The White Man's Burden by Rudyard Kipling Returning To The Text . Reread Your Assigned Poem To Answer These Text-dependent Questions. How Does The Author Use Repetition To Convey His Message? What Phrase Is Repeated In Each Stanza? What Is Different
The White Man's Burden: Unpacking the Complexities of Imperialism
The White Man's Burden, a poem written by Rudyard Kipling in 1899, is a thought-provoking piece that delves into the complexities of imperialism and the responsibilities that come with it. The poem's title, "The White Man's Burden," is a reference to the idea that Western powers, particularly the British, have a duty to civilize and uplift non-Western societies. In this article, we will explore how Kipling uses repetition to convey his message and examine the nuances of his poem.
Repetition as a Literary Device
Repetition is a powerful literary device that can be used to convey a message, create emphasis, and build rhythm. In The White Man's Burden, Kipling employs repetition to drive home his central theme: the idea that Western powers have a responsibility to bring civilization to non-Western societies. The phrase "Take up the White Man's burden" is repeated in each stanza, creating a sense of urgency and emphasizing the importance of this responsibility.
The First Stanza
The first stanza of the poem reads:
"Take up the White Man's burden, Send forth the best ye breed— Go bind your sons to exile To serve your captives' need; To wait in heavy ruin Your darkening ways."
In this stanza, Kipling sets the tone for the rest of the poem. He uses the phrase "Take up the White Man's burden" to emphasize the idea that Western powers have a responsibility to bring civilization to non-Western societies. The use of the word "burden" suggests that this responsibility is a weighty one, and that it requires great effort and sacrifice.
The Second Stanza
The second stanza of the poem reads:
"Take up the White Man's burden, Have done with childish days— The lightly good, the dark amass Of all your gold and all your praise. Through the palaces of Westminster Lurks the shadow or the thing Deadlier than his hand."
In this stanza, Kipling repeats the phrase "Take up the White Man's burden" and emphasizes the idea that Western powers have a responsibility to bring civilization to non-Western societies. He also introduces the idea that this responsibility is not just a moral one, but also a practical one. The use of the word "palaces" suggests that Western powers have a great deal of wealth and power at their disposal, and that they should use this wealth and power to bring civilization to non-Western societies.
The Third Stanza
The third stanza of the poem reads:
"Take up the White Man's burden, Half-devil and half-child. To fight for a new-fangled thing With the strength of your old right. Take up the White Man's burden, And reap his old reward."
In this stanza, Kipling repeats the phrase "Take up the White Man's burden" and emphasizes the idea that Western powers have a responsibility to bring civilization to non-Western societies. He also introduces the idea that this responsibility is not just a moral one, but also a practical one. The use of the word "reward" suggests that Western powers will be rewarded for their efforts to bring civilization to non-Western societies.
Discussion Questions
- How does Kipling use repetition to convey his message in The White Man's Burden?
- What phrase is repeated in each stanza of the poem?
- What is different about the way Kipling uses repetition in each stanza?
- What is the central theme of the poem?
- How does Kipling use the phrase "Take up the White Man's burden" to emphasize the idea that Western powers have a responsibility to bring civilization to non-Western societies?
The White Man's Burden is a complex and thought-provoking poem that explores the nuances of imperialism and the responsibilities that come with it. Through the use of repetition, Kipling emphasizes the idea that Western powers have a responsibility to bring civilization to non-Western societies. The poem's central theme is the idea that Western powers have a duty to civilize and uplift non-Western societies, and that this responsibility is a weighty one that requires great effort and sacrifice.
The White Man's Burden: A Q&A Article
The White Man's Burden, a poem written by Rudyard Kipling in 1899, is a thought-provoking piece that delves into the complexities of imperialism and the responsibilities that come with it. In this article, we will explore the poem's themes, symbolism, and historical context through a Q&A format.
Q: What is the White Man's Burden?
A: The White Man's Burden is a poem written by Rudyard Kipling in 1899, which explores the idea of imperialism and the responsibilities that come with it. The poem argues that Western powers, particularly the British, have a duty to civilize and uplift non-Western societies.
Q: What is the central theme of the poem?
A: The central theme of the poem is the idea that Western powers have a responsibility to bring civilization to non-Western societies. This theme is emphasized through the use of repetition, particularly the phrase "Take up the White Man's burden."
Q: What is the significance of the phrase "Take up the White Man's burden"?
A: The phrase "Take up the White Man's burden" is significant because it emphasizes the idea that Western powers have a responsibility to bring civilization to non-Western societies. The use of the word "burden" suggests that this responsibility is a weighty one that requires great effort and sacrifice.
Q: What is the historical context of the poem?
A: The poem was written in 1899, a time when imperialism was at its peak. The British Empire was expanding rapidly, and the idea of bringing civilization to non-Western societies was a common justification for colonialism.
Q: What is the symbolism of the poem?
A: The poem uses several symbols to convey its message. The "White Man" represents Western powers, while the "burden" represents the responsibility to bring civilization to non-Western societies. The "palaces of Westminster" represent the wealth and power of Western powers.
Q: What is the tone of the poem?
A: The tone of the poem is complex and nuanced. On the surface, the poem appears to be a call to action, urging Western powers to take up the responsibility of bringing civilization to non-Western societies. However, the poem also contains elements of irony and satire, which suggest that Kipling is critiquing the idea of imperialism.
Q: What is the significance of the poem's repetition?
A: The repetition of the phrase "Take up the White Man's burden" is significant because it emphasizes the idea that Western powers have a responsibility to bring civilization to non-Western societies. The repetition also creates a sense of rhythm and emphasizes the importance of this responsibility.
Q: What is the impact of the poem on modern society?
A: The poem's impact on modern society is complex and multifaceted. On the one hand, the poem's themes of imperialism and colonialism are still relevant today, and the poem serves as a reminder of the dangers of imperialism. On the other hand, the poem's use of repetition and symbolism has influenced the development of poetry and literature.
Q: What is the legacy of the poem?
A: The poem's legacy is complex and multifaceted. The poem has been interpreted in many different ways, and its themes and symbolism continue to be relevant today. The poem has also been the subject of much controversy, with some critics arguing that it justifies imperialism and others arguing that it critiques it.
The White Man's Burden is a complex and thought-provoking poem that explores the nuances of imperialism and the responsibilities that come with it. Through a Q&A format, we have explored the poem's themes, symbolism, and historical context, and examined its impact on modern society.