Butterflies (Poem by Rudyard Kipling)

Butterflies

By Rudyard Kipling

Eyes aloft, over dangerous places,

The children follow the butterflies,

And, in the sweat of their upturned faces,

Slash with a net at the empty skies.

So it goes they fall amid brambles,

And sting their toes on the nettle-tops,

Till, after a thousand scratches and scrambles,

They wipe their brows and the hunting stops.

Then to quiet them comes their father

And stills the riot of pain and grief,

Saying, 'Little ones, go and gather

Out of my garden a cabbage-leaf.

'You will find on it whorls and clots of

Dull grey eggs that, properly fed,

Turn, by way of the worm, to lots of

Glorious butterflies raised from the dead…,'

'Heaven is beautiful, Earth is ugly,'

The three-dimensioned preacher saith,

So we must not look where the snail and the slug lie

For Psyche's birth.... And that is our death!

Poem Analysis:

Rudyard Kipling's poem "Butterflies" offers a poignant glimpse into the world of childhood exploration, the wonder of nature, and the contemplation of deeper metaphysical themes. Through vivid imagery and a narrative structure, Kipling invites readers to consider the innocence and curiosity of children, the transformative power of nature, and the exploration of metaphysical questions. This analysis delves into the poem's themes, structure, and literary devices to uncover its deeper meanings.

Themes:

1. Childhood Innocence and Wonder: The poem captures the essence of childhood, where children are portrayed as inquisitive and fascinated by the natural world, particularly butterflies. Their enthusiasm and sense of wonder drive their adventures.
2. Nature's Transformative Power: Butterflies symbolize transformation and rebirth. The poem explores how nature's cycles, as represented by butterflies, can inspire curiosity and contemplation about life, death, and the afterlife.
3. Metaphysical Questions: Kipling introduces metaphysical themes through the mention of heaven, earth, and the transformation of butterflies. The poem encourages readers to reflect on the relationship between the physical and metaphysical realms.

Structure:

"Butterflies" consists of 5 quatrains (four-line stanzas) with a consistent rhyme scheme (ABAB). The structured form of the poem contrasts with the themes of exploration and curiosity, creating a sense of balance.

Analysis:

1. "Eyes aloft, over dangerous places...": The poem opens with children enthusiastically chasing butterflies while looking up into the sky. This vivid image portrays their adventurous spirit and their willingness to explore dangerous or challenging terrain.
2. "So it goes they fall amid brambles...": The children's pursuit of butterflies leads them into difficulties, such as falling into brambles or encountering stinging nettles. These challenges represent the trials and tribulations inherent in the pursuit of knowledge and discovery.
3. "Then to quiet them comes their father...": The children's father intervenes to soothe their pain and offers them a cabbage leaf with butterfly eggs. This gesture symbolizes the role of a parent in nurturing curiosity and guiding children through life's challenges.
4. "'Heaven is beautiful, Earth is ugly,'...": The poem introduces a three-dimensioned preacher who contrasts the beauty of heaven with the ugliness of Earth. This statement triggers contemplation about the metaphysical aspects of life and death.
5. "So we must not look where the snail and the slug lie...": The poem concludes with a warning not to look where snails and slugs reside, suggesting that such earthly creatures are associated with life and death cycles and may lead to contemplation of the afterlife.

Rudyard Kipling's "Butterflies" offers a multi-layered exploration of childhood, nature, and metaphysical themes. Through the adventures of the children chasing butterflies and the subsequent contemplation of life and death, the poem invites readers to reflect on the profound questions that arise during the journey from innocence to experience. It serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of the physical and metaphysical worlds and the enduring curiosity of the human spirit.