Poem Analysis - In The Neolithic Age

Introduction: A Timeless Tale of Artistic Ego and Acceptance

Rudyard Kipling's "In the Neolithic Age" is a wry and insightful poem exploring the enduring nature of artistic ego and the ultimately liberating realization of creative pluralism. The poem adopts a playful yet reflective tone, narrated by a speaker who claims to have lived since the Stone Age. The initial boastful arrogance of the speaker gradually gives way to a hard-won acceptance of diverse artistic expressions. This shift in mood underscores the poem's central message: that there is no single "right" way to create art.

The Enduring Nature of Artistic Conflict

One of the central themes of the poem is the perpetual conflict between artists, regardless of the era. The speaker's initial boast about defeating his rival ("But a rival, of Solutré, told the tribe my style was outré—'Neath a tomahawk, of diorite, he fell") highlights the destructive lengths to which artists can go to defend their creative vision. This competitive spirit is not confined to the Neolithic Age; it persists into the "cultured Christian age" where artists "scuffle, squeak, and rage." Kipling suggests that this struggle for artistic dominance is an inherent part of the human condition, transcending historical periods and cultural contexts.

Ego, Humility, and the Totem's Wisdom

The poem also explores the theme of artistic ego and the humbling process of learning to value diverse perspectives. The speaker's initial confidence in his own work ("For I know my work is right and theirs was wrong") is brutally challenged by his Totem, who reveals that "There are nine and sixty ways of constructing tribal lays, And every single one of them is right!" This revelation marks a turning point in the poem. The speaker's journey from arrogant certainty to accepting humility is central to the poem's message. The Totem serves as a symbol of higher wisdom, guiding the speaker towards a more enlightened understanding of art.

The Broad Spectrum of Human Experience

A third prominent theme is the vastness and variety of human experience and its reflection in art. The lines "Still the world is wondrous large,—seven seas from marge to marge—And it holds a vast of various kinds of man; And the wildest dreams of Kew are the facts of Khatmandhu And the crimes of Clapham chaste in Martaban" illustrate the diversity of human cultures and perspectives. The imagery here suggests that art, like human experience, should not be confined to a single standard or style. The poem suggests that true artistic understanding comes from embracing the multitude of ways in which humans express themselves.

Recurring Images of Savage Creativity

The poem is filled with vivid and visceral imagery, particularly in its depiction of the Neolithic Age. Images such as "woolly horses’ pelt," "tomahawk, of diorite," and "scalp from skull" create a sense of primitive violence and raw energy. These images, while unsettling, underscore the intensity of artistic expression in that era. The act of threading teeth on a thong becomes a gruesome yet strangely artistic act, symbolizing the speaker's attempt to assert his dominance. The recurring image of savage creativity throughout the poem highlights the underlying passion and primal drive that fuels artistic expression, regardless of the era.

Conclusion: An Enduring Message of Tolerance

In conclusion, "In the Neolithic Age" is a thought-provoking poem that transcends its historical setting to offer a timeless message about artistic tolerance and humility. Through the journey of its speaker, Kipling demonstrates the futility of artistic ego and the liberating power of accepting diverse creative expressions. The poem's enduring significance lies in its recognition that art, in all its forms, is a reflection of the multifaceted human experience, and that judging it by a single standard is not only limiting but ultimately wrong.