Poem Analysis - Oonts

Rudyard Kipling's "Oonts" is a humorous yet cynical portrayal of the essential, yet deeply frustrating, role of the camel (referred to as "oont") in military operations. The poem, delivered in a colloquial dialect, paints a picture of the camel as a stubborn, exasperating beast whose very existence seems designed to torment the soldiers who depend on it. Despite its lighthearted tone, the poem hints at the grim realities of colonial warfare and the burden placed on both man and animal. The tone shifts slightly from frustration and anger to a darkly comedic acceptance of the camel's inevitable demise and the ironic consequences it brings.

The Burden of Necessity: The Camel's Central Role

One of the main themes of the poem is the unavoidable dependence on the camel for survival and logistical support in a harsh environment. The soldiers' complaints throughout the poem highlight their exasperation, but also reveal a grudging reliance. The camel is the "commissariat camel" carrying the "commissariat load," emphasizing that food and supplies are impossible to transport without it. The poem shows that even though the soldiers hate the camel, they need the camel.

Frustration and Futility in Colonial Warfare

The poem explores the theme of frustration and the futility of military life, especially in a colonial setting. The camel becomes a symbol of the challenges and absurdities of warfare, where even basic logistical tasks are fraught with difficulty. The soldiers are constantly waiting, swearing, and struggling with the animal, distracting them from the actual dangers of combat ("It ain't the chanst o' being rushed by Paythans from the 'ills"). This suggests that the real enemy is not necessarily the opposing force, but the environment itself and the inadequacies of the support system. Kipling highlights, here, the absurd difficulties of colonial warfare.

Death and Irony: The Camel's Revenge

The theme of death and its ironic consequences is present throughout, culminating in the final stanza. The camel, a constant source of trouble in life, becomes a deadly hazard in death, polluting the water supply and ultimately contributing to the soldiers' demise ("'e gets into the drinkin'-casks, and then o' course we dies"). This grim irony suggests that the burdens and frustrations of colonial life extend beyond the battlefield, permeating even the most basic necessities. The poem ends on the camel finally having the last laugh, a darkly comedic ending.

Imagery and Symbolism: The "Oont" as a Scapegoat

The poem is filled with vivid imagery, particularly in the descriptions of the camel. It's portrayed as a "silly neck a-bobbin' like a basket full o' snakes," a "hairy scary oont," and a "lumpy-'umpy 'ummin'-bird." These images create a sense of the camel's ungainliness and unpredictability. The camel serves as a symbol of the hardships of military life, embodying all the frustrations and inconveniences the soldiers face. Kipling transforms this animal into something that is far more than a simple beast of burden.

Final Thoughts: A Bitter Laugh at the Absurdity of War

"Oonts" is a poem that uses humor and dialect to explore the difficult realities of military life in a colonial context. The camel, as a central figure, embodies the frustrations, ironies, and ultimate futility of war. While the poem is entertaining, it also offers a cynical commentary on the challenges faced by soldiers and the absurd situations they often found themselves in. The poem implies the "oont" is essential, but also the cause of their issues, and is, therefore, a scapegoat for all things that go wrong.