'In The Neolithic Age' by Rudyard Kipling
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In the Neolithic Age savage warfare did I wage
For food and fame and woolly horses' pelt;
I was singer to my clan in that dim, red Dawn of Man,
And I sang of all we fought and feared and felt.
Yea, I sang as now I sing, when the Prehistoric spring
Made the piled Biscayan ice-pack split and shove;
And the troll and gnome and dwerg, and the Gods of Cliff and Berg
Were about me and beneath me and above.
But a rival, of Solutr]/e, told the tribe my style was ~outr]/e~ --
'Neath a tomahawk of diorite he fell.
And I left my views on Art, barbed and tanged, below the heart
Of a mammothistic etcher at Grenelle.
Then I stripped them, scalp from skull, and my hunting dogs fed full,
And their teeth I threaded neatly on a thong;
And I wiped my mouth and said, "It is well that they are dead,
For I know my work is right and theirs was wrong."
But my Totem saw the shame; from his ridgepole shrine he came,
And he told me in a vision of the night: --
"There are nine and sixty ways of constructing tribal lays,
And every single one of them is right!"
.....
Then the silence closed upon me till They put new clothing on me
Of whiter, weaker flesh and bone more frail;
And I stepped beneath Time's finger, once again a tribal singer
[And a minor poet certified by Tr--ll].
Still they skirmish to and fro, men my messmates on the snow,
When we headed off the aurochs turn for turn;
When the rich Allobrogenses never kept amanuenses,
And our only plots were piled in lakes at Berne.
Still a cultured Christian age sees us scuffle, squeak, and rage,
Still we pinch and slap and jabber, scratch and dirk;
Still we let our business slide -- as we dropped the half-dressed hide --
To show a fellow-savage how to work.
Still the world is wondrous large, -- seven seas from marge to marge, --
And it holds a vast of various kinds of man;
And the wildest dreams of Kew are the facts of Khatmandhu,
And the crimes of Clapham chaste in Martaban.
Here's my wisdom for your use, as I learned it when the moose
And the reindeer roared where Paris roars to-night: --
There are nine and sixty ways of constructing tribal lays,
And -- every -- single -- one -- of -- them -- is -- right!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry, In The Neolithic Age: A Criticism and Interpretation
Introduction
Rudyard Kipling was a British writer and Nobel laureate who wrote numerous poems and stories during his lifetime. "Poetry, In The Neolithic Age" is one of his famous poems, which was published in 1888. This poem is about the origin of poetry and the role it played in the lives of people during the Neolithic Age. This paper will provide a detailed analysis of this poem, including its themes, style, structure, and its relevance to modern society.
Themes
The main theme of "Poetry, In The Neolithic Age" is the role of poetry in human life. Kipling argues that poetry was not only a form of entertainment but also a means of communication and cultural expression. The poem suggests that poetry played a vital role in preserving the history, culture, and traditions of early human societies. Through poetry, people could communicate their ideas, beliefs, and feelings to others, which helped to build social cohesion and create a sense of community.
Another important theme of the poem is the evolution of human language. Kipling suggests that poetry was one of the earliest forms of human language and that it evolved over time to become more sophisticated and expressive. The poem highlights the importance of language in human life and its role in shaping our identity and culture.
The poem also touches upon the theme of death and immortality. Kipling argues that poetry has the power to transcend time and space and preserve the memories and experiences of people who have passed away. Through poetry, people can live on forever and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
Style and Structure
Kipling's writing style is characterized by his use of vivid imagery, figurative language, and a simple yet powerful narrative. In "Poetry, In The Neolithic Age," Kipling uses a repetitive structure, where he begins each stanza with the phrase "They built" and then describes the different ways in which people used poetry during the Neolithic Age. This repetitive structure creates a sense of rhythm and continuity, which helps to reinforce the themes of the poem.
Kipling's use of metaphors and personification also adds to the poem's style and impact. For example, he describes poetry as a "breath" that "you cannot kill," which personifies poetry and gives it a sense of vitality and power. The use of metaphors such as "hewn stones" and "straw-thatched roofs" also adds to the poem's descriptive power, creating a vivid picture of ancient human societies.
Interpretation
"Poetry, In The Neolithic Age" can be interpreted in several ways, depending on the reader's perspective. One interpretation is that the poem is a celebration of human creativity and the power of language. Kipling suggests that poetry was one of the earliest forms of human expression, and that it played a vital role in shaping our culture and identity.
