'The Widow's Party' by Rudyard Kipling
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"Where have you been this while away,
Johnnie, Johnnie?"
'Long with the rest on a picnic lay,
Johnnie, my Johnnie, aha!
They called us out of the barrack-yard
To Gawd knows where from Gosport Hard,
And you can't refuse when you get the card,
And the Widow gives the party.
(~Bugle~:Ta--rara--ra-ra-rara!)
"What did you get to eat and drink,
Johnnie, Johnnie?"
Standing water as thick as ink,
Johnnie, my Johnnie, aha!
A bit o' beef that were three year stored,
A bit o' mutton as tough as a board,
And a fowl we killed with a sergeant's sword,
When the Widow give the party.
"What did you do for knives and forks,
Johnnie, Johnnie?"
We carries 'em with us wherever we walks,
Johnnie, my Johnnie, aha!
And some was sliced and some was halved,
And some was crimped and some was carved,
And some was gutted and some was starved,
When the Widow give the party.
"What ha' you done with half your mess,
Johnnie, Johnnie?"
They couldn't do more and they wouldn't do less,
Johnnie, my Johnnie, aha!
They ate their whack and they drank their fill,
And I think the rations has made them ill,
For half my comp'ny's lying still
Where the Widow give the party.
"How did you get away -- away,
Johnnie, Johnnie?"
On the broad o' my back at the end o' the day,
Johnnie, my Johnnie, aha!
I comed away like a bleedin' toff,
For I got four niggers to carry me off,
As I lay in the bight of a canvas trough,
When the Widow give the party.
"What was the end of all the show,
Johnnie, Johnnie?"
Ask my Colonel, for ~I~ don't know,
Johnnie, my Johnnie, aha!
We broke a King and we built a road --
A court-house stands where the reg'ment goed.
And the river's clean where the raw blood flowed
When the Widow give the party.
(~Bugle~:Ta--rara--ra-ra-rara!)
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Widow's Party: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Introduction
The Widow's Party is a poem written by Rudyard Kipling, which was first published in 1888. It tells the story of a widow who throws a party to celebrate her late husband's life. As the poem progresses, it becomes clear that the party is not just a celebration of the husband's life, but also a chance for the widow to show off her wealth and social status. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the various themes and literary devices used in The Widow's Party.
Themes
One of the main themes of The Widow's Party is the theme of social status. Throughout the poem, the widow is portrayed as someone who is very concerned with her social status and the opinions of others. She throws the party not just to celebrate her husband's life, but also to show off her wealth and social standing. The poem describes the widow's guests as "the great, the good, the learned, the wise", indicating that she has invited only the most prestigious members of society.
Another theme of the poem is the theme of grief. Although the party is supposed to be a celebration of the husband's life, it is clear that the widow is still grieving. She is described as having "smiled like a queen", but also as having "shed a tear or two". The poem also mentions the widow's "sorrowing heart", indicating that she is not completely over her husband's death.
Literary Devices
One of the most striking literary devices used in The Widow's Party is the use of irony. The party is supposed to be a celebration of the husband's life, but it becomes clear that the widow is more interested in showing off her wealth and social status. This creates a sense of irony, as the party becomes less about the husband and more about the widow's own ego.
Another literary device used in the poem is symbolism. The party is described as being held in a "great house", which symbolizes the widow's wealth and social standing. The guests are also described as being "dressed in their best", which symbolizes their own desire to impress others and maintain their own social status.
The poem also uses repetition to emphasize certain points. For example, the phrase "the great, the good, the learned, the wise" is repeated several times throughout the poem to emphasize the importance of social status to the widow.
Interpretation
The Widow's Party can be interpreted as a critique of society's obsession with wealth and social status. The widow's desire to show off her wealth and social standing is portrayed as shallow and ultimately unfulfilling. Despite her efforts to impress her guests, she is still grieving her husband's death and unable to find true happiness.
The poem can also be interpreted as a commentary on the nature of grief. Although the widow is trying to put on a brave face and celebrate her husband's life, it is clear that she is still struggling with his death. Her "sorrowing heart" indicates that she is still in the midst of the grieving process and has not yet fully come to terms with her loss.
Overall, The Widow's Party is a thought-provoking and powerful poem that uses a variety of literary devices to explore themes of social status and grief. Through its depiction of the widow's party, the poem raises important questions about the nature of wealth, status, and happiness.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Widow's Party by Rudyard Kipling is a classic poem that tells the story of a widow who throws a party to celebrate her husband's life. The poem is a beautiful tribute to the love and devotion that the widow had for her husband, and it is a testament to the power of love and the human spirit.
The poem begins with the widow preparing for the party. She is described as being "dressed in her best" and "smiling through her tears." This sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a celebration of life and love in the face of death.
As the guests arrive, they are greeted by the widow, who welcomes them with open arms. The guests are described as being "old and young, grave and gay," which shows that the widow's love and devotion was not limited to a particular group of people. She loved and appreciated everyone who came to celebrate her husband's life.
The party is described in great detail, with Kipling painting a vivid picture of the scene. The guests are seated around a table, and the widow serves them food and drink. The atmosphere is one of joy and celebration, with everyone sharing stories and memories of the deceased.
One of the most powerful moments in the poem comes when the widow raises a toast to her husband. She says, "Here's to the man who loved me true, / And never broke his word." This line is a testament to the strength of their love and the depth of their commitment to each other.
Throughout the poem, Kipling uses imagery to convey the emotions of the widow and the guests. For example, he describes the widow's smile as being "like a rainbow after rain," which shows that even in the midst of her grief, she is able to find joy and happiness.
The poem ends with the guests leaving the party, but the memory of the widow's love and devotion lingers on. Kipling writes, "And when they're gone, she'll sit alone, / With pictures on the wall, / And drink a health to her dead love, / For that's the best of all." This final stanza is a beautiful tribute to the power of love and the enduring nature of human relationships.
Overall, The Widow's Party is a beautiful and moving poem that celebrates the power of love and the human spirit. Kipling's use of imagery and language is masterful, and he is able to convey the emotions of the widow and the guests in a way that is both powerful and poignant. This poem is a testament to the enduring nature of love and the importance of celebrating life, even in the face of death.
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