'The Young British Soldier' by Rudyard Kipling
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When the 'arf-made recruity goes out to the East
'E acts like a babe an' 'e drinks like a beast,
An' 'e wonders because 'e is frequent deceased
Ere 'e's fit for to serve as a soldier.
Serve, serve, serve as a soldier,
Serve, serve, serve as a soldier,
Serve, serve, serve as a soldier,
So-oldier ~OF~ the Queen!
Now all you recruities what's drafted to-day,
You shut up your rag-box an' 'ark to my lay,
An' I'll sing you a soldier as far as I may:
A soldier what's fit for a soldier.
Fit, fit, fit for a soldier . . .
First mind you steer clear o' the grog-sellers' huts,
For they sell you Fixed Bay'nets that rots out your guts --
Ay, drink that 'ud eat the live steel from your butts --
An' it's bad for the young British soldier.
Bad, bad, bad for the soldier . . .
When the cholera comes -- as it will past a doubt --
Keep out of the wet and don't go on the shout,
For the sickness gets in as the liquor dies out,
An' it crumples the young British soldier.
Crum-, crum-, crumples the soldier . . .
But the worst o' your foes is the sun over'ead:
You ~must~ wear your 'elmet for all that is said:
If 'e finds you uncovered 'e'll knock you down dead,
An' you'll die like a fool of a soldier.
Fool, fool, fool of a soldier . . .
If you're cast for fatigue by a sergeant unkind,
Don't grouse like a woman nor crack on nor blind;
Be handy and civil, and then you will find
That it's beer for the young British soldier.
Beer, beer, beer for the soldier . . .
Now, if you must marry, take care she is old --
A troop-sergeant's widow's the nicest I'm told,
For beauty won't help if your rations is cold,
Nor love ain't enough for a soldier.
'Nough, 'nough, 'nough for a soldier . . .
If the wife should go wrong with a comrade, be loath
To shoot when you catch 'em -- you'll swing, on my oath! --
Make 'im take 'er and keep 'er:that's Hell for them both,
An' you're shut o' the curse of a soldier.
Curse, curse, curse of a soldier . . .
When first under fire an' you're wishful to duck,
Don't look nor take 'eed at the man that is struck,
Be thankful you're livin', and trust to your luck
And march to your front like a soldier.
Front, front, front like a soldier . . .
When 'arf of your bullets fly wide in the ditch,
Don't call your Martini a cross-eyed old bitch;
She's human as you are -- you treat her as sich,
An' she'll fight for the young British soldier.
Fight, fight, fight for the soldier . . .
When shakin' their bustles like ladies so fine,
The guns o' the enemy wheel into line,
Shoot low at the limbers an' don't mind the shine,
For noise never startles the soldier.
Start-, start-, startles the soldier . . .
If your officer's dead and the sergeants look white,
Remember it's ruin to run from a fight:
So take open order, lie down, and sit tight,
And wait for supports like a soldier.
Wait, wait, wait like a soldier . . .
When you're wounded and left on Afghanistan's plains,
And the women come out to cut up what remains,
Jest roll to your rifle and blow out your brains
An' go to your Gawd like a soldier.
Go, go, go like a soldier,
Go, go, go like a soldier,
Go, go, go like a soldier,
So-oldier ~of~ the Queen!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Rudyard Kipling's "The Young British Soldier"
When Rudyard Kipling wrote "The Young British Soldier" in the late 19th century, he could not have predicted the impact his poem would have on the world of war literature. This classic poem is a brilliant example of Kipling's ability to capture the essence of war, and his ability to convey the experiences of soldiers in a way that is both gritty and poetic.
The Poem
"The Young British Soldier" tells the story of a young soldier who has just arrived in India to fight for the British Empire. The poem is written in the first person, and the soldier narrates his experiences as he is trained and sent into battle. Throughout the poem, the soldier grapples with fear, loneliness, and the overwhelming sense of duty that comes with being a soldier.
The poem is divided into four stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of the soldier's experience. The first stanza describes the soldier's journey to India, and the harsh realities of life as a soldier in a foreign land. The second stanza delves into the soldier's training, and the harsh discipline and brutality that is inflicted upon him. The third stanza describes the soldier's first battle, and the horror and chaos of war. Finally, the fourth stanza describes the aftermath of the battle, and the soldier's realization that he may never make it back home.
