Poem Analysis - Lukannon

A Lament for Lost Paradise

Rudyard Kipling's "Lukannon" is a poignant lament for a lost paradise, sung from the perspective of a seal reflecting on the destruction of its home by human sealers. The poem evokes a strong sense of nostalgia and sorrow as it juxtaposes the idyllic past with the brutal reality of the present. The tone shifts from joyful remembrance to despairing resignation, culminating in a final, desperate act of defiance. The poem is a powerful commentary on the destructive impact of human greed on the natural world.

Echoes of Exploitation: A Glimpse into Historical Context

While the poem itself doesn't explicitly state the location or time, Rudyard Kipling's background as an English author writing during the height of British imperialism provides some context. The poem can be interpreted as a broader commentary on the exploitation of natural resources and indigenous populations by colonial powers. The sealers represent this force, disrupting a previously balanced ecosystem for profit. The use of the seal's perspective allows Kipling to explore the devastating consequences of unchecked industrialization and the loss of a traditional way of life.

The Erosion of Home and Community

One of the central themes of "Lukannon" is the destruction of home and community. The first stanzas celebrate the vibrant life of the seal colony at Lukannon, emphasizing the chorus of voices and the shared experiences of the seals. The imagery of "pleasant stations beside the salt lagoons," "blowing squadrons," and "midnight dances" paints a picture of a thriving society. However, this idyllic scene is shattered by the arrival of the sealers. The seals are reduced to a "broken, scattered band," driven from their home and subjected to violence. The repeated refrain, "The beaches of Lukannon -- before the sealers came!" underscores the irreversible loss and the deep longing for a time before the disruption.

The Inevitable March of Mortality

Another prominent theme is the acceptance of mortality and loss. The opening line, "(and oh, but I am old!)" immediately establishes the speaker's awareness of his own mortality. This sense of impending death permeates the poem as the seal recounts the decimation of his community. The line "I'll never meet them more!" emphasizes the finality of the loss. The poem's conclusion, with the image of the "shark's egg the tempest flings ashore," symbolizes the utter emptiness and desolation that awaits Lukannon. Even the defiant call to "Nag" is tinged with the understanding that this fight is likely a losing one, a final act of resistance against the inevitable.

Desperation and Defiance

The poem also explores the theme of resistance in the face of annihilation. Even as the seals are hunted and driven to the "Salt House," they continue to sing the song of Lukannon. This act of singing is a form of defiance, a way to preserve the memory of their home and their identity. The call to "Gooverooska" to "tell the Deep-Sea Viceroys! the story of our woe" is a desperate plea for help, but also a declaration that their suffering will not go unnoticed. The final confrontation with "Nag" represents a last stand against the forces that seek to destroy them. This fight, even if ultimately unsuccessful, is a testament to the seals' resilience and their determination to resist their fate.

Symbolism: The Beaches of Memory

The beaches of Lukannon serve as a powerful symbol throughout the poem. They represent not only the seals' physical home but also their collective memory, their history, and their identity. The vivid descriptions of the beaches – "winter-wheat so tall," "dripping, crinkled lichens," "shining smooth and worn" – evoke a strong sense of place and belonging. The beaches are a symbol of a lost paradise, a reminder of what has been taken away. The repeated refrain, "The beaches of Lukannon," acts as a lament, a constant reminder of the beauty and abundance that has been destroyed.

A Final Elegy

In conclusion, "Lukannon" is a deeply moving elegy for a lost world. Through vivid imagery, a shifting tone, and the poignant voice of a seal elder, Kipling crafts a powerful critique of human exploitation and a celebration of resilience in the face of destruction. The poem serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked greed and the importance of preserving the natural world and the communities that depend on it. The ultimate significance of "Lukannon" lies in its ability to evoke empathy for the victims of progress and to inspire reflection on our responsibility to protect the planet.