'A Ballad of Burial' by Rudyard Kipling
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If down here I chance to die,
Solemnly I beg you take
All that is left of "I"
To the Hills for old sake's sake,
Pack me very thoroughly
In the ice that used to slake
Pegs I drank when I was dry --
This observe for old sake's sake.
To the railway station hie,
There a single ticket take
For Umballa -- goods-train -- I
Shall not mind delay or shake.
I shall rest contentedly
Spite of clamor coolies make;
Thus in state and dignity
Send me up for old sake's sake.
Next the sleepy Babu wake,
Book a Kalka van "for four."
Few, I think, will care to make
Journeys with me any more
As they used to do of yore.
I shall need a "special" break --
Thing I never took before --
Get me one for old sake's sake.
After that -- arrangements make.
No hotel will take me in,
And a bullock's back would break
'Neath the teak and leaden skin
Tonga ropes are frail and thin,
Or, did I a back-seat take,
In a tonga I might spin, --
Do your best for old sake's sake.
After that -- your work is done.
Recollect a Padre must
Mourn the dear departed one --
Throw the ashes and the dust.
Don't go down at once. I trust
You will find excuse to "snake
Three days' casual on the bust."
Get your fun for old sake's sake.
I could never stand the Plains.
Think of blazing June and May
Think of those September rains
Yearly till the Judgment Day!
I should never rest in peace,
I should sweat and lie awake.
Rail me then, on my decease,
To the Hills for old sake's sake.
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Ballad of Burial: A Masterpiece by Rudyard Kipling
Oh, what a masterpiece we have in Rudyard Kipling's "A Ballad of Burial"! This poem is one that has been lauded and admired by many literary critics for its moving and profound depiction of grief and loss. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes of death, mourning, and the human condition that are explored in this poem.
Background and Context
"A Ballad of Burial" was first published in Kipling's 1892 collection, "Barrack-Room Ballads and Other Verses". This collection of poems was a reflection of Kipling's experiences as a journalist and war correspondent in India, and it is a tribute to the British soldiers who fought and died in the Anglo-Boer War. The poem is written in the ballad form, which was a popular form of poetry in the nineteenth century.
Summary and Analysis
The poem opens with a description of a funeral procession. The mourners are carrying the body of a soldier who has died in battle, and they are singing a mournful ballad. The poem then shifts to the perspective of the deceased soldier, who is reflecting on his own death. He imagines himself as a ghost, watching his own funeral procession from above.
The soldier's thoughts then turn to his family and loved ones. He is filled with regret for the things he never got to say to them, and for the things he will never get to do. This section of the poem is particularly poignant, as it captures the universal fear of death and the regret that comes with not fully living one's life.
The soldier then reflects on the futility of war and the cycle of violence that it perpetuates. He wonders how many more soldiers will die in battle, and how many more families will be left to mourn. This section of the poem is a powerful critique of war and its devastating effects on both soldiers and civilians.
The poem ends with the soldier's ghost being laid to rest. The mourners sing a final ballad, and the soldier's spirit is released. The poem's final lines offer a message of hope and redemption, as the soldier's spirit is transformed into a "new-born soul".
Themes and Interpretation
"A Ballad of Burial" is a deeply moving poem that explores themes of death, mourning, and the human condition. At its core, the poem is a meditation on the fragility of life and the inevitability of death. The soldier's reflections on his own mortality are a powerful reminder of the fleeting nature of human existence.
The poem also explores the theme of grief and loss. The soldier's regret for the things he never got to say to his loved ones is a poignant depiction of the pain that comes with loss. The mourners' ballad is a powerful expression of grief, and it captures the universal experience of mourning.
Another important theme in the poem is the futility of war. The soldier's reflections on the cycle of violence that war perpetuates are a powerful critique of the human cost of conflict. The poem is a reminder that war leaves behind not only soldiers who have died, but also families who are left to mourn.
Finally, the poem offers a message of hope and redemption. The soldier's transformation into a "new-born soul" suggests that death is not the end, but rather a new beginning. The poem offers a glimmer of hope in the face of the overwhelming sadness of loss.
