Poem Analysis - The Answer

Introduction: A Tale of Acceptance and Faith

Rudyard Kipling's "The Answer" is a deceptively simple poem exploring profound questions of faith, divine will, and acceptance. The poem opens with a tone of complaint and injustice, as the rose laments its fate. However, it gradually shifts toward understanding and contentment, culminating in a message of hope and spiritual salvation. The poem utilizes a fable-like structure to convey its message about the nature of God's plan and humanity's role within it.

Divine Will and Human Understanding

One of the central themes of "The Answer" is the exploration of divine will versus human understanding. The rose's initial complaint ("'gainst His Wrath") stems from a limited perspective, unable to grasp the larger purpose behind its suffering. God's response, however, isn't one of direct explanation but rather an indirect revelation. By highlighting the question asked about the flower's fall, God reveals that even seemingly insignificant events have a preordained place in a larger tapestry. The poem suggests that humans, like the rose, often lack the capacity to comprehend the full scope of God's plan, and that true faith lies in accepting this limitation.

The Significance of Suffering

The poem also delves into the theme of the significance of suffering. The rose's withered state, initially presented as a source of grievance, becomes a catalyst for something greater. The fact that someone questioned the rose's demise ultimately leads to that person's salvation ("saved his soul from Hell"). This implies that suffering, even in its most seemingly arbitrary forms, can serve a higher purpose, prompting reflection, questioning, and ultimately, a deeper connection with the divine. The rose's death, therefore, is not simply an end but a necessary component of a larger, divinely orchestrated event.

The Role of Questioning and Faith

A further theme developed within "The Answer" is the delicate balance between questioning and faith. The poem acknowledges the inherent human tendency to question suffering and divine actions ("wherefore falls the flower?"). However, it also suggests that the act of questioning itself can be a path to faith. The man who questioned the rose's fall didn't necessarily understand the reason, but his very inquiry opened him up to the possibility of divine intervention and salvation. The poem implies that a blind, unquestioning faith is not necessarily the ideal; instead, a thoughtful and engaged faith, one that grapples with difficult questions, can lead to a more profound spiritual understanding.

Imagery and Symbolism: The Rose as a Metaphor

The poem employs vivid imagery and symbolism to enhance its thematic message. The "Rose, in tatters" serves as a powerful metaphor for humanity, frail and vulnerable to the whims of fate. The "sudden wind" symbolizes unexpected hardships and challenges. The "twilight's hush" evokes a sense of uncertainty and vulnerability. God's voice, described as "softly as a rain-mist," suggests a gentle and compassionate presence. Perhaps one could interpret the "voices" that are described as being in communication as different levels of consciousness, or even different dimensions of reality that are ultimately answering to each other. All of these images contribute to the overall atmosphere of contemplation and spiritual inquiry.

Conclusion: A Call for Acceptance

In conclusion, "The Answer" is a thought-provoking poem that explores complex themes of divine will, suffering, and faith. Through the simple allegory of a rose and its unexpected demise, Kipling offers a message of acceptance and trust in a higher power. The poem suggests that even in the face of seemingly arbitrary suffering, there is a larger purpose at play, and that questioning, combined with a willingness to believe, can lead to spiritual salvation. Ultimately, "The Answer" is a testament to the enduring power of faith and the importance of finding meaning in the face of adversity.