'When Earth's Last Picture Is Painted' by Rudyard Kipling
AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay
When Earth's last picture is painted
And the tubes are twisted and dried
When the oldest colors have faded
And the youngest critic has died
We shall rest, and faith, we shall need it
Lie down for an aeon or two
'Till the Master of all good workmen
Shall put us to work anew
And those that were good shall be happy
They'll sit in a golden chair
They'll splash at a ten league canvas
With brushes of comet's hair
They'll find real saints to draw from
Magdalene, Peter, and Paul
They'll work for an age at a sitting
And never be tired at all.
And only the Master shall praise us.
And only the Master shall blame.
And no one will work for the money.
No one will work for the fame.
But each for the joy of the working,
And each, in his separate star,
Will draw the thing as he sees it.
For the God of things as they are!
Editor 1 Interpretation
When Earth's Last Picture is Painted: A Masterful Exploration of Life and Death
By Rudyard Kipling
What happens when we die? What is the meaning of life? These are some of the most fundamental questions that have plagued philosophers and poets for centuries. Rudyard Kipling's "When Earth's Last Picture is Painted" is a poem that tackles these questions with an unflinching gaze, exploring the nature of life, death, and what it means to leave a lasting legacy.
Overview of the Poem
"When Earth's Last Picture is Painted" is a poem that is rich in symbolism and allegory. The poem begins with a description of an artist who is painting a picture. The painting is a representation of life, and the artist is working tirelessly to capture its essence. As the painting progresses, the artist becomes more and more obsessed with perfecting it, until finally, he dies, leaving the painting unfinished.
The poem then shifts to a discussion of what happens after death. Kipling asks whether the artist's legacy will live on after his death, or whether it will be forgotten. He questions the purpose of life and the value of leaving a lasting mark on the world.
The poem concludes with a powerful image of the artist's painting being consumed by the elements, symbolizing the impermanence of life and the inevitability of death.
Interpretation of the Poem
The poem can be interpreted on several levels, each offering a unique perspective on the nature of life and death.
A Meditation on Art and Creativity
On a superficial level, the poem can be seen as a meditation on art and creativity. The artist in the poem is driven by a desire to capture the essence of life in his painting, and his obsession with his art is both inspiring and tragic. His dedication to his craft is admirable, but his inability to finish the painting before he dies is a reminder of the fleeting nature of artistic inspiration.
The poem raises questions about the nature of creativity and the role of the artist in society. Is the artist merely a vessel for creative inspiration, or is there something more profound at work in the act of creation? Does art have the power to transcend time and space, or is it destined to be forgotten like the artist who created it?
A Reflection on Life and Death
At its core, "When Earth's Last Picture is Painted" is a poem about the nature of life and death. Kipling uses the artist's painting as a metaphor for life itself, with all its beauty, complexity, and impermanence. The painting is a work in progress, just as life is an ongoing journey of self-discovery.
The artist's death serves as a powerful reminder of the inevitability of our own mortality. No matter how hard we work or how much we achieve, we are all destined to die. This realization can be both terrifying and liberating, as it forces us to confront the fleeting nature of our existence and the importance of living in the present moment.
A Critique of Society and Culture
On a deeper level, "When Earth's Last Picture is Painted" can be seen as a critique of society and culture. Kipling questions the values and priorities of a society that places so much emphasis on achievement and success, often at the expense of personal fulfillment and happiness.
The artist in the poem is driven by a desire to leave a lasting legacy, but in the end, his legacy is consumed by the elements and forgotten. This is a powerful commentary on the futility of striving for material success and recognition, as these things are ultimately fleeting and meaningless.
A Celebration of Life
Despite the poem's focus on death and impermanence, there is also a celebration of life that runs throughout it. Kipling's vivid descriptions of the artist's painting capture the beauty and complexity of life, with all its joys and sorrows.
The poem reminds us that despite the inevitability of death, life is still worth living. We may not be able to control our ultimate fate, but we can choose how we live our lives and what kind of legacy we leave behind.
