'Gentlemen -Rankers' by Rudyard Kipling
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To the legion of the lost ones, to the cohort of the damned,
To my brethren in their sorrow overseas,
Sings a gentleman of England cleanly bred, machinely crammed,
And a trooper of the Empress, if you please.
Yea, a trooper of the forces who has run his own six horses,
And faith he went the pace and went it blind,
And the world was more than kin while he held the ready tin,
But to-day the Sergeant's something less than kind.
We're poor little lambs who've lost our way,
Baa!Baa!Baa!
We're little black sheep who've gone astray,
Baa--aa--aa!
Gentlemen-rankers out on the spree,
Damned from here to Eternity,
God ha' mercy on such as we,
Baa!Yah!Bah!
Oh, it's sweet to sweat through stables, sweet to empty kitchen slops,
And it's sweet to hear the tales the troopers tell,
To dance with blowzy housemaids at the regimental hops
And thrash the cad who says you waltz too well.
Yes, it makes you cock-a-hoop to be "Rider" to your troop,
And branded with a blasted worsted spur,
When you envy, O how keenly, one poor Tommy being cleanly
Who blacks your boots and sometimes calls you "Sir".
If the home we never write to, and the oaths we never keep,
And all we know most distant and most dear,
Across the snoring barrack-room return to break our sleep,
Can you blame us if we soak ourselves in beer?
When the drunken comrade mutters and the great guard-lantern gutters
And the horror of our fall is written plain,
Every secret, self-revealing on the aching white-washed ceiling,
Do you wonder that we drug ourselves from pain?
We have done with Hope and Honour, we are lost to Love and Truth,
We are dropping down the ladder rung by rung,
And the measure of our torment is the measure of our youth.
God help us, for we knew the worst too young!
Our shame is clean repentance for the crime that brought the sentence,
Our pride it is to know no spur of pride,
And the Curse of Reuben holds us till an alien turf enfolds us
And we die, and none can tell Them where we died.
We're poor little lambs who've lost our way,
Baa!Baa!Baa!
We're little black sheep who've gone astray,
Baa--aa--aa!
Gentlemen-rankers out on the spree,
Damned from here to Eternity,
God ha' mercy on such as we,
Baa!Yah!Bah!
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Gentlemen-Rankers" by Rudyard Kipling: An Exploration of Military Life and Masculinity
Introduction
Rudyard Kipling's poem "Gentlemen-Rankers" is a powerful reflection on the lives of soldiers and the complex dynamics of masculinity within the military. Published in 1896 as part of the collection "The Seven Seas," the poem tells the story of a group of "gentlemen-rankers" – soldiers who had once occupied high social positions but had fallen on hard times and enlisted in the army.
Through vivid imagery and evocative language, Kipling explores the ways in which military life both reinforces and challenges traditional notions of masculinity. The poem is a testament to Kipling's skill as a writer, as he uses the experiences of his characters to comment on broader social and political issues.
Analysis
The poem begins with an image of the gentlemen-rankers walking through the streets of a bustling city, their uniforms and medals marking them as members of the military elite. However, Kipling quickly reveals that these men are not what they seem:
"We're poor little lambs who've lost our way, Baa! Baa! Baa! We're little black sheep who've gone astray, Baa-aa-aa!"
This opening stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is marked by a sense of melancholy and disillusionment. The gentlemen-rankers are no longer the powerful figures they once were, but instead are lost and adrift in a world that has turned against them.
Throughout the poem, Kipling explores the ways in which the military both reinforces and challenges traditional notions of masculinity. On the one hand, the soldiers are depicted as brave and stoic, facing danger and hardship without complaint. They are described as "wearin' o' the khaki" and "marchin' into line," images that evoke a sense of discipline and strength.
At the same time, however, the poem also reveals the vulnerability and fragility of these men. Kipling describes the soldiers as "damaged men," "tarnished gentry," and "drunken rats," highlighting the toll that military life has taken on their bodies and minds. These men are not invincible heroes, but rather human beings who have been shaped and scarred by their experiences.
Perhaps the most powerful aspect of the poem is the way in which Kipling depicts the bond between the gentlemen-rankers. Despite their social and economic differences, they are united by their shared experiences in the military. Kipling describes them as "Lowlife, high-life, oh! the weary, weary rovers!" – a group of men who have been brought together by fate and who rely on each other for support and companionship.
This sense of camaraderie is particularly poignant in the final stanza of the poem, in which Kipling describes the gentlemen-rankers marching away from the city and back into the world of the military. He writes:
"They're poor little lambs who've lost their way, Baa! Baa! Baa! They're little black sheep who've gone astray, Baa-aa-aa! And blithe's the march of the gentlemen-rankers, Oh! never was world so merry and gay."
Here, Kipling contrasts the bleakness of the soldiers' situation with the optimism and camaraderie of their march. Despite their hardships, these men are able to find joy and purpose in their shared experience of military service.
