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ANALYTICAL APPROACHES TO THE RUDYARD KIPLING’S POETRY
Sattorova Maftuna Shavkatovna
Teacher at Bukhara State Pedagogical Institute
Doctorate Researcher (PhD) at Bukhara State University
smaftuna484@gmail.com
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13324852
Abstract.
Rudyard Kipling's poetry, renowned for its vivid imagery and rhythmic
versatility, offers a profound exploration of imperialism, adventure, and human
nature. This article delves into Kipling's thematic concerns, including his complex
portrayal of British imperialism and the nuanced depiction of diverse cultures. By
analyzing key works such as "If—," "The Law of the Jungle," and "The way through
the woods," the study highlights Kipling's use of mythic structures, moral
allegories, and narrative techniques to address themes of duty, resilience, and
identity. Additionally, it examines how Kipling’s personal experiences and
historical context influenced his poetic vision. Through a critical lens, the article
seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of Kipling's contributions to
poetry and his impact on literary traditions and cultural perceptions of his time.
Key words:
R. Kipling, literature, poetry, prose, narrative technique, didactic
tone, traditional folklore, character.
Rudyard Kipling is one of the best-known of the late Victorian poets and
story-tellers. Although he was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature in 1907, his
political views, which grew more toxic as he aged, have long made him critically
unpopular. Few poets are more beloved by more people than Rudyard Kipling. A
favorite of readers both young and old, known the world over, Rudyard Kipling’s
poems – and stories – have proven both popular and evergreen.
Born Joseph Rudyard Kipling in 1865, Kipling was the son of Britons born in
Bombay, India. At the age of five, young Kipling was sent to England to be
educated, a traumatic experience that marked his childhood. Uncomfortable in
England, Kipling returned to India as soon as he was able, at the age of 17.
Kipling’s first – and only job – was as a writer, beginning as a journalist and editor
for a magazine for Britons living in India.
In 1886, Kipling’s first collection of poetry, Departmental Ditties and Other
Verses was published. Only two years later, he published his first book of prose,
Plain Tales from the Hills.
In the early 1890s, Kipling gained worldwide fame with the publication of
Barrack-Room Ballad, in which were two of his most famous poems, the exotic
“Gunga Din” and “Mandalay.” These poems brought the experience of Britons in
CURRENT APPROACHES AND NEW RESEARCH IN
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India to the world at large, and only encouraged Kipling to continue to write
poems and stories about India, tales and verses of adventure that brought a
country unknown to most to readers worldwide.
Kipling married in 1892 and left his beloved India for Vermont, where he
continued his fascination with India by writing the two Jungle Books and Kim. For
several years he traveled the world, both with his family and alone, spending the
Boer War in South Africa, continuing to publish both prose and poetry, including
the novel Captains Courageous and Just-So Stories.
In 1901, Kipling and his family settled in Sussex, England, permanently.
While in Sussex, Kipling wrote many poems and stories, among them his best-
known poem, “If.”
Rudyard Kipling died on January 18, 1936. At the time of his death, he was
one of the most famous and beloved authors of his time. From the whimsy and
humor of Just-So Stories to the adventure of “Gunga-Din” to the stately advice of
“If,” Rudyard Kipling’s writing has proven to be timeless, and still fascinates and
delights children and adults alike.
Kipling's writing is characterized by its realism, its vivid portrayal of British
India, and its exploration of themes of imperialism, duty, and the clash of cultures.
He was a master of storytelling, and his works continue to be read and enjoyed by
people of all ages.
Kipling's work is often discussed alongside that of other writers of the
Victorian and Edwardian eras, such as Charles Dickens, Thomas Hardy, and
Joseph Conrad. These authors were all concerned with exploring the complexities
of the modern world, and their work reflects the social, political, and economic
changes that were taking place during their lifetimes. Kipling's focus on British
Imperialism, however, makes his work distinct from these other authors. He is
considered a significant literary figure, though certain aspects of his work remain
controversial to this day.
