Poem Analysis - The Moon Of Other Days

Overview: Nostalgia and Disillusionment

Rudyard Kipling's "The Moon Of Other Days" is a poignant exploration of memory, loss, and the stark contrast between a romanticized past and a harsh present. The poem begins with a melancholic tone, as the speaker observes a fading evening and questions the passage of time. It then shifts into a nostalgic reminiscence of a past love and idyllic setting before descending into a disillusioned portrayal of his current reality. Ultimately, the poem expresses a deep sense of alienation and a yearning for what is irrevocably gone.

Echoes of Empire and Personal Experience

While not explicitly stated, the poem is steeped in the context of British colonialism in India. Kipling himself was born in India and spent much of his life connected to the country. The poem's setting, likely India, and the contrast between the speaker's memories of England and his present surroundings suggests a sense of displacement and the cultural dissonance experienced by many colonials. The speaker's longing for "Home" reflects the psychological impact of living in a foreign land, while the description of the Indian landscape highlights the speaker's sense of isolation.

Theme 1: The Irretrievability of the Past

One of the central themes is the unattainable nature of the past. The title itself, "The Moon of Other Days," immediately establishes this idea. The speaker repeatedly contrasts the present with idealized memories. The opening stanza questions if the current moon can truly be the same "Moon of Other Days," planting the seed of doubt about the continuity of experience. Later, the memories of "little Kitty Smith," "Putney's evening haze," and "Hammersmith" are all presented as unattainable relics of a happier time, sharply contrasting with the present surroundings in India.

Theme 2: Love and Loss

The poem delicately explores the themes of love and loss through the memory of "little Kitty Smith." She represents a cherished past relationship and a symbol of innocence and happiness. The lines "Ah! shade of little Kitty Smith, / Sweet Saint of Kensington!" evoke a sense of reverence and longing. The speaker's idealized memory of walking arm in arm through Putney signifies a time of intimacy and joy, emphasizing the depth of his loss and the impossibility of recapturing that emotional connection in his current environment.

Theme 3: Disillusionment and Decay

The third significant theme is the disillusionment that stems from the stark contrast between memory and reality. The poem progresses from nostalgic reflection to a bitter acceptance of the present. The transformation of "Wandle's stream" into the "Sutlej" and "Putney's evening haze" into dust vividly illustrates this decline. The description of the "seething city" as "unkempt, unclean" and the substitution of "Putney's golden gorse" with the "sickly babul" emphasizes the decay and the speaker's profound sense of alienation from his surroundings.

Symbols and Vivid Imagery

The moon serves as a central symbol throughout the poem. Initially, it represents the past and a sense of continuity, as the speaker wonders if it can still be "The Moon of Other Days?" However, as the poem progresses, the moon becomes a symbol of the indifferent passage of time and the irretrievability of the past. The "blood-red" color hints at underlying pain and suffering. Furthermore, images of disease and decay, such as the "typhoid-term" from the drain and the "seething city," contribute to the overall feeling of disillusionment and reinforce the speaker's sense of isolation. A question that the poem raises is whether the "smiling face" of the moon to "little Kitty Smith" is a genuine expression of solace or a mocking reminder of what the speaker has lost.

Concluding Thoughts: A Lament for Paradise Lost

"The Moon Of Other Days" is a powerful lament for a lost paradise, both personal and cultural. Through vivid imagery and contrasting settings, Kipling portrays the speaker's deep sense of nostalgia and the painful realization that the past cannot be reclaimed. The poem's significance lies in its exploration of universal themes such as the passage of time, the pain of loss, and the disillusionment that can accompany the confrontation between idealized memories and harsh realities. The poem ultimately captures the bittersweet nature of memory and the enduring human yearning for a simpler, happier time.