Poem Analysis - My Rival

Introduction: A Young Woman's Envy

Rudyard Kipling's "My Rival" is a witty and poignant poem exploring the insecurities and envy of a young woman overshadowed by a more experienced and captivating older woman. The poem is delivered in a tone of self-deprecating humor, tinged with a genuine longing for the confidence and attention the speaker's rival commands. While initially humorous, a subtle shift occurs towards a more hopeful outlook as the speaker anticipates a future where the age dynamic inverts. The poem uses the contrast between youth and age to explore themes of beauty, power, and the passage of time.

A Glimpse into Edwardian Society

While not explicitly stated, the poem subtly reflects aspects of Edwardian society. The social gatherings mentioned, such as concerts, parties, and balls, were central to the social lives of the upper classes, providing opportunities for courtship and the display of wealth and status. The references to 'rickshaws' and 'the Mall' also locate the poem within a specific social context, suggesting a setting possibly influenced by Kipling's time in India or reflecting the broader colonial influence in England at the time. The poem hints at the importance placed on attracting male attention, a societal expectation that contributes to the speaker’s feelings of inadequacy.

The Bitter Fruit of Envy

Envy is a central theme, driving the speaker's every thought and action. The speaker details her inability to attract attention, contrasting her own shyness ("very gauche and very shy") with the older woman's effortless charm. The lines "The incense that is mine by right / They burn before her shrine" illustrate the speaker’s belief that she deserves the admiration being lavished on her rival. She is acutely aware of the disparity in their social standing, stemming primarily from their age difference, and she expresses a clear longing to possess the older woman's qualities ("I wish I had Her constant cheek; / I wish that I could sing / All sorts of funny little songs, / Not quite the proper thing."). The speaker's constant comparison fuels her feelings of inadequacy.

The Unfolding Power of Time

The poem also explores the theme of time and its inevitable effects. The speaker’s youth, which she initially sees as a disadvantage, eventually becomes a source of hope. The contrast between her "girlish blush" and the rival's "white where white should be, / And red where red should shine" highlights the different kinds of beauty associated with youth and age. However, the final stanza offers a shift in perspective. While currently lacking the older woman's allure, the speaker realizes that time is a great equalizer. The lines "Just think, that She'll be eighty-one / When I am forty-nine" represents a pivotal moment of hopeful anticipation, where the speaker sees that she too, will have the chance to possess age and potentially the benefits that come with it.

Recurring Symbols of Age and Beauty

The colors red and white function as recurring symbols, representing different facets of beauty and age. Red, particularly in the blushing cheeks of the speaker, symbolizes youthful vibrancy and naivete. In contrast, the older woman's "white where white should be, / And red where red should shine" may represent a more cultivated and deliberate beauty, achieved through experience. This may be a reference to makeup, or simply an acknowledgement that her "red" is not fleeting like a blush, but something consistent. The "programme-card" also serves as a symbol of social success, or lack thereof. The emptiness of the speaker’s card reflects her isolation and inability to attract partners, further emphasizing her feelings of inadequacy. The poem might be implicitly questioning what price the older woman paid to get her card filled.

Conclusion: A Witty Reflection on Aging and Insecurity

"My Rival" is more than just a humorous observation; it's a insightful exploration of the insecurities that arise from comparing oneself to others, particularly in the context of aging. The poem successfully uses wit and vivid imagery to convey the speaker's envy and frustration. While initially focused on her perceived shortcomings, the speaker ultimately finds solace in the understanding that time inevitably shifts the balance of power. The poem leaves the reader pondering the nature of beauty, the relentless passage of time, and the universal human experience of envy and the hope for a better future. Ultimately, the speaker’s hope resides not in becoming her rival, but in outliving her rival’s reign.