A Carol
By Rudyard Kipling
Our Lord Who did the Ox command
To kneel to Judah's King,
He binds His frost upon the land
To ripen it for Spring —
To ripen it for Spring, good sirs,
According to His Word;
Which well must be as ye can see —
And who shall judge the Lord?
When we poor fenmen skate the ice
Or shiver on the wold,
We hear the cry of a single tree
That breaks her heart in the cold —
That breaks her heart in the cold, good sirs,
And rendeth by the board;
Which well must be as ye can see —
And who shall judge the Lord?
Her wood is crazed and little worth
Excepting as to burn,
That we may warm and make our mirth
Until the Spring return —
Until the Spring return, good sirs.
When people walk abroad;
Which well must be as ye can see —
And who shall judge the Lord?
God bless the master of this house.
And all who sleep therein!
And guard the fens from pirate folk.
And keep us all from sin,
To walk in honesty, good sirs,
Of thought and deed and word!
Which shall befriend our latter end —
And who shall judge the Lord?
Poem Analysis:
Rudyard Kipling's poem A Carol is a reflective and reverent work that explores themes of faith, nature, human suffering, and divine will. It is structured in a traditional and lyrical manner, echoing the form of a carol while engaging with deeper theological and philosophical questions.
Themes and Interpretation
- Divine Will and Human Acceptance: At the core of the poem is the recurring refrain: "And who shall judge the Lord?" This rhetorical question emphasizes human humility in the face of divine will. Kipling presents a world where events unfold according to a divine plan, even when they bring hardship. The harsh winter is framed not as a cruel season but as a necessary phase that prepares the land for spring. This mirrors biblical and spiritual understandings of trials leading to renewal and growth.
- Nature as a Symbol of God’s Plan: Kipling’s depiction of nature is deeply symbolic. The ox kneels to "Judah’s King," reinforcing the idea of all creation acknowledging divine authority. The frost binding the land is not just an act of cold destruction but a preparation for rejuvenation. This aligns with the idea that suffering and hardship have a purpose, even if it is beyond human comprehension. The suffering tree, which "breaks her heart in the cold," serves as a poignant symbol of endurance and sacrifice. Though it suffers in winter, it eventually provides warmth, suggesting that even in loss and hardship, there is purpose and contribution.
- Social and Religious Morality: The final stanza shifts focus to the moral obligations of human beings. The poet offers a blessing for the household and prayers for protection from sin and external threats. This section aligns with the broader Christian ethos of charity, gratitude, and righteous living. It reinforces the idea that walking "in honesty, of thought and deed and word" will ensure a good end, a sentiment that ties into Christian teachings on integrity and faithfulness.
Structure and Style
A Carol follows a structured, hymn-like pattern, making use of repetition and a rhythmic flow reminiscent of traditional Christmas carols. The repetition of phrases such as "Which well must be as ye can see" and "Until the Spring return" adds to the musical quality of the piece while reinforcing its central themes.
The language of the poem incorporates archaic expressions such as "good sirs," evoking a sense of timelessness and tradition. This stylistic choice strengthens the poem’s connection to historical and religious carol traditions, making it feel like a folk hymn meant to be sung communally.
Kipling’s A Carol is more than just a seasonal hymn; it is a meditation on faith, endurance, and the acceptance of divine will. It acknowledges human suffering but places it within a grander, divine framework. The poem ultimately conveys a message of trust in the divine order and encourages moral steadfastness. Through its structured repetition and solemn tone, A Carol encapsulates the spirit of reverence and humility that characterizes many of Kipling’s religious and philosophical works.