Poem Analysis - Soldier An Sailor Too

A Working-Class Ode to a Multifaceted Soldier

Rudyard Kipling's "Soldier An' Sailor Too" is a robust and affectionate tribute to the Royal Marines, affectionately known as the "Jollies." The poem, told from the perspective of a common soldier or sailor, celebrates the Marines' versatility, resilience, and unwavering dedication to duty. The tone is generally humorous and admiring, marked by the speaker's colloquial language and anecdotal style. However, it shifts to solemn respect when recounting their sacrifices, particularly during the sinking of the HMS Birkenhead and HMS Victoria. The poem's language is accessible, portraying the speaker as a working-class man recounting his experiences.

The Unsung Hero: Duty and Versatility

One of the central themes of the poem is the unwavering duty and versatility of the Royal Marines. The poem repeatedly emphasizes the "Jolly's" ability to perform any task, anywhere, at any time. The line, "For there isn't a job on the top o' the earth the beggar don't know, nor do," highlights their competence. This versatility extends from scraping paint to negotiating with " 'eathen kings,'" and their adaptability is crucial to their identity. Their duty is further emphasized by their willingness to face difficult situations, such as the Birkenhead drill, standing firm in the face of death. They embody a sense of duty above all else.

Brotherhood Forged in the Trenches

Another significant theme is the brotherhood and camaraderie shared between the speaker and the "Jollies." Despite the humorous banter and playful insults ("seasick scull'ry-maids," "Ass Marines"), there exists a deep respect and admiration. The lines "They come of our lot, they was brothers to us; they was beggars we'd met an' knew" reveal a shared background and understanding. The poem subtly suggests that this shared experience forges a bond stronger than any formal rank or division. They are united by their common hardships and shared commitment to service.

Sacrifice and Remembrance

The theme of sacrifice becomes particularly poignant in the latter stanzas. The Birkenhead drill, a historical event where soldiers stood firm as a ship sank to allow women and children to escape, serves as a powerful symbol of the Marines' selflessness. The lines "Their choice it was plain between drownin' in 'eaps an' bein' mopped by the screw, So they stood an' was still to the Birken'ead drill, soldier an' sailor too!" paint a stark picture of their unwavering dedication to duty, even in the face of certain death. The speaker's reflection on the sinking of the Victoria, the poem reinforces the theme of sacrifice, solidifying the "Jollies'" legacy of heroism and self-sacrifice.

The Enduring Image of the "Jolly"

A recurring image is that of the "Jolly" as a jack-of-all-trades, a "bloomin' cosmopolouse." This image encapsulates their multifaceted nature and adaptability. The poem also uses the image of the Birkenhead drill as a symbol of stoicism and discipline in the face of overwhelming adversity. This vivid image powerfully conveys the Marines' unwavering commitment to duty, even when faced with death. The phrase "soldier an' sailor too" itself functions as a symbolic representation of the Royal Marines' dual identity and their unique position within the British armed forces. Are there other ways to interpret the speaker's tone in the face of the horrors? Is it a way to cope?

A Lasting Impression of Respect and Admiration

In conclusion, "Soldier An' Sailor Too" is a heartfelt tribute to the Royal Marines that praises not only their versatility and dedication but also their profound sense of duty and sacrifice. Through vivid imagery, colloquial language, and a shift from humor to solemn respect, Kipling paints a memorable portrait of these unsung heroes. The poem serves as a testament to the enduring bonds of brotherhood forged in service and a reminder of the sacrifices made by ordinary men in extraordinary circumstances. Kipling immortalizes the "Jollies" and reminds us to remember them.