Poem Analysis - The Craftsman

Rudyard Kipling's "The Craftsman" offers a glimpse into the imaginative world of William Shakespeare, not as a historical figure, but as an artist deeply entwined with his creations. The poem's tone is initially celebratory, almost reverent, as it recounts Shakespeare's drunken anecdotes. However, a more melancholic and reflective mood emerges towards the end as the poem considers the ephemeral nature of art and the artist's dedication to his craft. The poem celebrates the power of artistic creation while acknowledging the potentially fleeting nature of its subjects.

Shakespeare's Intoxicated Imagination

The poem hinges on the idea that Shakespeare's genius stemmed from his ability to find inspiration in the everyday world, transforming ordinary people and situations into iconic characters. The first three stanzas are structured as anecdotal evidence of Shakespeare's creative process. He "made sure of his very Cleopatra" by observing a woman "drunk with enormous, salvation-contemning / Love for a tinker." This suggests that Shakespeare didn't invent Cleopatra wholesale, but rather found the essence of her character in a real person consumed by passion. Similarly, his Juliet is drawn from a "gipsy Juliet / Rail[ing] at the dawning," a figure steeped in realism. He observes and transforms reality into art, fueled perhaps by drink and undoubtedly by his imagination.

The Shadow of Mortality and Immortality

A central theme revolves around the relationship between the fleeting nature of life and the enduring power of art. Shakespeare's characters, though rooted in reality, transcend their origins to achieve a kind of immortality through his plays. The drowned kittens, the "dripping Ophelia," all hint at the tragedy and loss that permeate human existence. Yet, these moments of cruelty and despair are transformed into art that lives on. The "shadows" he pursues may be ephemeral, yet his pursuit creates lasting value. He immortalizes fleeting moments, hinting at the dichotomy of artistic creation.

Symbolic Wine and the Artist's Heart

The image of Shakespeare "marrying / Drop to wine-drop domed on the table" is a powerful symbol of the creative process. The wine, often associated with inspiration and celebration, represents the raw material of experience. By combining "drop to wine-drop," Shakespeare is essentially blending reality with his imagination, crafting something new and potent. The act of "open[ing] his heart" suggests vulnerability and a willingness to share his innermost thoughts and feelings through his art. The image of the sunrise entering as he opens his heart can be interpreted as the birth of a new creation or the illumination of the artistic soul.

The Burden and Blessing of Creation

The poem concludes with a bittersweet reflection on the artist's fate. Shakespeare is described as "imperturbable," suggesting a certain detachment from the world even as he is deeply engaged in creating it. He moves "from waking to hurry after shadows," implying a constant pursuit of fleeting inspiration. The question "Busied upon shows of no earthly importance?" highlights the potential futility of art. Yet, the final line, "Yes, but he knew it!" suggests a conscious choice to dedicate himself to his craft, despite its ephemeral nature. This acceptance could be a testament to the intrinsic value he places on art, or perhaps an acknowledgment of the powerful ability art has to capture the human experience even if it itself is "of no earthly importance." The final acknowledgement underscores a knowing embrace of artistic dedication.