'Tommy' by Rudyard Kipling
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I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer,
The publican 'e up an' sez, "We serve no red-coats here."
The girls be'ind the bar they laughed an' giggled fit to die,
I outs into the street again an' to myself sez I:
O it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, go away";
But it's "Thank you, Mister Atkins", when the band begins to play,
The band begins to play, my boys, the band begins to play,
O it's "Thank you, Mister Atkins", when the band begins to play.
I went into a theatre as sober as could be,
They gave a drunk civilian room, but 'adn't none for me;
They sent me to the gallery or round the music-'alls,
But when it comes to fightin', Lord! they'll shove me in the stalls!
For it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, wait outside";
But it's "Special train for Atkins" when the trooper's on the tide,
The troopship's on the tide, my boys, the troopship's on the tide,
O it's "Special train for Atkins" when the trooper's on the tide.
Yes, makin' mock o' uniforms that guard you while you sleep
Is cheaper than them uniforms, an' they're starvation cheap;
An' hustlin' drunken soldiers when they're goin' large a bit
Is five times better business than paradin' in full kit.
Then it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, 'ow's yer soul?"
But it's "Thin red line of 'eroes" when the drums begin to roll,
The drums begin to roll, my boys, the drums begin to roll,
O it's "Thin red line of 'eroes" when the drums begin to roll.
We aren't no thin red 'eroes, nor we aren't no blackguards too,
But single men in barricks, most remarkable like you;
An' if sometimes our conduck isn't all your fancy paints,
Why, single men in barricks don't grow into plaster saints;
While it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, fall be'ind",
But it's "Please to walk in front, sir", when there's trouble in the wind,
There's trouble in the wind, my boys, there's trouble in the wind,
O it's "Please to walk in front, sir", when there's trouble in the wind.
You talk o' better food for us, an' schools, an' fires, an' all:
We'll wait for extry rations if you treat us rational.
Don't mess about the cook-room slops, but prove it to our face
The Widow's Uniform is not the soldier-man's disgrace.
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;
An' it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' anything you please;
An' Tommy ain't a bloomin' fool -- you bet that Tommy sees!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Tommy: A Literary Analysis
Tommy, written by Rudyard Kipling, is a classic poem that explores the identity and actions of the British soldier. First published in 1892, the poem has become a timeless classic that has been analyzed and interpreted by many scholars and readers alike. This literary analysis will examine the themes, symbolism, and structure of the poem to offer a fresh perspective on Kipling's work.
Overview
Tommy is a poem that celebrates the British soldier who is often described as a "common man." The poem challenges the perception that soldiers are mindless automatons and suggests that they are human beings who possess emotions, fears, and desires. Kipling wrote this poem during a time of great political and social upheaval in Britain, and his work reflects the sentiments of the era.
Themes
One of the central themes of Tommy is the idea of sacrifice. The poem explores the notion that soldiers give up their lives for their country and the impact this has on their families and loved ones. Kipling suggests that soldiers are not only fighting for their country but also for their families and the people they love.
Another theme of the poem is patriotism. Kipling celebrates the British soldier's love for his country and suggests that this love is what drives him to fight. The poem suggests that the British soldier is proud of his country and that this pride gives him the courage to face the enemy.
The poem also explores the theme of identity. Kipling suggests that soldiers are often defined by their profession and that they struggle to maintain their identity outside of the military. He suggests that soldiers are not just faceless individuals but rather complex human beings with their own personalities and desires.
Symbolism
Kipling uses a number of symbols throughout the poem to convey his message. One of the most prominent symbols is the character of Tommy. Tommy represents the archetypal British soldier and serves as a symbol for the sacrifices and struggles of all soldiers. Kipling uses Tommy to challenge the stereotypes that soldiers are uneducated and unintelligent.
Another symbol in the poem is the phrase "it's Tommy this, and Tommy that." This phrase represents the way in which soldiers are often belittled and dismissed by society. Kipling uses this phrase to challenge the idea that soldiers are unimportant and suggests that they deserve respect for the sacrifices they make.
