'The Story Of Ung' by Rudyard Kipling
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Once, on a glittering ice-field, ages and ages ago,
Ung, a maker of pictures, fashioned an image of snow.
Fashioned the form of a tribesman -- gaily he whistled and sung,
Working the snow with his fingers.~Read ye the Story of Ung!~
Pleased was his tribe with that image -- came in their hundreds to scan --
Handled it, smelt it, and grunted:"Verily, this is a man!
Thus do we carry our lances -- thus is a war-belt slung.
Lo! it is even as we are.Glory and honour to Ung!"
Later he pictured an aurochs -- later he pictured a bear --
Pictured the sabre-tooth tiger dragging a man to his lair --
Pictured the mountainous mammoth, hairy, abhorrent, alone --
Out of the love that he bore them, scribing them clearly on bone.
Swift came the tribe to behold them, peering and pushing and still --
Men of the berg-battered beaches, men of the boulder-hatched hill --
Hunters and fishers and trappers, presently whispering low:
"Yea, they are like -- and it may be --But how does the Picture-man know?"
"Ung -- hath he slept with the Aurochs -- watched where the Mastodon roam?
Spoke on the ice with the Bow-head -- followed the Sabre-tooth home?
Nay!These are toys of his fancy!If he have cheated us so,
How is there truth in his image -- the man that he fashioned of snow?"
Wroth was that maker of pictures -- hotly he answered the call:
"Hunters and fishers and trappers, children and fools are ye all!
Look at the beasts when ye hunt them!"Swift from the tumult he broke,
Ran to the cave of his father and told him the shame that they spoke.
And the father of Ung gave answer, that was old and wise in the craft,
Maker of pictures aforetime, he leaned on his lance and laughed:
"If they could see as thou seest they would do what thou hast done,
And each man would make him a picture, and -- what would become of my son?
"There would be no pelts of the reindeer, flung down at thy cave for a gift,
Nor dole of the oily timber that comes on the Baltic drift;
No store of well-drilled needles, nor ouches of amber pale;
No new-cut tongues of the bison, nor meat of the stranded whale.
"~Thou~ hast not toiled at the fishing when the sodden trammels freeze,
Nor worked the war-boats outward through the rush of the rock-staked seas,
Yet they bring thee fish and plunder -- full meal and an easy bed --
And all for the sake of thy pictures."And Ung held down his head.
"~Thou~ hast not stood to the Aurochs when the red snow reeks of the fight;
Men have no time at the houghing to count his curls aright.
And the heart of the hairy Mammoth, thou sayest, they do not see,
Yet they save it whole from the beaches and broil the best for thee.
"And now do they press to thy pictures, with opened mouth and eye,
And a little gift in the doorway, and the praise no gift can buy:
But -- sure they have doubted thy pictures, and that is a grievous stain --
Son that can see so clearly, return them their gifts again!"
And Ung looked down at his deerskins -- their broad shell-tasselled bands --
And Ung drew downward his mitten and looked at his naked hands;
And he gloved himself and departed, and he heard his father, behind:
"Son that can see so clearly, rejoice that thy tribe is blind!"
Straight on the glittering ice-field, by the caves of the lost Dordogne,
Ung, a maker of pictures, fell to his scribing on bone
Even to mammoth editions.Gaily he whistled and sung,
Blessing his tribe for their blindness.~Heed ye the Story of Ung!~
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Story of Ung: A Masterpiece of Poetry
Rudyard Kipling, the Nobel laureate and a literary giant, is known for his masterful storytelling and poignant poetry. And among his various works, "The Story of Ung" stands out as a masterpiece of poetry.
As a literary critic and an admirer of Kipling's works, I cannot help but be awestruck by the beauty and depth of this poem. From its vivid imagery to its haunting themes, every aspect of "The Story of Ung" is a testament to Kipling's genius.
So, what makes this poem so special? In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the various elements that make "The Story of Ung" a true masterpiece of poetry.
The Plot and Structure
At its core, "The Story of Ung" is a narrative poem that tells the tale of a hunter who encounters a strange creature in the forest. The hunter, Ung, is initially frightened by the creature's appearance, but he soon realizes that it is a fellow hunter like himself.
The two hunters form a bond and share stories of their respective hunts. However, as the night wears on, Ung becomes increasingly uneasy about his new companion's intentions. In the end, he kills the creature, only to discover that it was a man.
The plot of "The Story of Ung" is relatively simple, but it is the structure of the poem that sets it apart. Kipling employs a unique form of poetry known as rhyming couplets, where each stanza consists of two lines that rhyme.
This structure gives the poem a sense of rhythm and musicality that is both mesmerizing and haunting. It also allows Kipling to convey the story's themes and emotions in a concise and impactful manner.
