'The Liner She's A Lady' by Rudyard Kipling
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The Liner she's a lady, an' she never looks nor 'eeds --
The Man-o'-War's 'er 'usband, an' 'e gives 'er all she needs;
But, oh, the little cargo-boats, that sail the wet seas roun',
They're just the same as you an' me a-plyin' up an' down!
Plyin' up an' down, Jenny, 'angin' round the Yard,
All the way by Fratton tram down to Portsmouth 'Ard;
Anythin' for business, an' we're growin' old --
Plyin' up an' down, Jenny, waitin' in the cold!
The Liner she's a lady by the paint upon 'er face,
An' if she meets an accident they count it sore disgrace:
The Man-o'-War's 'er 'usband, and 'e's always 'andy by,
But, oh, the little cargo-boats! they've got to load or die.
The Liner she's a lady, and 'er route is cut an' dried;
The Man-o'-War's 'er 'usband, an' 'e always keeps beside;
But, oh, the little cargo-boats that 'aven't any man,
They've got to do their business first, and make the most they can!
The Liner she's a lady, and if a war should come,
The Man-o'-War's 'er 'usband, and 'e'd bid 'er stay at home;
But, oh, the little cargo-boats that fill with every tide!
'E'd 'ave to up an' fight for them, for they are England's pride.
The Liner she's a lady, but if she wasn't made,
There still would be the cargo-boats for 'ome an' foreign trade.
The Man-o'-War's 'er 'usband, but if we wasn't 'ere,
'E wouldn't have to fight at all for 'ome an' friends so dear.
'Ome an' friends so dear, Jenny, 'angin' round the Yard,
All the way by Fratton tram down to Portsmouth 'Ard;
Anythin' for business, an' we're growin' old --
'Ome an' friends so dear, Jenny, waitin' in the cold!
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Liner She's A Lady by Rudyard Kipling: A Masterpiece of Nautical Poetry
Have you ever read a poem that could make you feel the salty breeze and the rolling waves of the ocean? Well, if you haven't, Rudyard Kipling's "The Liner She's A Lady" is the poem for you. This classic piece of nautical poetry is a masterpiece that captures the spirit and romance of the seafaring life. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, symbolism, and literary devices used by Kipling to create this timeless work.
Background and Overview
Before we dive into the poem, let's explore some background information about the author and the context in which he wrote. Rudyard Kipling was a British writer and poet who lived from 1865 to 1936. He is best known for his novels and stories set in India, such as "The Jungle Book" and "Kim." However, Kipling was also an avid traveler and had a deep fascination with the sea and the ships that sailed it. "The Liner She's A Lady" was written in 1907, during the heyday of ocean liners when these floating palaces of luxury were the ultimate symbols of modernity and progress.
Now, let's take a closer look at the poem itself. "The Liner She's A Lady" is a 32-line poem written in rhyming couplets. The poem is structured in four stanzas, each with eight lines. The first and third stanzas describe the ship's physical attributes and its role as a carrier of people and goods. The second and fourth stanzas delve into the emotional and symbolic aspects of the ship, highlighting its power and majesty.
Themes and Symbolism
One of the main themes of "The Liner She's A Lady" is the idea of the ship as a living entity. Kipling portrays the ship as a powerful and majestic being with a personality of its own. In the first stanza, he describes the ship's physical attributes in vivid detail, using anthropomorphic language to give the ship human-like qualities. For example, he refers to the ship's "skin of snow" and "breast of steel," creating a metaphorical image of the ship as a living creature.
This theme of the ship as a living entity is further developed in the second stanza, where Kipling describes the ship's power and majesty. He writes, "the Liner She's a lady, an' she speaks her mind out clear; / The Liner She's a lady, an' we love her very dear." Here, Kipling personifies the ship again, giving her the ability to "speak her mind out clear." This language reinforces the idea that the ship is not just an inanimate object but a living being with thoughts and emotions.
Another important theme in the poem is the idea of the ship as a symbol of progress and modernity. In the early 20th century, ocean liners were the ultimate symbols of modern technology and luxury. They represented the pinnacle of human achievement and the promise of a brighter future. Kipling captures this sense of optimism and wonder in the third stanza, where he describes the ship's role as a carrier of people and goods. He writes, "We're all in the same boat, the rich an' poor alike, / An' when we reach the other side, we're landed all, we're struck." Here, Kipling suggests that the ship is a great equalizer, bringing people of all classes and backgrounds together on a journey towards a better future.
Finally, "The Liner She's A Lady" also contains a strong sense of national pride and patriotism. Kipling was a proud British citizen and his love for his country is evident in the poem. He writes, "An' every time we've sailed away to come back home again, / We've known what Britain's meant to us, an' what we've meant to men." Here, Kipling is emphasizing the important role that British ships, like the one he is describing, played in establishing Britain's dominance on the world stage.
