The Choice (Poem by Rudyard Kipling)

The Choice

(The American Spirit Speaks)

By Rudyard Kipling

To the Judge of Right and Wrong

    With Whom fulfilment lies

Our purpose and our power belong,

    Our faith and sacrifice.

Let Freedom's Land rejoice!

    Our ancient bonds are riven;

Once more to us the eternal choice

    Of Good or Ill is given.

Not at a little cost,

    Hardly by prayer or tears,

Shall we recover the road we lost

    In the drugged and doubting years.

But, after the fires and the wrath,

    But, after searching and pain,

His Mercy opens us a path

    To live with ourselves again.

In the Gates of Death rejoice!

    We see and hold the good — 

Bear witness, Earth, we have made our choice

    With Freedom's brotherhood!

Then praise the Lord Most High

    Whose Strength hath saved us whole,

Who bade us choose that the Flesh should die

    And not the living Soul!

To the God in Man displayed — 

    Where e'er we see that Birth,

Be love and understanding paid

    As never yet on earth!

To the Spirit that moves in Man,

    On Whom all worlds depend,

Be Glory since our world began

    And service to the end!

April, 1917

Poem Analysis:

Rudyard Kipling's poem "The Choice" delves into the profound themes of freedom, moral responsibility, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. Written during a period of global upheaval, it reflects the author's contemplation of the choices individuals and nations must make in the face of adversity. Through rich imagery and emotive language, Kipling delivers a timeless message about the importance of ethical decision-making and the enduring quest for liberty.

Themes:

1. Freedom and Responsibility: "The Choice" underscores the significance of freedom and the moral responsibility that accompanies it. The poem suggests that true freedom is not a passive state but requires individuals and nations to make conscious choices for good or ill.
2. Redemption and Renewal: The poem acknowledges that mistakes and moral lapses are inevitable in human history. However, it holds out hope for redemption and renewal, where individuals and societies can recover from past errors and regain their ethical footing.
3. Humanity's Eternal Struggle: Kipling portrays the struggle between good and evil as an eternal one, emphasizing that the choice between the two is ever-present and crucial to the human experience.

Structure and Language:

1. Stanza Structure: The poem consists of 8 quatrains (four-line stanzas) with a consistent ABAB rhyme scheme. This structure provides a sense of order and symmetry, enhancing the poem's overall impact.
2. Rhetorical Devices: Kipling employs various rhetorical devices, including repetition ("To the God in Man displayed"), metaphors ("Gates of Death"), and alliteration ("Flesh should die"), to create rhythm and emphasis.
3. Imagery: The poem employs vivid and evocative imagery, such as references to "fires and wrath" and "the Flesh" versus "the living Soul." These images serve to underscore the dramatic tension between opposing forces.

Analysis:

1. The Moral Dilemma: "The Choice" explores the ethical dilemmas faced by individuals and nations. It acknowledges that making the right choices often comes at a cost, requiring courage and determination to stand for what is morally right.
2. Human Fallibility and Redemption: The poem recognizes human fallibility and the propensity to err. However, it also offers the possibility of redemption and renewal, emphasizing that making the correct moral choices can lead to personal and societal growth.
3. Moral and Ethical Imperative: Kipling's poem underscores the idea that ethical responsibility is inextricably linked to freedom. It suggests that individuals and nations must actively choose to do what is right, even in the face of adversity or temptation.

"The Choice" by Rudyard Kipling is a thought-provoking ode to the enduring struggle between good and evil and the moral responsibility that accompanies freedom. Through its structured verses and evocative language, the poem invites readers to contemplate the importance of ethical decision-making and the potential for redemption and renewal. Kipling's timeless message resonates as a call to uphold moral principles, even in challenging times, emphasizing the enduring relevance of these themes in the human experience.