Structure
Tommy is structured as a series of stanzas, each containing four lines. The poem is written in a simple rhyming pattern, with the second and fourth lines of each stanza rhyming. This structure gives the poem a musical quality and makes it easy to read.
The simplicity of the poem's structure is reflective of the message Kipling is trying to convey. The poem is meant to be accessible to everyone, regardless of their level of education or social status. Kipling wants to challenge the notion that poetry is only for the educated elite and suggests that everyone can appreciate and understand the beauty of language.
Interpretation
Tommy is a powerful poem that challenges the stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding soldiers. Kipling suggests that soldiers are not just machines of war but rather complex human beings with their own personalities and desires. The poem celebrates the sacrifice and patriotism of the British soldier and suggests that they are deserving of respect and admiration.
The poem also has a broader message about society's treatment of the working class. Kipling suggests that the working class is often dismissed and belittled by society and that this is unfair. He suggests that everyone, regardless of their social status, deserves respect and recognition.
In conclusion, Tommy is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today. Kipling's message is still relevant, and his celebration of the British soldier is still inspiring. The poem challenges stereotypes and misconceptions and suggests that everyone, regardless of their profession or social status, deserves respect and recognition.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Tommy, the classic poem written by Rudyard Kipling, is a powerful and moving tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the British soldiers who fought in the Boer War. This poem captures the essence of the British soldier, and the pride and patriotism that they feel for their country.
The poem begins with the line, "I went into a public 'ouse to get a pint o' beer." This line sets the scene for the poem, and immediately establishes the speaker as a working-class man. The use of the word "public 'ouse" instead of "pub" is a nod to the dialect of the working-class people of the time, and helps to establish the authenticity of the speaker's voice.
The speaker then goes on to describe the scene in the pub, where he sees a group of soldiers drinking and singing. The soldiers are described as "young and clean and English," and the speaker notes that they are "drunk and dressed in khaki." This description of the soldiers is important, as it highlights their youth and innocence, as well as their pride in their country and their willingness to fight for it.
The speaker then goes on to describe the way that the soldiers are treated by the people in the pub. He notes that they are "treated like a dog," and that they are "shoved and cursed and battered." This treatment of the soldiers is a reflection of the way that they were often treated by the people at home during the Boer War. Many people saw the war as a pointless and unnecessary conflict, and the soldiers were often blamed for their involvement in it.
Despite this mistreatment, the soldiers remain proud and patriotic. They continue to sing and drink, and the speaker notes that they are "cheerful and contented." This resilience and determination in the face of adversity is a hallmark of the British soldier, and is a testament to their bravery and courage.
The poem then takes a darker turn, as the speaker describes the fate of the soldiers who are sent to fight in the war. He notes that they are sent to "do the dirty work of Empire," and that they are "shot and shell and sword." This description of the soldiers' fate is a stark reminder of the horrors of war, and the sacrifices that soldiers make in order to defend their country.
Despite this, the soldiers remain committed to their cause. They continue to fight, even in the face of overwhelming odds, and the speaker notes that they are "game and proud and cynical." This description of the soldiers highlights their bravery and determination, as well as their sense of humor and their ability to find joy in even the darkest of situations.
The poem then ends with a powerful and moving tribute to the British soldier. The speaker notes that the soldiers are "Tommy this, an' Tommy that," and that they are often seen as nothing more than "cannon fodder." However, despite this, the soldiers remain proud and patriotic, and the speaker notes that they are "the saviors of 'is country."
This final line of the poem is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices that soldiers make in order to defend their country. It is a tribute to their bravery and courage, and a reminder of the debt that we owe to those who have fought and died for our freedom.
In conclusion, Tommy is a powerful and moving tribute to the British soldier. It captures the essence of the soldier's pride and patriotism, as well as their bravery and determination in the face of adversity. It is a reminder of the sacrifices that soldiers make in order to defend their country, and a tribute to their courage and bravery. Rudyard Kipling's poem is a timeless classic, and a testament to the enduring spirit of the British soldier.
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