Literary Techniques
Kipling employs a number of literary techniques in "A Ballad of Burial" to create a powerful and moving poem. One of the most notable is his use of imagery. The descriptions of the funeral procession and the soldier's reflections on his own death are vivid and evocative, and they help to create a sense of atmosphere and emotion.
Kipling also uses repetition and rhyme to create a sense of rhythm and musicality in the poem. The mourners' ballad is repeated throughout the poem, creating a sense of continuity and emphasizing the universality of grief.
Finally, Kipling uses symbolism to convey his themes. The soldier's transformation into a "new-born soul" at the end of the poem is a powerful symbol of hope and redemption.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "A Ballad of Burial" is a masterpiece of poetry that explores themes of death, mourning, and the human condition. Kipling's use of imagery, repetition, and symbolism create a powerful and moving poem that speaks to the universal experiences of loss and grief. The poem's message of hope and redemption offers a glimmer of light in the face of overwhelming sadness, and it is a testament to the power of poetry to help us make sense of the world around us.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
A Ballad of Burial: A Masterpiece by Rudyard Kipling
Rudyard Kipling, the Nobel Prize-winning author, is known for his exceptional literary works that have stood the test of time. One of his most celebrated poems is "A Ballad of Burial," which was first published in 1892. This poem is a masterpiece that captures the essence of life, death, and the human experience. In this article, we will take a closer look at this classic poem and explore its themes, structure, and literary devices.
Themes
"A Ballad of Burial" is a poem that explores the themes of death, grief, and the cycle of life. The poem is set in a small village where a young girl has died, and the villagers are preparing for her burial. The poem captures the raw emotions of the villagers as they mourn the loss of the young girl. The poem also explores the idea of the cycle of life, where death is a natural part of the process, and life goes on.
Structure
The poem is written in the form of a ballad, which is a type of narrative poem that tells a story. The ballad is a traditional form of poetry that has been used for centuries to tell stories of love, loss, and tragedy. The poem is divided into six stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme of the poem is ABAB, which means that the first and third lines of each stanza rhyme, as do the second and fourth lines.
Literary Devices
Kipling uses several literary devices in "A Ballad of Burial" to create a powerful and emotional poem. One of the most prominent literary devices used in the poem is imagery. Kipling uses vivid descriptions to paint a picture of the scene and the emotions of the villagers. For example, in the first stanza, Kipling writes, "The earth that's nature's mother is her tomb." This line creates a powerful image of the young girl being returned to the earth, which is her final resting place.
Another literary device used in the poem is repetition. Kipling repeats the phrase "and the women of the village" throughout the poem to emphasize the role of the women in the mourning process. This repetition also creates a sense of unity and community among the villagers.
Kipling also uses symbolism in the poem. The young girl who has died represents the fragility of life, while the earth represents the cycle of life and death. The poem also uses the symbol of the funeral procession to represent the journey of life and the inevitability of death.
Analysis
The poem begins with the line, "The earth that's nature's mother is her tomb." This line sets the tone for the poem and establishes the theme of death and the cycle of life. The first stanza describes the young girl's death and the villagers' preparations for her burial. The second stanza describes the funeral procession and the emotions of the villagers as they mourn the loss of the young girl.
The third stanza describes the burial of the young girl and the finality of death. The fourth stanza describes the aftermath of the burial and the villagers' return to their daily lives. The fifth stanza describes the cycle of life and the inevitability of death. The final stanza ends with the line, "And the women of the village said, 'The dead are dead, and the living are living, and so it is.'"
This final line captures the essence of the poem and the human experience. It acknowledges the inevitability of death and the importance of living in the present moment. The poem reminds us that life is fragile and that we should cherish every moment we have with our loved ones.
Conclusion
"A Ballad of Burial" is a masterpiece by Rudyard Kipling that captures the essence of life, death, and the human experience. The poem explores the themes of death, grief, and the cycle of life. The poem is written in the form of a ballad and uses several literary devices, including imagery, repetition, and symbolism. The poem is a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of living in the present moment.
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