Poem Analysis - Chant Pagan

A Soldier's Discontent: Introduction

Rudyard Kipling's "Chant-pagan" is a powerful expression of disillusionment and the restless spirit of a soldier struggling to readjust to civilian life after experiencing the vastness and intensity of war. The poem's tone is initially weary and resentful, tinged with sarcasm as the speaker contrasts his former life with his current mundane existence. A shift occurs towards the end as the speaker contemplates escape, the tone then becoming decisive and hopeful as he resolves to return to the wild.

The Call of the Wild: A central theme

One of the central themes is the irreconcilable difference between the mundane conformity of civilian life and the raw, untamed freedom of military service in a foreign land. The poem uses vivid imagery to highlight this contrast. The opening stanzas depict the stifling constraints of England: "An' 'ouses both sides of the street, / And 'edges two sides of the lane," creating a sense of claustrophobia. This is sharply juxtaposed with the descriptions of South Africa: "'Eave up all shiny with dew, / Kopje on kop to the sun," emphasizing the open spaces and the grandeur of the landscape. The speaker's longing for this freedom is palpable; the call of the wild is a powerful, irresistible force.

The Burden of Memory: A theme

The theme of memory also figures prominently. The speaker is haunted by his experiences in the Boer War, finding it impossible to forget the "things runnin' off as you pass, / An' things jumpin' up in the grass." He catalogues the battles he fought in: "Barberton took...Di'mond I'll, / An' Pieters an' Springs an' Belfast," underscoring the depth of his immersion in the conflict. The memories of comrades lost, symbolized by "some graves by a barb-wire fence," further bind him to that past and make his present life seem meaningless. He finds himself unable to reconcile his past glory with his present subservience: "An' I'm rollin' 'is lawns for the Squire, / Me!" His military achievement ("An' five bloomin' bars on my chest") is juxtaposed with the indignity of menial labour, illustrating the chasm between who he was and who he is expected to be.

Loss of Identity: A recurring motif

A third theme revolves around the soldier’s loss of identity and sense of purpose. The poem is structured around the repeated phrase "Me that 'ave been what I've been," which emphasizes the speaker's past self – a self defined by action, adventure, and camaraderie. This phrase acts as a lament, highlighting the disconnect between his former identity and his current reality. The constant repetition of "Me!" at the end of each stanza serves as a defiant assertion of self, but also underscores his alienation and the struggle to maintain his sense of worth in a society that no longer values his skills and experiences. The lines "To come in an' 'ands up an' be still, / An' honestly work for my bread," showcase his struggle with conformity; his spirit yearns for something more than "honestly work for my bread".

The Sun and the Wind: Symbols of Freedom

The sun and the wind function as recurring symbols of freedom and vitality. The "sunshine of England is pale, / And the breezes of England are stale," reflecting the speaker's sense of spiritual decay. In contrast, the "sun an' a wind" he remembers from South Africa represent the raw energy and invigorating spirit of the wild. These natural elements symbolize a life lived on one's own terms, a life of challenge and adventure that stands in stark opposition to the stifling conformity of English society. Furthermore, the "Lightnin's" are representative of the war itself, it's unpredictable nature and the intense conditions the soldier has seen.

Departure and Resolution: Conclusion

"Chant-pagan" is a poignant exploration of a soldier's struggle to readjust to civilian life after experiencing the profound changes of war. The poem's power lies in its raw honesty and the speaker's unwavering commitment to his own sense of self. By resolving to "trek South," the speaker chooses to embrace the uncertainty of the future rather than remain trapped in a life that feels both stifling and meaningless. The final lines, "An I think it will kill me or cure, / So I think I will go there an' see," reflect a willingness to risk everything in the pursuit of authenticity and a renewed sense of purpose. The poem suggests that true fulfillment lies not in conforming to societal expectations, but in embracing one's own unique identity and pursuing a life that resonates with one's soul, even if that path is fraught with danger.