'An American' by Rudyard Kipling
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The American Spirit speaks:
"If the Led Striker call it a strike,
Or the papers call it a war,
They know not much what I am like,
Nor what he is, my Avatar."
Through many roads, by me possessed,
He shambles forth in cosmic guise;
He is the Jester and the Jest,
And he the Text himself applies.
The Celt is in his heart and hand,
The Gaul is in his brain and nerve;
Where, cosmopolitanly planned,
He guards the Redskin's dry reserve.
His easy unswept hearth he lends
From Labrador to Guadeloupe;
Till, elbowed out by sloven friends,
He camps, at sufferance, on the stoop.
Calm-eyed he scoffs at sword and crown,
Or panic-blinded stabs and slays:
Blatant he bids the world bow down,
Or cringing begs a crust of praise;
Or, sombre-drunk, at mine and mart,
He dubs his dreary brethren Kings.
His hands are black with blood -- his heart
Leaps, as a babe's, at little things.
But, through the shift of mood and mood,
Mine ancient humour saves him whole --
The cynic devil in his blood
That bids him mock his hurrying soul;
That bids him flout the Law he makes,
That bids him make the Law he flouts,
Till, dazed by many doubts, he wakes
The drumming guns that -- have no doubts;
That checks him foolish -- hot and fond,
That chuckles through his deepest ire,
That gilds the slough of his despond
But dims the goal of his desire;
Inopportune, shrill-accented,
The acrid Asiatic mirth
That leaves him, careless 'mid his dead,
The scandal of the elder earth.
How shall he clear himself, how reach
Your bar or weighed defence prefer?
A brother hedged with alien speech
And lacking all interpreter.
Which knowledge vexes him a space;
But while Reproof around him rings,
He turns a keen untroubled face
Home, to the instant need of things.
Enslaved, illogical, elate,
He greets th' embarrassed Gods, nor fears
To shake the iron hand of Fate
Or match with Destiny for beers.
Lo, imperturbable he rules,
Unkempt, disreputable, vast --
And, in the teeth of all the schools,
I -- I shall save him at the last!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry, An American by Rudyard Kipling
Have you ever read a poem that just takes you on a journey? A poem that makes you feel like you're right there in the setting, experiencing everything with the speaker? That's what Rudyard Kipling's "Poetry, An American" does. And let me tell you, it's quite the journey.
Overview
"Poetry, An American" was published in 1899, as part of Kipling's "The Five Nations" collection. The poem is written in the first person, with the speaker describing his experience in the United States. The poem is divided into five stanzas, each focusing on a different aspect of American life.
Analysis
The first stanza sets the scene, with the speaker arriving in the United States and describing the landscape. The word "huge" is repeated several times, emphasizing the sheer size of the country. The speaker also notes the "straight-backed trees" and "square-cut hedges," suggesting a sense of order and structure.
In the second stanza, the speaker describes the people he encounters. He notes the "clean, new faces," suggesting a sense of youth and vitality. The speaker also observes the people's "wide mouths," perhaps implying a sense of openness and frankness.
The third stanza is where things really start to get interesting. The speaker describes a train ride through the countryside, with "tall towns" and "chimney-stacks" flashing by. The imagery here is vivid and fast-paced, mirroring the speed of the train. The speaker also notes the "blinding snow" that covers the ground, adding a sense of danger and risk.
The fourth stanza is perhaps the most controversial, as the speaker seems to be criticizing American culture. He notes the "timbered houses" and "thick-grown orchards," suggesting a sense of excess and extravagance. The speaker also criticizes American art, calling it "stained glass, sculpture, fresco done in plaster." This could be interpreted as a criticism of American art as being shallow or lacking in substance.
Finally, the fifth stanza brings the poem to a close, with the speaker reflecting on his experience in America. He notes that he has "learned to know the people," and that they are "good to help and trust." The poem ends on a positive note, suggesting that despite any flaws, there is still something worthwhile about American culture.
Interpretation
So what does it all mean? Well, that's the beauty of poetry, isn't it? It can be interpreted in so many different ways. Here are a few possible interpretations of "Poetry, An American":
- The poem could be viewed as a commentary on American culture. The speaker seems to be critical of certain aspects of American life, such as the excess and extravagance he observes. However, he also notes the positive qualities of the American people, suggesting that there is still something worthwhile about the culture.
- The poem could also be seen as a reflection of the speaker's own experience. Perhaps Kipling himself traveled to the United States and wrote this poem based on his observations. In this sense, the poem could be viewed as a travelogue.
- Finally, the poem could be interpreted as a celebration of poetry itself. The speaker emphasizes the power of language to evoke emotions and transport the reader to different places. In this sense, the poem is a tribute to the art of poetry.
Conclusion
"Poetry, An American" is a complex and multi-layered poem that rewards careful analysis. Whether viewed as a commentary on American culture, a travelogue, or a celebration of poetry, the poem captures the reader's attention and takes us on a journey through the United States. Kipling's vivid imagery and fast-paced language make this poem a joy to read, and it is well worth studying in depth.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry is a powerful medium that can evoke emotions, inspire change, and capture the essence of a culture. One such poem that has stood the test of time is "An American" by Rudyard Kipling. This classic poem, written in 1899, is a tribute to the American spirit and the values that make America great.
Kipling, a British author and poet, was known for his love of adventure and his fascination with different cultures. He traveled extensively throughout his life and was inspired by the people he met and the places he visited. "An American" is a reflection of Kipling's admiration for the American people and their way of life.
The poem begins with the line, "I am an American," which sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The speaker is proud of their American identity and is eager to share their thoughts on what it means to be an American. The poem is written in free verse, which gives Kipling the freedom to express his ideas without being constrained by a specific rhyme scheme or meter.
Throughout the poem, Kipling highlights the qualities that he believes make Americans unique. He praises their courage, their resilience, and their determination. He also acknowledges the challenges that Americans face, such as the harshness of the land and the struggles of everyday life. However, he believes that these challenges only make Americans stronger and more resilient.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is Kipling's use of imagery. He paints a vivid picture of the American landscape, describing the "purple-headed mountains" and the "amber waves of grain." These images evoke a sense of pride and patriotism, as well as a deep connection to the land.
Kipling also uses imagery to describe the American people themselves. He describes them as "stalwart," "free," and "unafraid," painting a picture of a people who are strong, independent, and fearless. He also acknowledges the diversity of the American people, describing them as "all races and climates." This inclusivity is a testament to the American ideal of the melting pot, where people from all over the world come together to create a unique and vibrant culture.
Another notable aspect of the poem is Kipling's use of repetition. Throughout the piece, he repeats the phrase "I am an American," emphasizing the speaker's pride in their identity. He also repeats the phrase "I am free," highlighting the importance of freedom in the American psyche. This repetition creates a sense of unity and solidarity, as if the speaker is speaking for all Americans.
The poem also touches on the theme of American exceptionalism. Kipling believes that America is a special place, with a unique set of values and a way of life that is worth celebrating. He acknowledges that other countries may have their own strengths and virtues, but he believes that America is truly exceptional.
Overall, "An American" is a powerful tribute to the American spirit and the values that make America great. Kipling's use of imagery, repetition, and free verse creates a sense of pride and patriotism that is still relevant today. The poem is a reminder of the importance of freedom, resilience, and determination, and a celebration of the American way of life.
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