'To The City Of Bombay' by Rudyard Kipling
AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay
The Cities are full of pride,
Challenging each to each --
This from her mountain-side,
That from her burthened beach.
They count their ships full tale --
Their corn and oil and wine,
Derrick and loom and bale,
And rampart's gun-flecked line;
City by City they hail:
"Hast aught to match with mine?"
And the men that breed from them
They traffic up and down,
But cling to their cities' hem
As a child to their mother's gown.
When they talk with the stranger bands,
Dazed and newly alone;
When they walk in the stranger lands,
By roaring streets unknown;
Blessing her where she stands
For strength above their own.
(On high to hold her fame
That stands all fame beyond,
By oath to back the same,
Most faithful-foolish-fond;
Making her mere-breathed name
Their bond upon their bond.)
So thank I God my birth
Fell not in isles aside --
Waste headlands of the earth,
Or warring tribes untried --
But that she lent me worth
And gave me right to pride.
Surely in toil or fray
Under an alien sky,
Comfort it is to say:
"Of no mean city am I!"
(Neither by service nor fee
Come I to mine estate --
Mother of Cities to me,
For I was born in her gate,
Between the palms and the sea,
Where the world-end steamers wait.)
Now for this debt I owe,
And for her far-borne cheer
Must I make haste and go
With tribute to her pier.
And she shall touch and remit
After the use of kings
(Orderly, ancient, fit)
My deep-sea plunderings,
And purchase in all lands.
And this we do for a sign
Her power is over mine,
And mine I hold at her hands!
Editor 1 Interpretation
To The City Of Bombay: A Masterpiece By Rudyard Kipling
Just imagine yourself standing on the shores of Bombay, taking in the hustle and bustle of the city, the smell of the sea, and the warmth of the sun on your skin. This is exactly what Rudyard Kipling portrays in his outstanding poem, "To The City Of Bombay."
In this literary critique, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used by Kipling to create a vivid picture of the city of Bombay in the minds of his readers.
The Themes of To The City of Bombay
One of the major themes of this poem is the concept of home. For Kipling, Bombay is not just a city, but a place where he feels a sense of belonging. He describes it as "the City of Pleasure," a place where he can find comfort and happiness.
The theme of belonging is further emphasized by the use of the first-person point of view. Kipling speaks directly to the city, using language that suggests a personal connection. He writes, "I have a rendezvous with thee, / At twilight in a greenish sea."
Another theme that runs throughout the poem is the idea of change. Kipling describes the city as a place that is constantly evolving, with new buildings, new people, and new cultures. He writes, "Thy changes and thy shadows lie / Upon me as a garment cast."
This theme of change is also reflected in the language Kipling uses. He frequently employs metaphors to describe the city, comparing it to a "jungle," a "garden," and a "sea." These metaphors suggest that the city is alive and constantly changing, much like the natural world.
The Imagery of To The City of Bombay
Kipling's use of imagery is one of the most striking features of this poem. He paints a vivid picture of the city, using descriptive language that engages all the senses.
For example, he describes the "purple dome" of the city's mosque, which "cuts the sky." This visual image is so vivid that it is easy to picture the mosque towering over the city.
Kipling also uses sound imagery to great effect. He describes the "clang and clamour" of the city's streets, and the "crash and rattle" of its trams. These sounds are so evocative that they can almost be heard in the reader's mind.
Another example of Kipling's use of sensory imagery can be seen in his description of the city's smells. He writes of "spice and tamarind and cassia's breath," creating a picture of a city full of exotic scents.
The Language of To The City of Bombay
Kipling's language is both poetic and accessible, making this poem an enjoyable read for anyone. He uses simple language to convey complex ideas, and his use of rhyme and meter give the poem a musical quality.
One of the most notable features of the poem is its use of repetition. Throughout the poem, Kipling repeats the phrase "To the City of Bombay" several times. This repetition serves to emphasize the importance of the city to the speaker.
Kipling also uses alliteration to great effect. He writes of "the sea-wind's moan," "the red gold moon," and "the huge High Houses." These alliterative phrases add to the musical quality of the poem and create a sense of rhythm.
Finally, Kipling's use of metaphor and symbolism adds depth to the poem. For example, he writes of the "jungle clamorous with strife" and the "garden where all things grow." These metaphors suggest that the city is both beautiful and dangerous, a place where life is constantly in flux.
Conclusion
"To The City Of Bombay" is a masterpiece of poetry, combining vivid imagery, powerful language, and profound themes. Kipling's love for the city of Bombay is evident in every line of the poem, and his use of literary techniques serves to create a world that is both real and magical.
