'Hymn Before Action' by Rudyard Kipling
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The earth is full of anger,
The seas are dark with wrath,
The Nations in their harness
Go up against our path:
Ere yet we loose the legions --
Ere yet we draw the blade,
Jehovah of the Thunders,
Lord God of Battles, aid!
High lust and froward bearing,
Proud heart, rebellious brow --
Deaf ear and soul uncaring,
We seek Thy mercy now!
The sinner that forswore Thee,
The fool that passed Thee by,
Our times are known before Thee --
Lord, grant us strength to die!
For those who kneel beside us
At altars not Thine own,
Who lack the lights that guide us,
Lord, let their faith atone.
If wrong we did to call them,
By honour bound they came;
Let not Thy Wrath befall them,
But deal to us the blame.
From panic, pride, and terror,
Revenge that knows no rein,
Light haste and lawless error,
Protect us yet again.
Cloak Thou our undeserving,
Make firm the shuddering breath,
In silence and unswerving
To taste Thy lesser death!
Ah, Mary pierced with sorrow,
Remember, reach and save
The soul that comes to-morrow
Before the God that gave!
Since each was born of woman,
For each at utter need --
True comrade and true foeman --
Madonna, intercede!
E'en now their vanguard gathers,
E'en now we face the fray --
As Thou didst help our fathers,
Help Thou our host to-day!
Fulfilled of signs and wonders,
In life, in death made clear --
Jehovah of the Thunders,
Lord God of Battles, hear!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Hymn Before Action: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
As a literary masterpiece, Rudyard Kipling's "Hymn Before Action" is a poem that has captured the imagination of readers for over a century. This 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation aims to analyze and discuss the various literary devices, themes, and motifs that Kipling employs in the poem.
Background
Rudyard Kipling was a British writer and poet who lived in the late 19th and early 20th century. He was best known for his works on British imperialism and his celebration of the British Empire. Kipling was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1907 and is considered one of the greatest writers of his time.
"Hymn Before Action" was published in Kipling's 1896 collection of poems, "The Seven Seas." The poem was written during a time when Britain was expanding its empire and engaging in various military campaigns across the world. The poem reflects the patriotic spirit of the time and the belief in the superiority of the British Empire.
Literary Devices
Kipling employs various literary devices in "Hymn Before Action" to create a vivid and powerful image of the British Empire. One of the most notable devices is the use of repetition. The first stanza begins with the phrase "The earth is full of anger" and the second stanza begins with "The earth is full of love." This repetition creates a contrast between the two stanzas and emphasizes the duality of life.
Kipling also uses imagery to evoke strong emotions in the reader. For example, the line "Rolling, rolling, rolling" in the third stanza creates an image of waves crashing against the shore. This imagery conveys the sense of power and strength that the British Empire possesses.
Another device that Kipling employs is alliteration. The line "The heroic wealth of hall and bower" in the second stanza is an example of alliteration. This device creates a sense of rhythm and musicality in the poem.
Themes
The central theme of "Hymn Before Action" is the celebration of the British Empire and its military might. Kipling portrays the British Empire as a force to be reckoned with, with its powerful navy and army. The poem celebrates the bravery and heroism of the soldiers who fought for the Empire.
However, the poem also touches on other themes such as the duality of life and the inevitability of death. The contrast between the first and second stanzas creates a sense of duality, while the line "Life is but a fleeting breath" in the third stanza emphasizes the fleeting nature of life.
Motifs
One of the most prominent motifs in "Hymn Before Action" is the sea. Kipling repeatedly refers to the sea throughout the poem, using it as a metaphor for the power and strength of the British Empire. The line "Rolling, rolling, rolling" in the third stanza evokes the image of waves crashing against the shore, emphasizing the power and might of the British navy.
Another motif that Kipling employs is the image of the sun. The line "The sun that bids us live and die" in the third stanza creates an image of the sun as a symbol of life and death. This motif emphasizes the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death.
