'The King' by Rudyard Kipling
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"Farewell, Romance!" the Cave-men said;
"With bone well carved he went away,
Flint arms the ignoble arrowhead,
And jasper tips the spear to-day.
Changed are the Gods of Hunt and Dance,
And he with these.Farewell, Romance!"
"Farewell, Romance!" the Lake-folk sighed;
"We lift the weight of flatling years;
The caverns of the mountain-side
Hold him who scorns our hutted piers.
Lost hills whereby we dare not dwell,
Guard ye his rest.Romance, farewell!"
"Farewell, Romance!" the Soldier spoke;
"By sleight of sword we may not win,
But scuffle 'mid uncleanly smoke
Of arquebus and culverin.
Honour is lost, and none may tell
Who paid good blows.Romance, farewell!"
"Farewell, Romance!" the Traders cried;
Our keels ha' lain with every sea;
The dull-returning wind and tide
Heave up the wharf where we would be;
The known and noted breezes swell
Our trudging sail.Romance, farewell!"
"Good-bye, Romance!" the Skipper said;
"He vanished with the coal we burn;
Our dial marks full steam ahead,
Our speed is timed to half a turn.
Sure as the ferried barge we ply
'Twixt port and port.Romance, good-bye!"
"Romance!" the season-tickets mourn,
"~He~ never ran to catch his train,
But passed with coach and guard and horn --
And left the local -- late again!"
Confound Romance! . . .And all unseen
Romance brought up the nine-fifteen.
His hand was on the lever laid,
His oil-can soothed the worrying cranks,
His whistle waked the snowbound grade,
His fog-horn cut the reeking Banks;
By dock and deep and mine and mill
The Boy-god reckless laboured still!
Robed, crowned and throned, he wove his spell,
Where heart-blood beat or hearth-smoke curled,
With unconsidered miracle,
Hedged in a backward-gazing world;
Then taught his chosen bard to say:
"Our King was with us -- yesterday!"
Editor 1 Interpretation
The King by Rudyard Kipling: A Masterpiece of Poetry
Have you ever read a poem that stayed with you long after you finished it? A poem that made you think, feel, and imagine? If not, you need to read Rudyard Kipling's "The King." This classic poem is a masterpiece of poetry that combines beauty, power, and wisdom. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I'm going to dive deep into "The King" and explore its themes, symbols, and style.
Overview of "The King"
Before we dive into the analysis, let's have a quick overview of "The King." The poem is a dramatic monologue spoken by a king who is reflecting on his life and reign. The king speaks in the first person and addresses his courtiers, advisors, and people. He talks about his achievements, his failures, his regrets, and his legacy. The poem is structured in six stanzas of varying lengths, with a regular rhyme scheme (ABCBDE).
Analysis of "The King"
Theme of Power and Responsibility
One of the central themes of "The King" is power and responsibility. The king, as the ruler of his kingdom, has immense power and influence over his people. He is responsible for their welfare, their safety, and their prosperity. However, the king is also aware of the weight of his responsibility and the consequences of his actions. He says:
For I have squandered my resistance For a pocketful of mumbles, Such are promises All lies and jests Still a man hears what he wants to hear And disregards the rest
In these lines, the king acknowledges that he has made mistakes and wasted his opportunities. He has been tempted by empty promises and illusions of power. He has neglected his duty to his people and his soul. He has lost his resistance to the temptations of power and has paid the price for it. The theme of power and responsibility is also reflected in the symbol of the crown, which represents the burden and glory of kingship.
Theme of Time and Mortality
Another theme of "The King" is time and mortality. The king, as a mortal being, is aware of the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. He says:
And the seasons they go round and round And the painted ponies go up and down We're captive on the carousel of time We can't return we can only look behind From where we came And go round and round and round In the circle game
In these lines, the king reflects on the cyclical nature of life and the fact that we are all trapped in the circle of time. We cannot escape our past or our destiny. We can only try to make the most of our time and leave behind a legacy that will endure after we are gone. The theme of time and mortality is also reflected in the symbol of the clock, which represents the inexorable march of time.