Another interpretation is that the poem is a commentary on the human condition. Kipling suggests that poetry has the power to transcend time and space and preserve the memories and experiences of people who have passed away. This can be seen as a reflection on our own mortality and the desire to leave a lasting legacy.
The poem can also be interpreted as a critique of modern society and the way we communicate with each other. Kipling suggests that poetry was a means of communication and cultural expression during the Neolithic Age, and that it helped to build social cohesion and create a sense of community. This can be seen as a criticism of modern society, which seems to be characterized by fragmentation and a lack of social cohesion.
Conclusion
"Poetry, In The Neolithic Age" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the role of poetry in human life. Through vivid imagery and a simple yet powerful narrative, Kipling celebrates the power of language and the human capacity for creativity and expression. The poem can be interpreted in several ways, depending on the reader's perspective, but its message remains clear: poetry has the power to transcend time and space and preserve the memories and experiences of people who have passed away. As such, it remains a relevant and timeless work of literature.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry In The Neolithic Age: A Timeless Masterpiece by Rudyard Kipling
Rudyard Kipling, the renowned English poet, novelist, and short-story writer, is known for his exceptional literary works that have stood the test of time. Among his many works, Poetry In The Neolithic Age is a timeless masterpiece that has captured the hearts of many poetry enthusiasts. This poem is a reflection of the evolution of human civilization and the role of poetry in shaping the culture of ancient societies. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of this poem and explore its themes, literary devices, and historical context.
The poem begins with a vivid description of the Neolithic Age, a period in human history that dates back to around 10,000 BC. Kipling paints a picture of a primitive society that is still grappling with the basics of survival. The opening lines of the poem read, "We have no prairies, To slice a big sun at evening— Everywhere the eye concedes to Encrouching horizon,". These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, highlighting the stark contrast between the modern world and the ancient world. The Neolithic Age was a time when humans were still learning to harness the power of nature and create a sustainable way of life.
The poem goes on to explore the role of poetry in this ancient society. Kipling suggests that poetry was not just a form of entertainment but a means of survival. He writes, "We have no prairies To slice a big sun at evening— But we have, thank Heaven, no night." Here, Kipling is referring to the fact that the ancient people did not have access to artificial light, and therefore, they relied on the stars and the moon to guide them. Poetry was a way of preserving knowledge and passing it down from generation to generation. It was a way of telling stories, sharing experiences, and creating a sense of community.
The poem also explores the relationship between poetry and religion. Kipling suggests that poetry was a way of connecting with the divine. He writes, "We have no speech, nor knowledge, Nor music, but the hope That springs eternal in the human breast." Here, Kipling is suggesting that poetry was a way of expressing the human desire for something greater than themselves. It was a way of connecting with the divine and finding meaning in the world around them.
Throughout the poem, Kipling employs various literary devices to convey his message. One of the most prominent devices is imagery. Kipling uses vivid descriptions to paint a picture of the Neolithic Age. He writes, "We have no coral for a hoopoe's crest, No nuts to break, Nor a clean space whereon to rest." These lines create a vivid image of a primitive society that is still struggling to survive. Kipling also uses metaphor to convey his message. He writes, "We have no vision, And what is life? A madness, a horror, a dream, An unsought mystery." Here, Kipling is suggesting that life is a mystery that we are still trying to unravel. He is also suggesting that poetry is a way of exploring this mystery and finding meaning in it.
Another literary device that Kipling employs is repetition. He repeats the phrase, "We have no..." throughout the poem to emphasize the limitations of the Neolithic Age. This repetition creates a sense of rhythm and reinforces the message that Kipling is trying to convey.
The historical context of the poem is also important to consider. The Neolithic Age was a time of great change in human history. It was a time when humans were learning to cultivate crops, domesticate animals, and create permanent settlements. It was also a time when humans were developing language and creating art. Poetry was an integral part of this cultural evolution. It was a way of preserving knowledge and creating a sense of community.
In conclusion, Poetry In The Neolithic Age is a timeless masterpiece that explores the role of poetry in shaping human civilization. Kipling's use of imagery, metaphor, and repetition creates a vivid picture of the Neolithic Age and emphasizes the importance of poetry in this ancient society. The poem is a testament to the power of language and its ability to connect us with our past and shape our future. It is a reminder that poetry is not just a form of entertainment but a means of survival, a way of preserving knowledge, and a way of connecting with the divine.
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