'The Wage-Slaves' by Rudyard Kipling

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Oh, glorious are the guarded heights
Where guardian souls abide--
Self-exiled from our gross delights--
Above, beyond, outside:
An ampler arc their spirit swings--
Commands a juster view--
We have their word for all these things,
No doubt their words are true.

Yet we, the bond slaves of our day,
Whom dirt and danger press--
Co-heirs of insolence,delay,
And leagued unfaithfulness--
Such is our need must seek indeed
And, having found, engage
The men who merely do the work
For which they draw the wage.

From forge and farm and mine and bench,
Deck, altar, outpost lone--
Mill, school, battalion, counter, trench,
Rail, senate, sheepfold, throne--
Creation's cry goes up on high
From age to cheated age:
"Send us the men who do the work
"For which they draw the wage!"

Words cannot help nor wit achieve,
Nor e'en the all-gifted fool,
Too weak to enter, bide, or leave
The lists he cannot rule.
Beneath the sun we count on none
Our evil to assuage,
Except the men that do the work
For which they draw the wage.

When through the Gates of Stress and Strain
Comes forth the vast Event--
The simple, sheer, sufficing, sane
Result of labour spent--
They that have wrought the end unthought
Be neither saint nor sage,
But only men who did the work
For which they drew the wage.

Wherefore to these the Fates shall bend
(And all old idle things )
Werefore on these shall Power attend
Beyond the grip of kings:
Each in his place, by right, not grace,
Shall rule his heritage--
The men who simply do the work
For which they draw the wage.

Not such as scorn the loitering street,
Or waste, to earth its praise,
Their noontide's unreturning heat
About their morning ways;
But such as dower each mortgaged hour
Alike with clean courage--
Even the men who do the work
For which they draw the wage--
Men, like to Gods, that do the work
For which they draw the wage--
Begin-continue-close that work
For which they draw the wage!

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Wage-Slaves by Rudyard Kipling: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Rudyard Kipling's The Wage-Slaves is a powerful poem that highlights the exploitation and suffering of the working class during the Industrial Revolution. The poem was originally published in 1891 in the Pall Mall Gazette and later included in his collection of poems, Barrack-Room Ballads. The Wage-Slaves is a significant work of literature that reflects the social, economic, and political conditions of the time. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will analyze the poem's themes, structure, language, and literary devices to uncover the deeper meaning and relevance of Kipling's work.

Themes

The central theme of The Wage-Slaves is the plight of the working class and their struggle for survival in the face of harsh working conditions and low wages. Kipling uses vivid imagery and metaphors to describe the dehumanizing effects of industrialization on the workers. The poem portrays the workers as "slaves" who are "chained" to their machines and forced to work long hours without rest. Kipling also emphasizes the workers' vulnerability to accidents and illness, as they have no protection or rights in the workplace.

Another important theme of the poem is the idea of social justice and the need for reform. Kipling criticizes the rich and powerful for their indifference to the suffering of the working class. He calls for a more equitable distribution of wealth and resources, and for the recognition of the workers' right to fair wages and working conditions. The poem also highlights the workers' sense of solidarity and the importance of collective action in achieving change.

Structure and Language

The Wage-Slaves is a free verse poem that consists of seven stanzas of varying length. The use of free verse allows Kipling to experiment with the poem's structure and rhythm, and to create a more natural and conversational tone. The poem is written in the first person plural, with "we" referring to the workers. This gives the poem a sense of collective identity and solidarity, and emphasizes the workers' shared experience of oppression and exploitation.

Kipling's language is simple and direct, yet powerful and evocative. He uses vivid imagery and metaphors to convey the workers' suffering and the dehumanizing effects of industrialization. For example, he describes the workers as "driven beasts" and "slaves of the shaft and wheel." He also uses sound devices such as alliteration and repetition to create a sense of urgency and intensity in the poem.

