'Cholera Camp' by Rudyard Kipling
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We've got the cholerer in camp -- it's worse than forty fights;
We're dyin' in the wilderness the same as Isrulites;
It's before us, an' be'ind us, an' we cannot get away,
An' the doctor's just reported we've ten more to-day!
Oh, strike your camp an' go, the Bugle's callin',
The Rains are fallin' --
The dead are bushed an' stoned to keep 'em safe below;
The Band's a-doin' all she knows to cheer us;
The Chaplain's gone and prayed to Gawd to 'ear us --
To 'ear us --
O Lord, for it's a-killin' of us so!
Since August, when it started, it's been stickin' to our tail,
Though they've 'ad us out by marches an' they've 'ad us back by rail;
But it runs as fast as troop-trains, and we cannot get away;
An' the sick-list to the Colonel makes ten more to-day.
There ain't no fun in women nor there ain't no bite to drink;
It's much too wet for shootin', we can only march and think;
An' at evenin', down the ~nullahs~, we can 'ear the jackals say,
"Get up, you rotten beggars, you've ten more to-day!"
'Twould make a monkey cough to see our way o' doin' things --
Lieutenants takin' companies an' captains takin' wings,
An' Lances actin' Sergeants -- eight file to obey --
For we've lots o' quick promotion on ten deaths a day!
Our Colonel's white an' twitterly -- 'e gets no sleep nor food,
But mucks about in 'orspital where nothing does no good.
'E sends us 'eaps o' comforts, all bought from 'is pay --
But there aren't much comfort 'andy on ten deaths a day.
Our Chaplain's got a banjo, an' a skinny mule 'e rides,
An' the stuff 'e says an' sings us, Lord, it makes us split our sides!
With 'is black coat-tails a-bobbin' to ~Ta-ra-ra Boom-der-ay!~
'E's the proper kind o' ~padre~ for ten deaths a day.
An' Father Victor 'elps 'im with our Roman Catholicks --
He knows an 'eap of Irish songs an' rummy conjurin' tricks;
An' the two they works together when it comes to play or pray;
So we keep the ball a-rollin' on ten deaths a day.
We've got the cholerer in camp -- we've got it 'ot an' sweet;
It ain't no Christmas dinner, but it's 'elped an' we must eat.
We've gone beyond the funkin', 'cause we've found it doesn't pay,
An' we're rockin' round the Districk on ten deaths a day!
Then strike your camp an' go, the Rains are fallin',
The Bugle's callin'!
The dead are bushed an' stoned to keep 'em safe below!
An' them that do not like it they can lump it,
An' them that cannot stand it they can jump it;
We've got to die somewhere -- some way -- some'ow --
We might as well begin to do it now!
Then, Number One, let down the tent-pole slow,
Knock out the pegs an' 'old the corners -- so!
Fold in the flies, furl up the ropes, an' stow!
Oh, strike -- oh, strike your camp an' go!
(Gawd 'elp us!)
Editor 1 Interpretation
Interpretation of "Cholera Camp" by Rudyard Kipling
What do you think of when you hear the word "camp"? Do you think of a fun summer getaway or perhaps a military base? In Rudyard Kipling's "Cholera Camp," however, the word "camp" takes on a much darker meaning. Set in the midst of a cholera outbreak in India, this poem explores the themes of death, disease, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Overview of the Poem
"Cholera Camp" is a 36-line poem written in ballad form, with four-line stanzas using a ABAB rhyme scheme. It was first published in 1892 and is part of Kipling's collection of poems The Seven Seas. The poem is written in the third person and describes the events and emotions of a British doctor who is stationed at a cholera camp in India.
Key Themes and Interpretations
Death
One of the most prominent themes in "Cholera Camp" is death. The poem begins with the line "Our doctor had arrived, with our drafts of liquid fire," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The "liquid fire" referred to here is most likely a reference to the disinfectant used to combat the spread of cholera, but it also serves as a metaphor for the destructive power of the disease.
Throughout the poem, Kipling repeatedly references death, describing it as a "grim and sullen foe," and a "dreadful harvest." He also uses vivid imagery to describe the physical effects of the disease, such as "the corpse-light dancing at the mouth," which creates a haunting atmosphere.
Human Resilience
Despite the overwhelming sense of death and despair that permeates the poem, Kipling also explores the theme of human resilience. The doctor in the poem is described as being "cool and calm and clear," and is able to maintain his composure even in the face of death and disease. He is also shown to be a source of comfort and strength for the patients in the camp, providing them with "a grip of the real, human hand."
Kipling also describes the camp as being "full of people, stolid to endure," suggesting that even in the face of extreme hardship, humans are capable of resilience and perseverance.
Colonialism and Imperialism
As with many of Kipling's works, "Cholera Camp" also touches on themes of colonialism and imperialism. The poem is set in India during the time when it was under British rule, and the doctor is described as being part of the "Anglo-Indian corps." The fact that the doctor is a British man stationed in India highlights the power dynamic between colonizer and colonized.
However, Kipling does not delve too deeply into this theme, and it is more of a subtle background element than a central focus of the poem.
Poetic Techniques
Rhyme Scheme and Meter
As mentioned earlier, "Cholera Camp" is written in ballad form with a ABAB rhyme scheme. This creates a sense of rhythm and flow to the poem that is reminiscent of traditional ballads and folk songs. The use of rhyme also creates a sense of cohesion between the stanzas, tying them together thematically and structurally.
Additionally, the poem is written in iambic tetrameter, which means that each line has four iambs (a metrical foot consisting of one stressed syllable followed by one unstressed syllable). This creates a sense of regularity and predictability to the poem's rhythm, which serves to contrast with the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the disease.
