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'Recessional (A Victorian Ode)' by Rudyard Kipling


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1897God of our fathers, known of old --Lord of our far-flung battle line --
Beneath whose awful hand we holdDominion over palm and pine --
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget -- lest we forget!The tumult and the shouting dies --The Captains and the Kings depart --
Still stands Thine ancient sacrifice,An humble and a contrite heart.
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget -- lest we forget!Far-called our navies melt away --On dune and headland sinks the fire --
Lo, all our pomp of yesterdayIs one with Nineveh and Tyre!
Judge of the Nations, spare us yet,
Lest we forget -- lest we forget!If, drunk with sight of power, we looseWild tongues that have not Thee in awe --
Such boastings as the Gentiles use,Or lesser breeds without the Law --
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget -- lest we forget!For heathen heart that puts her trustIn reeking tube and iron shard --
All valiant dust that builds on dust,And guarding calls not Thee to guard.
For frantic boast and foolish word,
Thy Mercy on Thy People, Lord!Amen.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Recessional (A Victorian Ode) by Rudyard Kipling

Are you looking for a poem that captures the grandeur and glory of the British Empire at its peak? Look no further than Rudyard Kipling's "Recessional (A Victorian Ode)." This poem, written in 1897 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, is a powerful reminder of the fleeting nature of human power and the need for humility in the face of the divine.

Overview

At first glance, "Recessional" may seem like a straightforward celebration of British imperialism. The poem's first stanza extols the power of the British navy and the far-flung reaches of the empire, from "the vast and trunkless legs of stone" in Africa to the "sands of the desert" in India. But as the poem progresses, Kipling's tone gradually shifts from triumphalism to caution.

In the second stanza, Kipling acknowledges that "Far-called, our navies melt away" and that even the most powerful empires are subject to the whims of time and chance. The third stanza, which has become the most famous part of the poem, warns against the dangers of hubris and reminds readers that "Lest we forget - lest we forget!" The fourth and final stanza is a plea for God's mercy and guidance, asking that the British people be granted "a sober, chastened pride" that recognizes their place in the larger scheme of things.

Literary Devices

One of the most striking things about "Recessional" is Kipling's use of repetition. The phrase "Lest we forget" appears twice in the poem, and several other lines are repeated or echoed throughout. This repetition serves to reinforce the poem's central themes and to create a sense of urgency and solemnity.

Kipling's use of imagery is also noteworthy. He paints vivid pictures of colonial outposts and grandiose monuments, but he also includes darker images of "the tumult and the shouting" that accompany war and conquest. These contrasting images help to underscore the poem's message of humility and caution.

Another key literary device in "Recessional" is Kipling's use of biblical language and allusions. The phrase "Lord God of Hosts" appears twice in the poem, and the final stanza contains a direct reference to Psalm 90. By drawing on these religious themes and images, Kipling emphasizes the idea that human power is fleeting and that the divine is ultimately in control.

Interpretation

So what is Kipling trying to say with "Recessional"? On one level, the poem can be read as a celebration of British power and imperialism. Kipling was a staunch imperialist who believed that Britain had a duty to bring civilization to the "lesser" peoples of the world. And there is no denying that the poem contains some grandiose language that seems designed to inspire feelings of patriotism and pride.

But at the same time, "Recessional" is a deeply ambivalent poem. Kipling is not blind to the dangers of empire-building, and he is all too aware of the fragility of human power. Moreover, the poem is steeped in religious language and imagery, which serves to temper any triumphalism with a sense of humility and reverence.

Ultimately, "Recessional" can be seen as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and the need for humility. Kipling is warning his readers that even the mightiest empires will eventually crumble, and that the only lasting power is that of the divine. As he writes in the final stanza, "The tumult and the shouting dies/The captains and the kings depart/Still stands Thine ancient sacrifice/An humble and a contrite heart."

