'The Widow At Windsor' by Rudyard Kipling
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'Ave you 'eard o' the Widow at Windsor
With a hairy gold crown on 'er 'ead?
She 'as ships on the foam -- she 'as millions at 'ome,
An' she pays us poor beggars in red.
(Ow, poor beggars in red!)
There's 'er nick on the cavalry 'orses,
There's 'er mark on the medical stores --
An' 'er troopers you'll find with a fair wind be'ind
That takes us to various wars.
(Poor beggars! -- barbarious wars!)
Then 'ere's to the Widow at Windsor,
An' 'ere's to the stores an' the guns,
The men an' the 'orses what makes up the forces
O' Missis Victorier's sons.
(Poor beggars! Victorier's sons!)
Walk wide o' the Widow at Windsor,
For 'alf o' Creation she owns:
We 'ave bought 'er the same with the sword an' the flame,
An' we've salted it down with our bones.
(Poor beggars! -- it's blue with our bones!)
Hands off o' the sons o' the Widow,
Hands off o' the goods in 'er shop,
For the Kings must come down an' the Emperors frown
When the Widow at Windsor says "Stop"!
(Poor beggars! -- we're sent to say "Stop"!)
Then 'ere's to the Lodge o' the Widow,
From the Pole to the Tropics it runs --
To the Lodge that we tile with the rank an' the file,
An' open in form with the guns.
(Poor beggars! -- it's always they guns!)
We 'ave 'eard o' the Widow at Windsor,
It's safest to let 'er alone:
For 'er sentries we stand by the sea an' the land
Wherever the bugles are blown.
(Poor beggars! -- an' don't we get blown!)
Take 'old o' the Wings o' the Mornin',
An' flop round the earth till you're dead;
But you won't get away from the tune that they play
To the bloomin' old rag over'ead.
(Poor beggars! -- it's 'ot over'ead!)
Then 'ere's to the sons o' the Widow,
Wherever, 'owever they roam.
'Ere's all they desire, an' if they require
A speedy return to their 'ome.
(Poor beggars! -- they'll never see 'ome!)
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Widow At Windsor: A Critique and Interpretation of Rudyard Kipling's Poem
Introduction
Rudyard Kipling is a name that needs no introduction in the world of English literature. The poet, novelist, and short story writer is known for his rich and evocative works that have stood the test of time. Among his many poems is "The Widow at Windsor," a composition that is both beautiful and poignant. In this critique and interpretation, we will delve deep into the themes, language, structure, and style of Kipling's poem, to understand its significance, relevance, and impact.
The Context
Before we begin our analysis, let us first understand the context in which Kipling wrote this poem. "The Widow at Windsor" was composed in 1892, during the Victorian era, a time of great cultural, social, and political change in England. Queen Victoria, who had ascended to the throne in 1837, was still the reigning monarch, and her influence on the country was immense. However, the 1890s saw a decline in her popularity and a rise in republican sentiments, especially among the working-class population. This sentiment was fueled by economic hardship, industrialization, and a growing sense of disillusionment with the monarchy.
Against this backdrop, Kipling's "The Widow at Windsor" assumes a special significance, as it explores the relationship between the queen and her subjects, and the role of monarchy in a changing society. The poem is also a tribute to the queen, who had just celebrated her diamond jubilee, marking 60 years of her reign.
Themes
"The Widow at Windsor" is a poem that has many themes running through it. At its core, however, it is a meditation on the nature of power, authority, and duty. Kipling portrays Queen Victoria as a figure who is burdened with the weight of her position, and who is torn between her personal feelings and her public responsibilities. The poem highlights the loneliness and isolation of the queen, who is surrounded by people, but who is ultimately alone in her thoughts and emotions.
Another theme that is prominent in the poem is that of mortality. Kipling reminds us that, despite her status and power, the queen is just another human being, who will one day die and be forgotten. This theme is symbolized by the image of the "little red-faced, bullet-headed man," who represents death, and who is waiting patiently for the queen's demise.
A third theme that emerges from the poem is that of loyalty. Kipling draws attention to the loyalty that the queen has inspired in her subjects, despite the challenges and criticisms she has faced. The poem celebrates the unwavering devotion of the people towards their monarch, and the sense of pride and patriotism that she has engendered in them.
Language
One of the striking features of "The Widow at Windsor" is its language. Kipling's use of words and phrases is evocative and powerful, capturing the mood and tone of the poem. The language is also rich in imagery and symbolism, creating a vivid picture of the queen and her world.
One example of Kipling's use of language can be seen in the image of the "little red-faced, bullet-headed man." This phrase is a metaphor for death, and it captures the relentless and unforgiving nature of mortality. The use of the word "bullet-headed" suggests a sense of violence and aggression, while the color red symbolizes danger and blood.
Another example of Kipling's use of language can be seen in the description of the queen's appearance. The poet refers to her as "old, and not to be caught," a phrase that suggests her elusiveness and mystery. The use of the word "old" is also significant, as it highlights the queen's age and vulnerability, and underscores the theme of mortality.