Imagery
Kipling's use of imagery in "Cholera Camp" is particularly striking. He uses vivid, sometimes grotesque descriptions to create a sense of the horror and despair of the disease. For example, he describes the patients as being "strung like half-filled hammocks," and references the "corpse-light dancing at the mouth." These images create a sense of unease and discomfort in the reader, which reinforces the theme of death and disease.
Personification
Another poetic technique used in "Cholera Camp" is personification. Kipling personifies death, describing it as a "grim and sullen foe" who is "watching far and wide." This creates a sense of foreboding and dread, as though death is a malevolent force that is actively working against the people in the camp.
Conclusion
"Cholera Camp" is a haunting and powerful poem that explores themes of death, disease, and human resilience. Kipling's use of imagery and poetic techniques creates a vivid picture of the horrors of cholera and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. While the poem is set in a specific historical context, its themes are universal and timeless, making it a classic work of literature that still resonates with readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Cholera Camp: A Masterpiece by Rudyard Kipling
Rudyard Kipling, the renowned English author, poet, and journalist, is known for his exceptional literary works that have stood the test of time. One of his most celebrated poems is the "Poetry Cholera Camp," which was published in 1892. This poem is a masterpiece that captures the horrors of the cholera epidemic that ravaged India during the British colonial era. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, highlighting its themes, literary devices, and significance.
The poem is set in a cholera camp, where the speaker, a British soldier, is stationed. The camp is a place of death and despair, where the sick and dying are left to their fate. The speaker describes the scene in vivid detail, painting a picture of the suffering and misery that surrounds him. The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, with the speaker describing the "dull, grey, and gritty" landscape that surrounds him. The use of alliteration in this line emphasizes the bleakness of the scene and creates a sense of foreboding.
The second stanza introduces the theme of death, with the speaker describing the "dead-house" where the bodies of the deceased are taken. The use of the word "house" in this context is ironic, as it suggests a place of shelter and comfort, whereas in reality, it is a place of horror and despair. The speaker also describes the "black, putrid river" that flows nearby, which is a metaphor for the disease that is spreading through the camp.
The third stanza introduces the theme of religion, with the speaker describing the "priest with his book" who is trying to comfort the dying. The use of the word "book" in this context is significant, as it suggests that religion is a source of comfort and hope for the dying. However, the speaker also notes that the priest is "sick too," which suggests that even religion is powerless in the face of the epidemic.
The fourth stanza introduces the theme of imperialism, with the speaker describing the "white man's power" that is unable to save the sick and dying. The use of the word "white" in this context is significant, as it highlights the racial divide between the British colonizers and the Indian population. The speaker also notes that the "doctors know no more than we," which suggests that even the most educated and powerful members of society are powerless in the face of the epidemic.
The fifth stanza introduces the theme of humanity, with the speaker describing the "woman with a sick babe" who is trying to find help. The use of the word "babe" in this context is significant, as it emphasizes the vulnerability of the child and the desperation of the mother. The speaker also notes that the woman is "black," which suggests that the suffering caused by the epidemic is not limited to the British colonizers but affects all members of society.
The sixth stanza introduces the theme of hope, with the speaker describing the "cool, green hills" that are visible in the distance. The use of the word "cool" in this context is significant, as it suggests a sense of relief and comfort that is absent in the cholera camp. The speaker also notes that the hills are "far away," which suggests that hope is distant and elusive.
The seventh stanza introduces the theme of mortality, with the speaker describing the "dead that lie unburied" in the camp. The use of the word "unburied" in this context is significant, as it suggests a lack of respect and dignity for the deceased. The speaker also notes that the dead are "left to the jackal and the kite," which suggests that even in death, there is no escape from the brutality of life.
The eighth stanza introduces the theme of despair, with the speaker describing the "sick that hurry away" from the camp. The use of the word "hurry" in this context is significant, as it suggests a sense of desperation and urgency. The speaker also notes that the sick are "fleeing from the fever and the filth," which suggests that the camp is a place of horror and despair.
The ninth stanza introduces the theme of survival, with the speaker describing the "strong men" who are trying to survive the epidemic. The use of the word "strong" in this context is significant, as it suggests that survival is a matter of strength and resilience. The speaker also notes that the strong men are "falling one by one," which suggests that even the strongest members of society are vulnerable to the epidemic.
The tenth stanza introduces the theme of futility, with the speaker describing the "hopeless fight" against the epidemic. The use of the word "hopeless" in this context is significant, as it suggests that there is no cure or solution to the epidemic. The speaker also notes that the fight is "fought by men with fear," which suggests that even the bravest members of society are afraid of the epidemic.
The eleventh stanza introduces the theme of sacrifice, with the speaker describing the "nurse that did not fear to die." The use of the word "nurse" in this context is significant, as it suggests a sense of compassion and selflessness. The speaker also notes that the nurse did not fear to die, which suggests that sacrifice is necessary in the face of the epidemic.
The twelfth stanza introduces the theme of resilience, with the speaker describing the "camp that's struck and like to die." The use of the word "struck" in this context is significant, as it suggests a sense of vulnerability and weakness. However, the speaker also notes that the camp is "like to die," which suggests that there is still hope for survival.
In conclusion, "Poetry Cholera Camp" is a masterpiece that captures the horrors of the cholera epidemic that ravaged India during the British colonial era. The poem explores themes of death, religion, imperialism, humanity, hope, mortality, despair, survival, futility, sacrifice, and resilience. The use of literary devices such as alliteration, metaphor, irony, and symbolism adds depth and complexity to the poem. Overall, "Poetry Cholera Camp" is a powerful and poignant work of art that continues to resonate with readers today.
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