Poem Analysis - For To Admire

Overview of "For To Admire"

Rudyard Kipling’s "For To Admire" presents the reflections of a time-expired soldier contemplating his experiences and the world around him. The poem is characterized by a melancholic tone, tinged with a sense of resignation and a stubborn refusal to be defeated by the hardships he has faced. The speaker uses colloquial language and a straightforward, almost conversational style, making the poem accessible while hinting at deeper emotional complexities. The poem explores themes of disillusionment, the burden of memory, and the soldier's struggle to reconcile his past with an uncertain future. The mood shifts subtly from observation and reminiscence to a more poignant expression of isolation and the lingering impact of his service.

The Weight of Experience and Disillusionment

One of the central themes of the poem is the disillusionment that comes with experience. The speaker repeatedly states, "For to admire an' for to see, / For to be'old this world so wide -- / It never done no good to me." This refrain underscores his feeling that despite witnessing the vastness and beauty of the world, his experiences have not brought him happiness or fulfillment. The imagery of the "Injian Ocean" and the ship initially suggests a sense of wonder, but this is quickly undercut by the soldier's jaded perspective. His time in "barrick, camp, an' action too" has left him with memories that he recounts alone, questioning their reality ("An' sometimes wonders if they're true"). This suggests a deep disconnect between his inner world and the external reality he perceives.

Isolation and the Haunting Past

The theme of isolation is powerfully conveyed through the speaker's memories and present circumstances. He states, "Till spite of all the crowded ship / There's no one lef' alive but me." This declaration reveals a profound sense of alienation, as though his experiences have separated him from others, even in the midst of company. The loss of connection is further emphasized by the lines about his girl and mother: "They've never written none, an' so / They must 'ave gone with all the rest." This suggests a detachment from loved ones, perhaps due to death or simply the emotional distance created by his service. The recurring mention of "the things that was" highlights the burden of his past, which continues to haunt him and shape his present.

Symbolism of Place and Journey

The poem utilizes potent symbols of place and journey to convey its themes. Aden, described as "Old Aden, like a barrick-stove / That no one's lit for years an' years!", represents a desolate and forgotten past. This image reinforces the idea of stagnation and the lingering impact of the speaker's military service. The fact that he passes Aden both at the beginning and end of his journey emphasizes the cyclical nature of his experience. Although he is returning home, he is also returning to a state of being marked by his time in the service. The sea itself can be seen as a symbol of both opportunity and oblivion, representing the vastness of the world and the overwhelming nature of the speaker's memories.

Final Reflections on Endurance and Acceptance

In conclusion, "For To Admire" is a poignant exploration of the soldier's experience, marked by disillusionment, isolation, and the enduring weight of memory. While the speaker acknowledges that his experiences have not brought him happiness, he also demonstrates a quiet resilience and a refusal to be completely broken. The final repetition of the refrain emphasizes this acceptance, suggesting that even though the world has not done him "good," he is still compelled to engage with it. The poem ultimately serves as a testament to the human capacity for endurance, even in the face of hardship and loss. It also raises a question regarding the true nature of progress: Is the journey worthwhile if it leads to such pervasive melancholy?