Analysis of Rudyard Kipling Poem Recessional - Book Report/Review Example

Gunga Din is a better man than the soldiers seemingly because he does not directly kill other human beings as the soldiers do. Alliteration occurs in line 54 with ‘bullet’ and ‘belt-plate’. Alliteration occurs in line 57 with, ‘good,’ ‘grinnin', and gruntin' In lines 52 to 74, a soldier becomes shot in the spleen. The soldier is stuck behind the lines and then Gunga Din arrives and gives him water. Din then carries the soldier away and attempts to save him.

Ultimately the soldier seems to have died. It’s clear that the Gunga Din character has a variety of virtues. One of the most noticeable virtues is Gunga Din’s worth ethic. One considers that he is highly consistent with bringing the soldier’s water. Another virtue is his willingness to help out even in danger. An example of this occurs as he willfully attempts to carry and save a soldier that had been shot in battle. Ultimately, these elements combine to demonstrate Din’s virtuous character.

A-C, B-D, E-F rhyme scheme is implemented. God, lord of far-flung battle lines, dominion over palm and pine are all implemented to demonstrate the expansive British Empire. The final two lines of each stanza mean that the narrator is asking God not to forget. The final two lines indicate they are asking not to forget to grant his mercy, for a series of elements listed throughout the poem, such as war, and boastfulness. One example of jingoism occurs as the narrator indicates that the “far-flung battle-line—“ is one that is directly descended from God.

This inflates England as a divine person. Another considers that the people in a particular country have “Dominion over palm and pine—“. This demonstrates that they believe they have absolute power.  In many ways, Kipling’s poem ‘Recessional’ challenges England to become a better, more God-people people. One considers that Kipling states, “If, drunk with sight of power, we loose / Wild tongues that have not Thee in awe—“ (Kipling, 19-20).

Here he is reminding England to not become too boastful or power-hungry. The essay is replete with such examples. In another instance, he writes, “For heathen heart that puts her trust / In reeking tube and iron shard—“ (Kipling, 22-23). Here he is criticizing England for overly placing emphasis on warfare. Ultimately these elements demonstrate Kipling’s call to improve England.