Poem Analysis - Columns

Introduction: The Weary Cycle of War

Rudyard Kipling's "Columns" paints a picture of relentless, repetitive warfare experienced by British soldiers. The poem's tone is one of weary resignation, tinged with dark humor. It cycles through the mundane and the violent, highlighting the cyclical nature of the soldiers' experience. While initially seemingly monotonous, the poem subtly reveals a growing sense of futility and a stark portrayal of the human cost of conflict.

A Glimpse into the Boer War

Kipling wrote this poem during and about the Second Boer War (1899-1902). This conflict involved the British Empire fighting against the Boer republics in South Africa. The poem's language, filled with military slang and references to "trekking" and "the Dutch," clearly places it within this historical context. Kipling was a strong supporter of the British Empire, but this poem, while not overtly critical, offers a nuanced view of the war's realities, moving beyond simple patriotic fervor and towards a more grounded and arguably cynical view of military life.

Theme: Monotony and Futility of War

One dominant theme is the monotony and futility of war. The repetition of phrases like "Time, an' 'igh time to be trekkin' again!" and "A section, etc." after almost every stanza emphasizes the cyclical, unchanging nature of the soldiers' lives. They are caught in a loop of marching, waiting, and fighting, with little purpose or progress evident. The details of each day – the same tracks, the same alarms, the same fights – reinforce the sense that their efforts are largely pointless, contributing to an overall mood of resigned weariness.

Theme: The Dehumanizing Effects of Conflict

The poem explores how war can dehumanize individuals. The soldiers are referred to collectively as "the section, the pompom, an' six 'undred men," reducing them to a unit rather than acknowledging their individuality. Their suffering under the harsh sun ("So they strips off their hide an' they grills in their bones") is presented as a matter of routine, almost an expectation. This detachment underscores the brutal reality of war, where individual experiences are often overlooked in the pursuit of larger strategic goals.

Theme: The Grim Reality of Imperialism

The theme of the grim reality of imperialism is also present, though subtly. The poem doesn't glorify the war or the expansion of the British Empire. Instead, it shows the hard, repetitive, and often brutal work that sustains it. The phrase “same quiet face which ‘as finished with all” suggests death and a finality that contrasts sharply with the cyclical monotony that precedes it. This contrast implies a hidden critique, subtly exposing the human cost of imperial ambitions.

Imagery: The Harsh Landscape as a Symbol of Suffering

Vivid images of the harsh South African landscape serve as a symbol of the soldiers' suffering. The "wilderness, dusty an' dry," the "tin street," and the "silly mirage stringin' islands an' seas" create a sense of desolation and disorientation. These images mirror the soldiers' mental and emotional state, highlighting their isolation, fatigue, and the deceptive nature of their mission. The land itself seems to resist their presence, contributing to the overall feeling of hardship and futility.

A Question of Meaning: The Role of Dark Humor

The poem incorporates a degree of dark humor, such as the soldiers "blessin' the Gen'ral in bed!" and the mention of the "same bloomin' joke." This humor, however, is not lighthearted. It's a coping mechanism, a way for the soldiers to deal with the grim realities of their situation. Does this humor ultimately serve to highlight the absurdity of war, or does it simply provide a brief respite from the suffering? Is Kipling suggesting that the soldiers find a way to survive through comedy, or does the humor contribute to the theme of resignation?

Conclusion: A Cycle of Weariness and Loss

"Columns" offers a powerful, if understated, portrayal of the realities of war. Through repetitive language, stark imagery, and subtle shifts in tone, Kipling conveys the monotony, futility, and dehumanizing effects of conflict. While seemingly simple on the surface, the poem reveals a deeper complexity, inviting readers to contemplate the human cost of imperial ambitions and the psychological toll on those caught in the endless cycle of violence and loss. Ultimately, the poem is a testament to the resilience, and the breaking point, of those "six 'undred men."