Conclusion
"When Earth's Last Picture is Painted" is a masterful exploration of the nature of life and death, art and creativity, and society and culture. Kipling's use of vivid imagery and powerful symbolism creates a haunting and unforgettable portrait of the human experience.
Whether viewed as a meditation on art, a reflection on life and death, a critique of society, or a celebration of life, this poem is a powerful reminder of the fleeting nature of our existence and the importance of living in the present moment.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
When Earth's Last Picture Is Painted: A Masterpiece by Rudyard Kipling
Rudyard Kipling, the renowned English poet, novelist, and short-story writer, is known for his exceptional literary works that have stood the test of time. Among his many masterpieces, "When Earth's Last Picture Is Painted" is a poem that stands out for its profound message and beautiful imagery. This poem is a reflection on the fleeting nature of life and the importance of leaving a lasting legacy.
The poem begins with the line, "When Earth's last picture is painted, and the tubes are twisted and dried." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it suggests that everything in life is temporary and will eventually come to an end. The use of the word "picture" is significant, as it implies that life is like a painting that will eventually be completed and hung up for all to see.
The second stanza of the poem continues this theme of impermanence, as Kipling writes, "When the oldest colors have faded, and the youngest critic has died." Here, Kipling is suggesting that even the most vibrant and colorful aspects of life will eventually fade away, and that even the harshest critics will eventually pass on. This stanza serves as a reminder that life is short and that we should make the most of the time we have.
The third stanza of the poem takes a more optimistic tone, as Kipling writes, "We shall rest, and, faith, we shall need it - lie down for an aeon or two." Here, Kipling is suggesting that after we have lived our lives and left our mark on the world, we will be able to rest and enjoy the fruits of our labor. The use of the word "faith" is significant, as it suggests that Kipling believes in an afterlife where we will be able to rest and reflect on our lives.
The fourth stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful, as Kipling writes, "Till the Master of All Good Workmen shall set us to work anew." Here, Kipling is suggesting that even after we have passed on, our work will continue to live on and inspire future generations. The use of the word "Master" is significant, as it suggests that Kipling believes in a higher power that is responsible for the creation and preservation of all things.
The final stanza of the poem serves as a call to action, as Kipling writes, "And those that were good shall be happy: they shall sit in a golden chair." Here, Kipling is suggesting that those who have lived their lives with purpose and left a lasting legacy will be rewarded in the afterlife. The use of the word "golden" is significant, as it suggests that the rewards for a life well-lived are priceless and invaluable.
In conclusion, "When Earth's Last Picture Is Painted" is a masterpiece of poetry that speaks to the fleeting nature of life and the importance of leaving a lasting legacy. Kipling's use of imagery and language is powerful and evocative, and his message is one that is still relevant today. This poem serves as a reminder that life is short and that we should make the most of the time we have, and that our actions and accomplishments will continue to live on long after we are gone.
Editor Recommended Sites
Flutter News: Flutter news today, the latest packages, widgets and tutorialsML Security:
Google Cloud Run Fan site: Tutorials and guides for Google cloud run
ML Models: Open Machine Learning models. Tutorials and guides. Large language model tutorials, hugginface tutorials
Polars: Site dedicated to tutorials on the Polars rust framework, similar to python pandas
Recommended Similar Analysis
Tell all the Truth but tell it slant- by Emily Dickinson analysisIncident Of The French Camp by Robert Browning analysis
Love After Love by Derek Walcott analysis
Question Answered, The by William Blake analysis
Her-"last Poems" by Emily Dickinson analysis
Sonnet 30 - I see thine image through my tears to-night by Elizabeth Barrett Browning analysis
I, Too, Sing America by Langston Hughes analysis
Praying Drunk by Andrew Hudgins analysis
How They Brought The Good News From Ghent To Aix by Robert Browning analysis
White Horses by Rudyard Kipling analysis