'What the People Said' by Rudyard Kipling
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By the well, where the bullocks go
Silent and blind and slow --
By the field where the young corn dies
In the face of the sultry skies,
They have heard, as the dull Earth hears
The voice of the wind of an hour,
The sound of the Great Queen's voice:
"My God hath given me years,
Hath granted dominion and power:
And I bid you, O Land, rejoice."
And the ploughman settles the share
More deep in the grudging clod;
For he saith: "The wheat is my care,
And the rest is the will of God.
He sent the Mahratta spear
As He sendeth the rain,
And the Mlech, in the fated year,
Broke the spear in twain.
And was broken in turn. Who knows
How our Lords make strife?
It is good that the young wheat grows,
For the bread is Life."
Then, far and near, as the twilight drew,
Hissed up to the scornful dark
Great serpents, blazing, of red and blue,
That rose and faded, and rose anew.
That the Land might wonder and mark
"To-day is a day of days," they said,
"Make merry, O People, all!"
And the Ploughman listened and bowed his head:
"To-day and to-morrow God's will," he said,
As he trimmed the lamps on the wall.
"He sendeth us years that are good,
As He sendeth the dearth,
He giveth to each man his food,
Or Her food to the Earth.
Our Kings and our Queens are afar --
On their peoples be peace --
God bringeth the rain to the Bar,
That our cattle increase."
And the Ploughman settled the share
More deep in the sun-dried clod:
"Mogul Mahratta, and Mlech from the North,
And White Queen over the Seas --
God raiseth them up and driveth them forth
As the dust of the ploughshare flies in the breeze;
But the wheat and the cattle are all my care,
And the rest is the will of God."
Editor 1 Interpretation
What the People Said by Rudyard Kipling: A Masterpiece of Social Commentary and Artistic Expression
Rudyard Kipling is a literary giant whose works have left an indelible mark on the world of literature. Born in Bombay, India, in 1865, Kipling spent the majority of his life in England before eventually settling in the United States. He was a prolific author, producing a vast body of work which included novels, short stories, and poetry.
One of the most notable poems written by Kipling is What the People Said. Published in 1892, this poem is a brilliant piece of social commentary and artistic expression. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, structure, and significance of this masterpiece.
Themes
What the People Said is a poem that deals with a variety of themes, including social class, power, and the human condition. Perhaps the most prominent theme in the poem is social class. Kipling uses the voices of the people to highlight the stark differences between the rich and the poor. The rich are depicted as arrogant and disconnected from the struggles of the poor, while the poor are shown to be oppressed and struggling to survive.
Power is another important theme in the poem. Kipling suggests that power is not always held by those who are most deserving or qualified. Instead, power often falls into the hands of those who are wealthy and well-connected. This theme is particularly relevant in today's society, where the gap between the rich and the poor continues to widen.
Finally, the poem explores the human condition. Kipling suggests that all humans are flawed and capable of both good and evil. He also suggests that our perceptions of others are often based on superficial qualities, such as wealth and social status.
Structure
What the People Said is a long poem consisting of 46 stanzas, each containing four lines. The poem is written in an AABB rhyme scheme, with each stanza consisting of two rhyming couplets. This structure gives the poem a sense of rhythm and flow, which is appropriate for a poem that deals with the voices of the people.
The poem also employs a number of literary devices to enhance its structure and meaning. For example, Kipling uses repetition to emphasize certain phrases and ideas. This technique is particularly effective in the final stanza, where the phrase "What the People Said" is repeated four times to drive home the central message of the poem.
Significance
What the People Said is a significant poem for a number of reasons. Firstly, it is an important piece of social commentary. Kipling uses the voices of the people to highlight the injustices of the social system, and to call for greater equality and empathy.
Secondly, the poem is significant as a work of art. Kipling's use of language and imagery is masterful, and his ability to convey powerful messages through poetry is truly remarkable.
