Poem Analysis - The Recall

An Enduring Connection to the Homeland

Rudyard Kipling’s "The Recall" is a powerful declaration of the enduring connection between a land and its people. The poem, voiced from the perspective of the land itself, evokes a sense of deep belonging and the inevitable pull of home. It carries a tone of quiet confidence and unwavering certainty, suggesting that even distance and time cannot sever the bond. The mood shifts subtly from a patient waiting to an active and almost mystical drawing-in of its children, ending with a promise of profound understanding and emotional resonance.

The Author and His World

Rudyard Kipling, an English author deeply influenced by his experiences in British India, often explored themes of identity, belonging, and the complexities of colonialism. While "The Recall" doesn't explicitly address colonial themes, it can be interpreted within the broader context of Kipling's work. The poem might reflect a longing for England felt by those living abroad or a commentary on the enduring power of a homeland, even as its people venture out and establish new lives elsewhere.

Theme: The Unbreakable Bond of Place

One of the central themes of the poem is the unbreakable bond between people and their homeland. The land speaks of its enduring virtue and its ability to "bring back my children, / After certain days." This suggests that the connection to one's origins is not easily severed and that a return is almost inevitable. The poem uses imagery of "clinging magic" running through the grasses under their feet to symbolize the subconscious pull of the land. Even when they return as "strangers," the land confidently asserts that they shall "remain as sons," highlighting the indelible mark of home.

Theme: The Power of Memory and Heritage

The poem also explores the power of memory and heritage in shaping individual identity. The land is described as "the land of their fathers," emphasizing the ancestral connection and the weight of history. The speaker weaves "an incantation" with the "new-bought, ancient trees," suggesting that even newly acquired symbols of belonging are infused with the land's deeper historical significance. The land promises to reveal "the meaning / Of all my thousand years," indicating that understanding one's heritage is crucial to understanding oneself. This is further emphasized when the land aims to "fill their hearts with knowledge" and "fill their eyes with tears", which suggests it wants to trigger strong emotions in order to deepen their understanding of the heritage.

Theme: Transformation and Belonging

The third theme concerns transformation and belonging. It's a nuanced exploration. The phrase "they shall return as strangers," suggests alienation and the impact of time spent away. However, the land vows they "shall remain as sons." This signifies an acceptance of their changed state and an affirmation of their inherent belonging. This tension demonstrates how the land recognizes changes that time and distance brings, yet, is still able to weave them back into belonging. The poem suggests that true belonging isn't about remaining unchanged but about being transformed by experience and yet still finding a place within the embrace of home.

Symbolism of Nature and the Senses

Recurring symbols in the poem center around nature and sensory experiences. The "grasses," "trees," "smoke," and "rain" are not merely descriptive elements; they are conduits of the land's power. The "scent of smoke" and "smell of rain" evoke primal memories and sensory associations that tap into a deeper connection with the land. The land uses these sensory experiences to "order their souls aright," suggesting that immersion in the natural environment is essential for spiritual and emotional well-being.

Final Thoughts

"The Recall" is a poignant meditation on the enduring relationship between people and their homeland. Through evocative imagery and a confident, almost maternal voice, Kipling paints a picture of a land that holds an unbreakable sway over its children, calling them back to a place of belonging, understanding, and profound emotional connection. The poem's power lies in its ability to capture the deeply rooted and often subconscious pull of home, suggesting that even in the face of change and distance, the land retains its power to shape and define those who belong to it.