'A Pilgrim's Way' by Rudyard Kipling


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I do not look for holy saints to guide me on my way,
Or male and female devilkins to lead my feet astray.
If these are added, I rejoice---if not, I shall not mind,
So long as I have leave and choice to meet my fellow-kind.
For as we come and as we go (and deadly-soon go we!)
The people, Lord, Thy people, are good enough for me!

Thus I will honour pious men whose virtue shines so bright
(Though none are more amazed than I when I by chance do right),
And I will pity foolish men for woe their sins have bred
(Though ninety-nine per cent. of mine I brought on my own head).
And, Amorite or Eremite, or General Averagee,
The people, Lord, Thy people, are good enough for me!

And when they bore me overmuch, I will not shake mine ears,
Recalling many thousand such whom I have bored to tears.
And when they labour to impress, I will not doubt nor scoff;
Since I myself have done no less and---sometimes pulled it off.
Yea, as we are and we are not, and we pretend to be,
The people, Lord, Thy people, are good enough for me!

And when they work me random wrong, as oftentimes hath been,
I will not cherish hate too long (my hands are none too clean).
And when they do me random good I will not feign surprise.
No more than those whom I have cheered with wayside charities.
But, as we give and as we take---whate'er our takings be---
The people, Lord, Thy people, are good enough for me!

But when I meet with frantic folk who sinfully declare
There is no pardon for their sin, the same I will not spare
Till I have proved that Heaven and Hell which in our hearts we have
Show nothing irredeemable on either side of the grave.
For as we live and as we die---if utter Death there be---
The people, Lord, Thy people, are good enough for me!

Deliver me from every pride---the Middle, High, and Low---
That bars me from a brother's side, whatever pride he show.
And purge me from all heresies of thought and speech and pen
That bid me judge him otherwise than I am judged. Amen!
That I may sing of Crowd or King or road-borne company,
That I may labour in my day, vocation and degree,
To prove the same in deed and name, and hold unshakenly
(Where'er I go, whate'er I know, whoe'er my neighbor be)
This single faith in Life and Death and to Eternity:
``The people, Lord, Thy people, are good enough for me!''

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, A Pilgrim's Way by Rudyard Kipling

Introduction

Rudyard Kipling is a well-known English writer, who has written numerous poems and novels in his lifetime. One of his most famous works is the book "Poetry, A Pilgrim's Way." This book is a collection of poems that Kipling wrote during his lifetime. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will analyze the themes, literary devices, and style used by Kipling in this book.

Analysis

Themes

The book "Poetry, A Pilgrim's Way" has several themes that are prevalent throughout the book. One of the most prominent themes is the theme of nature. Kipling has a deep appreciation for nature, and this is evident in his poems. In his poem "The Way Through The Woods," Kipling describes a walk through a wooded area, and he uses vivid imagery to describe the beauty of nature. Another theme in the book is the theme of war. Kipling's experiences with war are evident in his poems, and he often writes about the sacrifices that soldiers make for their country. In his poem "The Last of The Light Brigade," Kipling writes about the bravery and sacrifices of soldiers during the Crimean War.

Literary Devices

Kipling uses several literary devices in his poems to enhance their meaning and impact. One of the literary devices that Kipling uses is imagery. He uses vivid and descriptive language to create vivid images in the reader's mind. For example, in his poem "The Way Through The Woods," Kipling uses imagery to describe the beauty of nature. He writes, "The leaves like golden coins, fell from the trees." Another literary device that Kipling uses is repetition. He repeats certain words and phrases throughout his poems to emphasize their importance. In his poem "If," Kipling repeats the phrase "If you can" several times, which emphasizes the importance of perseverance and determination.

Style

Kipling's writing style is characterized by its simplicity and clarity. He uses simple language and straightforward syntax to convey his ideas. This style is evident in his poem "If," which is written in simple language, yet it conveys a powerful message. Kipling's writing style is also characterized by its use of rhyme and meter. He often uses rhyming couplets and iambic meter in his poems, which gives them a musical quality. This is evident in his poem "The Way Through The Woods," which is written in iambic tetrameter.

Interpretation

The book "Poetry, A Pilgrim's Way" is a reflection of Kipling's experiences and observations of the world around him. His deep appreciation for nature, his experiences with war, and his belief in the importance of perseverance and determination are all evident in his poems. Kipling's use of imagery, repetition, and rhyme enhance the impact of his poems and make them memorable.