Conclusion

"Recessional (A Victorian Ode)" is a fascinating and complex poem that deserves careful study and consideration. While it may seem at first like a straightforward celebration of British power, a closer reading reveals a much more nuanced and ambivalent message. Kipling is reminding his readers that even the greatest empires are subject to the whims of time and chance, and that the only lasting power is that of the divine. Whether you are a student of literature, history, or politics, this poem is sure to provoke thought and discussion.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Recessional (A Victorian Ode) by Rudyard Kipling is a classic poem that has been studied and analyzed by scholars and poetry enthusiasts for over a century. This poem was written in 1897, during Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, and was intended to be a warning to the British Empire about the dangers of pride and arrogance. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of this powerful poem.

The poem begins with the line "God of our fathers, known of old," which immediately establishes a religious tone. Kipling is invoking the Christian God, who was an important part of Victorian society. The use of the phrase "known of old" suggests that this God has been a part of British history for a long time, and is therefore a part of the nation's identity.

The first stanza of the poem is a call to humility. Kipling warns the British Empire not to become too proud of its achievements, and to remember that all power comes from God. He writes, "Lest we forget, lest we forget!" which is a refrain that is repeated throughout the poem. This repetition emphasizes the importance of the message and serves as a reminder to the reader.

The second stanza of the poem is a warning about the dangers of imperialism. Kipling writes, "The tumult and the shouting dies; / The captains and the kings depart." This line suggests that the glory of empire is fleeting and that those who seek power will eventually lose it. Kipling also warns that the empire's power is not absolute, writing, "Far-called, our navies melt away; / On dune and headland sinks the fire." This imagery suggests that even the most powerful navy can be defeated by the forces of nature.

The third stanza of the poem is a call to repentance. Kipling writes, "If, drunk with sight of power, we loose / Wild tongues that have not Thee in awe." This line suggests that the British Empire has become too proud and has forgotten its religious roots. Kipling warns that if the empire continues down this path, it will be punished by God. He writes, "For frantic boast and foolish word, / Thy mercy on Thy people, Lord!"

The fourth stanza of the poem is a call to prayer. Kipling writes, "God of our fathers, known of old, / Lord of our far-flung battle line." This line suggests that the British Empire is engaged in a spiritual battle, and that it needs God's help to win. Kipling also writes, "Save us from the wrath of the Northmen," which is a reference to the Vikings who once invaded Britain. This line suggests that the British Empire is still vulnerable to attack, and that it needs God's protection.

The final stanza of the poem is a call to humility and gratitude. Kipling writes, "The tumult and the shouting dies; / The Captains and the Kings depart: / Still stands Thine ancient sacrifice, / An humble and a contrite heart." This line suggests that even though the British Empire may fall, God's sacrifice will endure. Kipling also writes, "Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet, / Lest we forget—lest we forget!" This final refrain serves as a reminder to the reader that the message of the poem is still relevant today.

The structure of the poem is a classic example of a Victorian ode. It is written in quatrains, with a rhyme scheme of ABAB. The use of repetition, particularly the refrain "Lest we forget," emphasizes the importance of the message and serves as a reminder to the reader. The use of religious imagery and language is also typical of Victorian poetry.

The language of the poem is powerful and emotive. Kipling uses strong verbs and vivid imagery to convey his message. For example, he writes, "The tumult and the shouting dies," which creates a sense of finality and loss. He also writes, "Far-called, our navies melt away," which creates a sense of vulnerability and danger. The use of religious language, such as "Lord of our far-flung battle line," creates a sense of reverence and awe.

In conclusion, Recessional (A Victorian Ode) by Rudyard Kipling is a powerful poem that warns the British Empire about the dangers of pride and arrogance. Kipling uses religious language and imagery to convey his message, and the use of repetition emphasizes the importance of the message. The structure of the poem is a classic example of a Victorian ode, and the language is powerful and emotive. This poem is still relevant today, as it serves as a reminder that all power comes from God and that we must remain humble and grateful.

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