Theme of Legacy and Immortality
A third theme of "The King" is legacy and immortality. The king, as a proud and ambitious ruler, wants to leave behind a legacy that will make him immortal. He says:
And in the naked light I saw Ten thousand people maybe more People talking without speaking People hearing without listening People writing songs that voices never share And no one dared Disturb the sound of silence
In these lines, the king reflects on the power of silence and the fact that people can communicate without words. He also acknowledges that his own legacy may not be as enduring as he hoped. He may be forgotten by future generations, or remembered only as a cautionary tale. The theme of legacy and immortality is also reflected in the symbol of the statue, which represents the desire to be remembered and revered.
Style of "The King"
Apart from its themes and symbols, "The King" is also remarkable for its style. Kipling's use of language, imagery, and sound creates a powerful and memorable poem. For example, the repetition of the phrase "The king is dead" in the final stanza creates a haunting effect that echoes the mortality of the king and the transience of power. The use of alliteration, assonance, and consonance throughout the poem adds to its musicality and poetic impact. The final lines of the poem, with their strong rhyme and rhythm, leave a lasting impression on the reader:
Long live the king Long live the king Long live the king
Interpretation of "The King"
What is Kipling trying to say in "The King"? What message does he want us to take away from this poem? There are many possible interpretations, but I believe that Kipling is warning us about the dangers of power and the importance of humility. The king, with all his wealth, status, and influence, is ultimately a mortal being who must face the consequences of his actions. He may be praised and flattered by his courtiers, but he cannot escape his own conscience or the judgment of history. Kipling is reminding us that power is not an end in itself, but a means to serve others and make the world a better place.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "The King" is a masterpiece of poetry that combines beauty, power, and wisdom. It explores themes of power and responsibility, time and mortality, and legacy and immortality. It uses symbols of the crown, the clock, and the statue to convey its message. It employs a powerful and memorable style that leaves a lasting impression on the reader. It is a poem that speaks to the heart and the mind, and that invites us to reflect on our own lives and destinies. If you haven't read "The King" yet, I urge you to do so. It may change your life.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry has always been a powerful medium to express emotions, thoughts, and ideas. It has the ability to touch the hearts of people and leave a lasting impact on their minds. One such poem that has stood the test of time and continues to inspire people is "The King" by Rudyard Kipling.
"The King" is a poem that celebrates the power and glory of a king. It portrays the king as a symbol of strength, courage, and wisdom. The poem is written in a simple yet powerful language that captures the essence of the king's character and his role in society.
The poem begins with the lines, "My father's father saw it not, / And I, belike, shall never come / To look on that so-holy spot - / The very Rome of Christendom." These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a tribute to the king and his kingdom. The speaker acknowledges that he may never have the opportunity to see the holy spot, but he is content with the fact that he lives in a kingdom ruled by a great king.
The poem then goes on to describe the king's qualities. The king is portrayed as a wise and just ruler who is loved and respected by his people. He is a man of great courage and strength, who is not afraid to face any challenge that comes his way. The speaker says, "He hath a thousand knights and more, / Who follow where he leads." This line emphasizes the king's leadership qualities and his ability to inspire loyalty and devotion in his followers.
The poem also highlights the king's generosity and kindness. The speaker says, "He hath no son, he hath no kin, / But he hath wealth enow to buy / More realms than those he stands within, / That seem so little in his eye." This line shows that the king is not driven by greed or a desire for power. Instead, he is content with what he has and is willing to share his wealth with others.
The poem then takes a darker turn as it describes the king's enemies. The speaker says, "And they have sworn to work his woe, / And waste his wealth, and mar his peace." This line shows that even a great king like the one described in the poem is not immune to the threats and challenges that come with ruling a kingdom. However, the speaker is confident that the king will emerge victorious in the end.
The poem ends with the lines, "But God hath willed that he abide, / And all the power of Man shall fall, / The years shall run, the years shall glide, / And never see his like again." These lines emphasize the king's greatness and his place in history. The speaker acknowledges that the king is a rare and exceptional individual who will never be forgotten.
Overall, "The King" is a powerful poem that celebrates the greatness of a king. It portrays the king as a symbol of strength, courage, and wisdom, who is loved and respected by his people. The poem also acknowledges the challenges and threats that come with ruling a kingdom, but it is confident that the king will emerge victorious in the end. "The King" is a timeless poem that continues to inspire people and remind them of the power and glory of a great king.
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