Poem Analysis - An American

A Complex Portrait of American Identity

Rudyard Kipling's "An American" presents a sprawling, contradictory, and ultimately affectionate portrait of the American character. The poem is a complex blend of admiration and critique, acknowledging both the potential and the flaws of the subject. The tone shifts throughout, moving from detached observation to moments of near-reverence, and from harsh judgment to paternalistic forgiveness. Ultimately, the poem suggests that the American, for all his contradictions, is a force to be reckoned with, a figure both troubling and admirable, and worthy of salvation.

Rooted in Imperial Perspective

Kipling, as a British author deeply embedded in the ethos of the British Empire, views the American through a lens of colonial power dynamics and cultural comparison. The poem reflects a fascination with this relatively new, powerful nation that defied the crown of Britain. It shows both a respect for the potential power that America holds, as well as a deep criticism and bewilderment at the way that power is wielded. He sees a chaotic and uncontrolled energy, reflecting the relatively new American character against the backdrop of Europe’s lengthy history of governance and traditions.

The Paradox of Freedom and Lawlessness

One of the central themes explored in "An American" is the inherent paradox within the American character: the tension between a fervent desire for freedom and a tendency towards lawlessness. This theme is developed through contrasting images and actions. For instance, the poem notes, "That bids him flout the Law he makes, / That bids him make the Law he flouts." This contradictory behavior exemplifies the American's rebellious spirit and their simultaneous urge to create and break rules. The poem highlights an inclination to challenge authority, coupled with a potential for self-governance which is a defining element of the American identity.

The Cosmopolitan and the Crude

Another significant theme is the duality of the American as both cosmopolitan and crude. The lines "The Celt is in his heart and hand, / The Gaul is in his brain and nerve" suggest a blending of diverse cultural influences, reflecting the melting pot that America represents. However, this cosmopolitanism exists alongside a certain roughness, as exemplified by phrases like "His easy unswept hearth he lends" and "Unkempt, disreputable, vast." This juxtaposition emphasizes the American's embrace of a diverse, cultured background while also acknowledging their tendency towards unrefined behavior.

The Weight of Contradiction

The poem highlights the pervasive inner conflict that defines the American character. This conflict manifests in rapid mood swings and contradictory actions, such as "Calm-eyed he scoffs at Sword and Crown, / Or, panic-blinded, stabs and slays." This demonstrates the ability to act with both calculated reason and irrational passion. This internal tension is further emphasized through the image of "His hands are black with blood -- his heart / Leaps, as a babe's, at little things," which suggests a capacity for both immense violence and childlike innocence. This interplay of opposing forces creates a sense of unresolved struggle within the American psyche.

The "Asiatic Mirth" and Unresolved Questions

The phrase "The acrid Asiatic mirth / That leaves him, careless 'mid his dead, / The scandal of the elder earth," is particularly striking and open to interpretation. This image suggests a detachment from the consequences of their actions, a dark humor in the face of death and destruction that is seen as shocking by the "elder earth" (presumably Europe). The "Asiatic mirth" could symbolize a more primal, uninhibited approach to life and death, a trait that contrasts sharply with European sensibilities. This raises questions about the American's relationship to history, tradition, and the consequences of their actions. Is it a sign of strength or a tragic flaw?

A Vision of Ultimate Salvation

In conclusion, "An American" is a complex and multifaceted portrait of the American identity, viewed through the eyes of a British imperialist. The poem grapples with the contradictions inherent in the American character, acknowledging both the potential and the pitfalls. Through vivid imagery and shifting tones, Kipling presents a nuanced and thought-provoking analysis of a nation striving to define itself. Despite all flaws, the poem ends on a note of hope, as the author asserts, "I -- I shall save him at the last!" This final declaration suggests that, despite all the contradictions and imperfections, there is something fundamentally valuable and worth saving about the American spirit.