'Things and the Man' by Rudyard Kipling

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(In Memoriam, Joseph Chamberlain)

1904

"And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren and they hated him yet the more." -- Genesis xxxvii. 5.

Oh ye who hold the written clue
To all save all unwritten things,
And, half a league behind, pursue
The accomplished Fact with flouts and flings,
Look! To your knee your baby brings
The oldest tale since Earth began --
The answer to your worryings:
"Once on a time there was a Man."

He, single-handed, met and slew
Magicians, Armies, Ogres, Kings.
He lonely 'mid his doubting crew --
"In all the loneliness of wings " --
He fed the flame, he filled the springs,
He locked the ranks, he launched the van
Straight at the grinning Teeth of Things.
"Once on a time there was a Man."

The peace of shocked Foundations flew
Before his ribald questionings.
He broke the Oracles in two,
And bared the paltry wires and strings.
He headed desert wanderings;
He led his soul, his cause, his clan
A little from the ruck of Things.
"Once on a time there was a Man."

Thrones, Powers, Dominions block the view
With episodes and underlings --
The meek historian deems them true
Nor heeds the song that Clio sings --
The simple central truth that stings
The mob to boo, the priest to ban;
Things never yet created things --
"Once on a time there was a Man."

A bolt is fallen from the blue.
A wakened realm full circle swings
Where Dothan's dreamer dreams anew
Of vast and farborne harvestings;
And unto him an Empire clings
That grips the purpose of his plan.
My Lords, how think you of these things?
Once -- in our time -- is there a Man?

Editor 1 Interpretation

Things and the Man: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Rudyard Kipling, a British writer and poet, is known for his works that explore themes of imperialism, colonialism, and identity. In his poem "Things and the Man," Kipling reflects on the relationship between humans and material possessions, and the role that these possessions play in defining one's identity. Through a series of vivid images and metaphors, Kipling presents a complex and nuanced view of the human condition.

Form and Structure

"Things and the Man" is a poem composed of four stanzas, each consisting of six lines. The poem is written in free verse, with no discernible rhyme scheme or metrical pattern. Instead, Kipling relies on the use of enjambment, alliteration, and repetition to create a sense of rhythm and musicality.

The poem's structure is symmetrical, with the first and fourth stanzas focusing on the relationship between humans and their possessions, while the second and third stanzas explore the idea of identity and the role that material possessions play in shaping it.

Themes and Motifs

One of the central themes of "Things and the Man" is the idea that material possessions are an extension of the self. Kipling suggests that the things we own are not merely objects, but rather a reflection of our deepest desires and aspirations. This idea is expressed through a series of vivid metaphors, such as the line "I am the things I own." Here, Kipling suggests that our possessions are not separate from us, but rather an integral part of our identity.

Another theme that emerges in the poem is the idea that our possessions can both define and limit us. Kipling suggests that the things we own can become a trap, chaining us to a particular identity and preventing us from growing and evolving. This is expressed through the image of the "man with a thousand things," who is burdened by his possessions and unable to move freely.

Throughout the poem, Kipling also explores the relationship between humans and the natural world. He suggests that our obsession with possessions has led us to neglect the beauty and wonder of the natural world, and that this loss has left us feeling empty and disconnected. This is expressed through the image of the "man with nothing," who is rich in the natural world but impoverished in material possessions.

Analysis

The poem begins with a description of the "man with a thousand things," who is weighed down by his possessions and unable to move freely. Kipling suggests that this man is defined by his possessions, and that they have become a burden rather than a source of joy. This idea is reinforced through the use of alliteration, such as the repetition of the "th" sound in "thousand things" and "things that cling."

In the second stanza, Kipling shifts his focus to the idea of identity, and suggests that our possessions play a crucial role in shaping who we are. He suggests that we are "the things we own," and that our possessions are an extension of our deepest desires and aspirations. This idea is expressed through a series of vivid metaphors, such as the line "I am the wand that made me king." Here, Kipling suggests that our possessions are not separate from us, but rather an integral part of our identity.

In the third stanza, Kipling explores the idea that our possessions can both define and limit us. He suggests that our obsession with possessions can become a trap, chaining us to a particular identity and preventing us from growing and evolving. This is expressed through the image of the man who is "more than his things," but who is unable to escape the narrow confines of his material possessions.

Finally, in the fourth stanza, Kipling suggests that our obsession with possessions has led us to neglect the beauty and wonder of the natural world. He suggests that our loss of connection to nature has left us feeling empty and disconnected, and that we must find a way to rekindle this connection in order to find true happiness.

Conclusion

"Things and the Man" is a complex and nuanced poem that explores the relationship between humans and their possessions, and the role that these possessions play in defining one's identity. Through a series of vivid images and metaphors, Kipling presents a powerful critique of our consumerist culture, and suggests that we must find a way to reconnect with the natural world in order to find true happiness and fulfillment.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is a form of art that has been around for centuries, and it has always been a way for people to express their emotions and thoughts. Rudyard Kipling, a renowned English poet, is known for his exceptional ability to capture the essence of life in his poems. One of his most famous works is "Things and the Man," a poem that explores the relationship between humans and the objects they possess.

The poem begins with a description of the things that humans own, such as houses, clothes, and furniture. Kipling portrays these objects as lifeless and unimportant, stating that they are "mere things" that have no value on their own. However, he goes on to explain that these things become significant when they are used by humans. They become a part of our lives, and we attach sentimental value to them.

Kipling then shifts his focus to the man, who is the central figure in the poem. He describes the man as someone who is constantly in motion, always striving to achieve something. The man is portrayed as a hardworking individual who is determined to succeed in life. Kipling emphasizes the man's importance by stating that he is the one who gives meaning to the things he owns.

The poem then takes a philosophical turn as Kipling questions the relationship between the man and his possessions. He asks whether the man owns the things he possesses or whether the things own the man. This is a thought-provoking question that forces the reader to reflect on their own relationship with their possessions.

Kipling then goes on to explain that the man's possessions are a reflection of his character. The things he owns are a testament to his hard work and determination. They are a symbol of his success and his ability to achieve his goals. Kipling emphasizes the importance of the man's possessions by stating that they are a part of his identity.

The poem ends with a powerful message about the transience of life. Kipling reminds us that the man's possessions will eventually fade away, but his legacy will live on. He states that the man's true worth is not measured by the things he owns but by the impact he has on the world.

"Things and the Man" is a beautifully crafted poem that explores the relationship between humans and their possessions. Kipling's use of language is masterful, and he manages to convey complex ideas in a simple and straightforward manner. The poem is a testament to Kipling's ability to capture the essence of life in his writing.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is Kipling's use of imagery. He describes the man's possessions in vivid detail, painting a picture of a life filled with material wealth. However, he also manages to convey the emptiness that comes with this kind of life. The man's possessions are described as lifeless and unimportant, highlighting the fact that they are not the key to happiness.

Kipling's use of repetition is also noteworthy. He repeats the phrase "mere things" throughout the poem, emphasizing the idea that possessions are not important in and of themselves. This repetition serves to reinforce the central message of the poem, which is that the man's worth is not measured by the things he owns.

The poem's philosophical undertones are also worth mentioning. Kipling's questions about the relationship between the man and his possessions force the reader to reflect on their own relationship with their possessions. This is a powerful message that encourages us to think about what is truly important in life.

In conclusion, "Things and the Man" is a masterpiece of English poetry. Kipling's ability to capture the essence of life in his writing is truly remarkable, and this poem is a testament to his skill as a poet. The poem's message about the relationship between humans and their possessions is thought-provoking and powerful, and it encourages us to reflect on what is truly important in life.

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