Poem Analysis - The Settler

Rudyard Kipling’s "The Settler" is a poem of redemption and hope, a declaration of rebuilding after conflict. The poem resonates with a tone of determined optimism, envisioning a future of peace and prosperity forged from the aftermath of war. It moves from acknowledging past wrongs to actively seeking reconciliation and abundance through hard work and community. The overall feeling is one of resolute optimism, seeking to not only physically rebuild but also to heal the wounds of past conflicts.

From Conflict to Cultivation: Rebuilding and Reconciliation

One of the central themes of "The Settler" is the idea of rebuilding and reconciliation after conflict. The speaker explicitly states the intention to "repair the wrong that was done / To the living and the dead." This sets the stage for a transformation of the land and the people. The shift from destruction ("senseless bullet," "barren shrapnel") to creation ("plant a tree," "dig a well") symbolizes the move from war to peace. The poem emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and cooperation, highlighting the need to "lay my hand in my neighbour's hand / And together we will atone." This theme is further reinforced by the desire to forget past sins and focus on the future, acknowledging that "the dead must bury their dead, but ye-- / Ye serve an host unborn."

The Land as a Symbol of Renewal

The poem heavily relies on the symbolism of the land to represent renewal and potential. The "fresh-turned furrows" and "deep soil" evoke images of fertility and the promise of a bountiful harvest. The description of the land as "large and a sunlit land" suggests a place of opportunity and abundance. The act of cultivating the land becomes a metaphor for healing and rebuilding society. The references to "corn," "seed," and "harvest-tide" all connect the physical act of farming to the spiritual and emotional growth necessary for a lasting peace. The final stanza reinforces this, invoking blessings upon "the rain and the sun / And the blind seed in its bed," emphasizing the land's essential role in the process of redemption.

Community and Cooperation: Forging a Shared Future

Another prominent theme is the significance of community and cooperation. The speaker emphasizes the need to work together, not just in farming, but also in facing common challenges like "hailstroke and the storm" and "the locust's mile-deep swarm." This collective effort extends beyond mere survival; it's about creating a shared future. The phrase "Giving and taking counsel each / Over the cattle-kraal" suggests a sense of shared decision-making and mutual respect. The call to "join against our foes" implies that unity is the key to overcoming adversity and building a prosperous society. The poem ultimately envisions a community bound by shared labor, mutual support, and a commitment to peace.

Redemption Through Labor: Sweat and Soil

The image of physical labor as a path to redemption is vivid throughout the poem. The "sweat of our brow" becomes not just a sign of toil, but also a symbol of dedication and investment in the future. The line, "Earth, where we rode to slay or be slain, / Our love shall redeem unto life," directly links the past violence to the potential for future growth and healing. The act of "gathering and lead[ing] to her lips again / The waters of ancient strife" represents transforming conflict into life-giving sustenance. This transformation is not passive; it requires active participation and a willingness to work the land, blurring the line between manual labor and spiritual atonement.

Final Reflections: A Legacy of Growth

In conclusion, "The Settler" is a powerful testament to the human capacity for resilience and renewal. It's a poem that moves beyond the devastation of conflict to envision a future built on cooperation, hard work, and a deep connection to the land. The poem’s enduring message lies in its emphasis on collective responsibility and the transformative power of community. By focusing on rebuilding, forgiveness, and the creation of a shared future, Kipling offers a hopeful vision of how societies can overcome past wrongs and create a lasting legacy of peace and prosperity. The final invocation of divine blessing underscores the sacredness of this endeavor, positioning the settler not just as a farmer, but as a steward of the land and a builder of a new world.