'Route Marchin'' by Rudyard Kipling
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We're marchin' on relief over Injia's sunny plains,
A little front o' Christmas-time an' just be'ind the Rains;
Ho! get away you bullock-man, you've 'eard the bugle blowed,
There's a regiment a-comin' down the Grand Trunk Road;
With its best foot first
And the road a-sliding past,
An' every bloomin' campin'-ground exactly like the last;
While the Big Drum says,
With 'is "~rowdy-dowdy-dow!~" --
"~Kiko kissywarsti~ don't you ~hamsher argy jow?~"*
* Why don't you get on?
Oh, there's them Injian temples to admire when you see,
There's the peacock round the corner an' the monkey up the tree,
An' there's that rummy silver grass a-wavin' in the wind,
An' the old Grand Trunk a-trailin' like a rifle-sling be'ind.
While it's best foot first, . . .
At half-past five's Revelly, an' our tents they down must come,
Like a lot of button mushrooms when you pick 'em up at 'ome.
But it's over in a minute, an' at six the column starts,
While the women and the kiddies sit an' shiver in the carts.
An' it's best foot first, . . .
Oh, then it's open order, an' we lights our pipes an' sings,
An' we talks about our rations an' a lot of other things,
An' we thinks o' friends in England, an' we wonders what they're at,
An' 'ow they would admire for to hear us sling the ~bat~.*
An' it's best foot first, . . .
* Language.Thomas's first and firmest conviction is that
he is a profound Orientalist and a fluent speaker of Hindustani.
As a matter of fact, he depends largely on the sign-language.
It's none so bad o' Sunday, when you're lyin' at your ease,
To watch the kites a-wheelin' round them feather-'eaded trees,
For although there ain't no women, yet there ain't no barrick-yards,
So the orficers goes shootin' an' the men they plays at cards.
Till it's best foot first, . . .
So 'ark an' 'eed, you rookies, which is always grumblin' sore,
There's worser things than marchin' from Umballa to Cawnpore;
An' if your 'eels are blistered an' they feels to 'urt like 'ell,
You drop some tallow in your socks an' that will make 'em well.
For it's best foot first, . . .
We're marchin' on relief over Injia's coral strand,
Eight 'undred fightin' Englishmen, the Colonel, and the Band;
Ho! get away you bullock-man, you've 'eard the bugle blowed,
There's a regiment a-comin' down the Grand Trunk Road;
With its best foot first
And the road a-sliding past,
An' every bloomin' campin'-ground exactly like the last;
While the Big Drum says,
With 'is "~rowdy-dowdy-dow!~" --
"~Kiko kissywarsti~ don't you ~hamsher argy jow?~"
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Route Marchin'" by Rudyard Kipling: An Ode to the Power of Military Discipline
As I read Rudyard Kipling's poem "Route Marchin'," a sense of awe and admiration washed over me. This piece of literature is not just an ode to the discipline and physical prowess of soldiers but is also a reminder of the power of collective effort and camaraderie. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will analyze the poem's themes, use of language and form, and its historical and cultural significance.
An Overview of "Route Marchin'"
"Route Marchin'" is a poem about a group of British soldiers marching through the countryside. The poem opens with the soldiers trudging along, weighed down by their heavy packs, rifles, and bayonets. Despite the physical toll of the march, the soldiers remain steadfast and continue on their journey without complaint. As they march, they sing a rhythmic song that keeps them in step and serves as a reminder of their unified purpose.
Throughout the poem, Kipling describes the soldiers with a sense of admiration and respect. He notes their physical prowess and endurance, as well as their unwavering commitment to their mission. The soldiers in "Route Marchin'" are not just marching through the countryside; they are on a mission to protect their country and uphold its values.
Themes in "Route Marchin'"
One of the central themes in "Route Marchin'" is discipline. The poem celebrates the discipline of the soldiers, both physical and mental. The soldiers are able to march for miles with heavy packs and weapons because they have trained themselves to endure physical hardship. They are also able to remain focused on their mission because they have the mental discipline to stay true to their purpose.
Another theme in the poem is camaraderie. The soldiers in "Route Marchin'" are all working together towards a common goal. They sing together to keep in step and to remind themselves of their shared purpose. Kipling celebrates the sense of community that arises from this shared mission and the bonds that form among soldiers.
Finally, the poem touches on the idea of sacrifice. The soldiers in "Route Marchin'" are willing to endure physical and mental hardship to protect their country. They are willing to sacrifice their own comfort and safety for the greater good.
