Poem Analysis - Gethsemane

Introduction: A Soldier's Gethsemane

Rudyard Kipling's "Gethsemane" is a poignant and understated poem that explores the psychological burden of war. Its tone is initially conversational, almost casual, but quickly darkens with a sense of foreboding and resignation. The poem uses the biblical reference of Gethsemane to create a powerful parallel between Christ's suffering and the soldier's experience of impending death. There's a palpable shift from a moment of seeming peace to the inevitable acceptance of a horrific fate, all colored by a deep sense of personal isolation.

Historical Echoes: The Specter of World War I

Given Kipling's time period (late 19th and early 20th century) and the mention of gas masks, it is highly likely that the poem references the horrors of World War I. The use of poisonous gas was a particularly terrifying aspect of the war, leading to excruciating deaths and widespread psychological trauma. Kipling's own son was killed in action during the war, which undoubtedly influenced his perspective on the cost of conflict. This historical context imbues the poem with a deeper layer of meaning, reflecting the specific anxieties and tragedies of the era.

The Crushing Weight of Inevitability

One of the main themes developed in "Gethsemane" is the inevitability of fate. The repeated line, "It didn't pass—it didn't pass—it didn't pass from me," emphasizes the soldier's inability to escape his destined suffering. This echoes Christ's plea in the Garden of Gethsemane to avoid his crucifixion. The poem suggests that the soldier, like Christ, must face his ordeal, highlighting a sense of powerlessness in the face of overwhelming circumstances. The simple repetition reinforces the feeling of inescapable doom, hammering the idea home.

Faith and Doubt on the Battlefield

Another prominent theme is the erosion of faith in the face of war's brutality. The speaker's prayer, "I prayed my cup might pass," is a direct allusion to Christ's prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. It suggests a desire to avoid suffering and death. However, the fact that the "cup" (symbolizing suffering) doesn't pass implies a questioning of divine intervention or protection. The juxtaposition of the "pretty lass" and the prayer creates a subtle tension between earthly desires and spiritual longings, further emphasizing the speaker's internal conflict and the potential loss of faith in a benevolent higher power.

The Poisoned Cup: Symbolism of Suffering

The "cup" is a powerful symbol of suffering and death. It represents the soldier's impending doom, specifically the gas attack. The act of "drinking" the cup suggests the soldier's complete and unavoidable absorption of this suffering. The gas itself, while a literal threat, also symbolizes the dehumanizing and destructive nature of modern warfare. It is a faceless, indiscriminate killer that strips away individuality and leaves only pain and death in its wake. Perhaps the cup also speaks to the burden of command, the terrible weight of sending men to their deaths.

Concluding Thoughts: Echoes of Sacrifice

"Gethsemane" is a powerful testament to the psychological toll of war, using the biblical parallel to amplify the themes of sacrifice, inevitability, and the potential loss of faith. The poem's understated language and vivid imagery create a haunting and resonant portrait of a soldier facing his own personal Gethsemane. It leaves the reader contemplating the immense burden carried by those who serve in war and the enduring impact of trauma. Kipling's poem, in its simplicity, becomes a universal lament for the human cost of conflict.