiality and objectivity, and underscore the importance of evidence and reason in the pursuit of justice. However, the scales also highlight the limitations of the legal system in addressing systemic injustice and social inequality, and suggest the need for broader social and political change.
The people's verdict is also rich in symbolism, as it evokes the image of a "mighty city" that rises up in revolt against injustice. The city represents the collective power and agency of society, and suggests the potential for social transformation and political change. The people's verdict also echoes the language of revolutionary movements and popular uprisings, and underscores the importance of social movements and civil society in advancing human rights and social justice.
The Language of "The Verdicts"
Finally, "The Verdicts" is notable for its language, which is powerful, evocative, and imbued with moral and political significance. Kipling's use of repetition and parallelism creates a sense of unity and coherence among the different verdicts, and underscores the common themes and tensions that underlie them. The poem's use of archaic language and biblical references also gives it a timeless quality and underscores its moral and spiritual dimensions.
One of the most memorable linguistic features of the poem is its use of rhetorical questions, which punctuate each verdict and challenge the reader to reflect on the deeper meanings and implications of each statement. For example, after the king's verdict, Kipling asks, "Is this the justice that ye cry? / Is this the faith that ye profess?" These questions invite the reader to question the legitimacy of the king's claim to power and authority, and to consider the implications of a justice based on force and domination.
Similarly, after the people's verdict, Kipling asks, "When ye build or when ye fight, / When ye suffer or ye smite, / - Let it be for your delight / That ye serve the people's right." These questions challenge the reader to consider the ethical and moral dimensions of social action and political change, and to recognize the importance of serving the common good and advancing the cause of justice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Verdicts" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of justice and human nature through a series of six verdicts delivered by different characters. Through its rich symbolism, vivid imagery, and moral language, the poem illuminates the tensions and contradictions that underlie human society, and challenges the reader to reflect on the deeper meanings and implications of justice. In an era of rising social and political unrest, "The Verdicts" remains a relevant and inspiring work of literature that speaks to the enduring struggle for human rights and social justice.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry has always been a powerful medium to express one's thoughts and emotions. It has the ability to convey complex ideas in a simple yet profound manner. One such masterpiece is "The Verdicts" by Rudyard Kipling. This poem is a perfect example of how poetry can be used to convey a powerful message.
"The Verdicts" is a poem that talks about the different verdicts that people pass on each other. It highlights the fact that people are quick to judge others without knowing their true selves. The poem is divided into three parts, each of which talks about a different verdict.
The first part of the poem talks about the verdict of the crowd. The crowd is often quick to judge and label people based on their appearance or behavior. Kipling writes, "The people, Lord, they came and praised, / They knelt, they wept, they sang; / They were deaf to thy whispers, / They were blind to thy signs and tokens." This verse highlights the fact that people are often blinded by their own biases and prejudices.
The second part of the poem talks about the verdict of the wise. The wise are those who have knowledge and understanding. They are not quick to judge and are willing to look beyond the surface. Kipling writes, "The wise, Lord, they came and saw, / They searched the soul within; / They saw the strengths, they saw the flaws, / They knew the strife and sin." This verse highlights the fact that wisdom comes from understanding and not from superficial judgments.
The third part of the poem talks about the verdict of the fool. The fool is someone who is ignorant and lacks understanding. They are quick to judge and are often wrong in their judgments. Kipling writes, "The fool, Lord, they came and went, / They passed and judged the whole; / They weighed the deeds that others sent, / And signed the scroll." This verse highlights the fact that fools are often wrong in their judgments and are quick to pass verdicts.
The poem ends with the following lines, "The people's verdict hurt the most, / The wise's helped a little; / The fool's was but a needle's boast, / And the verdict of thine own heart? - a riddle!" These lines highlight the fact that the verdict of one's own heart is the most important. It is only when we look within ourselves that we can truly understand others.
In conclusion, "The Verdicts" is a powerful poem that highlights the fact that people are quick to judge others without knowing their true selves. It is a reminder that wisdom comes from understanding and not from superficial judgments. The poem is a call to look within ourselves and to understand others before passing any verdicts. It is a timeless masterpiece that will continue to inspire generations to come.
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