Poem Analysis - Cleared

A Scathing Indictment of Corruption

Rudyard Kipling's "Cleared" is a furious and cynical takedown of Irish politicians acquitted of crimes related to Irish Nationalism. The poem drips with sarcasm and outrage, accusing these "honourable gentlemen" of complicity in violence and treachery despite their legal exoneration. The tone is consistently accusatory, shifting between bitter irony and outright condemnation, reflecting Kipling's deep contempt for the men and the system that enabled them. The poem is a powerful example of Kipling using his poetry as a form of political commentary, leaving no room for doubt about his stance.

Historical Context: Irish Nationalism and British Rule

Kipling, an ardent imperialist, held strong views on the relationship between England and Ireland. This poem is rooted in the turbulent history of Irish nationalism and British rule. During the late 19th century, Ireland was struggling for Home Rule (self-government). Violent acts, often attributed to Nationalist groups, were met with harsh responses from the British authorities. This context is essential to understanding Kipling's poem. The "shooting-case" alluded to in the poem likely refers to instances of political violence during this period. Kipling's poem condemns the politicians as traitors, siding strongly with the British Crown.

Betrayal and Hypocrisy as Central Themes

Two prominent themes emerge from the poem: betrayal and hypocrisy. The first is embodied in the politicians' actions, accused of taking "Judas-gold from Fenians" and fostering violence while maintaining a façade of respectability. This double-dealing is seen as a betrayal of both the British Crown and the ordinary Irish people manipulated by their rhetoric. The second, hypocrisy, underscores the entire poem. The "honourable gentlemen" claim innocence while evidence suggests their involvement in or instigation of violent acts. The very title, "Cleared," becomes a sarcastic indictment of a legal system that protects those who are morally culpable. The poem highlights the corruption and injustice that Kipling believed were rampant in the Irish political landscape.

Blood and Darkness: Powerful Symbols

Kipling employs potent symbols to amplify his condemnation. Blood is a recurring motif, representing both literal bloodshed from political violence and the stain on the politicians' consciences. He says "the lightest touch was human blood, and that, you know, runs red." This image of ineradicable guilt clings to the "honourable gentlemen" despite their acquittal. Similarly, darkness represents secrecy, corruption, and the hidden truths about their actions. The "whisper in the lane," the "secrets of the dead," and the "black terror on the country-side" all paint a picture of a society poisoned by deceit and violence. These symbols enhance the poem's accusatory tone and paint the accused politicians as active agents of corruption.

The Judge's "Well-Weighed Word": A Damning Irony

The phrase "the Judge's well-weighed word" functions as a prime example of Kipling's use of irony. While the judgment proclaims the politicians "cleared," Kipling suggests that it is a hollow victory. The "well-weighed word" is not a declaration of actual innocence but a calculated act that allows these men to escape accountability. The poem's final lines underscore this point: "We are not ruled by murderers, but only -- by their friends." Kipling suggests that the legal system, rather than delivering justice, is complicit in protecting the powerful. It is an observation which poses the question: Is a system of justice truly just if it only condemns the obvious, street-level criminals, but protects the wealthy and powerful who may be the actual source of the bloodshed?

A Legacy of Bitter Accusation

"Cleared" is not merely a condemnation of individual politicians; it is a broader indictment of political corruption and the manipulation of the legal system. Kipling uses potent imagery, sarcasm, and a relentless accusatory tone to expose the hypocrisy he sees at the heart of Irish politics. The poem's enduring power lies in its unwavering commitment to speaking truth to power, even when that truth is uncomfortable or unpopular. By refusing to let the "honourable gentlemen" off the hook, Kipling creates a lasting reminder of the dangers of unchecked authority and the importance of holding those in power accountable.