Poem Analysis - Cities And Thrones And Powers

Introduction: A Meditation on Transience and Illusion

Rudyard Kipling's "Cities and Thrones and Powers" is a contemplative poem exploring the fleeting nature of human achievements and the comforting illusion of permanence. The poem adopts a reflective, almost detached tone, initially observing the ephemerality of grand constructs before shifting to a more intimate contemplation of individual perception. The mood transitions from observation to gentle cynicism, culminating in a resigned acceptance of human nature's inherent blindness. The poem gently mocks the grandiosity of human ambition in the face of inevitable decay, but also acknowledges the necessity of this self-deception for continued creation.

The Ephemeral Glory of Civilization

One of the poem's central themes is the transience of human creations. The opening stanza establishes this immediately, juxtaposing the "Cities and Thrones and Powers" with the short lifespan of "flowers, Which daily die." This powerful imagery underscores the insignificance of even the most impressive human endeavors when viewed against the backdrop of Time. The phrase "Stand in Time's eye" suggests that these structures are merely fleeting images within a much grander, eternal perspective, their existence comparable to that of a flower that blooms and withers in a single day. The rise of cities "Out of the spent and unconsidered Earth" further emphasizes the cyclical nature of creation and destruction, hinting at a constant process of renewal where the old is consumed to make way for the new.

The Daffodil's Blind Optimism: A Metaphor for Humanity

Kipling uses the image of the daffodil as a central metaphor for human perception and the illusion of permanence. The daffodil, oblivious to the cycle of seasons and the fate of its predecessors ("She never hears, What change, what chance, what chill, Cut down last year's"), embodies a blissful ignorance. This ignorance allows it to "esteem her seven days' continuance, To be perpetual." This section highlights the theme of delusion. The poem doesn't condemn this delusion, but rather presents it as a necessary condition for life and action. The daffodil's "bold countenance, And knowledge small" suggests that confidence and the pursuit of purpose are often born from a limited understanding of reality.

Time's Over-Kindness: Enabling Our Self-Deception

The poem explicitly connects the daffodil's obliviousness to human behavior in the third stanza. "So Time that is o'er -kind, To all that be, Ordains us e'en as blind, As bold as she." Here, Time itself is personified as a benevolent force that actively encourages our ignorance. This "over-kindness" allows us to believe in the enduring nature of our achievements, even in the face of mortality. The lines "That in our very death, And burial sure, Shadow to shadow, well persuaded, saith, 'See how our works endure!'" are particularly striking. They suggest that even in death, we cling to the illusion of lasting legacy, whispering reassurances to each other about the permanence of our works. The poem develops the theme of mortality by contrasting our inevitable demise with our desperate attempts to create something that will outlive us. Is Time truly "o'er-kind," or is this a more sarcastic observation on the self-deception humanity needs to continue?

Conclusion: Embracing the Illusion

In conclusion, "Cities and Thrones and Powers" offers a poignant reflection on the human condition. It acknowledges the fleeting nature of worldly power and the inherent delusion that sustains our endeavors. The poem uses vivid imagery, particularly the contrasting images of enduring cities and short-lived flowers, to highlight the transience of human creations. Ultimately, the poem doesn't condemn our self-deception, but rather presents it as a necessary, even beautiful, aspect of human existence. It suggests that the illusion of permanence is what allows us to strive, create, and find meaning in a world defined by constant change.