Poem Analysis - As The Bell Clinks

Introduction: A Journey of Hesitation

Rudyard Kipling's "As The Bell Clinks" is a lighthearted and humorous narrative poem about a man's internal debate over whether to pursue a romantic interest. The poem uses the rhythmic clatter of a tonga-bar (part of a horse-drawn carriage) as a persistent, almost intrusive, voice pushing the protagonist towards action. The tone is initially reflective and somewhat melancholy, but quickly becomes more playful and insistent as the tonga-bar's "advice" intensifies, creating a comic effect.

The Clatter of Fate: Theme of Opportunity

A central theme of the poem is the exploration of missed opportunities and the prodding of fate. The protagonist reflects on a past encounter with a woman he admired, regretting his inaction. The tonga-bar acts as a constant reminder of this missed chance, its insistent clanging symbolizing the nagging feeling of regret and the potential for future action. The lines, "'What a chance and what an idiot!' clicked the vicious tonga-bar," directly highlight this theme, demonstrating the harsh self-reproach amplified by the carriage's rhythm.

The Inner Dialogue Externalized: Decision-Making

Another prominent theme is the process of decision-making and the internal conflict that accompanies it. The poem illustrates the protagonist's wavering resolve through the "conversation" he has with the tonga-bar. The bar vocalizes the very doubts and encouragements the man is likely already considering in his own mind. The questions he poses, such as "Suppose the maid be haughty...", and the bar's subsequent responses, "Faint heart never won fair lady," demonstrate this internalized debate being projected onto an external object. This quirky device highlights the universal human experience of weighing pros and cons before taking a leap of faith.

Love, Risk, and Reckoning: A Sum to Prove

Underlying the humor is the theme of love and the risks associated with pursuing it, particularly within the confines of social expectations. The protagonist's consideration of his income and the "income tax's paring" suggests a concern about societal standards and financial stability. When he asks about his chances of success, the tonga-bar replies with "You must work the sum to prove it," emphasizing that love requires effort, calculation, and a willingness to take a chance, even if the "sum" doesn't entirely add up.

Symbolism of the Tonga-Bar: Beyond Transportation

The tonga-bar itself serves as a powerful symbol. On the surface, it's simply part of the carriage facilitating transportation. However, it represents a force pushing the protagonist forward, both literally and figuratively, in his journey towards a potential romantic connection. Its relentless clatter symbolizes the external pressures and internal anxieties that often accompany romantic pursuits. The bar’s constant "advice" – sometimes encouraging, sometimes scolding – becomes a metonym for the nagging voice of conscience or societal expectation, forcing the protagonist to confront his own hesitations. Is the tonga-bar truly an external force, or simply a manifestation of the man's own subconscious desires and anxieties, projected onto an inanimate object?

Conclusion: A Humorous Call to Action

"As The Bell Clinks" is a deceptively simple poem that explores complex themes of missed opportunities, internal conflict, and the courage required for romantic pursuits. Through the unique symbol of the tonga-bar, Kipling creates a humorous and engaging narrative that ultimately encourages the reader to seize the moment and overcome their own hesitations. The poem's enduring appeal lies in its relatable portrayal of the human condition: our tendency to overthink, to doubt ourselves, and to ultimately require a little (or a lot) of prodding to take action, especially in matters of the heart. The clinking, clanging, and rapping of the tonga-bar are simply calls to action, however comically delivered.