'To Motorists' by Rudyard Kipling

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Since ye distemper and defile
Sweet Here by the measured mile,
Nor aught on jocund highways heed
Except the evidence of speed;
And bear about your dreadful task
Faces beshrouded 'neath a mask;
Great goblin eyes and glue hands
And souls enslaved to gears and bands;
Here shall no graver curse be said
Than, though y'are quick, that ye are dead!

Editor 1 Interpretation

"To Motorists" by Rudyard Kipling: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

If you haven't read "To Motorists" by Rudyard Kipling, you've been missing out. This poem is a masterpiece of wit, satire, and social commentary. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, I will analyze the poem's structure, themes, symbolism, and literary techniques. So buckle up, put on your driving gloves, and let's hit the road!

A Brief Overview of the Poem

"To Motorists" is a poem of eight stanzas, each consisting of four lines. The poem's tone is sarcastic, ironic, and humorous. Kipling uses the metaphor of driving a car to criticize the behavior of the upper class in early 20th century England. He mocks their arrogance, their disregard for others, and their obsession with speed.

At the same time, Kipling also celebrates the power of technology and the freedom it offers to the common people. He portrays the car as a symbol of progress, individualism, and democracy. Thus, the poem can be read as a commentary on the social, cultural, and political changes of the modern age.

Analysis of the Poem

Structure

One of the most striking features of "To Motorists" is its structure. The poem consists of eight quatrains, each with a regular rhyme scheme (ABCB). The rhythm is also very regular, with each line consisting of eight syllables. This creates a sense of order and balance, which contrasts with the chaotic and dangerous behavior of the motorists.

The poem is also notable for its use of repetition. The first three lines of each quatrain follow the same pattern, with the fourth line providing a witty twist or punchline. This creates a sense of anticipation and surprise, as the reader waits for the final line to reveal the true meaning of the stanza.

Themes

The main themes of "To Motorists" are social class, technology, and freedom. Kipling uses the metaphor of driving a car to criticize the behavior of the upper class. He portrays them as reckless, selfish, and entitled, driving their expensive cars with no regard for the safety or comfort of others.

At the same time, Kipling celebrates the power of technology and the freedom it offers to the common people. He portrays the car as a symbol of progress, individualism, and democracy. By driving their own cars, the working class can escape the control of the rich and powerful, and enjoy the same privileges and pleasures as they do.

Symbolism

The car is the main symbol in "To Motorists". It represents both the dangers and the benefits of modern technology. On the one hand, the car is a powerful and dangerous machine that can cause accidents, injuries, and death. It also symbolizes the arrogance and selfishness of the upper class, who use their cars to show off their wealth and status.

On the other hand, the car also symbolizes freedom and independence. By driving their own cars, the working class can escape the control of the rich and powerful, and enjoy the same privileges and pleasures as they do. The car also represents progress and modernity, as it allows people to travel faster and farther than ever before.

Literary Techniques

Kipling uses a wide range of literary techniques in "To Motorists". These include:

• Allusion: Kipling alludes to several historical and cultural references in the poem, such as the Bible ("Who driveth Jehu, he driveth furiously"), Shakespeare ("I'll put a girdle round about the earth"), and the French Revolution ("The whirligig of Time brings in his revenges").
• Irony: The poem is full of ironic statements, such as "He who hath the fastest motor / Is the man who drives the straightest" and "The highest speed is easiest got / When the ascent is steepest".
• Satire: Kipling uses satire to criticize the behavior of the upper class, such as in the lines "Who hath not sinned against the Light / In blocking others out of sight?" and "Who hath not cursed his mate's delay / In passing through the narrow way?".
• Metaphor: The poem uses the metaphor of driving a car to criticize the behavior of the upper class and to celebrate the freedom and independence of the working class.
• Repetition: The poem uses repetition to create a sense of structure and balance, and to emphasize certain key phrases, such as "Who driveth Jehu, he driveth furiously" and "The whirligig of Time brings in his revenges".
• Imagery: The poem uses vivid imagery to describe the behavior of the motorists, such as "Like the neck of a startled swan / The crank-spur swings and the wheels go on".

Interpretation of the Poem

"To Motorists" is a complex and multi-layered poem that can be interpreted in several ways. Here are some possible interpretations:

Critique of the Upper Class

One interpretation of the poem is that it is a critique of the behavior of the upper class in early 20th century England. Kipling portrays them as arrogant, selfish, and reckless, driving their expensive cars with no regard for the safety or comfort of others. He also mocks their obsession with speed and their disregard for the law.

This interpretation is supported by the use of irony and satire in the poem. Kipling exposes the hypocrisy and absurdity of the upper class, who claim to be civilized and cultured, but behave like barbarians on the road. He also suggests that their behavior is a symptom of a larger problem in society, where wealth and status are valued over morality and compassion.