The Themes
One of the most striking aspects of "The Story of Ung" is its themes. Kipling explores deep and complex themes of identity, morality, and the human condition.
At its core, the poem is a commentary on the dangers of prejudice and the importance of seeing beyond appearances. By portraying the creature as a fellow hunter, Kipling challenges the notion that one should judge others based on their physical appearance.
The poem also delves into the morality of hunting and the inherent violence that comes with it. The killing of the creature is not portrayed as a triumph but rather as a tragedy, as Ung realizes too late the true nature of his companion.
Finally, "The Story of Ung" is a meditation on the human condition and the fragility of life. The poem portrays the hunter and the creature as equals, both struggling to survive in a harsh and unforgiving world.
The Imagery and Language
Kipling's use of imagery and language in "The Story of Ung" is nothing short of breathtaking. The poem is filled with vivid descriptions of the forest, the creatures that inhabit it, and the emotions that the characters experience.
For example, in the opening stanza, Kipling describes the forest as "a green, dim forest," creating a sense of mystery and foreboding. He also uses sensory language to describe the creature's appearance, writing that it had "flaming eyes and matted hair."
Throughout the poem, Kipling uses metaphorical language to convey deeper meaning. For example, when describing the hunter's thoughts, he writes, "His thoughts went up like smoke, his deeds fell down like rain."
Kipling's use of language is both lyrical and profound, elevating the poem to a work of art.
The Emotional Impact
Finally, "The Story of Ung" is a poem that leaves a lasting emotional impact on the reader. Kipling's masterful use of language, themes, and imagery combine to create a haunting and unforgettable work of art.
The poem's tragic ending is particularly impactful, leaving the reader with a sense of sadness and loss. It also leaves the reader with a sense of introspection, encouraging them to reflect on their own prejudices and actions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Story of Ung" is a masterpiece of poetry that showcases Rudyard Kipling's immense talent as a writer. Its unique structure, complex themes, vivid imagery, and emotional impact make it a work of art that deserves to be studied and celebrated.
As a literary critic and a lover of poetry, I cannot recommend "The Story of Ung" enough. Reading this poem is an experience that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Story of Ung: A Masterpiece of Poetry by Rudyard Kipling
Rudyard Kipling, the renowned British author, poet, and journalist, is known for his exceptional literary works that have stood the test of time. One of his most celebrated poems is "The Story of Ung," a masterpiece that tells the tale of a young boy who embarks on a perilous journey to save his tribe from a deadly curse. This poem is a perfect example of Kipling's exceptional storytelling skills and his ability to weave together complex themes of bravery, loyalty, and sacrifice.
The poem begins with a vivid description of the setting, a remote village in the heart of Africa, where the people are plagued by a mysterious curse that has befallen them. The curse is said to have been brought upon them by a powerful witch doctor who was angered by the tribe's refusal to offer him tribute. The curse has caused a drought that has left the people starving, and they are desperate for a savior to come and lift the curse.
Enter Ung, a young boy who is brave and determined to save his people. He sets out on a perilous journey to find the witch doctor and convince him to lift the curse. Along the way, he faces numerous challenges, including treacherous terrain, dangerous animals, and hostile tribes. However, he remains undeterred and continues on his quest, driven by his love for his people and his unwavering sense of duty.
As Ung travels deeper into the wilderness, he encounters a wise old man who gives him valuable advice and teaches him the ways of the jungle. The old man becomes Ung's mentor and guide, and together they navigate the dangers of the jungle and overcome many obstacles. This relationship between the young boy and the wise old man is a central theme in the poem, highlighting the importance of mentorship and the passing down of knowledge from one generation to the next.
Finally, after many trials and tribulations, Ung reaches the witch doctor's village. He confronts the witch doctor and pleads with him to lift the curse. The witch doctor is initially hostile and refuses to listen to Ung's pleas. However, Ung's bravery and determination eventually win him over, and the witch doctor agrees to lift the curse.
The poem ends with Ung returning to his village, where he is hailed as a hero. The curse is lifted, and the people are saved from starvation. Ung is celebrated as a brave and selfless young man who risked his life to save his people. The poem's final lines capture the essence of Ung's character and the values he embodies:
"Then Ung, the little hero, bowed his head, And thanked the gods who watched above his bed, For all the strength and wisdom they had sent, To make him brave and true and innocent."
In conclusion, "The Story of Ung" is a masterpiece of poetry that showcases Rudyard Kipling's exceptional storytelling skills and his ability to weave together complex themes of bravery, loyalty, and sacrifice. The poem's vivid descriptions of the African wilderness, its memorable characters, and its powerful message of hope and redemption make it a timeless classic that continues to inspire readers today.
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