Poem Analysis - The Merchantmen

Rudyard Kipling's "The Merchantmen" is a rugged ballad celebrating the lives and hardships of ordinary sailors who traverse the globe, contrasting their reality with the romanticized voyages of old. The poem's tone begins with a hint of historical comparison, quickly transitioning to a gritty and realistic portrayal of the sailor's life. The overall mood is a blend of pride, resignation, and ultimately, regret. The poem speaks to the sacrifices made in the pursuit of worldly goods, and it suggests a profound disconnect between the tangible cargo and the intangible experiences gained at sea.

The Unsung Heroes of the Sea

One of the central themes of the poem is the celebration of the working sailor, a stark contrast to the grand narratives of historical figures like King Solomon. The sailors are depicted as the backbone of trade and commerce, the individuals who actually undertake the perilous journey. The poem emphasizes the physical labor involved in their work, highlighted by phrases like "sweat and aching bones" and "walty, strained, and scarred." These details paint a picture of enduring hardship, demonstrating the price paid for the goods that reach "London town." The line, "But we be only sailormen/That use in London town," underscores their humble status, despite their vital role.

Beyond Material Wealth

Another significant theme is the ultimate worth of experience versus material gain. The poem repeatedly emphasizes the acquisition of goods, listing items like "ingots," "spice," and "precious stones" that they do not bring. Instead, the sailors gather experiences, facing "flame beneath the Tropics," "frost upon the floe," and the "jeopardy of every wind." These experiences, though dangerous and challenging, accumulate into a wealth of knowledge and stories that are ultimately undervalued upon their return. The contrast between the "poor cargo" and the vast experiences the sea has offered them underlines the poem's critique of materialistic pursuits.

Supernatural Encounters and Human Limits

The poem is rich with supernatural imagery, contributing to a theme of humanity's encounter with the unknown. References to "The Dutchman," "The Midnight Leadsman," "The Swimmer," and "The Isle of Ghosts," paint a vivid picture of the supernatural terrors faced at sea. These spectral figures and locations highlight the vulnerability of the sailors and the limits of human understanding. The encounter with the ghost of Hendrick Hudson further emphasizes the cyclical nature of maritime exploration and the enduring mysteries of the sea. These experiences are real, vivid, and profoundly impact the sailors, yet they remain unseen and unvalued by those on land.

The Sea as Symbol

The sea itself functions as a powerful symbol throughout the poem. It represents both opportunity and adversity, a space of immense beauty and terrifying power. The lines "Six oceans had their will of us/To carry all away" and "So dealt God's waters with us/Beneath the roaring skies" illustrate the sea's dominance over the sailors' lives. The sea's vastness is emphasized through the detailed descriptions of their voyages, traversing extreme conditions and uncharted waters. The constant presence of the sea reminds the reader of the insignificance of human endeavors in the face of natural forces, and the futility of bringing back paltry items versus the vast experiences gained within it. Could it be that the sea represents life itself, with all its struggles and fleeting rewards?

A Bitter Homecoming

The poem culminates in a poignant moment of regret. The sailors, upon returning to London, feel "shamed at heart" by their "poor cargo." They realize that the true treasures were not the goods they sought but the experiences they encountered. The final lines, "The worst we stored with utter toil,/The best we left behind!" encapsulates the poem's central message. The sailors have sacrificed everything for a materialistic goal, only to find that their greatest reward – the encounters with the world and the supernatural – is lost to the sea. "The Merchantmen" ultimately serves as a reflection on the human condition, questioning the value of material possessions and celebrating the intangible riches of lived experience, however arduous.