Literary Criticism
One of the most striking aspects of "The Young British Soldier" is Kipling's use of language. Throughout the poem, Kipling employs a rich and vivid vocabulary that is both poetic and realistic. He uses colorful imagery to convey the sights and sounds of war, and his descriptions of battle are both graphic and haunting.
Another strength of the poem is Kipling's ability to capture the essence of the soldier's experience. He portrays the soldier as a complex and multi-dimensional character, grappling with fear, loneliness, and the overwhelming sense of duty that comes with being a soldier. By doing so, Kipling creates a powerful portrait of the human cost of war, and the toll that it takes on those who fight in it.
In addition, Kipling's use of the first person adds a personal and emotional dimension to the poem. By telling the story from the soldier's point of view, Kipling is able to convey the soldier's emotions and experiences in a more immediate and intimate way. This makes the poem more powerful and poignant, and allows the reader to connect with the soldier on a deeper level.
Finally, Kipling's use of irony is also worth noting. Throughout the poem, Kipling portrays the soldier's experiences as both heroic and tragic. He celebrates the soldier's bravery and sacrifice, but also highlights the futility and senselessness of war. By doing so, Kipling creates a complex and nuanced portrait of the soldier's experience, one that is both tragic and inspiring.
Interpretation
At its core, "The Young British Soldier" is a poem about the human cost of war. Through his portrayal of the soldier's experiences, Kipling highlights the physical, emotional, and psychological toll that war takes on those who fight in it. He also explores the futility and senselessness of war, showing how it can destroy lives and tear apart communities.
However, despite its bleak portrayal of war, "The Young British Soldier" is also a poem about the resilience and bravery of soldiers. Kipling celebrates the soldier's courage and determination, and highlights the ways in which soldiers are able to find meaning and purpose in even the most difficult and challenging circumstances.
Ultimately, "The Young British Soldier" is a powerful work of literature that captures the complexities and contradictions of war. Kipling's use of language, his portrayal of the soldier's experiences, and his exploration of the human cost of war all combine to create a deeply moving and thought-provoking work of art. It is a poem that continues to resonate with readers to this day, and a testament to Kipling's enduring talent as a writer.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Young British Soldier: A Classic Poem by Rudyard Kipling
Rudyard Kipling is a name that needs no introduction. The Nobel laureate is known for his exceptional literary works, including his poetry. One of his most famous poems is "The Young British Soldier," which was published in 1895. The poem is a classic example of Kipling's ability to capture the essence of the British Empire and its soldiers. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail.
The poem is written in the first person, and the speaker is a young British soldier who is going to fight in a foreign land. The poem starts with the soldier's thoughts on his journey to the battlefield. He is anxious and scared, but he tries to keep his spirits up by singing a song. The song is a popular British marching tune, and it helps him to forget his fears for a while.
The soldier then talks about his fellow soldiers and their experiences. He talks about how they have been trained to fight and how they have been taught to obey their superiors. He also talks about the harsh conditions they have to endure, such as the extreme heat and the lack of water. Despite all this, the soldier is proud to be a part of the British army, and he is willing to fight for his country.
The soldier then talks about the enemy they are going to face. He describes them as fierce and ruthless, and he knows that they will not hesitate to kill him and his fellow soldiers. However, he is not afraid of them, and he is ready to face them in battle. He knows that he has been trained well, and he is confident in his abilities.
The soldier then talks about the possibility of death. He knows that he might not come back alive from the battlefield, but he is not afraid of death. He believes that if he dies, he will die a hero, and his name will be remembered forever. He also talks about the importance of honor and how it is better to die with honor than to live without it.
The soldier then talks about his family and his loved ones. He knows that they will be worried about him, but he assures them that he will be fine. He also talks about the sacrifices that his family has made for him, and he is grateful for their support.
The poem ends with the soldier's thoughts on the afterlife. He believes that if he dies, he will go to heaven, where he will be rewarded for his bravery. He also believes that he will be reunited with his fellow soldiers who have died in battle.
The poem is a powerful tribute to the British soldiers who fought in foreign lands. It captures the essence of their bravery, their patriotism, and their willingness to sacrifice their lives for their country. The poem also highlights the harsh conditions that the soldiers had to endure and the importance of honor and courage.
In conclusion, "The Young British Soldier" is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a powerful tribute to the British soldiers who fought in foreign lands, and it captures the essence of their bravery and patriotism. The poem is a reminder of the sacrifices that these soldiers made for their country, and it is a testament to their courage and honor.
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