Whether you are a lover of poetry or just someone who appreciates beautiful writing, "To The City Of Bombay" is a must-read. So why not take a journey with Kipling to the City of Pleasure and experience the magic for yourself?
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry To The City Of Bombay: A Masterpiece by Rudyard Kipling
Rudyard Kipling, the renowned English writer, poet, and novelist, is known for his exceptional literary works that have left an indelible mark on the world of literature. Among his many works, Poetry To The City Of Bombay stands out as a masterpiece that captures the essence of the city of Bombay (now Mumbai) in a unique and captivating way.
The poem, which was written in 1892, is a tribute to the city of Bombay, which was then the capital of British India. Kipling, who spent several years in Bombay as a journalist, was deeply influenced by the city's vibrant culture, bustling streets, and diverse population. In this poem, he celebrates the city's unique character and pays homage to its people, traditions, and history.
The poem is divided into three parts, each of which captures a different aspect of the city. In the first part, Kipling describes the city's physical features, including its bustling streets, crowded markets, and towering buildings. He paints a vivid picture of the city's vibrant energy and the constant movement of people and vehicles that fill its streets.
"Seven Isles, sewn in the seas, Shaped as a shark's tooth shows, Where the white-housed sea-folk breed City of thatched and brick-red roofs!"
These lines capture the essence of the city's physical landscape, with its seven islands, bustling sea ports, and diverse architecture. Kipling's use of vivid imagery and descriptive language brings the city to life, making the reader feel as though they are walking through its streets and experiencing its energy firsthand.
In the second part of the poem, Kipling turns his attention to the people of Bombay. He celebrates the city's diversity and the many different cultures and traditions that coexist within its borders. He describes the city's many festivals and celebrations, which bring people of all backgrounds together in a spirit of unity and joy.
"Where the gaily-coloured shows On the crowded roadway pass, Hindu with Muslim meets And the Sikh hefts his ass."
These lines capture the city's unique blend of cultures and traditions, with Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs all coming together in a spirit of celebration and camaraderie. Kipling's use of colloquial language and local dialects adds to the poem's authenticity, making it feel like a true reflection of the city and its people.
In the final part of the poem, Kipling reflects on the city's history and its role as a center of trade and commerce. He describes the city's many ports and markets, which have been the lifeblood of its economy for centuries. He also pays tribute to the city's many great leaders and thinkers, who have shaped its history and helped to make it the vibrant and dynamic place that it is today.
"City of graven rock-hewn caves, Where, ancient as our oaks, The painted shapes of gods endure, Their lips blaspheming our jokes!"
These lines capture the city's rich history and its many ancient monuments and landmarks, which stand as a testament to its enduring legacy. Kipling's use of poetic language and vivid imagery adds to the poem's power and impact, making it a fitting tribute to one of the world's great cities.
In conclusion, Poetry To The City Of Bombay is a masterpiece of modern poetry that captures the essence of one of the world's great cities in a unique and captivating way. Kipling's use of vivid imagery, descriptive language, and local dialects brings the city to life, making the reader feel as though they are walking through its streets and experiencing its energy firsthand. Whether you are a lover of poetry, a student of history, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty and diversity of the world around us, this poem is a must-read that will leave a lasting impression on your heart and mind.
Editor Recommended Sites
No IAP Apps: Apple and Google Play Apps that are high rated and have no IAPEmerging Tech: Emerging Technology - large Language models, Latent diffusion, AI neural networks, graph neural networks, LLM reasoning systems, ontology management for LLMs, Enterprise healthcare Fine tuning for LLMs
Crypto Gig - Crypto remote contract jobs: Find remote contract jobs for crypto smart contract development, security, audit and custody
AI Writing - AI for Copywriting and Chat Bots & AI for Book writing: Large language models and services for generating content, chat bots, books. Find the best Models & Learn AI writing
Deploy Code: Learn how to deploy code on the cloud using various services. The tradeoffs. AWS / GCP
Recommended Similar Analysis
Enigmas by Pablo Neruda analysisThe Charge Of The Light Brigade by Alfred, Lord Tennyson analysis
Sonnet 60: Like as the waves make towards the pebbled shore by William Shakespeare analysis
Comin Thro' The Rye by Robert Burns analysis
Give Me The Splendid, Silent Sun by Walt Whitman analysis
Putting in the Seed by Robert Lee Frost analysis
Hyla Brook by Robert Lee Frost analysis
My Lute Awake by Sir Thomas Wyatt analysis
V .The Soldier by Rupert Brooke analysis
Or From That Sea Of Time by Walt Whitman analysis