Poem Analysis - Sestina Of The Tramp

A Life on the Road: Introduction

Rudyard Kipling's "Sestina of the Tramp" offers a glimpse into the restless soul of a wanderer, a man who has embraced a life of constant movement and change. The poem's tone is conversational and reflective, tinged with a certain weariness but also a defiant acceptance of his chosen path. While the speaker acknowledges the hardships of his lifestyle, there's an underlying sense of satisfaction in having experienced the world on his own terms. The poem shifts subtly from a general observation of life to a personal justification of the tramp's lifestyle.

Historical Context: The Voice of the Common Man

Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936) was an English journalist, short-story writer, poet, and novelist. Born in British India, he is best known for his works of fiction set in India, and the Victorian celebration of the British Empire. This poem provides a unique insight into the lower classes of England and their views on the world.

The Allure of Freedom and the Fear of Stagnation

One of the central themes of the poem is the importance of freedom over security. The speaker prioritizes experiencing new things and avoiding the monotony of a fixed life. He declares, "For something in my ’ead upset it all, / Till I ’ad dropped whatever ’twas for good." This suggests an internal drive that compels him to leave behind jobs and stability in pursuit of something more fulfilling, even if that something is simply the act of moving on. This is intertwined with a fear of stagnation, of being tied down to "one same shift." For the tramp, the prospect of settling down is akin to a living death. To live is to move.

The Value of Experience Over Material Wealth

The poem also explores the theme of experience as a form of wealth. The speaker explicitly rejects the idea that "cash or credit" are inherently "good." Instead, he values the lessons learned and the sights seen during his travels. The line "It’s like a book, I think, this bloomin’ world" encapsulates this idea. The world is presented as a narrative to be consumed, and the tramp's life is dedicated to turning the pages, regardless of whether the next chapter is "good" or not. The accumulation of these experiences forms a personal history more valuable than any material possession.

Mortality and the Quest for Meaning

Underlying the tramp's wanderlust is a confrontation with mortality. The poem begins and ends with references to death, framing the tramp's life as a journey toward its inevitable conclusion. He rationalizes his transient existence by suggesting that it doesn't matter "where or ’ow we die, / So long as we’ve our ’ealth to watch it all." The key is to actively observe and experience life before it ends. The final lines, "So write, before I die, ‘’E liked it all!’" reveal a desire to leave behind a positive summation of his life, a testament to his enjoyment of the world, however imperfect it may be.

Symbolism: The Road as a Metaphor for Life

The road itself is a powerful symbol throughout the poem. It represents not just physical travel, but also the journey of life. The "’appy roads that take you o’er the world" are more than just routes; they are opportunities for adventure, discovery, and self-definition. The tramp's constant movement along these roads symbolizes his rejection of a fixed identity and his embrace of a life lived on his own terms. The wind, personified as "my mate," becomes a symbol of shared freedom and the relentless, unstoppable force that drives him onward.

Conclusion: An Unconventional Legacy

"Sestina of the Tramp" is a poignant portrayal of a life lived outside the conventions of society. The poem celebrates the freedom of movement, the value of experience, and the acceptance of mortality. While the tramp's lifestyle may seem unconventional, Kipling's poem ultimately suggests that it is a valid and even admirable way to find meaning and fulfillment in a world that is both beautiful and fleeting. The final affirmation, "'E liked it all!'" serves as a defiant declaration of a life well-lived, measured not in possessions or status, but in the richness of its experiences.