Poem Analysis - Divided Destinies

Introduction: A Whimsical Yearning

Rudyard Kipling's "Divided Destinies" presents a lighthearted yet profound exploration of envy and dissatisfaction with one's own life. The poem begins with a tone of amused curiosity, quickly shifting to longing and self-deprecation as the speaker contrasts his own existence with the seemingly carefree life of a monkey (Bandar). The poem uses a dreamlike encounter to highlight the perceived burdens of civilization against the imagined freedom of nature. Ultimately, it's a whimsical reflection on the human tendency to romanticize what we lack.

Kipling and Colonial India: A Glimpse into Social Critique

While this poem is not overtly political, it's helpful to briefly consider Kipling's background as a British writer in colonial India. The poem subtly critiques the social hierarchies and artificial constraints of colonial society, represented by the speaker's concerns about "Ranken's shop" and "little drinks at Mess." The Bandar, as a symbol of untamed nature, offers an alternative to the regimented lifestyle of the British in India, implicitly questioning the values and priorities of that society.

The Burden of Civilization: A Key Theme

One central theme is the burden of civilization. The speaker laments the "futile fopperies" and "unnecessary wraps" that define his life, contrasting them with the Bandar's simple existence. The references to "trousers," "coats," "twelve-button gloves," and "Hamilton's" emphasize the materialistic concerns and social expectations that weigh down the speaker. He envies the Bandar's lack of financial worries ("Ranken's monthly bills") and social obligations ("little cards for little drinks at Mess"), suggesting a desire to escape the complexities of civilized life.

Freedom vs. Restraint: Another Prevailing Theme

Another prominent theme is the contrast between freedom and restraint. The Bandar represents untamed liberty, able to "roam the mountain side" without concern for social norms or expectations. This contrasts sharply with the speaker's implied confinement within the structures of society. The Bandar's directness and lack of social graces, while not always "nice," are presented as a form of honesty and freedom from the constraints of polite society, further fueling the speaker's envy.

The Illusion of an Ideal: A Subtle Undercurrent

A less obvious but still present theme is the illusion of an ideal. The speaker only *imagines* the Bandar's life to be idyllic. The poem acknowledges the Bandar's "mangy" hide and habit of scratching, hinting that even this seemingly carefree existence has its drawbacks. This suggests that the speaker's longing is not necessarily for the Bandar's specific life, but for an escape from his own perceived problems, projecting an idealized vision onto an imperfect reality.

Images of Envy: Symbols and their Significance

The image of the Bandar itself functions as a symbol of freedom and natural simplicity. Its "artless" nature and association with the "mountain side" create a stark contrast with the speaker's urban, civilized existence. The "breakfast-roll" that the Bandar steals is a particularly potent symbol. It represents the tangible cost of the speaker's envy: the Bandar literally takes away a part of the speaker's comfort and security, highlighting the inherent impossibility of truly possessing what one desires.

Concluding Thoughts: A Universal Longing

In conclusion, "Divided Destinies" offers a charming and insightful exploration of human dissatisfaction and the tendency to idealize the lives of others. Through the humorous encounter between the speaker and the Bandar, Kipling reveals the universal longing for freedom and simplicity, while subtly acknowledging the inherent imperfections of any existence. The poem reminds us that the grass is always greener on the other side, but that both sides are ultimately part of the same landscape.