'Troopin '' by Rudyard Kipling


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(Our Army in the East)



Troopin', troopin', troopin' to the sea:
'Ere's September come again -- the six-year men are free.
O leave the dead be'ind us, for they cannot come away
To where the ship's a-coalin' up that takes us 'ome to-day.
We're goin' 'ome, we're goin' 'ome,
Our ship is at the shore,
An' you must pack your 'aversack,
For we won't come back no more.
Ho, don't you grieve for me,
My lovely Mary-Ann,
For I'll marry you yit on a fourp'ny bit
As a time-expired man.

The ~Malabar~'s in 'arbour with the ~Jumner~ at 'er tail,
An' the time-expired's waitin' of 'is orders for to sail.
Ho! the weary waitin' when on Khyber 'ills we lay,
But the time-expired's waitin' of 'is orders 'ome to-day.

They'll turn us out at Portsmouth wharf in cold an' wet an' rain,
All wearin' Injian cotton kit, but we will not complain;
They'll kill us of pneumonia -- for that's their little way --
But damn the chills and fever, men, we're goin' 'ome to-day!

Troopin', troopin', winter's round again!
See the new draf's pourin' in for the old campaign;
Ho, you poor recruities, but you've got to earn your pay --
What's the last from Lunnon, lads?We're goin' there to-day.

Troopin', troopin', give another cheer --
'Ere's to English women an' a quart of English beer.
The Colonel an' the regiment an' all who've got to stay,
Gawd's mercy strike 'em gentle -- Whoop! we're goin' 'ome to-day.
We're goin' 'ome, we're goin' 'ome,
Our ship is at the shore,
An' you must pack your 'aversack,
For we won't come back no more.
Ho, don't you grieve for me,
My lovely Mary-Ann,
For I'll marry you yit on a fourp'ny bit
As a time-expired man.


Editor 1 Interpretation

"Troopin'" by Rudyard Kipling: A Literary Criticism

If you are a fan of Rudyard Kipling's works, you must have come across his iconic poem "Troopin'." Written in 1898, the poem describes the life of British soldiers serving in India during the colonial era. "Troopin'" is a powerful piece that embodies Kipling's unique style of storytelling, which combines rhythm, rhyme, and vivid imagery to evoke strong emotions in the reader. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deeper into the poem's themes, structure, and language, and try to understand its historical and cultural significance.

Themes

At its core, "Troopin'" is a poem about camaraderie, loyalty, and duty. The poem celebrates the bond between soldiers, who are willing to risk their lives for each other and for their country. Kipling portrays the soldiers as a close-knit community, who share common experiences and hardships. He highlights the importance of discipline and obedience, which are necessary to maintain order in the army. The poem also touches upon the theme of imperialism, as the soldiers are depicted as the guardians of British rule in India. Kipling portrays the soldiers as the protectors of the "white man's burden," a phrase that was popularized by him to describe the duty of Western nations to civilize and educate the "uncivilized" peoples of the world.

Structure

"Troopin'" is a ballad, a form of poetry that originated in medieval Europe and was later popularized in England. Ballads typically tell a story in a simple, straightforward manner, and often have a refrain or repetition of a particular line or phrase. Kipling's poem follows this structure, as it tells the story of the soldiers' daily routine, interspersed with a chorus that emphasizes the soldiers' loyalty to each other and their country. The rhythm of the poem is brisk and energetic, mimicking the soldiers' marching steps. The rhyme scheme is AABB, giving the poem a sing-song quality that makes it easy to remember.

Language

Kipling's language in "Troopin'" is simple and direct, yet evocative. He uses vivid imagery to describe the soldiers' surroundings, from the "red dust a-blazin'" to the "sun that's hot as gingerbread." He also uses colloquial language and dialect to capture the soldiers' voices, which adds authenticity to the poem. For instance, the soldiers are described as "their jackets off and throats a-bared," which is a colloquial expression that conveys their informality and camaraderie. Kipling's use of repetition and refrain also adds to the poem's impact. The refrain, "For it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' 'Chuck him out, the brute!'/ But it's 'Saviour of 'is country,' when the guns begin to shoot," emphasizes the soldiers' loyalty and sacrifice, even in the face of criticism.

Interpretation

"Troopin'" is a complex poem that can be interpreted in several ways. On one level, it can be seen as a celebration of the British Empire and its soldiers, who are portrayed as brave, disciplined, and loyal. Kipling's poem reflects the patriotism and sense of duty that were prevalent in Victorian England, and it reinforces the idea of the "white man's burden." However, the poem can also be read as a critique of imperialism and its effects on both the colonizers and the colonized. Kipling's portrayal of the soldiers as a close-knit community can be seen as a response to the alienation and loneliness that many soldiers experienced in a foreign land. His use of dialect and colloquial language can also be seen as a way of humanizing the soldiers and giving them a voice.

In conclusion, "Troopin'" is a powerful poem that captures the spirit of the British Army in India during the colonial era. Kipling's use of structure, language, and themes gives the poem a timeless quality that resonates even today. Whether read as a celebration of imperialism or a critique of it, "Troopin'" remains a masterpiece of English literature.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Troopin' by Rudyard Kipling is a classic poem that captures the essence of military life. The poem is a tribute to the soldiers who serve their country with honor and bravery. Kipling's use of vivid imagery and powerful language creates a sense of pride and admiration for those who serve in the military.

The poem begins with the line, "Let us go, lads, you and I." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it invites the reader to join the soldiers on their journey. The use of the word "lads" creates a sense of camaraderie and brotherhood, which is a common theme throughout the poem.

Kipling's use of imagery is particularly effective in this poem. He describes the soldiers as "brown as the peaty water," which creates a vivid picture of their appearance. The use of the word "peaty" also suggests that the soldiers are tough and resilient, like the peat that grows in harsh conditions.

The poem also contains several references to nature, which adds to its overall theme of resilience and strength. Kipling describes the soldiers as being "like the wind in the heather," which suggests that they are powerful and unstoppable. He also compares them to "the waves on the shore," which suggests that they are relentless and unyielding.

One of the most powerful lines in the poem is, "We are the men of the line." This line emphasizes the soldiers' sense of duty and responsibility. They are not just soldiers, but they are the ones who hold the line and protect their country from harm.

Kipling's use of language is also noteworthy in this poem. He uses words like "tramp," "march," and "troopin'" to create a sense of movement and action. The poem is not just a tribute to the soldiers, but it is also a celebration of their physical and mental strength.

The poem also contains several references to history and tradition. Kipling describes the soldiers as being "like the men of Agincourt," which refers to the famous battle in which the English defeated the French. This reference suggests that the soldiers are part of a long line of brave warriors who have fought for their country.

The poem ends with the line, "For we are the men of the line." This line reinforces the soldiers' sense of duty and responsibility. They are not just fighting for themselves, but they are fighting for their country and their fellow soldiers.

In conclusion, Poetry Troopin' by Rudyard Kipling is a powerful tribute to the soldiers who serve their country with honor and bravery. Kipling's use of vivid imagery and powerful language creates a sense of pride and admiration for those who serve in the military. The poem is a celebration of the soldiers' physical and mental strength, as well as their sense of duty and responsibility. It is a timeless tribute to the men and women who have fought for their country throughout history.

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