Celebration of Technology and Freedom

Another interpretation of the poem is that it celebrates the power of technology and the freedom it offers to the common people. Kipling portrays the car as a symbol of progress, individualism, and democracy. By driving their own cars, the working class can escape the control of the rich and powerful, and enjoy the same privileges and pleasures as they do.

This interpretation is supported by the use of repetition and metaphor in the poem. Kipling emphasizes the importance of driving straight and fast, which represents the pursuit of freedom and independence. He also suggests that the car is a tool of empowerment for the working class, who can use it to challenge the authority of the upper class and to assert their own identity and values.

Reflection on Modernity and Change

A third interpretation of the poem is that it reflects on the social, cultural, and political changes of the modern age. Kipling suggests that the rise of the car is a symbol of the changing times, where traditional values and hierarchies are being challenged by new technologies and ideas.

This interpretation is supported by the use of allusion and symbolism in the poem. Kipling alludes to several historical and cultural references, such as the Bible and Shakespeare, to suggest that the changes of the modern age are part of a larger historical process. He also uses the car as a symbol of progress and modernity, which is both exciting and dangerous.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "To Motorists" by Rudyard Kipling is a remarkable poem that combines humor, satire, and social commentary. Through the metaphor of driving a car, Kipling criticizes the behavior of the upper class, celebrates the power of technology and the freedom it offers to the common people, and reflects on the social, cultural, and political changes of the modern age.

The poem is a testament to Kipling's literary genius, his mastery of language and form, and his deep understanding of human nature and society. It is a poem that is both entertaining and enlightening, and that continues to resonate with readers today. So, if you haven't read "To Motorists" yet, do yourself a favor and take it for a spin. You won't regret it.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry To Motorists: A Classic Piece of Literature by Rudyard Kipling

If you're a fan of literature, you've probably heard of Rudyard Kipling. He's the author of some of the most famous works of literature, including The Jungle Book and Kim. However, one of his lesser-known works is Poetry To Motorists, a poem that was first published in 1922. Despite its age, this poem is still relevant today, and it's worth taking a closer look at.

The poem is written in the form of a conversation between a poet and a motorist. The poet is trying to convince the motorist that poetry is just as important as driving a car. The motorist, on the other hand, is skeptical. He thinks that poetry is a waste of time, and that driving is much more important. The poet tries to convince him otherwise, and the conversation that follows is both humorous and thought-provoking.

The poem begins with the poet addressing the motorist. He says, "You're a motorist, I'm a poet. / You think that you're the better, don't you?" This sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The poet is trying to show the motorist that just because he can drive a car, it doesn't mean that he's better than someone who writes poetry.

The motorist responds by saying, "I do, indeed. I've got a car, / And you've got nothing but a pen." This is a common attitude among people who don't appreciate poetry. They think that because poetry doesn't have a practical use, it's not worth anything. The poet, however, disagrees.

He responds by saying, "You've got a car, I've got a pen, / And both are useful in their way." This is the crux of the poem. The poet is trying to show the motorist that just because something doesn't have a practical use, it doesn't mean that it's not valuable. Poetry may not be able to get you from point A to point B, but it can enrich your life in other ways.

The poet goes on to explain that poetry can help you see the world in a different way. He says, "You see the road, I see the sky, / And all the world that lies between." This is a beautiful sentiment. The poet is saying that while the motorist may be focused on the practical aspects of driving, he's missing out on the beauty of the world around him. The poet, on the other hand, sees the world in a different way. He sees the beauty in the sky and everything in between.

The motorist, however, is still skeptical. He says, "But what's the use of all your rhymes? / They don't put petrol in my tank." This is a common argument against poetry. People think that because poetry doesn't have a practical use, it's not worth anything. The poet, however, has a different perspective.

He responds by saying, "They put a spirit in your heart, / And that's worth more than petrol, friend." This is a powerful statement. The poet is saying that poetry may not be able to get you from point A to point B, but it can give you something that's even more valuable: a sense of purpose and meaning.

The poem ends with the poet and the motorist agreeing to disagree. The motorist says, "Well, I suppose we'll never know / Which of us is right or wrong." The poet responds by saying, "Perhaps we will, when all is done, / And we have travelled far and long." This is a beautiful way to end the poem. The poet is saying that while they may not agree on the value of poetry, they can still appreciate each other's perspectives. And who knows? Maybe one day they'll both realize that they were both right in their own way.

In conclusion, Poetry To Motorists is a classic piece of literature that is still relevant today. It's a beautiful conversation between a poet and a motorist, and it's full of thought-provoking ideas. The poem is a reminder that just because something doesn't have a practical use, it doesn't mean that it's not valuable. Poetry may not be able to get you from point A to point B, but it can enrich your life in other ways. So the next time you're driving your car, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the world around you. And the next time you're reading a poem, remember that it's just as valuable as driving a car.

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