'As the Bell Clinks' by Rudyard Kipling
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As I left the Halls at Lumley, rose the vision of a comely
Maid last season worshipped dumbly, watched with fervor from afar;
And I wondered idly, blindly, if the maid would greet me kindly.
That was all -- the rest was settled by the clinking tonga-bar.
Yea, my life and hers were coupled by the tonga coupling-bar.
For my misty meditation, at the second changin-station,
Suffered sudden dislocation, fled before the tuneless jar
Of a Wagner obbligato, scherzo, doublehand staccato,
Played on either pony's saddle by the clacking tonga-bar --
Played with human speech, I fancied, by the jigging, jolting bar.
"She was sweet," thought I, "last season, but 'twere surely wild unreason
Such tiny hope to freeze on as was offered by my Star,
When she whispered, something sadly: 'I -- we feel your going badly!'"
"And you let the chance escape you?" rapped the rattling tonga-bar.
"What a chance and what an idiot!" clicked the vicious tonga-bar.
Heart of man -- oh, heart of putty! Had I gone by Kakahutti,
On the old Hill-road and rutty, I had 'scaped that fatal car.
But his fortune each must bide by, so I watched the milestones slide by,
To "You call on Her to-morrow!" -- fugue with cymbals by the bar --
You must call on Her to-morrow!" -- post-horn gallop by the bar.
Yet a further stage my goal on -- we were whirling down to Solon,
With a double lurch and roll on, best foot foremost, ganz und gar --
"She was very sweet," I hinted. "If a kiss had been imprinted?" --
"'Would ha' saved a world of trouble!" clashed the busy tonga-bar.
"'Been accepted or rejected!" banged and clanged the tonga-bar.
Then a notion wild and daring, 'spite the income tax's paring,
And a hasty thought of sharing -- less than many incomes are,
Made me put a question private, you can guess what I would drive at.
"You must work the sum to prove it," clanked the careless tonga-bar.
"Simple Rule of Two will prove it," litled back the tonga-bar.
It was under Khyraghaut I muse. "Suppose the maid be haughty --
(There are lovers rich -- and roty) -- wait some wealthy Avatar?
Answer monitor untiring, 'twixt the ponies twain perspiring!"
"Faint heart never won fair lady," creaked the straining tonga-bar.
"Can I tell you ere you ask Her?" pounded slow the tonga-bar.
Last, the Tara Devi turning showed the lights of Simla burning,
Lit my little lazy yearning to a fiercer flame by far.
As below the Mall we jingled, through my very heart it tingled --
Did the iterated order of the threshing tonga-bar --
Truy your luck -- you can't do better!" twanged the loosened tongar-bar.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry, As the Bell Clinks by Rudyard Kipling
When it comes to poetry, one cannot help but think of the greats who have left an indelible mark on the literary world. Among them is Rudyard Kipling, who has written works that continue to resonate with readers till today. One such poem is As the Bell Clinks, which is a powerful piece that explores themes of death and the meaning of life. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will delve into the nuances of this poem and what makes it stand out among Kipling's other works.
Overview
As the Bell Clinks is a poem about a man who reflects on his life as he nears death. The poem begins with the sound of a bell clinking, which is symbolic of the man's life coming to an end. The speaker then goes on to describe his life, from his youth to his old age. He talks about the different experiences he has had, both good and bad, and reflects on what they have taught him about the meaning of life.
At the heart of the poem is the idea that life is fleeting and that we must make the most of the time we have. The speaker has come to this realization as he nears the end of his life, and he implores his readers to do the same, to live their lives to the fullest and not waste a single moment.
Analysis
One of the most striking aspects of As the Bell Clinks is its use of imagery. Kipling paints a vivid picture of the man's life, from his youthful days of "playing with the scarlet flowers" to his old age when he is "trembling at the brink." The use of color imagery is particularly effective in conveying the different stages of the man's life. The scarlet flowers of his youth represent the passion and vibrancy of youth, while the gray and brown imagery later on in the poem represents the dullness and monotony of old age.
Another notable aspect of the poem is its use of repetition. The phrase "And so it goes" is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the cyclical nature of life. No matter what happens in life, it always continues on, and the speaker recognizes this fact. The repetition of this phrase also creates a sense of rhythm and musicality in the poem, echoing the sound of the bell clinking.