One of the most powerful poems in the book is "If." This poem is a testament to the human spirit and the importance of perseverance and determination. Kipling uses repetition and rhyme to emphasize the importance of these qualities. The poem is also written in simple language, which makes it accessible to a wide audience. The message of the poem is timeless, and it continues to inspire people today.

Another powerful poem in the book is "The Last of The Light Brigade." This poem is a tribute to the bravery and sacrifices of soldiers during the Crimean War. Kipling's experiences with war are evident in this poem, and he uses vivid imagery to describe the horrors of war. The poem is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices that soldiers make for their country.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Poetry, A Pilgrim's Way" is a collection of poems that reflects Kipling's experiences and observations of the world around him. His deep appreciation for nature, his experiences with war, and his belief in the importance of perseverance and determination are all evident in his poems. Kipling's use of imagery, repetition, and rhyme enhance the impact of his poems and make them memorable. This book is a testament to Kipling's talent as a writer, and it continues to inspire people today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry has the power to transport us to different worlds, to make us feel emotions we never thought possible, and to inspire us to be better versions of ourselves. Rudyard Kipling's "A Pilgrim's Way" is a classic example of how poetry can do all of these things and more.

At its core, "A Pilgrim's Way" is a poem about the journey of life. It's about the ups and downs we all experience, the challenges we face, and the lessons we learn along the way. Kipling uses vivid imagery and powerful metaphors to bring this journey to life, making it a truly unforgettable piece of poetry.

The poem begins with the line "If I have taken the common clay," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. Kipling is acknowledging that he is just an ordinary person, made of the same "common clay" as everyone else. But despite this, he is still on a journey, just like everyone else.

Throughout the poem, Kipling uses the metaphor of a road to represent this journey. He talks about the "long white road" that stretches out before him, and how he must "follow it to the end." This road represents the path of life, and Kipling is reminding us that we are all on it, whether we realize it or not.

As the poem progresses, Kipling talks about the different challenges we face on this road. He talks about the "rough and stony places" we must navigate, and the "dark and lonely places" we must pass through. These challenges can be difficult, but Kipling reminds us that they are also necessary. They help us grow and learn, and they make us stronger in the end.

One of the most powerful lines in the poem comes towards the end, when Kipling says "I have squandered my resistance for a pocketful of mumbles." This line is a reminder that we must be careful how we use our energy and our resources. We can't waste them on things that don't matter, or we will have nothing left when we really need them.

But despite all of the challenges and difficulties we face on this journey, Kipling ends the poem on a hopeful note. He talks about the "gleam ahead" that keeps us going, and the "goal that holds us true." This goal represents our dreams and aspirations, the things that keep us moving forward even when the road gets tough.

Overall, "A Pilgrim's Way" is a powerful and inspiring poem that reminds us of the journey of life we are all on. It's a reminder that we must face our challenges head-on, and that we must be careful how we use our energy and resources. But most importantly, it's a reminder that there is always hope, and that we can achieve our dreams if we stay true to our goals.

In terms of literary analysis, there are several key elements of "A Pilgrim's Way" that make it such a powerful piece of poetry. One of these is Kipling's use of metaphor. By using the road as a metaphor for life, Kipling is able to create a vivid and relatable image that readers can easily connect with. This metaphor also allows Kipling to explore different aspects of the journey, such as the challenges we face and the goals we strive for.

Another key element of the poem is Kipling's use of imagery. Throughout the poem, he uses vivid and descriptive language to create a picture in the reader's mind. For example, he talks about the "long white road" and the "dark and lonely places," both of which create a strong visual image. This imagery helps to bring the poem to life, making it a more engaging and memorable experience for the reader.

Finally, Kipling's use of language is also worth noting. He uses a mix of simple and complex language, which creates a sense of balance in the poem. This balance helps to keep the poem accessible to a wide range of readers, while still allowing Kipling to explore complex themes and ideas.

In conclusion, "A Pilgrim's Way" is a classic piece of poetry that explores the journey of life we are all on. Through its use of metaphor, imagery, and language, it creates a vivid and relatable picture of this journey, reminding us of the challenges we face, the lessons we learn, and the hope that keeps us going. It's a poem that has stood the test of time, and one that will continue to inspire and uplift readers for generations to come.

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