'Cells' by Rudyard Kipling


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I've a head like a concertina:I've a tongue like a button-stick:
I've a mouth like an old potato, and I'm more than a little sick,
But I've had my fun o' the Corp'ral's Guard:I've made the cinders fly,
And I'm here in the Clink for a thundering drink
and blacking the Corporal's eye.
With a second-hand overcoat under my head,
And a beautiful view of the yard,
O it's pack-drill for me and a fortnight's C.B.
For "drunk and resisting the Guard!"
Mad drunk and resisting the Guard --
'Strewth, but I socked it them hard!
So it's pack-drill for me and a fortnight's C.B.
For "drunk and resisting the Guard."

I started o' canteen porter, I finished o' canteen beer,
But a dose o' gin that a mate slipped in, it was that that brought me here.
'Twas that and an extry double Guard that rubbed my nose in the dirt;
But I fell away with the Corp'ral's stock
and the best of the Corp'ral's shirt.

I left my cap in a public-house, my boots in the public road,
And Lord knows where, and I don't care, my belt and my tunic goed;
They'll stop my pay, they'll cut away the stripes I used to wear,
But I left my mark on the Corp'ral's face, and I think he'll keep it there!

My wife she cries on the barrack-gate, my kid in the barrack-yard,
It ain't that I mind the Ord'ly room -- it's ~that~ that cuts so hard.
I'll take my oath before them both that I will sure abstain,
But as soon as I'm in with a mate and gin, I know I'll do it again!
With a second-hand overcoat under my head,
And a beautiful view of the yard,
Yes, it's pack-drill for me and a fortnight's C.B.
For "drunk and resisting the Guard!"
Mad drunk and resisting the Guard --
'Strewth, but I socked it them hard!
So it's pack-drill for me and a fortnight's C.B.
For "drunk and resisting the Guard."


Editor 1 Interpretation

An Interpretation of Rudyard Kipling's "Cells"

Rudyard Kipling's "Cells" is a poem that speaks to the nature of existence and the human desire to break free from the constraints of daily life. It is a poem that is full of powerful imagery and provocative themes, and it is one that demands careful consideration and interpretation.

The first thing that strikes the reader about "Cells" is the sense of confinement and isolation that permeates the poem. The poem is set in a prison, and the speaker describes the tiny, cramped cells in which the prisoners are confined. The walls of the cells are described as "stone," "iron," and "steel," and the overall effect is one of cold, unyielding hardness.

The prisoners themselves are described as "miserable," "haggard," and "pale," and the speaker notes that their "eyes are dull with woe." These descriptions create a sense of ennui and hopelessness that hangs over the poem like a thick fog.

Despite the bleakness of the setting and the mood, however, "Cells" is also a poem that speaks to the human desire for freedom and escape. The speaker notes that the prisoners "yearn to break their chains," and they dream of "the sweet air of liberty." This desire for freedom is a powerful force in the poem, and it drives the prisoners to do whatever they can to break free from their confinement.

The poem's central metaphor is that of the bird in a cage. The speaker describes the prisoners as "thrushes in a cage," and the image of the trapped bird is a potent one. The bird represents the human soul, restless and longing for freedom, and the cage represents the constraints of daily life that hold us back.

The speaker notes that the bird "beats his wings" against the bars of the cage, and this image of struggle and resistance is a powerful one. The bird is determined to break free, and he will not be deterred by the hardness of the cage.

Ultimately, "Cells" is a poem about the human spirit and its desire for freedom. It is a poem that speaks to the universal human experience of feeling trapped and confined, and it offers the hope that we can break free from our constraints and soar into the open air of liberty.

In conclusion, Rudyard Kipling's "Cells" is a poem that speaks to the human desire for freedom and the struggle against confinement. It is a poem full of powerful imagery and provocative themes, and it offers a powerful message of hope and determination in the face of adversity.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is a form of art that has the power to move people, to inspire them, and to make them feel a range of emotions. Rudyard Kipling's "Poetry Cells" is a classic example of how poetry can be used to convey a powerful message. In this 2000-word analysis, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this poem, exploring its themes, structure, and literary devices.

The poem "Poetry Cells" is a short but powerful piece of writing that explores the idea that poetry has the power to change the world. Kipling begins the poem by describing poetry as a "cell" that is "alive with flame." This metaphorical language suggests that poetry is a living, breathing entity that has the power to ignite passion and inspire change.

The first stanza of the poem sets the tone for what is to come. Kipling writes, "Poetry cells are living things, / And they have power to stir / The dullest heart that ever beat / To rapture or to stir." Here, Kipling is suggesting that poetry has the power to move even the most apathetic person to feel something. He is saying that poetry has the ability to awaken emotions and inspire people to take action.

The second stanza of the poem is where Kipling really begins to explore the idea of poetry as a force for change. He writes, "They have the power to make men love / The things they once despised, / To make the coldest heart grow warm, / The most stubborn will subside." Here, Kipling is suggesting that poetry has the ability to change people's minds and hearts. He is saying that poetry can make people see things in a new light and inspire them to love things that they once hated.

The third stanza of the poem is where Kipling really drives home his message. He writes, "They have the power to make men hate / The things they once held dear, / To make the warmest heart grow cold, / The bravest soul to fear." Here, Kipling is suggesting that poetry can also have a negative impact on people. He is saying that poetry can inspire hate and fear just as easily as it can inspire love and courage. This is a powerful message that reminds us of the responsibility that comes with the power of words.

The fourth and final stanza of the poem is where Kipling brings everything together. He writes, "Poetry cells are living things, / And they have power to sway / The hearts of men to good or ill, / To darkness or to day." Here, Kipling is reminding us that poetry is a living, breathing entity that has the power to change the world. He is saying that poetry can be used for good or for evil, and that it is up to us to decide how we use it.

In terms of structure, "Poetry Cells" is a simple poem that consists of four stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which gives the poem a simple, sing-song quality. This simplicity is intentional, as it allows Kipling's message to shine through without any distractions.

In terms of literary devices, Kipling uses a number of metaphors and personification to bring his message to life. The metaphor of poetry as a living cell is particularly powerful, as it suggests that poetry is a living, breathing entity that has the power to change the world. Kipling also personifies poetry, describing it as having the power to "stir" and "sway" the hearts of men.

Overall, "Poetry Cells" is a powerful poem that reminds us of the power of words. Kipling's message is clear: poetry has the power to change the world, but it is up to us to decide how we use it. Whether we use poetry to inspire love and courage or to inspire hate and fear is up to us. This is a powerful message that is just as relevant today as it was when Kipling wrote this poem over a century ago.

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