'Mulholland 's Contract' by Rudyard Kipling
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The fear was on the cattle, for the gale was on the sea,
An' the pens broke up on the lower deck an' let the creatures free --
An' the lights went out on the lower deck, an' no one near but me.
I had been singin' to them to keep 'em quiet there,
For the lower deck is the dangerousest, requirin' constant care,
An' give to me as the strongest man, though used to drink and swear.
I see my chance was certain of bein' horned or trod,
For the lower deck was packed with steers thicker'n peas in a pod,
An' more pens broke at every roll -- so I made a Contract with God.
An' by the terms of the Contract, as I have read the same,
If He got me to port alive I would exalt His Name,
An' praise His Holy Majesty till further orders came.
He saved me from the cattle an' He saved me from the sea,
For they found me 'tween two drownded ones where the roll had landed me --
An' a four-inch crack on top of my head, as crazy as could be.
But that were done by a stanchion, an' not by a bullock at all,
An' I lay still for seven weeks convalessing of the fall,
An' readin' the shiny Scripture texts in the Seaman's Hospital.
An' I spoke to God of our Contract, an' He says to my prayer:
"I never puts on My ministers no more than they can bear.
So back you go to the cattle-boats an' preach My Gospel there.
"For human life is chancy at any kind of trade,
But most of all, as well you know, when the steers are mad-afraid;
So you go back to the cattle-boats an' preach 'em as I've said.
"They must quit drinkin' an' swearin', they mustn't knife on a blow,
They must quit gamblin' their wages, and you must preach it so;
For now those boats are more like Hell than anything else I know."
I didn't want to do it, for I knew what I should get,
An' I wanted to preach Religion, handsome an' out of the wet,
But the Word of the Lord were lain on me, an' I done what I was set.
I have been smit an' bruis]ed, as warned would be the case,
An' turned my cheek to the smiter exactly as Scripture says;
But following that, I knocked him down an' led him up to Grace.
An' we have preaching on Sundays whenever the sea is calm,
An' I use no knife or pistol an' I never take no harm,
For the Lord abideth back of me to guide my fighting arm.
An' I sign for four-pound-ten a month and save the money clear,
An' I am in charge of the lower deck, an' I never lose a steer;
An' I believe in Almighty God an' preach His Gospel here.
The skippers say I'm crazy, but I can prove 'em wrong,
For I am in charge of the lower deck with all that doth belong --
~Which they would not give to a lunatic, and the competition so strong!~
Editor 1 Interpretation
Mulholland's Contract: A Poem of Honor and Betrayal
Rudyard Kipling's "Mulholland's Contract" is a poem that deals with the themes of honor, loyalty, and betrayal. Set against the backdrop of the American West, the poem tells the story of Mulholland, a cowboy who makes a contract with his employer, the ranch owner, to drive his cattle across the country. However, when he is offered a better deal by a rival rancher, Mulholland breaks the contract, causing his employer to lose his cattle and his reputation. The poem explores the moral dilemmas faced by Mulholland, and the consequences of his actions.
The Structure of the Poem
Kipling uses a simple and straightforward structure for the poem, which consists of eight stanzas of four lines each. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, and the meter is iambic tetrameter, which gives the poem a steady rhythm. The poem is written in the third person, which allows the reader to observe Mulholland's actions and thoughts from a distance, without being influenced by his emotions.
The Theme of Honor
The theme of honor is central to the poem, and is explored through the character of Mulholland. As a cowboy, Mulholland values honor above all else, and is willing to risk his life to protect his employer's cattle. When he signs the contract with his employer, he does so with the understanding that he will see it through to the end, no matter what. However, when he is offered a better deal by a rival rancher, he is faced with a moral dilemma: should he honor his contract and risk losing money, or break the contract and make a profit?
Kipling portrays Mulholland as torn between his sense of duty and his desire for wealth. In stanza six, he says:
But the word of a man to his face, And the deal that he makes with his hand, Is the cow-hand's bond on the place, And is more to him than his land.
This stanza highlights the importance of honor and trust in the cowboy's code of ethics. Mulholland knows that if he breaks his contract, he will be breaking his word, and betraying the trust of his employer. However, he is also aware that by doing so, he will be able to make a large profit, which will secure his financial future.
The Consequences of Betrayal
Kipling also explores the consequences of Mulholland's actions, and the impact they have on his employer. When Mulholland breaks the contract, his employer loses his cattle and his reputation, and is forced to sell his land to pay his debts. The poem describes the scene of the auction, where the rancher is forced to watch his property being sold to the highest bidder:
And the man that had sold him the cattle, And the man that had paid him the gold, And the man that had stolen his saddle, Together in triumph were bold.
This stanza highlights the irony of the situation, where the very men who had caused the rancher's downfall are now profiting from his loss. It also shows the harsh reality of life in the West, where loyalty and honor are often sacrificed for the sake of profit.