Structure
The structure of "The Widow at Windsor" is simple and straightforward, consisting of four stanzas of equal length. Each stanza has an ABAB rhyme scheme, with the second and fourth lines rhyming with each other. The regularity of the structure creates a sense of order and stability, in contrast to the themes of mortality and change that are explored in the poem.
Another interesting aspect of the structure is the use of repetition. The phrase "we have suffered and are paying" is repeated twice in the poem, emphasizing the sacrifices that the people have made for their queen. The repetition of the phrase also creates a sense of unity and solidarity, as if the people are speaking with one voice.
Style
The style of "The Widow at Windsor" is typical of Kipling's poetry, characterized by its simplicity, directness, and emotional impact. The poet uses plain language to convey complex ideas, and his imagery is often stark and vivid.
One example of Kipling's style can be seen in the opening lines of the poem, where he writes, "Ave you 'eard o' the Widow at Windsor / With a hairy gold crown on 'er 'ead?" The use of the Cockney dialect and colloquial language creates a sense of intimacy and familiarity, as if the speaker is addressing the reader directly.
Another example of Kipling's style can be seen in the final stanza of the poem, where he writes, "God 'elp 'em, they thinks o' the Widow / An' 'er silver an' gold an' 'er lead." The use of the phrase "God 'elp 'em" is significant, as it suggests the speaker's sympathy and understanding for the people's plight. The use of the words "silver," "gold," and "lead" also emphasizes the materialistic nature of the monarchy, and the contrast between the queen's wealth and the people's poverty.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Widow at Windsor" is a powerful and moving poem that explores the themes of power, authority, loyalty, mortality, and change. Kipling's use of language, structure, and style creates a vivid and evocative picture of the queen and her world, and his message is both timely and relevant. The poem reminds us of the importance of duty and sacrifice, and the need for empathy and understanding towards those who hold positions of power. It is a masterpiece of English literature, and a testament to Kipling's skill as a poet and writer.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Widow at Windsor: A Poem of Love, Loss, and Loyalty
Rudyard Kipling's "The Widow at Windsor" is a classic poem that captures the essence of love, loss, and loyalty. The poem is a tribute to Queen Victoria, who was known as the "Widow of Windsor" after the death of her beloved husband, Prince Albert. Kipling's poem is a reflection on the Queen's grief and the loyalty of her subjects, who stood by her during her time of mourning.
The poem is written in the form of a ballad, with a simple and repetitive structure that emphasizes the theme of loyalty. The poem begins with a description of the Queen's grief and the mourning that has engulfed the nation. The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, with its somber and mournful imagery:
"Ave you 'eard o' the Widow at Windsor With a hairy gold crown on 'er 'ead? She 'as ships on the foam—she 'as millions at 'ome, An' she pays us poor beggars in red."
The imagery of the "hairy gold crown" and the "ships on the foam" evoke the grandeur and power of the Queen, while the reference to the "poor beggars in red" highlights the contrast between the wealthy and powerful monarch and her loyal subjects.
The second stanza introduces the character of the soldier, who is the embodiment of loyalty and devotion to the Queen:
"Ow, poor beggars in red! Yes, from 'industan to Sudan We've marched and we've fought and we've died; We've served 'er, we've saved 'er, we've loved 'er, we've paved 'er And, by Jove, we'll stand by 'er side!"
The soldier's loyalty to the Queen is unwavering, and he is willing to sacrifice his life for her. The repetition of the phrase "we've served 'er, we've saved 'er, we've loved 'er, we've paved 'er" emphasizes the soldier's devotion to the Queen and his willingness to do anything for her.
The third stanza introduces the theme of loss, as the soldier reflects on the death of Prince Albert and the Queen's grief:
"Iss, 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."
The soldier's reflection on the cost of war and the sacrifice of soldiers is juxtaposed with the Queen's grief and loss. The reference to "paradin' in full kit" highlights the contrast between the pomp and ceremony of the military and the reality of war and loss.
The fourth stanza returns to the theme of loyalty, as the soldier reaffirms his commitment to the Queen:
"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 repetition of the phrase "Tommy this, an' Tommy that" emphasizes the soldier's humility and his willingness to serve, while the reference to the "thin red line of heroes" highlights the bravery and sacrifice of soldiers.
The final stanza brings the poem full circle, as the soldier reflects on the Queen's grief and the loyalty of her subjects:
"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."
The soldier's reflection on the reality of military life and the imperfection of soldiers is juxtaposed with the loyalty and devotion of the Queen's subjects. The repetition of the phrase "Tommy this, an' Tommy that" emphasizes the soldier's humility and his willingness to serve, while the reference to "trouble in the wind" highlights the dangers and challenges that soldiers face.
In conclusion, Rudyard Kipling's "The Widow at Windsor" is a classic poem that captures the essence of love, loss, and loyalty. The poem is a tribute to Queen Victoria and her loyal subjects, who stood by her during her time of mourning. The simple and repetitive structure of the poem emphasizes the theme of loyalty, while the somber and mournful imagery highlights the theme of loss. The soldier's reflection on the reality of military life and the imperfection of soldiers is juxtaposed with the loyalty and devotion of the Queen's subjects, creating a powerful and moving tribute to the Queen and her reign.
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