Poem Analysis - Our Fathers Also

The Generational Divide: An Introduction

Rudyard Kipling's "Our Fathers Also" is a poignant reflection on the chasm that separates generations, particularly concerning progress and understanding. The poem carries a tone of respectful observation, tinged with a gentle melancholy. It acknowledges the wisdom and experiences of the older generation while simultaneously recognizing their detachment from the rapidly changing world. The mood remains consistent throughout, maintaining a contemplative stance on the inevitable passing of time and the divergence of perspectives that accompany it. There is no overt criticism, but rather a quiet acceptance of this natural phenomenon.

A World in Flux: The Erosion of Understanding

One of the central themes in "Our Fathers Also" is the concept of generational disconnect in the face of societal evolution. The opening stanza immediately establishes this idea: "Thrones, Powers, Dominions, Peoples, Kings, / Are changing 'neath our hand. / Our fathers also see these things / But they do not understand." This highlights the poem's core concern, that even though the older generation witnesses the same transformations as the younger, their comprehension of these changes is limited, implying that their past experiences make it difficult to fully grasp the present reality.

Nostalgia and the Imprisonment of Memory

The theme of nostalgia is interwoven with the idea of the older generation's confinement to their past. The lines "By--they are by with mirth and tears, / Wit or the works of Desire- / Cushioned about on the kindly years / Between the wall and the fire" paints a picture of them sheltered and comfortable, but also somewhat isolated from the external world. The "wall and the fire" symbolize a safe, familiar space, but also suggests a barrier separating them from the dynamic changes occurring outside. This comfortable existence is built upon "mirth and tears," suggesting that the past is a collection of potent memories, both joyful and sorrowful, which heavily influence their present perspective.

The Sanctity of the Past: Tradition and Resistance to Change

The poem also explores the theme of tradition and how the older generation clings to it as a source of meaning and authority. The lines "The film that floats before their eyes / The Temple's Veil they call; / And the dust that on the Shewbread lies / Is holy over all" suggest that their perception of the present is filtered through the lens of the past, which they regard as sacred. "The Temple's Veil" symbolizes a barrier to understanding the present, while the "dust that on the Shewbread lies" represents the sanctity of tradition, even in its decaying state. These symbols represent the older generation's reverence for the past and their resistance to the new.

Recurring Symbols: Gateways and Enclosure

Several recurring symbols enrich the poem's meaning. The image of "the wall and the fire" is a recurring symbol of comfort but also of confinement and separation from the external world. The "Gates of Love and Learning locked" symbolize the closing off of new experiences and perspectives for the older generation. The image of the "film that floats before their eyes" is a powerful symbol of the past obscuring the present, creating a barrier to clear understanding. The question remains, however: is this film a protective layer of wisdom, or a blinding shroud of nostalgia?

Final Reflections: A Bridge Across Time

In conclusion, "Our Fathers Also" is a thoughtful exploration of the inevitable generational divide, characterized by differing perspectives on progress, memory, and tradition. Kipling's poem avoids outright condemnation of either generation, instead presenting a nuanced observation of the human condition in the face of time's relentless march. Ultimately, the poem prompts reflection on how we can bridge the gap between generations, respecting the wisdom of the past while embracing the possibilities of the future, recognizing that understanding requires both experience and openness to change.