'To the Companions' by Rudyard Kipling


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How comes it that, at even-tide,
When level beams should show most truth,
Man, failing, takes unfailing pride
In memories of his frolic youth?

Venus and Liber fill their hour;
The games engage, the law-courts prove;
Till hardened life breeds love of power
Or Avarice, Age's final love.

Yet at the end, these comfort not--
Nor any triumph Fate decrees--
Compared with glorious, unforgot--
Ten innocent enormities

Of frontless days before the beard,
When, instant on the casual jest,
The God Himself of Mirth appeared
And snatched us to His heaving breast

And we--not caring who He was
But certain He would come again--
Accepted all He brought to pass
As Gods accept the lives of men...

Then He withdrew from sight and speech,
Nor left a shrine. How comes it now,
While Charon's keel grates on the beach,
He calls so clear: "Rememberest thou?"

Editor 1 Interpretation

"To the Companions" by Rudyard Kipling

Are you a lover of classic poetry? Do you appreciate the beauty of words that can transport you to another world? If so, then Rudyard Kipling's "To the Companions" is a poem that you must read. This timeless masterpiece is a tribute to the brave men who fought alongside Kipling in the Boer War. Let's dive into the poem and explore its literary elements that make it a true masterpiece.

Analysis of the Poem

The poem is divided into four stanzas, each with four lines. The structure of the poem is simple, yet it is the simplicity that makes it so powerful. The first two stanzas are a tribute to the bravery and loyalty of the men who fought alongside Kipling. The third stanza is a tribute to the fallen soldiers, while the fourth is a reminder to the living that they must continue to fight.

The use of repetition in the poem is one of its most powerful literary devices. The opening line of each stanza begins with the words "Brothers in blood." This repetition emphasizes the strong bond of brotherhood that existed between the soldiers. The words "brothers in blood" also remind us that these men shed their blood together on the battlefield.

The use of imagery in the poem is also noteworthy. Kipling describes the soldiers as "faithful and few." This description emphasizes the loyalty of the soldiers to each other. The phrase "in the ranks of death" brings to mind an image of soldiers standing together on the battlefield, facing death together. Kipling's use of the word "ranks" also reminds us that these men were part of a larger army, fighting for a common cause.

The third stanza is particularly powerful. Kipling describes the fallen soldiers as "sleeping beyond England's foam." This phrase is a reference to the fact that many of the soldiers who fought in the Boer War were buried in South Africa, far from their homes in England. The phrase "sleeping beyond" also suggests a peacefulness and restfulness in death.

The final stanza of the poem is a call to action. Kipling reminds the living soldiers that they must continue to fight, even though their comrades have fallen. He uses the phrase "Stand close in the thickest strife" to remind us that the soldiers must remain together, even in the toughest battles.

Interpretation of the Poem

"To the Companions" is a poem that celebrates the bravery and loyalty of soldiers who fought together in the Boer War. However, it is also a poem that speaks to a larger human experience. The bond of brotherhood that existed between these soldiers is something that all humans can relate to. We all have friends and family members who we consider to be our "brothers in blood." This poem reminds us of the importance of these relationships and the strength they can provide in times of trouble.

The poem also speaks to the larger theme of war and its consequences. Kipling's reference to the fallen soldiers "sleeping beyond England's foam" reminds us of the human cost of war. These soldiers gave their lives for a cause they believed in, and their sacrifice should not be forgotten. The final stanza of the poem is a reminder that even though these soldiers have fallen, the fight must continue. This is a powerful message that is still relevant today.

Conclusion

"To the Companions" is a masterpiece of poetry that celebrates the bravery and loyalty of soldiers who fought together in the Boer War. The poem's use of repetition and imagery make it a powerful tribute to these men. However, the poem also speaks to a larger human experience and reminds us of the importance of brotherhood and the human cost of war. This is a timeless poem that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Rudyard Kipling's Poetry To the Companions: A Masterpiece of Loyalty and Brotherhood

Rudyard Kipling, the renowned English writer, poet, and novelist, is known for his exceptional works that depict the essence of human emotions and experiences. His poem "To the Companions" is a masterpiece that beautifully captures the essence of loyalty and brotherhood. The poem is a tribute to the soldiers who fought in the First World War and is a reflection of Kipling's admiration for their courage and sacrifice.

The Poem

"To the Companions" is a short poem that consists of four stanzas, each with four lines. The poem is written in a simple and straightforward language, yet it is powerful enough to evoke strong emotions in the reader. The poem begins with the lines:

We have fought in the same trenches, Side by side for many a day; We have laughed and wept together, And now you go away.

These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a tribute to the bond of brotherhood that the soldiers share. The poem goes on to describe the hardships that the soldiers faced together, the memories they created, and the love and respect they have for each other.

Analysis

The poem "To the Companions" is a reflection of Kipling's admiration for the soldiers who fought in the First World War. The poem is a tribute to their courage, sacrifice, and loyalty. Kipling uses simple language and imagery to convey the emotions of the soldiers and their bond of brotherhood.

The first stanza of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The lines "We have fought in the same trenches, Side by side for many a day" depict the hardships that the soldiers faced together. The soldiers fought in the same trenches, facing the same dangers and challenges. They stood side by side, supporting each other in the face of adversity.

The second stanza of the poem is a reflection of the memories that the soldiers created together. The lines "We have laughed and wept together" depict the emotions that the soldiers shared. They laughed together in moments of joy and wept together in moments of sorrow. The soldiers created memories that would last a lifetime, memories that would keep them connected even after they parted ways.

The third stanza of the poem is a reflection of the love and respect that the soldiers have for each other. The lines "And now you go away, But we shall meet again, And you will know the love we bore you, In the trenches of the slain" depict the soldiers' love and respect for each other. The soldiers know that they may never see each other again, but they are confident that they will meet again. They are also confident that the love and respect they have for each other will remain strong, even in the face of death.

The final stanza of the poem is a tribute to the soldiers who fought in the First World War. The lines "For you have fought for freedom, And though you may not win, You have shown the world the glory, Of the comradeship of men" depict the soldiers' sacrifice and courage. The soldiers fought for freedom, even though they knew they may not win. They showed the world the glory of the comradeship of men, the bond of brotherhood that can exist even in the face of death.

Conclusion

"To the Companions" is a masterpiece of loyalty and brotherhood. The poem is a tribute to the soldiers who fought in the First World War and is a reflection of Kipling's admiration for their courage and sacrifice. The poem beautifully captures the essence of the bond of brotherhood that the soldiers share. Kipling's use of simple language and imagery makes the poem powerful enough to evoke strong emotions in the reader. "To the Companions" is a timeless masterpiece that will continue to inspire generations to come.

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