Literary Devices
Kipling's use of literary devices is also worth exploring in this poem. One of the most prominent literary devices in "The Liner She's A Lady" is the use of repetition. Throughout the poem, Kipling repeats the phrase "the Liner She's a lady" to emphasize the ship's majesty and power. This repetition creates a rhythmic pattern that adds to the musicality of the poem.
Another important literary device in the poem is the use of metaphor and personification. Kipling uses these devices to give the ship human-like qualities, turning it into a living, breathing entity. For example, he describes the ship's "breast of steel" and "skin of snow," creating a metaphorical image of the ship as a beautiful, powerful creature. He also personifies the ship, giving her the ability to "speak her mind out clear" and emphasizing her role as a symbol of progress and modernity.
Finally, Kipling's use of rhyme and meter is also worth noting. The poem is written in rhyming couplets, with each line consisting of eight syllables. This creates a musical rhythm that reinforces the poem's sense of movement and momentum, mirroring the movement of the ship itself.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Liner She's A Lady" is a timeless masterpiece of nautical poetry that captures the spirit and romance of the seafaring life. Through its use of vivid imagery, powerful symbolism, and rhythmic language, Kipling creates a portrait of a ship that is both beautiful and powerful, both a carrier of people and goods and a symbol of progress and modernity. This poem is a testament to Kipling's skill as a writer and his deep love for the sea and the ships that sailed it, and it remains a beloved classic to this day.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Liner She's A Lady: A Classic Poem by Rudyard Kipling
Rudyard Kipling, the renowned British author and poet, is known for his exceptional literary works that have stood the test of time. One of his most famous poems, "The Liner She's A Lady," is a masterpiece that captures the essence of the majestic ocean liners of the early 20th century. This poem is a celebration of the grandeur and beauty of these ships, which were the epitome of luxury and sophistication in their time.
The poem begins with the line, "Oh, we don't need no steam when the wind is like this." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it highlights the power and grace of the ocean liners. The ships were so well-built and sturdy that they could sail through rough seas without the need for steam power. This line also emphasizes the importance of the wind in sailing, which was a crucial factor in the success of these ships.
The next few lines of the poem describe the ship's movement through the water. Kipling writes, "The liner she's a lady, an' she never looks nor 'eeds. / The skipper an' the owner, they counts their tricks an' leads." These lines suggest that the ship has a life of its own, and it moves through the water effortlessly, without any care or concern. The skipper and the owner are merely passengers on this grand vessel, and they are in awe of its power and beauty.
The poem then goes on to describe the various features of the ship, such as the "swimmin'-pool so blue," the "music soft an' sweet," and the "dinner, dressed in white." These lines paint a vivid picture of the luxurious lifestyle that was enjoyed by the passengers on these ocean liners. The swimmin' pool was a symbol of the ship's opulence, and the music and dinner were a testament to the high standards of entertainment and cuisine that were offered on board.
The next few lines of the poem describe the ship's journey across the ocean. Kipling writes, "An' when we get to port, it's grand to say we've come / By a clipper that's the fastest an' the finest out o' Mum." These lines suggest that the ship is not just a means of transportation, but it is also a source of pride and prestige. The passengers on board are proud to be traveling on the fastest and finest ship out of Mum (London), and they revel in the glory of their journey.
The poem then takes a more serious turn, as Kipling writes, "For the liner she's a lady, an' she's bred to stand an' wait, / An' if there's dirt upon the hands that's puttin' down her freight, / She'll never say nothin', but she'll cast off bitter, an' deep." These lines suggest that the ship is not just a symbol of luxury and opulence, but it is also a symbol of strength and resilience. The ship is bred to stand and wait, and it will not be deterred by any obstacles that come its way. Even if there is dirt on the hands of those who are putting down its freight, the ship will not complain, but it will cast off bitter and deep, and continue on its journey.
The final lines of the poem are perhaps the most powerful, as Kipling writes, "Oh, the liner she's a lady, an' we loves her ev'ry inch, / An' it's just because she ain't afraid o' anythin' that's 'itch. / An' we'll make her so fast, when we're back at sea again, / They'll think that Trafalgar's battle is a' 'oliday game." These lines suggest that the ship is not just a machine, but it is also a living entity that is loved and revered by all who sail on her. The ship's fearlessness and strength are what make her so special, and the passengers on board are determined to make her even faster and more powerful than before.
In conclusion, "The Liner She's A Lady" is a classic poem that celebrates the grandeur and beauty of the ocean liners of the early 20th century. Rudyard Kipling's masterful use of language and imagery paints a vivid picture of these majestic ships, and he captures the essence of their power, grace, and resilience. This poem is a testament to the enduring legacy of these ships, which continue to inspire awe and admiration to this day.
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