Poem Analysis - The Legend Of Evil

Introduction: A Fable of Loss and Exploitation

Rudyard Kipling's "The Legend of Evil" is a cautionary and somewhat cynical poem presented in two distinct parts. The poem explores themes of exploitation, loss of innocence, and the enduring presence of evil. The first part unfolds as a mournful fable, imbued with a sense of regret and the consequences of forced labor. The second section takes on a more humorous and satirical tone, utilizing dialect and absurd imagery to depict the presence of evil even in the face of divine order. The shift from lament to dark comedy highlights the poem's complex view of suffering and the insidious nature of oppression.

From Freedom to Servitude: The Monkey's Tale

The first section of the poem uses the monkey's story to develop a theme of loss of freedom and innocence through exploitation. The monkeys' fathers, initially portrayed as playful and carefree creatures who interact with humans out of goodwill, are ultimately captured and enslaved by the farmers. The imagery of "frisked in the millet," "skipped in the wheat," and "danced in the street" contrasts sharply with the later descriptions of the monkeys "sullen and bowed and old," "stooping over the millet," and sleeping in "mud-walled prisons." This stark contrast emphasizes the tragic transition from joyful existence to a life of forced labor and misery. The cutting off of their tails symbolizes the stripping away of their identity and dignity. The fear of the younger monkeys that they too will be enslaved underscores the cyclical nature of oppression.

The Symbolism of Tails: Dignity and Identity

The recurring image of the tail serves as a potent symbol of dignity and identity for the monkeys. The act of the farmers cutting off the monkeys' tails is not merely a physical alteration; it's a symbolic castration, a removal of their pride and a marker of their subjugated status. In the opening and closing stanzas of the first part, the monkeys holding each others' tails speaks to both intergenerational trauma and an act of unity and mourning as they pass down a collective awareness of oppression. One could also interpret the tails as representing the joy and playfulness that is suppressed, representing a fundamental human need.

Noah's Ark and the Uninvited Guest: Evil's Persistence

The second part of the poem, set during Noah's Ark voyage, presents a satirical take on the theme of evil's enduring presence. While seemingly a humorous anecdote, the entry of the Devil onto the Ark through the stubbornness of the Donkey suggests that evil cannot be eradicated even within a divinely ordained attempt at purification. The use of Irish dialect adds to the comedic effect, but it also subtly highlights the marginalized and often overlooked aspects of humanity where the temptation toward 'evil' might reside. The Devil's act of "bedivillin' their tails" mirrors the earlier tale, suggesting the same pattern of diminishment and loss of innocence.

The Unfair Fare: A Commentary on Justice

The phrase "There's wan av us that hasn't paid his fare!" spoken by Noah, serves as a commentary on justice and accountability. It questions whether even in a divinely sanctioned endeavor, true justice can be achieved. The Devil's retort, "I came in wid the Donkey -- on Your Honour's invitation," is a cynical indictment of human fallibility. It implies that evil is not an external force but rather something that gains entry through human weakness and stubbornness. Is Kipling suggesting that the very nature of 'good' and 'evil' is subjective, and that the invitation stems from the inherent traits within us?

Conclusion: A Bleak but Humorous Reflection

"The Legend of Evil" presents a bleak view of human nature and the enduring presence of suffering. The poem, through its contrasting narratives and shifts in tone, reveals a complex understanding of exploitation and the nature of evil. While the first part evokes a sense of mourning for lost innocence, the second part employs dark humor to suggest that evil is an intrinsic part of existence, stubbornly present even in the face of divine intervention. Kipling's poem serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the cyclical nature of oppression and the ever-present potential for human cruelty, made all the more cutting with it's humour.