Use of Language and Form
Kipling's use of language and form in "Route Marchin'" is masterful. The poem is written in unrhymed tercets, with each line containing ten syllables. This form gives the poem a sense of rhythm and movement that mirrors the soldiers' march. The use of tercets also allows Kipling to create a sense of unity among the soldiers, as each stanza contains three lines that work together to convey a single idea.
Kipling's use of language is also notable. He uses vivid, descriptive language to paint a picture of the soldiers as they march through the countryside. For example, he describes the soldiers as "grey ghosts" and "weary men" to convey their exhaustion and weariness. He also uses military jargon, such as "packs and rifles" and "bayonets and haversacks," to add authenticity to the poem and to convey the soldiers' purpose.
Historical and Cultural Significance
"Route Marchin'" was written in 1890, during a time when the British Empire was at its height. The poem celebrates the discipline and physical prowess of British soldiers, who were seen as the epitome of military strength and endurance. The poem reflects the cultural values of the time, which placed a high value on military service and sacrifice for the greater good.
The poem also reflects the social hierarchy of the time. The soldiers in "Route Marchin'" are described as being from "the ranks," indicating that they are common soldiers rather than officers. The poem celebrates the discipline and physical prowess of these common soldiers, who were often seen as the backbone of the British military.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Route Marchin'" is a powerful celebration of military discipline, camaraderie, and sacrifice. Kipling's use of language and form creates a sense of rhythm and unity that mirrors the soldiers' march. The poem reflects the cultural values of the time and celebrates the physical and mental endurance of British soldiers. As I read this poem, I was struck by the power of collective effort and the ability of individuals to come together to achieve a common goal. "Route Marchin'" is a true masterpiece of literature and a testament to the power of discipline and unity.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry has the power to evoke emotions, stir the soul, and transport us to different times and places. One such poem that has stood the test of time is Rudyard Kipling's "Route Marchin'." This classic poem captures the essence of military life and the camaraderie that soldiers share while on the march. In this analysis, we will delve deeper into the poem's themes, structure, and language to understand why it continues to resonate with readers even today.
"Route Marchin'" is a poem that celebrates the spirit of the British Army during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Kipling himself had a deep connection with the military, having grown up in India and later serving as a war correspondent during the Boer War. His experiences gave him a unique insight into the lives of soldiers, and this is reflected in his writing.
The poem begins with a description of soldiers on the march, their feet pounding the ground in unison. Kipling's use of onomatopoeia in the line "Tramp, tramp, tramp, the boys are marching" creates a sense of rhythm and movement, mimicking the sound of marching feet. This sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is filled with vivid imagery and powerful language.
As the soldiers march, they sing a song that reflects their shared experiences and bonds of brotherhood. The chorus of the song, "For it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' 'Chuck him out, the brute!'/ But it's 'Saviour of 'is country' when the guns begin to shoot," highlights the paradoxical nature of military life. Soldiers are often treated with disdain and disrespect by civilians, but when they are called upon to defend their country, they become heroes.
Kipling's use of dialect in the poem is also noteworthy. He uses colloquial language and slang to create a sense of authenticity and realism. The soldiers speak in a way that is familiar and relatable, making the reader feel as though they are part of the group. This is evident in lines such as "We aren't no thin red 'eroes, nor we aren't no blackguards too," which captures the soldiers' sense of pride and humility.
The poem also touches on the theme of sacrifice. The soldiers are willing to endure physical hardship and danger for the sake of their country. Kipling writes, "We're foot-slog slog-slog-sloggin' over Africa/ Foot-foot-foot-foot-sloggin' over Africa," emphasizing the grueling nature of their journey. The soldiers are not seeking glory or recognition; they are simply doing their duty.
The final stanza of the poem is particularly poignant. Kipling writes, "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." This line encapsulates the soldiers' sense of duty and sacrifice. They are willing to lay down their lives for their country, but they are also human beings with hopes and fears. The line "Tommy, 'ow's yer soul?" acknowledges the soldiers' emotional and spiritual needs, reminding us that they are more than just cogs in a war machine.
In terms of structure, "Route Marchin'" is a ballad. It has a regular rhyme scheme and a sing-song rhythm that makes it easy to remember and recite. This is fitting, given that the poem is about soldiers singing as they march. The repetition of certain phrases, such as "Tommy this, an' Tommy that," also adds to the poem's musicality.
Overall, "Route Marchin'" is a powerful poem that captures the spirit of military life. Kipling's use of language and imagery creates a vivid picture of soldiers on the march, singing and joking as they endure physical hardship and danger. The poem also touches on deeper themes of sacrifice, brotherhood, and the paradoxical nature of military life. It is a testament to Kipling's skill as a writer that the poem continues to resonate with readers over a century after it was written.
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