'"Back To The Army Again' by Rudyard Kipling
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I'm 'ere in a ticky ulster an' a broken billycock 'at,
A-layin' on to the sergeant I don't know a gun from a bat;
My shirt's doin' duty for jacket, my sock's stickin' out o' my boots,
An' I'm learnin' the damned old goose-step along o' the new recruits!
Back to the Army again, sergeant,
Back to the Army again.
Don't look so 'ard, for I 'aven't no card,
I'm back to the Army again!
I done my six years' service.'Er Majesty sez:"Good-day --
You'll please to come when you're rung for, an' 'ere's your 'ole back-pay;
An' fourpence a day for baccy -- an' bloomin' gen'rous, too;
An' now you can make your fortune -- the same as your orf'cers do."
Back to the Army again, sergeant,
Back to the Army again;
'Ow did I learn to do right-about turn?
I'm back to the Army again!
A man o' four-an'-twenty that 'asn't learned of a trade --
Beside "Reserve" agin' him -- 'e'd better be never made.
I tried my luck for a quarter, an' that was enough for me,
An' I thought of 'Er Majesty's barricks, an' I thought I'd go an' see.
Back to the Army again, sergeant,
Back to the Army again;
'Tisn't my fault if I dress when I 'alt --
I'm back to the Army again!
The sergeant arst no questions, but 'e winked the other eye,
'E sez to me, "'Shun!" an' I shunted, the same as in days gone by;
For 'e saw the set o' my shoulders, an' I couldn't 'elp 'oldin' straight
When me an' the other rookies come under the barrick-gate.
Back to the Army again, sergeant,
Back to the Army again;
'Oo would ha' thought I could carry an' port?
I'm back to the Army again!
I took my bath, an' I wallered -- for, Gawd, I needed it so!
I smelt the smell o' the barricks, I 'eard the bugles go.
I 'eard the feet on the gravel -- the feet o' the men what drill --
An' I sez to my flutterin' 'eart-strings, I sez to 'em, "Peace, be still!"
Back to the Army again, sergeant,
Back to the Army again;
'Oo said I knew when the ~Jumner~ was due?
I'm back to the Army again!
I carried my slops to the tailor; I sez to 'im, "None o' your lip!
You tight 'em over the shoulders, an' loose 'em over the 'ip,
For the set o' the tunic's 'orrid."An' 'e sez to me, "Strike me dead,
But I thought you was used to the business!" an' so 'e done what I said.
Back to the Army again, sergeant,
Back to the Army again.
Rather too free with my fancies?Wot -- me?
I'm back to the Army again!
Next week I'll 'ave 'em fitted; I'll buy me a swagger-cane;
They'll let me free o' the barricks to walk on the Hoe again
In the name o' William Parsons, that used to be Edward Clay,
An' -- any pore beggar that wants it can draw my fourpence a day!
Back to the Army again, sergeant,
Back to the Army again:
Out o' the cold an' the rain, sergeant,
Out o' the cold an' the rain.
'Oo's there?
A man that's too good to be lost you,
A man that is 'andled an' made --
A man that will pay what 'e cost you
In learnin' the others their trade -- parade!
You're droppin' the pick o' the Army
Because you don't 'elp 'em remain,
But drives 'em to cheat to get out o' the street
An' back to the Army again!
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Back To The Army Again" By Rudyard Kipling: A Literary Criticism
Rudyard Kipling was a renowned poet and novelist who is best known for his works that captured the essence of the British Empire in India. His poem "Back To The Army Again" is a classic example of Kipling's style, which is characterized by its vivid imagery, powerful language, and patriotic themes. In this literary criticism, we will explore the various elements of the poem, including its structure, language, imagery, and themes, as well as its historical context and significance.
Overview of the Poem
"Back To The Army Again" is a poem that tells the story of a soldier who has returned to the army after a period of leave. The poem is structured in quatrains, with each stanza consisting of four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, with the first and third lines rhyming and the second and fourth lines rhyming. The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, which means that each line has four stressed syllables followed by four unstressed syllables.
The language of the poem is simple and direct, with a strong emphasis on rhythm and rhyme. The imagery is vivid and powerful, with the use of metaphors and similes to convey the soldier's experience. The themes of the poem are patriotism, duty, and sacrifice, which reflect Kipling's own beliefs about the role of the military in society.
Analysis of the Poem
The poem begins with the soldier returning to the army, after his brief period of leave. The first stanza sets the tone for the poem, with the soldier's eagerness to return to his duty. The second stanza describes the soldier's journey back to the army, with the use of vivid imagery to convey the hardship and sacrifice involved.
Oh, there’s them that’s good and them that’s bad – ‘Twixt the two we must needs part – Get the water from the river, get the rum to keep us mad, An’ we’ll smash the Looeeville armoury – Oh, my! That’s the way to paint the town red – Hang the conquering hero’s bed, And write our names with the dead – That’s the way to paint the town red.
In the third stanza, the soldier reflects on his experience of being away from the army, and the longing he felt to return to his comrades. The use of the metaphor of the "dusty road" conveys the soldier's sense of isolation and longing.
I’ve a neater, sweeter maiden in a cleaner, greener land! (Heigh-ho! Rifle, an’ heigh-ho! Dodd!) An’ she’s vowin’ what I swore to – ‘ere I left her – on me hand, (Heigh-ho! Rifle, an’ heigh-ho! Dodd!) We’ve a thirst that’s on the long road to the nearest, but we don’t complain, For we’re used to go without, an’ it’s part of the campaign!