The poem also contains several allusions to other literary works. For example, the line "the past is but a tale" is a nod to William Shakespeare's play Macbeth, where the character Macbeth compares life to a "tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing." This allusion adds another layer of meaning to the poem, as Kipling is suggesting that life may be meaningless in the grand scheme of things, but that does not diminish its value to us as individuals.
At its core, As the Bell Clinks is a philosophical poem that asks us to confront the finiteness of life. The speaker's reflections on his life are not only a way for him to come to terms with his mortality but also a way to impart wisdom to his readers. He urges us to make the most of our time on earth, to "fill the unforgiving minute with sixty seconds worth of distance run," as the poet Robert Frost would later write.
Interpretation
So what is Kipling trying to say with this poem? One interpretation is that he is advocating for a life well-lived. The speaker's reflections on his life are not just a way to come to terms with death but also a way to inspire us to make the most of our own lives. He emphasizes the importance of seizing the day and not wasting time on trivial things.
Another interpretation is that the poem is a meditation on the meaning of life. The speaker's travels and experiences have taught him that life is fleeting and that we must find meaning in our own way. The repetition of the phrase "And so it goes" reinforces the idea that life is cyclical, and we must find our own way to make sense of it.
Finally, the poem can also be seen as a commentary on the human condition. The speaker's reflections on his life highlight the universal experiences we all share, from the joy of youth to the inevitability of death. The poem is a reminder that no matter who we are or what we do, we are all subject to the same fate.
Conclusion
As the Bell Clinks is a powerful poem that explores themes of life, death, and the human condition. Kipling's use of vivid imagery, repetition, and allusion create a rich and complex work that continues to captivate readers today. The poem's message of living life to the fullest and finding meaning in our own way is as relevant now as it was when Kipling first wrote it. As we hear the bell clink in our own lives, may we take the speaker's words to heart and make the most of every moment we have.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry As the Bell Clinks: A 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. One of his most celebrated poems is "Poetry As the Bell Clinks," a masterpiece that captures the essence of poetry and its impact on the human soul. This poem is a testament to Kipling's poetic genius and his ability to convey complex emotions through simple yet powerful words.
The poem begins with the sound of a bell clinking, which serves as a metaphor for the beginning of a poetic journey. The bell's sound is a call to the reader, inviting them to embark on a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment. Kipling's use of onomatopoeia in the first line of the poem creates a vivid image in the reader's mind and sets the tone for the rest of the poem.
As the poem progresses, Kipling describes the power of poetry to transport the reader to different worlds and experiences. He writes, "It brings me tales of passion high, / And dreams that flame and die." Here, Kipling is referring to the ability of poetry to evoke strong emotions in the reader. Through poetry, the reader can experience the highs and lows of life, the joys and sorrows, and the beauty and tragedy of the world.
Kipling also acknowledges the role of the poet in creating these experiences for the reader. He writes, "It sings of love and tenderness, / And griefs that gnaw and smart." The poet is a storyteller, a weaver of tales that touch the heart and soul of the reader. Through their words, the poet can create a world that is both familiar and foreign, a world that is both beautiful and tragic.
The poem also touches on the idea of the universality of poetry. Kipling writes, "It speaks in every tongue that's known, / And yet is never spent." Poetry is a language that transcends borders and cultures. It is a universal language that can be understood by anyone, regardless of their background or upbringing. The fact that poetry is never spent also speaks to its enduring nature. Even though the words may have been written centuries ago, they still have the power to move and inspire readers today.
Kipling also explores the idea of the transformative power of poetry. He writes, "It makes me laugh, it makes me weep, / It soothes me or enrages." Poetry has the ability to change the reader's mood and perspective. It can make them feel joy, sadness, anger, or peace. Through poetry, the reader can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. Kipling writes, "It tells me tales of those who strove, / Of those who dared and died." Here, Kipling is referring to the role of poetry in preserving history and honoring those who have come before us. Through poetry, we can learn about the struggles and triumphs of our ancestors and gain a deeper appreciation for their sacrifices.
In conclusion, "Poetry As the Bell Clinks" is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the essence of the art form. Through his words, Kipling conveys the power of poetry to transport, transform, and inspire the reader. He acknowledges the role of the poet in creating these experiences and the universality of poetry that transcends borders and cultures. This poem is a testament to Kipling's poetic genius and his ability to convey complex emotions through simple yet powerful words.
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