Poem Analysis:
"Barrack-Room Ballads" by Rudyard Kipling is a collection of poems that reflect the experiences, sentiments, and camaraderie of soldiers serving in the British Army during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Among these poems is "The 'Eathen," a work that captures the essence of soldiers' shared experiences, traditions, and unspoken understanding.
Cultural Continuity: The poem begins with a reference to Homer, the legendary Greek poet, who is depicted as "smoting his bloomin' lyre." This line establishes a connection between the soldiers of Kipling's time and the warriors of ancient Greece, suggesting a continuity of experience and storytelling across generations and cultures.
Borrowing from Tradition: Kipling's speaker, likely a soldier himself, acknowledges that when Homer needed inspiration for his epic tales, he borrowed from the songs and stories he had heard from others. Similarly, the soldiers in the barracks find solace and inspiration in the familiar tunes and tales they share amongst themselves.
Unspoken Understanding: The speaker describes how the soldiers, like the market-girls, fishermen, shepherds, and sailors, recognize that Homer borrowed from their shared oral traditions. Despite knowing that Homer appropriated their stories, they choose not to confront him or make a fuss. This unspoken understanding reflects a sense of solidarity and mutual respect among those who share similar experiences.
Mutual Acknowledgment: The soldiers, represented by the collective "us," understand that Homer knows they know he stole their stories. However, instead of accusing him or causing trouble, they exchange knowing glances, acknowledging their shared knowledge without verbalizing it.
Brotherhood and Camaraderie: Through the simple act of exchanging winks, the soldiers and Homer establish a bond of brotherhood and camaraderie. Despite their differences in time and place, they recognize and respect each other's storytelling traditions and the universality of human experience.
In conclusion, "The 'Eathen" from Rudyard Kipling's "Barrack-Room Ballads" celebrates the enduring power of storytelling, the bonds of brotherhood among soldiers, and the unspoken understanding that transcends time and cultural barriers. Through humor and understated commentary, Kipling captures the essence of soldiers' shared experiences and the timeless nature of human connection through storytelling.