Poem Analysis - The Rhyme Of The Three Sealers

Introduction: A Ballad of Brutality and Regret

Rudyard Kipling's "The Rhyme of the Three Sealers" is a grim ballad recounting a violent clash between seal poachers in the harsh, unforgiving environment of the Smoky Seas. The poem is steeped in a sense of dark adventure and moral ambiguity. Initially, the tone is almost celebratory, a roguish tale told in a lively setting. However, this quickly shifts to one of brutal realism as the poem plunges into the graphic details of the fight and the characters' dying regrets. The poem culminates in a haunting reflection on death and the futility of their actions.

Historical Context: The Seal Rush

Kipling wrote during a period of intense competition for natural resources, and the poem reflects the reality of 19th-century sealing practices and international disputes over territory and resources. The reference to "the Law of the Muscovite" alludes to Russia's control over the Kuril Islands and the Bering Sea, rich sealing grounds. The presence of English, Japanese, Scottish, and especially American sealers highlights the international scramble for profit, even at the cost of environmental damage and human lives. The poem is very suggestive of the real and terrible costs of rampant resource exploitation.

The Brutality of Greed: A Dominant Theme

One of the main themes of "The Rhyme of the Three Sealers" is the destructive power of greed. The poem vividly portrays how the desire for wealth motivates the sealers to risk their lives, defy international laws, and engage in ruthless violence. The description of the "fifteen hundred skins abeach, cool pelt and proper fur" emphasizes the sheer scale of the slaughter and the financial incentive behind it. The willingness of men like Tom Hall and Reuben Paine to kill each other over these skins underscores the corrosive effect of avarice, turning them into brutal competitors, willing to disregard all moral boundaries. This is very evident in the lines that reveal, “Evil he did in shoal-water and blacker sin on the deep.”

Ambiguous Morality: No True Heroes

The poem avoids portraying any of the sealers as unambiguously heroic. While Tom Hall might appear as the protagonist, his actions are driven by self-interest and a desire to outsmart his rivals. Reuben Paine, though presented as the antagonist initially, elicits a degree of sympathy in his dying moments, lamenting the loss of his life and the familiar sights of home. The line, “Sorrow is me, in a lonely sea and a sinful fight I fall,” clearly illustrates this. The moral ambiguity is further reinforced by the phrase, "There's never a law of God or man runs north of Fifty-Three," which suggests a lawless frontier where traditional morality is suspended. Kipling challenges us to consider the human cost of unchecked ambition and the blurred lines between right and wrong in a desperate struggle for survival.

The Power of Nature: Fog as a Symbol

The recurring image of fog serves as a powerful symbol throughout the poem. Initially, the fog acts as a veil, concealing the sealers' illicit activities and blurring the distinction between friend and foe. It is in the fog that the brutal fight takes place, highlighting the confusion and chaos of the conflict. However, the fog also plays a crucial role in revealing the consequences of their actions. As "The good fog heard – like a splitten sail, to left and right she tore," the sudden clearing of the fog exposes the carnage and forces the sealers to confront the bloody reality of their greed. The image serves as a reminder of nature's indifference to human affairs, but it also acts as a form of divine judgment, exposing the truth that they sought to hide. The last clearing of the fog provides a moment of clarity before death.

Conclusion: A Grim Reflection on Human Nature

"The Rhyme of the Three Sealers" is more than just a thrilling adventure story; it is a stark and unflinching examination of human nature. Through vivid imagery, moral ambiguity, and a haunting narrative, Kipling forces us to confront the destructive consequences of greed and the tragic futility of violence. The poem leaves a lasting impression of the harsh realities of a bygone era, prompting reflection on the enduring relevance of its themes in a world still grappling with issues of resource exploitation and moral compromise. The closing stanza which is a recurring refrain, acts as a haunting reminder of the tragic battle that will be retold "Ever in Yokohama port."