Interpretation
At its core, "Gentlemen-Rankers" is a commentary on the complexities of masculinity and power. By depicting a group of former elites who have fallen on hard times, Kipling challenges the idea that social status and wealth are the only markers of masculinity. Instead, he suggests that true strength and resilience come from within, and are forged through hardship and struggle.
Furthermore, the poem can be read as a critique of the military-industrial complex, and the ways in which it exploits and dehumanizes those who serve. Kipling's depiction of the soldiers as "damaged men" and "tarnished gentry" highlights the toll that military service takes on individuals, and the ways in which it can strip them of their humanity.
However, despite this critique, the poem is ultimately a celebration of the bond that can form between soldiers. Through their shared experiences of hardship and danger, the gentlemen-rankers are able to find a sense of purpose and connection that transcends social and economic differences. This sense of camaraderie is a testament to the human capacity for resilience and empathy, and a reminder that even in the bleakest of circumstances, there is still hope for connection and solidarity.
Conclusion
In "Gentlemen-Rankers," Rudyard Kipling offers a powerful reflection on the complexities of masculinity and the realities of military life. Through vivid imagery and evocative language, he explores the ways in which military service can both reinforce and challenge traditional notions of strength and resilience.
By depicting a group of fallen elites who find purpose and connection in the military, Kipling challenges the idea that social status and wealth are the only markers of masculinity. Instead, he suggests that true strength and resilience come from within, and are forged through hardship and struggle.
Ultimately, "Gentlemen-Rankers" is a testament to the human capacity for resilience and solidarity, and a reminder that even in the bleakest of circumstances, there is still hope for connection and camaraderie.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Gentlemen -Rankers: An Analysis of Rudyard Kipling’s Classic
Rudyard Kipling is a name that needs no introduction. The Nobel laureate is known for his exceptional literary works, and one of his most celebrated poems is “Poetry Gentlemen -Rankers.” This poem is a masterpiece that captures the essence of poetry and the role it plays in society. In this article, we will delve into the poem’s meaning, structure, and literary devices used by Kipling.
The poem is a tribute to the poets who have contributed to the world of literature. Kipling starts by addressing the poets as “Gentlemen-Rankers,” a term used to describe soldiers who are not commissioned officers. The term is used metaphorically to describe the poets who are not recognized as the elite of society but still hold a significant place in the literary world.
The first stanza of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the poem. Kipling talks about the poets’ role in society, stating that they are the ones who “make us laugh or weep.” He acknowledges that the poets are the ones who bring joy and sorrow to our lives through their words. The second stanza is a tribute to the poets who have passed away. Kipling acknowledges that their words still live on and continue to inspire generations.
The third stanza is a call to the poets to continue their work. Kipling urges them to keep writing and to “strike your camp and go.” He acknowledges that the life of a poet is not an easy one, but it is a noble one. The fourth stanza is a tribute to the poets who have been forgotten. Kipling acknowledges that their work may have been lost to time, but their contribution to the literary world is still significant.
The fifth stanza is a call to the readers to appreciate the poets’ work. Kipling urges the readers to “read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest” the words of the poets. He acknowledges that the poets’ work may not be easy to understand, but it is worth the effort. The sixth and final stanza is a tribute to the poets who are still alive. Kipling acknowledges that their work is not done, and they still have a lot to contribute to the literary world.
The structure of the poem is simple yet effective. The poem consists of six stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, and the meter is iambic tetrameter. The simplicity of the structure allows the reader to focus on the message of the poem.
Kipling uses several literary devices in the poem to convey his message effectively. One of the most prominent literary devices used in the poem is metaphor. Kipling uses the term “Gentlemen-Rankers” to describe the poets, which is a metaphor for soldiers who are not commissioned officers. This metaphor highlights the poets’ importance in society, even though they may not be recognized as the elite.
Another literary device used in the poem is alliteration. Kipling uses alliteration in several lines, such as “Laugh or weep” and “Read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest.” The use of alliteration adds to the poem’s musicality and makes it more enjoyable to read.
Kipling also uses personification in the poem. He personifies poetry by stating that it “makes us laugh or weep.” This personification highlights the power of poetry and its ability to evoke emotions in the reader.
The poem’s theme is the importance of poetry in society. Kipling acknowledges that poets may not be recognized as the elite of society, but their contribution to the literary world is significant. He urges the poets to continue their work and the readers to appreciate their words. The poem is a tribute to the poets who have contributed to the literary world and a call to the current and future poets to continue their work.
In conclusion, “Poetry Gentlemen -Rankers” is a masterpiece by Rudyard Kipling that highlights the importance of poetry in society. The poem’s structure is simple yet effective, and Kipling uses several literary devices to convey his message effectively. The poem is a tribute to the poets who have contributed to the literary world and a call to the current and future poets to continue their work. Kipling’s words are a reminder that poetry is not just a form of entertainment but a powerful tool that can evoke emotions and inspire generations.
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