Poem Analysis - A Song At Cock Crow

A Recurring Betrayal: Introduction to Kipling's Poem

Rudyard Kipling's "A Song At Cock-crow" is a somber and repetitive ballad that explores the concept of betrayal, specifically framing it through the biblical figure of St. Peter. The poem begins with Peter's initial denial of Christ and expands to encompass broader instances of betrayal throughout history, seemingly suggesting that Peter's sin is perpetually reenacted. The tone is initially mournful and contemplative, gradually building to a sense of righteous anger and condemnation in the later stanzas. The repetition of the phrase "When the cock crew" acts as a haunting reminder of this recurring failure.

Peter's Denial: A Foundational Fall

The poem's primary theme is the repeated denial of responsibility and faith, embodied in the figure of St. Peter. The first three stanzas focus on the original biblical account of Peter's denial of Jesus. The imagery used highlights Peter's weakness and fear. He "shrank from the cudgel, the scourge and the cord," emphasizing his physical cowardice. The phrase "poor silly fisherman, what could he do," paints a picture of Peter as helpless and inadequate. This original denial serves as the template for all subsequent betrayals, suggesting that humanity is prone to repeating this failure to stand up for what is right, regardless of circumstance.

The Expanding Scope of Betrayal: Beyond the Biblical Narrative

As the poem progresses, the scope of Peter's denial expands beyond the original biblical narrative. The subsequent stanzas situate "Peter" (now representing figures of authority and those with responsibility) in various historical contexts, most notably the battlefields of Flanders and Picardy during World War I and its effect on religious figures. This signifies that Peter’s denial is not limited to a single historical event, but is a recurring pattern in human behavior. The lines "Twas Mary the Mother in Heaven Who heard,/She grieved for the maidens and wives that they slew" evoke a powerful image of suffering and suggest that betrayal manifests as the abandonment of innocent victims during times of conflict.

Symbols of Authority and Loss: Keys, Sword, and Innocence

Several recurring symbols contribute to the poem's overall message. The "cock crow" itself is the primary symbol, representing the moment of recognition and shame following a betrayal. It acts as a constant reminder of moral failure. The "Keys and the Sword," traditionally associated with St. Peter's authority and power, symbolize the responsibility that comes with leadership and the consequences of failing to uphold that responsibility. The image of "the Babe in the Manger" and "the maidens and wives" represents lost innocence and the vulnerability of those who suffer as a result of betrayal. The lines "But the waters had covered them when the cock crew!" are a particularly evocative image of utter loss and the devastating consequences of inaction.

Condemnation and Consequence: A Final Judgement

The poem culminates in a final judgment on "Peter," where the Father takes away his authority and the Mother and Babe "brake his Kingdom in two." This ending emphasizes the ultimate consequences of repeated betrayal: the loss of power, the division of unity, and divine condemnation. The poem's final line, "(Because of his wickedness) when the cock crew!" serves as a stark reminder of the enduring impact of moral failings. "A Song At Cock-crow" ultimately serves as a cautionary tale, warning against the dangers of denial, inaction, and the recurring tendency to betray one's faith and responsibilities.