Literary Devices

Kipling employs a range of literary devices in The Wage-Slaves to enhance the poem's meaning and effect. One of the most prominent devices is metaphor, which is used to compare the workers to animals and machines. For example, Kipling writes, "We are but common kine that feed / Until the cutter chooses." This metaphor emphasizes the workers' lack of agency and their vulnerability to the whims of their employers.

Kipling also uses imagery to create a vivid and powerful picture of the workers' lives. For example, he describes the workers as "drudging gang[s] of men" who work "in the slime and scum of things." This imagery emphasizes the workers' low social status and the degrading nature of their work.

The poem also employs repetition to create a sense of rhythm and emphasis. For example, the repetition of "We are" at the beginning of several stanzas reinforces the workers' collective identity and emphasizes their shared experience of exploitation.

Interpretation

The Wage-Slaves is a powerful and moving poem that highlights the suffering and exploitation of the working class during the Industrial Revolution. Kipling's use of vivid imagery and metaphors creates a powerful picture of the workers' lives, emphasizing their vulnerability, dehumanization, and lack of agency. The poem also highlights the workers' sense of solidarity and their struggle for social justice and reform.

The poem is still relevant today, as workers continue to face exploitation and inequality in many parts of the world. The Wage-Slaves serves as a reminder of the importance of fair wages, working conditions, and workers' rights. It also emphasizes the importance of collective action and solidarity in achieving social change.

In conclusion, The Wage-Slaves by Rudyard Kipling is a significant work of literature that reflects the social, economic, and political conditions of the Industrial Revolution. The poem's themes, structure, language, and literary devices all contribute to its powerful and evocative effect. The poem is a testament to the resilience and courage of the working class, and a call to action for social justice and reform.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry has the power to move us, to inspire us, and to make us think. One such poem that has stood the test of time is Rudyard Kipling's "The Wage-Slaves." This classic piece of literature is a powerful commentary on the struggles of the working class and the impact of industrialization on society. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem to gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and significance.

The poem begins with a vivid description of the working conditions of the laborers. Kipling paints a picture of a bleak and oppressive environment, where the workers are trapped in a cycle of endless toil. The opening lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, as Kipling describes the workers as "the men who work for England" and "the men who live to serve." These lines establish the theme of the poem, which is the exploitation of the working class by the ruling elite.

Throughout the poem, Kipling uses powerful imagery to convey the harsh realities of the workers' lives. He describes the "grimy hands" and "sweating brows" of the laborers, as well as the "smoke and grime" of the factories. These images create a sense of oppression and hopelessness, as the workers are depicted as being trapped in a world of dirt and grime.

Kipling also uses language to convey the sense of despair felt by the workers. He describes them as "slaves" and "drudges," emphasizing their lack of agency and control over their own lives. The use of these words is particularly effective, as it highlights the power imbalance between the workers and their employers.

The poem also touches on the impact of industrialization on society. Kipling describes the "mighty wheels" and "engines throbbing" of the factories, which represent the unstoppable force of progress. However, he also highlights the human cost of this progress, as the workers are forced to sacrifice their health and well-being for the sake of industrialization.

One of the most powerful aspects of the poem is its use of repetition. Kipling repeats the phrase "We are the..." throughout the poem, emphasizing the collective identity of the workers. This repetition creates a sense of solidarity and unity among the workers, as they are all united in their struggle against their oppressors.

The poem also contains a powerful message of hope. Kipling describes the workers as being "patient, plodding, and dull," but also notes that they are "stronger than the world." This message of resilience and strength in the face of adversity is a powerful one, and it serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.

In conclusion, "The Wage-Slaves" is a powerful and timeless poem that speaks to the struggles of the working class and the impact of industrialization on society. Through its use of vivid imagery, powerful language, and repetition, the poem conveys a sense of oppression and despair, but also a message of hope and resilience. As we continue to grapple with issues of inequality and exploitation in our own time, this poem serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up for the rights of the working class and fighting against the forces of oppression.

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