'Gunga Din' by Rudyard Kipling

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You may talk o' gin and beer
When you're quartered safe out 'ere,
An' you're sent to penny-fights an' Aldershot it;
But when it comes to slaughter
You will do your work on water,
An' you'll lick the bloomin' boots of 'im that's got it.
Now in Injia's sunny clime,
Where I used to spend my time
A-servin' of 'Er Majesty the Queen,
Of all them blackfaced crew
The finest man I knew
Was our regimental bhisti, Gunga Din.
He was "Din! Din! Din!
You limpin' lump o' brick-dust, Gunga Din!
Hi! slippery hitherao!
Water, get it! Panee lao!
You squidgy-nosed old idol, Gunga Din."

The uniform 'e wore
Was nothin' much before,
An' rather less than 'arf o' that be'ind,
For a piece o' twisty rag
An' a goatskin water-bag
Was all the field-equipment 'e could find.
When the sweatin' troop-train lay
In a sidin' through the day,
Where the 'eat would make your bloomin' eyebrows crawl,
We shouted "Harry By!"
Till our throats were bricky-dry,
Then we wopped 'im 'cause 'e couldn't serve us all.
It was "Din! Din! Din!
You 'eathen, where the mischief 'ave you been?
You put some juldee in it
Or I'll marrow you this minute
If you don't fill up my helmet, Gunga Din!"

'E would dot an' carry one
Till the longest day was done;
An' 'e didn't seem to know the use o' fear.
If we charged or broke or cut,
You could bet your bloomin' nut,
'E'd be waitin' fifty paces right flank rear.
With 'is mussick on 'is back,
'E would skip with our attack,
An' watch us till the bugles made "Retire",
An' for all 'is dirty 'ide
'E was white, clear white, inside
When 'e went to tend the wounded under fire!
It was "Din! Din! Din!"
With the bullets kickin' dust-spots on the green.
When the cartridges ran out,
You could hear the front-files shout,
"Hi! ammunition-mules an' Gunga Din!"

I shan't forgit the night
When I dropped be'ind the fight
With a bullet where my belt-plate should 'a' been.
I was chokin' mad with thirst,
An' the man that spied me first
Was our good old grinnin', gruntin' Gunga Din.
'E lifted up my 'ead,
An' he plugged me where I bled,
An' 'e guv me 'arf-a-pint o' water-green:
It was crawlin' and it stunk,
But of all the drinks I've drunk,
I'm gratefullest to one from Gunga Din.
It was "Din! Din! Din!
'Ere's a beggar with a bullet through 'is spleen;
'E's chawin' up the ground,
An' 'e's kickin' all around:
For Gawd's sake git the water, Gunga Din!"

'E carried me away
To where a dooli lay,
An' a bullet come an' drilled the beggar clean.
'E put me safe inside,
An' just before 'e died,
"I 'ope you liked your drink", sez Gunga Din.
So I'll meet 'im later on
At the place where 'e is gone --
Where it's always double drill and no canteen;
'E'll be squattin' on the coals
Givin' drink to poor damned souls,
An' I'll get a swig in hell from Gunga Din!
Yes, Din! Din! Din!
You Lazarushian-leather Gunga Din!
Though I've belted you and flayed you,
By the livin' Gawd that made you,
You're a better man than I am, Gunga Din!


Anonymous submission.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Epic of Gunga Din: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Rudyard Kipling's Gunga Din is a classic poem that celebrates the heroic deeds of an Indian water bearer who sacrifices his life for the British soldiers he serves. Written in 1890, the poem has become a timeless masterpiece that captures the spirit of adventure, loyalty, and bravery. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, symbols, and imagery of the poem and how they contribute to its overall meaning and impact.

The Themes of Gunga Din

The poem is rich in themes that reflect the political and cultural context of Kipling's time. One of the most prominent themes is colonialism, which is reflected in the relationship between the British soldiers and Gunga Din, who serves them as a water bearer. The poem portrays the British soldiers as superior and Gunga Din as inferior, but it also shows how the two groups can work together and respect each other's skills and courage.

Another theme is heroism, which is embodied in the character of Gunga Din. The poem celebrates his bravery, selflessness, and loyalty, as he risks his life to bring water to the wounded soldiers and even dies in the process. Gunga Din is not a traditional hero, as he is not a soldier or a leader, but he is a hero in his own right, as he embodies the virtues of sacrifice and service.

A third theme is the power of storytelling, which is evident in the way the poem is narrated. The poem is written in the first person, as if the speaker is one of the soldiers who witnessed Gunga Din's deeds. The speaker recounts the story with admiration and respect, highlighting the impact that Gunga Din had on the soldiers and their perception of him.

The Symbols of Gunga Din

The poem is also rich in symbols that add depth and meaning to the narrative. One of the most significant symbols is water, which represents life and vitality. Gunga Din's job as a water bearer is essential to the survival of the soldiers, and his willingness to risk his life to bring them water shows the value of this resource.

Another symbol is the redcoat, which represents the British soldiers and their colonial power. The soldiers wear their redcoats as a symbol of their identity and authority, but the poem also shows how this symbol can be subverted, as Gunga Din wears a redcoat as a way of disguising himself and getting closer to the soldiers.