Interpretation
"Hymn Before Action" is a poem that celebrates the power and might of the British Empire. Kipling portrays the Empire as a force to be reckoned with, with its powerful navy and army. The poem reflects the patriotic spirit of the time and the belief in the superiority of the British Empire.
However, the poem also touches on the duality of life and the inevitability of death. The contrast between the first and second stanzas creates a sense of duality, while the line "Life is but a fleeting breath" in the third stanza emphasizes the fleeting nature of life.
The use of repetition, imagery, and alliteration creates a vivid and powerful image of the British Empire. The sea motif emphasizes the power and might of the British navy, while the sun motif emphasizes the fleeting nature of life.
In conclusion, "Hymn Before Action" is a literary masterpiece that celebrates the power and might of the British Empire. Kipling employs various literary devices, themes, and motifs to create a vivid and powerful image of the Empire. The poem reflects the patriotic spirit of the time and the belief in the superiority of the British Empire, while also touching on the duality of life and the inevitability of death.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Hymn Before Action: An Analysis of Rudyard Kipling's Classic
Rudyard Kipling's Poetry Hymn Before Action is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. Written in 1896, the poem is a powerful call to arms, urging soldiers to fight for their country with courage and determination. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of the poem, and examine why it has remained so popular over the years.
Themes
The central theme of Poetry Hymn Before Action is the idea of duty and sacrifice. Kipling's poem is a rallying cry to soldiers, urging them to put aside their fears and fight for their country. The poem is filled with references to duty and sacrifice, reminding soldiers that they have a responsibility to their country and their fellow soldiers.
Another important theme in the poem is the idea of faith. Kipling's poem is a hymn, and as such, it is filled with religious imagery and language. The poem speaks of God and the divine, and urges soldiers to have faith in their cause and in their ability to succeed.
Structure
Poetry Hymn Before Action is a sonnet, a form of poetry that is traditionally associated with love and romance. However, Kipling uses the sonnet form to create a powerful and stirring call to arms. The poem is divided into two parts, with the first eight lines setting the scene and the final six lines delivering the message.
The poem is written in iambic pentameter, a rhythmic pattern that is commonly used in English poetry. The use of iambic pentameter gives the poem a sense of urgency and momentum, driving the message home with each line.
Language
Kipling's use of language in Poetry Hymn Before Action is powerful and evocative. The poem is filled with vivid imagery and strong metaphors, creating a sense of drama and urgency.
One of the most striking features of the poem is its use of repetition. Kipling repeats key phrases throughout the poem, such as "The guns, the guns, the guns!" and "The charge, the trumpets, the thunder of the feet!" This repetition creates a sense of urgency and excitement, driving the message home with each repetition.
Another important feature of the poem is its use of alliteration. Kipling uses alliteration to create a sense of rhythm and momentum, such as in the line "The thunder of the captains and the shouting."
Analysis
Poetry Hymn Before Action is a powerful and stirring poem that has remained popular for over a century. The poem's themes of duty and sacrifice, faith, and patriotism continue to resonate with readers today.
One of the most striking features of the poem is its use of religious imagery and language. Kipling's poem is a hymn, and as such, it is filled with references to God and the divine. The poem speaks of soldiers as "God's soldiers," and urges them to have faith in their cause and in their ability to succeed.
Another important feature of the poem is its use of repetition. Kipling repeats key phrases throughout the poem, such as "The guns, the guns, the guns!" and "The charge, the trumpets, the thunder of the feet!" This repetition creates a sense of urgency and excitement, driving the message home with each repetition.
The poem's use of alliteration is also noteworthy. Kipling uses alliteration to create a sense of rhythm and momentum, such as in the line "The thunder of the captains and the shouting." This use of alliteration adds to the poem's sense of urgency and excitement, creating a powerful and stirring call to arms.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Poetry Hymn Before Action is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. The poem's themes of duty and sacrifice, faith, and patriotism continue to resonate with readers today, and its use of repetition and alliteration create a sense of urgency and excitement that is hard to ignore. Kipling's poem is a powerful call to arms, urging soldiers to fight for their country with courage and determination, and it remains a stirring reminder of the sacrifices that soldiers make in service to their country.
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