'A Song Of The English' by Rudyard Kipling
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Fair is our lot -- O goodly is our heritage!
(Humble ye, my people, and be fearful in your mirth!)
For the Lord our God Most High
He hath made the deep as dry,
He hath smote for us a pathway to the ends of all the Earth!
Yea, though we sinned -- and our rulers went from righteousness --
Deep in all dishonour though we stained our garments' hem.
Oh be ye not dismayed,
Though we stumbled and we strayed,
We were led by evil counsellors -- the Lord shall deal with them!
Hold ye the Faith -- the Faith our Fathers seal]ed us;
Whoring not with visions -- overwise and overstale.
Except ye pay the Lord
Single heart and single sword,
Of your children in their bondage shall He ask them treble-tale!
Keep ye the Law -- be swift in all obedience --
Clear the land of evil, drive the road and bridge the ford.
Make ye sure to each his own
That he reap where he hath sown;
By the peace among Our peoples let men know we serve the Lord!
.....
Hear now a song -- a song of broken interludes --
A song of little cunning; of a singer nothing worth.
Through the naked words and mean
May ye see the truth between
As the singer knew and touched it in the ends of all the Earth!
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Song Of The English: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Rudyard Kipling's A Song Of The English is a masterpiece of poetry that celebrates the bravery and strength of the English people through various historical events. From the Battle of Trafalgar to the colonization of India, Kipling portrays the English as a proud and noble people who have made a significant impact on the world. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will examine the themes, symbolism, and structure of the poem to better understand its significance and impact.
Themes
One of the most prominent themes in A Song Of The English is the idea of duty and sacrifice. Kipling repeatedly emphasizes the importance of serving one's country and being willing to make sacrifices for the greater good. This is evident in lines such as "For our King and our Law and our Fate" and "We have proved we have hearts in a cause". The poem suggests that the English people have a duty to protect their country and way of life, and they are willing to pay the price for it.
Another significant theme in the poem is the idea of imperialism and the English colonization of other countries. While Kipling does not shy away from portraying the brutality and violence of this process, he also suggests that it was necessary for the expansion of the English Empire. Lines such as "From the cliffs of the White Horse to the mouth of the Humber" and "The fleets of the Trade wind under the flag of the Cross" suggest that the English were willing to go to great lengths to expand their influence and create a vast empire.
Finally, the poem also explores the idea of courage and bravery. Kipling portrays the English people as fearless warriors who are willing to risk everything for their country. This is evident in lines such as "And the world will remember the deeds we have done" and "We have fought with Death and have won". The poem suggests that the English are a proud and courageous people who have accomplished great things in the face of adversity.
Symbolism
Throughout A Song Of The English, Kipling uses various symbols to represent the English people and their accomplishments. One of the most prominent symbols in the poem is the White Horse, which represents the English nation. The White Horse is mentioned several times throughout the poem, and it is often associated with images of power and strength. For example, in the lines "From the cliffs of the White Horse to the mouth of the Humber" and "And the White Horse breeds as the White Horse bred", the White Horse is portrayed as a symbol of the English people's resilience and determination.
Another significant symbol in the poem is the Cross, which represents Christianity and the English colonization of other countries. The Cross is often associated with images of conquest and domination, as in the lines "The fleets of the Trade wind under the flag of the Cross" and "And the English gave it the English name". The Cross symbolizes the English people's willingness to spread their religion and culture throughout the world, even if it means committing acts of violence and oppression.
Finally, the sea is another important symbol in the poem. The sea represents the English Empire and the many voyages and conquests that the English people undertook. In the lines "The sea-folk labour and the land-folk thrive" and "And the sea's full of our glory", the sea is portrayed as a symbol of the English people's power and influence.
Structure
A Song Of The English is a long and complex poem that is divided into several sections. Each section focuses on a different historical event or theme, and the poem as a whole tells the story of the English people's accomplishments throughout history. The structure of the poem is significant because it allows Kipling to explore a wide range of themes and ideas in a cohesive and organized manner.
The poem begins with an invocation to the English people, asking them to remember their history and their accomplishments. The first section of the poem focuses on the Battle of Trafalgar and the bravery of the English sailors who fought in the battle. The second section of the poem shifts to the English colonization of India and the many sacrifices that the English people made to establish their dominance over the country.