Finally, the poem is significant as a reflection of Kipling's own personal beliefs and experiences. Kipling was born in India and spent much of his life in colonial Britain. He was acutely aware of the injustices of the social system and was a vocal critic of imperialism and colonialism. What the People Said can be seen as a reflection of Kipling's own beliefs and experiences, and as a powerful statement against oppression and injustice.
Conclusion
What the People Said is a masterpiece of social commentary and artistic expression. Through the voices of the people, Kipling highlights the injustices of the social system and calls for greater equality and empathy. His use of language and imagery is masterful, and his ability to convey powerful messages through poetry is truly remarkable. What the People Said is a reflection of Kipling's own personal beliefs and experiences, and as a powerful statement against oppression and injustice, it remains as relevant today as it was when it was first published over a century ago.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
What the People Said: A Masterpiece of Rudyard Kipling
Rudyard Kipling, the renowned British author, poet, and journalist, is known for his exceptional literary works that have left an indelible mark on the world of literature. Among his many masterpieces, "What the People Said" is a poem that stands out for its profound message and captivating style. Written in 1890, the poem is a reflection of Kipling's experiences during his travels across India, where he witnessed the diversity and complexity of the Indian society. In this analysis, we will delve into the poem's themes, structure, and literary devices to understand its significance and relevance in today's world.
Themes
"What the People Said" is a poem that explores the theme of cultural diversity and the importance of understanding and respecting different cultures. Kipling portrays India as a land of many cultures, languages, and religions, where people from different backgrounds coexist and interact. He emphasizes the need for people to learn from each other's cultures and traditions, rather than imposing their own beliefs and values on others. The poem also highlights the theme of unity in diversity, where people from different backgrounds come together to celebrate their differences and create a harmonious society.
Structure
The poem is structured in four stanzas, each consisting of four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, and the meter is iambic tetrameter, which gives the poem a rhythmic flow. The first stanza sets the tone for the poem, with the speaker describing the diversity of India and the different languages spoken by its people. The second stanza focuses on the different religions practiced in India, highlighting the coexistence of Hinduism, Islam, and Sikhism. The third stanza describes the different customs and traditions of the people, emphasizing the need for mutual respect and understanding. The final stanza concludes the poem with a message of unity and harmony, where people from different backgrounds come together to celebrate their diversity.
Literary Devices
Kipling employs various literary devices to enhance the poem's meaning and impact. One of the most prominent devices is imagery, where he uses vivid descriptions to paint a picture of India's cultural diversity. For example, in the first stanza, he describes the different languages spoken in India as "the tongues of half a thousand tongues," emphasizing the vastness and complexity of the Indian society. In the second stanza, he uses the metaphor of a "mosque and temple side by side" to illustrate the coexistence of different religions in India.
Another literary device used in the poem is repetition, where Kipling repeats the phrase "this I have seen" in each stanza to emphasize the authenticity of his experiences. The repetition also creates a sense of unity and continuity throughout the poem. Kipling also uses alliteration, where he repeats the same consonant sound at the beginning of words, to create a musical effect. For example, in the second stanza, he uses the alliteration of "Hindu, Sikh, and Ghur" to create a rhythmic flow.
Significance and Relevance
"What the People Said" is a poem that has stood the test of time and remains relevant in today's world. The poem's message of cultural diversity and mutual respect is more important than ever, as the world becomes increasingly globalized and interconnected. The poem reminds us that we live in a world of many cultures, languages, and religions, and that we must learn to appreciate and respect each other's differences. It also emphasizes the importance of unity in diversity, where people from different backgrounds come together to create a harmonious society.
In conclusion, "What the People Said" is a masterpiece of Rudyard Kipling that captures the essence of India's cultural diversity and the importance of mutual respect and understanding. The poem's themes, structure, and literary devices make it a timeless piece of literature that continues to inspire and educate readers around the world. As we navigate the complexities of our modern world, we can learn from Kipling's message and strive to create a society that celebrates and embraces our differences.
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