A third symbol is the bugle, which represents the military hierarchy and the chain of command. The bugle is used to give orders and signals, but it also becomes a symbol of Gunga Din's heroism, as he risks his life to retrieve it and bring it back to the soldiers.

The Imagery of Gunga Din

The poem is also full of vivid imagery that brings the story to life and adds to its emotional impact. One of the most striking images is the description of Gunga Din's death, as he is shot while carrying the water to the soldiers. The image of his body falling to the ground and the water spilling out creates a powerful contrast between life and death.

Another image is the description of Gunga Din's appearance, as he is described as a "little bullet-headed man" with a "thin red line" of a mustache. This image highlights his physical differences from the British soldiers and emphasizes his status as an outsider, but it also shows how he can be seen as a symbol of India and its culture.

A third image is the description of the landscape, as the soldiers travel through "the dust and heat" of India. This image creates a sense of discomfort and hardship, but it also shows the soldiers' resilience and determination to accomplish their mission.

The Impact of Gunga Din

Gunga Din has had a significant impact on literature and popular culture since its publication. The poem has been adapted into films, plays, and musicals, and it has inspired countless writers and artists. The poem's themes of colonialism, heroism, and storytelling have resonated with audiences across time and space, and its imagery and symbols have become iconic.

One of the reasons for the poem's enduring popularity is its ability to capture the complexity and diversity of Indian culture and society. Kipling's portrayal of Gunga Din as a hero and a symbol of India's resilience and ingenuity has inspired many to see beyond stereotypes and appreciate the richness and diversity of Indian culture.

Another reason for the poem's impact is its message of unity and cooperation. The poem shows how people from different backgrounds and cultures can work together and respect each other's skills and values. This message has become more relevant than ever in our globalized and interconnected world, where diversity and mutual understanding are essential for peaceful coexistence.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Gunga Din is a classic poem that celebrates the heroic deeds of an Indian water bearer who sacrifices his life for the British soldiers he serves. The poem is rich in themes, symbols, and imagery that reflect the political and cultural context of Kipling's time, but also resonate with audiences across time and space. The poem's enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to capture the complexity and diversity of Indian culture and society, and its message of unity and cooperation has become more relevant than ever. Gunga Din is a masterpiece of literature that deserves to be celebrated and appreciated for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Gunga Din: A Classic Poem of Heroism and Sacrifice

Rudyard Kipling’s “Gunga Din” is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a powerful and moving tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of a lowly Indian water-carrier who gave his life to save his British comrades. The poem is a masterpiece of storytelling, with vivid imagery, strong characters, and a powerful message about the value of human life and the importance of courage and selflessness.

The poem tells the story of Gunga Din, a water-carrier who works for the British army in India. He is a lowly figure, despised by the British soldiers, who see him as a mere servant. But Gunga Din is more than that. He is a brave and loyal friend, who risks his life to help the soldiers in their battles against the local tribes. When the soldiers are ambushed by the enemy, Gunga Din rushes to their aid, carrying water to the wounded and dying. He is shot and killed in the process, but his sacrifice saves the lives of many of the soldiers.

The poem is written in the first person, from the perspective of one of the soldiers who knew Gunga Din. The soldier speaks of him with great affection and admiration, describing him as “a better man than I am”. He acknowledges that he and his fellow soldiers treated Gunga Din poorly, but he also recognizes the bravery and selflessness that lay beneath his humble exterior.

The poem is full of vivid imagery that brings the story to life. Kipling describes the Indian landscape in rich detail, with its “purple-tinted” hills and “sullen” rivers. He also paints a vivid picture of the battle scene, with its “screaming” bullets and “shrieking” shells. The reader can almost feel the heat of the sun and the dust of the battlefield, and can hear the cries of the wounded and dying.

The character of Gunga Din is also vividly drawn. He is a humble and unassuming figure, but he is also brave and loyal. He is willing to risk his life to help the soldiers, even though they treat him poorly. He is also a symbol of the Indian people, who are often overlooked and undervalued by the British. Kipling uses Gunga Din to show that the Indian people are not just servants or subordinates, but are capable of great bravery and sacrifice.

The poem also has a powerful message about the value of human life. Kipling shows that even the lowliest and most despised person can be a hero, and that every life is valuable. He also shows that courage and selflessness are not the exclusive domain of the British soldiers, but are qualities that can be found in people of all races and backgrounds.

The poem has been criticized for its portrayal of the Indian people as subservient and inferior to the British. Some have also criticized Kipling for his support of British imperialism and his belief in the superiority of the British race. However, it is important to remember that the poem was written in a different time and place, and that Kipling was a product of his era. It is also important to recognize the positive message of the poem, which celebrates the bravery and sacrifice of a humble Indian water-carrier.

In conclusion, “Gunga Din” is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a powerful and moving tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of a lowly Indian water-carrier who gave his life to save his British comrades. The poem is a masterpiece of storytelling, with vivid imagery, strong characters, and a powerful message about the value of human life and the importance of courage and selflessness. Despite its flaws, it remains a powerful and inspiring work of literature that continues to resonate with readers today.

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