Poem Analysis - The Burial

A Monument to Vision

Rudyard Kipling's "The Burial" is an elegy, but one that transcends simple mourning. It's a powerful tribute to a visionary leader, one whose impact extends far beyond the fleeting grief associated with the deaths of conventional rulers. The poem's tone is initially reverent, acknowledging the commonality of death, but quickly shifts to awe and celebration of a spirit that reshaped the world. The mood evolves from somber reflection to an almost prophetic pronouncement of enduring influence.

Beyond the Grief of Kings: Defining True Power

The opening stanza establishes a contrast. While the deaths of kings and emperors elicit a brief period of mourning, the subject of this poem is different. The lines "But we -- we reck on not with those / Whom the mere Fates ordain" suggest that this individual possessed a power beyond that of inherited authority. This power, described as something that "wrought on us and goes / Back to the Power again," implies a divine or fundamental force that shaped society. Kipling suggests this leader's greatness lies not in royal blood but in a profound, transformative influence.

The Architect of Nations: Vision as Legacy

A central theme is the power of vision and its lasting impact. The leader is portrayed as a "Dreamer devout, by vision led / Beyond our guess or reach." This vision wasn't merely abstract; it manifested in tangible creations: "Cities in place of speech." This powerful imagery suggests that the leader’s actions and creations spoke louder than words. The phrase "Nations, not words, he linked to prove / His faith before the crowd" emphasizes that the leader’s legacy is not found in rhetoric, but in the very fabric of society he helped to build.

The Landscape of Influence: Symbols of Enduring Power

The poem utilizes landscape as a symbol of enduring influence. The leader's will dictates that he "look forth / Across the world he won -- / The granite of the ancient North -- / Great spaces washed with sun." The "granite of the ancient North" evokes a sense of permanence and strength, while the "great spaces washed with sun" suggest vastness and potential. This imagery reinforces the idea that the leader's impact extends far beyond his lifetime and continues to shape the world around him.

An Eternal Presence: A Soul Embodied in a Nation

The final stanzas assert the leader’s enduring presence. He will "patient take his seat" and "await a people's feet / In the paths that he prepared." This image of a patient, watchful figure suggests that his influence will continue to guide and shape the nation’s future. The concluding lines, "Living he was the land, and dead, / His soul shall be her soul!" create a powerful sense of unity between the leader and the nation. He has become an integral part of the nation's identity, his spirit forever intertwined with its destiny. This isn't just about remembering a leader, but about that leader becoming the very essence of the land itself.

Final Thoughts: Immortal Legacy

"The Burial" transcends a typical lament. It's a celebration of a visionary leader whose impact is so profound that it reshapes the very landscape and soul of a nation. Kipling uses powerful imagery and a shift in tone to emphasize the lasting legacy of a person whose actions spoke louder than words and whose spirit continues to inspire generations. The poem suggests that true greatness lies not in fleeting power but in the ability to create a lasting impact that shapes the future.