The Role of the Cowboy
Kipling's portrayal of the cowboy in "Mulholland's Contract" is both romantic and realistic. He presents the cowboy as a hero, whose loyalty and bravery are unmatched. However, he also shows the harsh realities of life in the West, where danger and violence are an everyday occurrence. The poem describes the dangers that Mulholland faces on his journey, including stampedes, rustlers, and Indians. It also shows the cowboy's resourcefulness and cunning, as he outwits his enemies and protects his cattle.
However, Kipling also highlights the cowboy's flaws, and his tendency to put his own interests ahead of others. Mulholland's betrayal of his employer shows that even the most honorable cowboy is capable of greed and deceit.
The Language of the Poem
Kipling's use of language in "Mulholland's Contract" is simple and direct, but also evocative and vivid. He uses imagery and metaphors to bring the West to life, and to create a sense of danger and excitement. For example, in stanza two, he describes the cattle as:
A thousand hoofs a-trample, A thousand horns in the sun, And the thunder-rumble, rumble Of a thousand cattle on the run.
This stanza creates a vivid picture of the stampede, and the chaos and danger it represents. Kipling also uses repetition and alliteration to create a sense of rhythm and momentum, which mirrors the movement of the cattle.
The Message of the Poem
"Mulholland's Contract" is a poem that explores the themes of honor and betrayal, and the consequences of one's actions. Kipling portrays the cowboy as a hero, but also as a flawed and complex character, who is capable of both great deeds and great failings. The poem highlights the harsh realities of life in the West, where loyalty and honor are often sacrificed for the sake of profit.
The message of the poem is that honor and integrity are more important than wealth and success. Mulholland's betrayal of his employer may have brought him short-term gain, but it also led to the ruin of his employer, and the loss of his own honor and reputation. The poem suggests that true success comes not from material wealth, but from the respect and admiration of others.
Conclusion
"Mulholland's Contract" is a powerful and moving poem that explores the moral dilemmas faced by the cowboy, and the consequences of his actions. Through the character of Mulholland, Kipling presents a complex and nuanced portrayal of the cowboy, as both a hero and a flawed and complex figure. The poem highlights the importance of honor and integrity, and the dangers of greed and deceit. It is a timeless work of literature, which continues to resonate with readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Mulholland's Contract: A Masterpiece by Rudyard Kipling
Rudyard Kipling, the renowned English poet, novelist, and short-story writer, is known for his exceptional works that reflect his deep understanding of human nature and the complexities of life. One of his most celebrated works is the poem "Poetry Mulholland's Contract," which is a masterpiece in every sense of the word. This poem is a perfect example of Kipling's ability to weave a complex narrative that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.
"Poetry Mulholland's Contract" is a poem that tells the story of a young man named Poetry Mulholland, who is a clerk in a law firm. The poem begins with a description of Poetry's mundane life, where he spends his days working in the law firm and his nights dreaming of a better life. However, Poetry's life takes a dramatic turn when he is offered a contract by a mysterious stranger. The contract promises Poetry fame, fortune, and success in exchange for his soul.
The poem is divided into three parts, each of which explores a different aspect of Poetry's life. The first part of the poem introduces us to Poetry and his mundane life. Kipling uses vivid imagery to describe Poetry's surroundings, painting a picture of a dull and monotonous existence. The second part of the poem is where the action takes place. Poetry is offered the contract by the mysterious stranger, and he must decide whether to accept it or not. The third and final part of the poem deals with the aftermath of Poetry's decision.
One of the most striking aspects of "Poetry Mulholland's Contract" is Kipling's use of language. The poem is written in a simple and straightforward style, yet it is filled with powerful imagery and metaphors. Kipling's use of language is particularly effective in the second part of the poem, where he describes the contract that Poetry is offered. The contract is described as a "parchment skin," which is "written in red and black." This description creates a sense of foreboding and danger, as if the contract is something to be feared.
Another notable aspect of the poem is its exploration of the theme of temptation. The poem presents us with a classic Faustian tale, where a character is offered everything he desires in exchange for his soul. Poetry is tempted by the promise of fame and fortune, and he must decide whether to give in to this temptation or not. Kipling's exploration of this theme is both nuanced and complex, as he presents us with a character who is torn between his desire for success and his fear of damnation.
The poem also explores the theme of the human condition. Poetry's desire for success and his fear of damnation are both universal human experiences. Kipling's portrayal of Poetry's struggle is both relatable and poignant, as he captures the essence of what it means to be human. The poem reminds us that we are all vulnerable to temptation and that we must be careful not to lose sight of what is truly important in life.
In conclusion, "Poetry Mulholland's Contract" is a masterpiece of English literature. Kipling's use of language, exploration of themes, and portrayal of characters are all exceptional. The poem is a timeless work that continues to resonate with readers today. It is a reminder of the power of language and the importance of staying true to oneself. If you have not yet read this poem, I highly recommend that you do so. It is a true gem of English literature.
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