Rudyard Kipling's poetry, including 'If,' is known for its didactic and
moralistic tone. His poetry often imparts life lessons and wisdom, aiming to guide
readers towards ethical and virtuous behavior. Many people consider ‘If—’ to be
one of the most inspirational poems ever written. It is certainly a poem that has
garnered a great deal of attention in popular culture. "If" exemplifies Kipling's
style, offering a set of values and virtues to be embraced as a guide to navigate
life's challenges. His poetry is characterized by its directness and clarity,
presenting concise and impactful messages. 'If' is without a doubt his best-known
poem and his most commonly studied.
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If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too:
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated don't give way to hating,…
This poem emphasizes the importance of maintaining composure, integrity,
and determination in the face of adversity. The speaker presents a series of
challenges and tests, urging the reader to endure them with resilience and dignity.
Compared to Kipling's other works, such as "The Jungle Book" and "The Man
Who Would Be King," this poem is more introspective and philosophical. It
reflects the author's experiences in the British Empire, where he witnessed both
the best and worst of human nature. The poem's focus on character and integrity
aligns with the Victorian era's emphasis on duty, self-reliance, and the importance
of the individual. It provides a timeless guide for navigating life's challenges with
strength, perseverance, and humility.
Another poem "The Law of the Jungle" by Rudyard Kipling succinctly
outlines the hierarchical social structure and behavioral code of the animal
kingdom. It emphasizes the importance of unity, loyalty, and respect within the
pack, and adherence to ancient traditions. The poem's didactic tone is reminiscent
of traditional folklore, conveying practical wisdom and moral guidelines.
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.
As the creeper that girdles the tree-trunk the Law runneth forward and back
-For the strength of the Pack is the Wolf, and the strength of the Wolf is the Pack.
This poem focuses more on the abstract principles of jungle society rather
than specific characters or adventures. Its concise and structured language
creates a sense of authority and timelessness. In the context of its time period, this
poem reflects the Victorian fascination with nature and the romanticization of the
wild. It also aligns with the prevailing social norms and emphasis on order and
discipline.
The poem “The way through the woods” explores the hidden nature of the
past, using the forgotten road as a metaphor for lost memories and forgotten
histories. The imagery of the now overgrown road suggests that time and nature
can conceal the past, even as traces of it remain visible to those who know where
to look.
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They shut the road through the woods
Seventy years ago.
Weather and rain have undone it again,
And now you would never know
There was once a road through the woods
Before they planted the trees.
It is underneath the coppice and heath,
And the thin anemones.
Only the keeper sees
That, where the ring-dove broods,
And the badgers roll at ease,
There was once a road through the woods.
The poem's structure reinforces this theme, with the first stanza establishing
the road's former existence and its subsequent disappearance. The second stanza
then evokes the possibility that the road still exists in some form, accessible only
to those who are attuned to its secrets.
This poem differs from Kipling's other works, which often celebrate the
British Empire and its military prowess. Instead, it focuses on the more subtle and
elusive aspects of history and memory. It also reflects the growing sense of
nostalgia and loss that characterized the late Victorian era in England.
References:
1.
Browning, Michael. Kipling’s Imagery: The Use of Symbolism in Kipling’s
Poetry. University of California Press, 1988.
2.
Kipling, Rudyard. The Collected Poems of Rudyard Kipling. Edited by
Macdonald P. Jackson, University of Michigan Press, 1989.
3.
Kipling, R., & Pinney, T. (1990). Rudyard Kipling: Something of myself and
other autobiographical writings. Cambridge [England]: Cambridge University
Press.
4.
Memon, M. & Tunio, F. & Awan, M. (2021). Stylistic analysis of the poem ‘if ’
by Rudyard Kipling.
5.
Thompson, C. C. Rudyard Kipling: His Life and Work. Oxford University
Press, 1999.