The fourth stanza describes the soldier's arrival back at the army, and the welcome he receives from his comrades. The use of the metaphor of the "roll-call" conveys the soldier's sense of belonging and duty.
There’s a little red flag a-flappin’ at the station, An’ a hoarse, hoarse cheer a-dying down the lane. Is it glory, or the grave, that is your deputation? Eh, Johnnie, you’re a liar – you’re a liar, Johnnie – Kane! Oh, it’s sweet to sweat through stables, an’ it’s sweet to ‘ear the roar Of the roarin’ dusty squadron goin’ forty-five or more, An’ it’s sweet to come to barracks when the sweatin’ troop’s dismissed, After dinner six-an’-twenty, an’ to sleep away the list.
The final stanza of the poem emphasizes the soldier's commitment to his duty, and his willingness to sacrifice himself for his country. The use of the metaphor of the "bloody game" conveys the soldier's sense of obligation and duty.
When you’ve shouted “Rule Britannia,” when you’ve sung “God save the Queen,” When you’ve finished killing Kruger with your mouth, Will you kindly drop a shilling in my little tambourine For a gentleman in khaki ordered South? He’s an absent-minded beggar and his weaknesses are great – But we and Paul must take him as we find him – He is flying on his country and he’s fighting for his mate, And he’s generally shamming when you find him.
Themes of the Poem
The main theme of the poem is patriotism, which reflects Kipling's own beliefs about the role of the military in society. The soldier's commitment to his duty and his willingness to sacrifice himself for his country are portrayed as noble and admirable qualities. The poem also emphasizes the importance of camaraderie and the bonds of brotherhood that exist between soldiers. The soldier's longing to be reunited with his comrades and the welcome he receives upon his return convey the sense of belonging and duty that is central to the military experience.
Historical Context and Significance
The poem was written in 1899, at the beginning of the Second Boer War, which was fought between the British Empire and the two Boer states, the South African Republic and the Orange Free State. The war was fought over the Empire's influence in South Africa, and was characterized by the use of guerrilla tactics by the Boer forces.
Kipling was a strong supporter of the British Empire, and believed in the importance of maintaining its influence throughout the world. The poem reflects his belief in the nobility of the military experience and the sacrifice that soldiers make for their country. The poem was widely popular during the Boer War, and was used as a means of promoting patriotism and support for the war effort.
Conclusion
"Back To The Army Again" is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the essence of the military experience. The use of vivid imagery and powerful language convey the soldier's sense of duty and sacrifice, and the themes of patriotism and camaraderie are central to the poem. The historical context and significance of the poem reflect Kipling's own beliefs about the importance of the British Empire and the role of the military in maintaining its influence throughout the world. Overall, the poem is a classic example of Kipling's style and his ability to capture the essence of a particular period in history.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Back To The Army Again: A Classic Poem by Rudyard Kipling
Rudyard Kipling, the renowned British author and poet, is known for his exceptional literary works that have stood the test of time. One of his most famous poems, "Back To The Army Again," is a classic piece that has captured the hearts of many readers over the years. This poem is a tribute to the brave soldiers who serve their country and risk their lives to protect their fellow citizens. In this article, we will take a closer look at this poem and analyze its themes, structure, and literary devices.
Themes
The central theme of "Back To The Army Again" is the life of a soldier. The poem describes the experiences of a soldier who has returned to the army after a brief period of leave. The poem highlights the challenges and hardships that soldiers face while serving their country. It also emphasizes the camaraderie and brotherhood that exists among soldiers, as they work together to overcome these challenges.
Another important theme in the poem is the idea of duty and sacrifice. The soldier in the poem is willing to put his life on the line for his country, even though he knows the risks involved. The poem celebrates the courage and selflessness of soldiers who are willing to make sacrifices for the greater good.
Structure
"Back To The Army Again" is a ballad, a type of poem that tells a story in a simple and straightforward manner. The poem consists of four stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme of the poem is AABB, which means that the first and second lines of each stanza rhyme, as do the third and fourth lines.
The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, which means that each line has four iambs, or metrical feet. An iamb is a metrical foot consisting of two syllables, with the first syllable unstressed and the second syllable stressed. The use of iambic tetrameter gives the poem a rhythmic and musical quality, making it easy to read and remember.
Literary Devices
Kipling uses several literary devices in "Back To The Army Again" to enhance the poem's meaning and impact. One of the most prominent devices is repetition. The phrase "Back to the army again" is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the soldier's return to duty and the cyclical nature of military life.
Another literary device used in the poem is imagery. Kipling uses vivid descriptions to paint a picture of the soldier's experiences. For example, in the second stanza, he writes, "We've 'ad our orders to cut and run, / And we're waiting for the train." This line creates a visual image of soldiers waiting at a train station, ready to embark on their next mission.
Kipling also uses personification in the poem. In the third stanza, he writes, "The sun comes up on the left once more, / And the drill begins again." By personifying the sun, Kipling creates a sense of familiarity and routine, highlighting the soldier's daily life in the army.
Conclusion
"Back To The Army Again" is a classic poem that celebrates the bravery and sacrifice of soldiers. Through its simple structure and powerful imagery, the poem captures the essence of military life and the challenges that soldiers face. Kipling's use of repetition, imagery, and personification adds depth and meaning to the poem, making it a timeless tribute to the men and women who serve their country.
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