The third section of the poem is perhaps the most complex, as it explores the idea of imperialism and the English colonization of other countries. This section includes references to many different historical events, including the colonization of Africa and the Americas. The fourth section of the poem focuses on the English Navy and its role in protecting the country from foreign invaders.
The final section of the poem is a call to arms, urging the English people to continue to fight for their country and their way of life. The poem ends with the lines "For England's the heart of the world, and the heart of the world is her own", suggesting that the English people are at the center of the world and that their influence will continue to be felt for generations to come.
Conclusion
In conclusion, A Song Of The English is a powerful and complex poem that celebrates the bravery, strength, and resilience of the English people throughout history. Through its themes, symbolism, and structure, the poem highlights the importance of duty, sacrifice, and courage in the face of adversity. While Kipling does not shy away from the violence and brutality of imperialism and colonization, he also suggests that these were necessary for the expansion of the English Empire and the establishment of English dominance throughout the world. Overall, A Song Of The English is a remarkable work of poetry that continues to resonate with readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Rudyard Kipling's "A Song of the English" is a classic poem that celebrates the strength and resilience of the English people. The poem was first published in 1909, and it quickly became one of Kipling's most popular works. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of the poem, and examine how Kipling uses these elements to create a powerful and inspiring tribute to the English nation.
The poem is divided into six stanzas, each of which describes a different aspect of English life and culture. The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, with its opening lines:
"Now this is the law of the jungle, as old and as true as the sky, And the wolf that shall keep it may prosper, but the wolf that shall break it must die."
These lines establish the idea of the "law of the jungle," which is a metaphor for the natural order of things. Kipling suggests that the English people are like wolves, and that they must follow this law in order to survive and thrive. This idea is reinforced throughout the poem, as Kipling describes the various challenges that the English have faced and overcome throughout their history.
The second stanza focuses on the English navy, and describes the power and majesty of the ships that sail the seas. Kipling uses vivid language to bring these ships to life, describing them as "the thunder of guns and the lightning of swords," and "the roar of the surf on the reefs where the hurricane-hawk is blown." This imagery creates a sense of awe and admiration for the English navy, and suggests that the ships are a symbol of the strength and power of the English nation.
The third stanza shifts the focus to the English countryside, and describes the beauty and tranquility of the rural landscape. Kipling uses pastoral imagery to create a sense of peace and harmony, describing the "green, whispering trees" and the "soft, dim skies." This stanza is a contrast to the previous one, which was full of action and excitement, and it suggests that the English people are not just warriors, but also lovers of nature and beauty.
The fourth stanza returns to the theme of war, and describes the courage and sacrifice of the English soldiers. Kipling uses powerful language to convey the horror and brutality of war, describing the "red rain" of blood and the "white face of the slain." However, he also emphasizes the bravery and heroism of the soldiers, suggesting that their sacrifice is necessary in order to protect the English way of life.
The fifth stanza focuses on the English language, and describes its richness and versatility. Kipling suggests that the English language is a symbol of the nation's cultural heritage, and that it has the power to unite people from all walks of life. He writes:
"For English, a few strong verbs and a few strong nouns to bind them, And a thousand ways of saying the same thing over and over again."
This stanza celebrates the diversity and complexity of the English language, and suggests that it is a source of pride and strength for the English people.
The final stanza brings the poem to a close, and summarizes the themes that have been explored throughout. Kipling writes:
"We have fed our sea for a thousand years And she calls us, still unfed, Though there's never a wave of all her waves But marks our English dead."
These lines suggest that the English people have a deep connection to the sea, and that they have sacrificed much in order to protect their nation's shores. However, they also suggest that this sacrifice has not been in vain, and that the English people have a proud and noble history that is worth celebrating.
In terms of language, Kipling's use of repetition and alliteration is particularly effective in creating a sense of rhythm and momentum. For example, in the second stanza, he writes:
"Their voices were thunder and lightning-- Thunder when lead-shot were flying, Lightning when broadsides were crashing."
This repetition of the "th" and "l" sounds creates a sense of energy and excitement, and helps to convey the power of the English navy.
Overall, "A Song of the English" is a powerful and inspiring tribute to the strength and resilience of the English people. Through its vivid imagery, powerful language, and stirring themes, the poem celebrates the nation's history, culture, and achievements, and suggests that the English people have a unique and important role to play in the world. Whether read as a patriotic anthem or a timeless work of literature, this poem remains a testament to the enduring spirit of the English nation.
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