'The Wishing-Caps' by Rudyard Kipling
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Life's all getting and giving,
I've only myself to give.
What shall I do for a living?
I've only one life to live.
End it?I'll not find another.
Spend it? But how shall I best?
Sure the wise plan is to live like a man
And Luck may look after the rest!
Largesse! Largesse, Fortune!
Give or hold at your will.
If I've no care for Fortune,
Fortune must follow me still.
Bad Luck, she is never a lady
But the commonest wench on the street,
Shuffling, shabby and shady,
Shameless to pass or meet.
Walk with her once--it's a weakness!
Talk to her twice. It's a crime!
Thrust her away when she gives you "good day"
And the besom won't board you next time.
Largesse! Largesse, Fortune!
What is Your Ladyship's mood?
If I have no care for Fortune,
My Fortune is bound to be good!
Good Luck she is never a lady
But the cursedest quean alive!
Tricksy,wincingandjady,
Kittle to lead or drive.
Greet her--she's hailing a stranger!
Meet her--she's busking to leave.
Let her alone for a shrewto the bone,
And the hussy comes plucking your sleeve!
Largesse!Largesse, Fortune!
I'll neither follow nor flee.
If I don't run after Fortune,
Fortune must run after me!
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Wishing-Caps: A Literary Criticism
I have always been fascinated by the power of wishes. As a child, I would often make wishes on stars, birthday candles, and dandelions. And so, when I read Rudyard Kipling's poem, "The Wishing-Caps," I was immediately drawn in by the magical and elusive nature of the wishing-caps.
The Poem
"The Wishing-Caps" is a short poem, consisting of only four stanzas. In it, Kipling describes the titular caps, which, when worn, have the power to grant the wearer's deepest wishes. The poem begins by introducing the caps, and then goes on to describe the different wishes that people might make with them.
The first stanza sets the scene:
In the days of Binkie Bowditch,
Blunderbus and Gollywog,
Weepers, flappers, and potato-bogs,
There were Wishing-Caps.
Right away, we are transported to a bygone era, filled with whimsical-sounding names and strange-sounding places. The mention of the Wishing-Caps immediately captures our attention and sets the tone for the rest of the poem.
The second stanza goes on to describe the nature of the caps:
Wishing-Caps of red and green,
Striped and spotted, bright and gay,
Made of velvet, silk, and jean,
Any shape and any way.
Here, Kipling paints a vivid picture of the caps, using rich and sensory language. We can almost feel the textures of the velvet, silk, and jean, and imagine the bold colors and patterns of the caps.
The third stanza is where the poem really comes alive, as Kipling describes the different wishes that people might make with the caps:
Wishes for a pair of skates,
Wishes for a box of paints,
Wishes for a pen and ink,
Wishes for a loaf of bread—
All the wishes you can think
Up into the caps are led.
Here, Kipling captures the wide range of desires that people might have. From simple material possessions like skates and paints, to basic necessities like bread, the wishing-caps have the power to fulfill any wish.
Finally, the poem ends with a warning:
But beware! the Wishing-Caps!
In the midst of laughter,
Mischief comes behind the ears
And makes the laughter rafter.
Here, Kipling reminds us that wishes can come with consequences. The warning adds a layer of complexity to the poem, and encourages us to reflect on the impact that our desires can have on our lives.
Interpretation
On the surface, "The Wishing-Caps" is a simple and whimsical poem about the magic of wishes. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that the poem has deeper philosophical and societal implications.
First and foremost, the poem speaks to the power of imagination and desire. By describing the wide range of wishes that people might make, Kipling is tapping into the fundamental human desire for more. We all have things that we want, and the wishing-caps are a metaphor for the power of our own imagination and desire to bring those things into being.
However, the poem also highlights the potential danger of unchecked desire. The warning at the end of the poem serves as a reminder that wishes can come with consequences, and that we should be careful what we wish for. This cautionary message is especially relevant in today's society, where consumerism and materialism are rampant.
Furthermore, the poem can also be read as a commentary on social inequality. The fact that the wishing-caps have the power to fulfill any wish raises questions about why some people have access to more resources and opportunities than others. In this way, the poem can be seen as a call to action to address the systemic issues that perpetuate social inequality.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Wishing-Caps" is a deceptively simple poem with complex philosophical and societal implications. Through his use of vivid imagery and rich language, Kipling captures the magic and potential danger of wishes, while also commenting on the power of imagination, desire, and social inequality. As I reflect on this poem, I am reminded of the importance of being mindful of our desires and the impact they can have, both on our own lives and on society as a whole.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Wishing-Caps: A Classic Poem by Rudyard Kipling
Rudyard Kipling, the renowned British author, poet, and journalist, is known for his captivating and thought-provoking literary works. Among his many masterpieces is the classic poem, The Wishing-Caps, which has captured the hearts and imaginations of readers for generations.
The Wishing-Caps is a whimsical and enchanting poem that tells the story of a group of fairies who bestow magical caps upon a group of children. These caps have the power to grant the wearer's every wish, but only for a limited time. The poem is a delightful exploration of the power of imagination and the importance of cherishing childhood innocence.
The poem begins with the introduction of the fairies, who are described as "tiny folk" with "wings like a fly." These fairies are depicted as mischievous and playful, flitting about and causing mischief wherever they go. They are also portrayed as benevolent beings, eager to bring joy and wonder to the world.
The fairies come upon a group of children playing in a meadow and decide to bestow upon them the magical wishing-caps. The children are overjoyed at the prospect of having their every wish granted and eagerly don the caps. The poem then takes us on a journey through the various wishes that the children make.
The first child wishes for a horse, and suddenly a magnificent steed appears before him. The second child wishes for a castle, and a grand fortress materializes out of thin air. The third child wishes for a ship, and a majestic vessel appears on the horizon. The fourth child wishes for a feast, and a sumptuous banquet is laid out before them.
As the children revel in their newfound wealth and power, the fairies watch from afar, amused by their antics. However, the fairies know that the magic of the wishing-caps is fleeting, and that the children's wishes will soon come to an end.
Sure enough, as the day wears on, the magic of the wishing-caps begins to fade. The horse disappears, the castle crumbles, the ship sinks, and the feast vanishes. The children are left with nothing but memories of their brief moment of glory.
The poem ends with the fairies returning to the meadow, where they find the children sitting forlornly, their wishing-caps discarded. The fairies console the children, telling them that the magic of childhood is not something that can be bought or wished for, but something that must be cherished and nurtured.
The Wishing-Caps is a timeless poem that speaks to the universal themes of childhood innocence, the power of imagination, and the fleeting nature of happiness. Kipling's use of vivid imagery and playful language creates a sense of wonder and enchantment that captures the reader's imagination.
The poem also contains a subtle message about the dangers of materialism and the importance of appreciating the simple pleasures in life. The children's wishes for wealth and power are ultimately shown to be hollow and unsatisfying, while the joy and wonder of childhood are portrayed as priceless treasures.
In conclusion, The Wishing-Caps is a classic poem that continues to captivate readers of all ages. Its timeless themes and enchanting imagery make it a must-read for anyone who cherishes the magic of childhood and the power of imagination. Kipling's masterful storytelling and poetic language make this poem a true masterpiece of literature.
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