Mary's Son
Mary's Son - meaning Summary
Duty Over Self-interest
A cautionary parental address, the poem warns a son that employers and communities will reject anyone who seeks security, questions orders, or boasts of their labour. By pairing three settings—Sea, Land, Farth—it sketches consequences for self-interest, argumentativeness, and pride. The voice insists on humble obedience and steady work as social virtues, reflecting Kipling’s recurrent emphasis on duty and personal responsibility.
Read Complete AnalysesIf you stop to find out what your wages will be And how they will clothe and feed you, Willie, my son, don't you go on the Sea. For the Sea will never need you. If you ask for the reason of every command, And argue with people about you, Willie, my son, don't you go on the Land, For the Land will do better without you. If you stop to consider the work you have done And to boast what your labour is worth, dear, Angels may come for you, Willie, my son, But you'll never be wanted on Farth, dear!
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