Poem Analysis - The Story Of Ung

An Icy Reflection of Art and Society

Rudyard Kipling's "The Story of Ung" is a fable about the role of the artist in society, set in a prehistoric, ice-age landscape. The poem initially carries a light, almost celebratory tone as Ung's artistic talent is praised. However, this mood shifts to one of conflict and doubt as the tribe questions the source and validity of Ung's inspiration. Ultimately, the poem resolves with a pragmatic acceptance of the artist's unique perspective and the tribe's "blindness", resulting in a cynical yet sustainable equilibrium.

The Artist's Burden: Knowledge and Misunderstanding

One of the poem's central themes is the burden of knowledge and the misunderstanding that can arise between the artist and the broader community. Ung possesses a unique ability to perceive and represent the world around him, capturing the essence of animals like the aurochs and mammoth with accuracy. Yet, this very ability becomes a point of contention. The tribe cannot fathom how Ung could know these creatures so intimately without having directly experienced them in the same way they have. This disconnect highlights the artist's capacity for observation, imagination, and insightful representation – qualities that set them apart but also lead to suspicion and doubt. Kipling demonstrates that the very skill that elevates Ung in his tribe also makes him suspect.

The Price of Artistic Freedom: Pragmatism Over Purity

Another theme explored in the poem is the price of artistic freedom. Ung's father, a fellow artist, advises him not to challenge the tribe's ignorance because his art provides him with comfort and sustenance. The father’s speech emphasizes a pragmatic approach: if everyone could "see as thou seest," Ung's unique value would diminish, and the gifts he receives in exchange for his art would cease. This theme reflects a tension between artistic integrity and the practical realities of survival. Ung is faced with a choice: remain true to his vision and risk alienation, or compromise his ideals to maintain his privileged position. He chooses the latter, suggesting that artistic freedom can be contingent on societal acceptance and economic factors.

Blindness as Blessing: Societal Structure and Function

The concept of blindness as a blessing is arguably the most striking and cynical theme in the poem. Ung's father explicitly states, "rejoice that thy tribe is blind!" This statement implies that the tribe's inability to see the world as Ung does is not a deficiency but a necessary condition for the existing social order. Their "blindness" creates a demand for Ung's artistic skills, as he provides them with representations of the world they cannot fully comprehend themselves. In this way, ignorance becomes functional, ensuring Ung's livelihood and maintaining the tribe's dependence on his talent. This idea suggests a critique of societal structures where power dynamics and economic inequalities can be sustained by disparities in knowledge and perception.

Ice and Bone: Symbols of Creation and Limitation

The poem employs potent symbols that contribute to its overall message. The "glittering ice-field" represents both the challenging environment of the prehistoric setting and the blank canvas upon which Ung creates his art. Ice is ephemeral, suggesting the fragility and impermanence of artistic creation. Similarly, Ung's "scribing on bone" is symbolic. Bone, a durable material, signifies the attempt to preserve and immortalize the images. It also represents the limitations of the artist's medium, as bone is a finite resource, restricting the scope and scale of his artistic endeavors. These symbols underscore the themes of artistic creation, societal constraints, and the tension between permanence and transience.

The Bitter Triumph of Ung: A Final Reflection

"The Story of Ung" is a complex and thought-provoking poem that explores the relationship between art, society, and power. While seemingly a simple tale, it delves into profound questions about the nature of artistic inspiration, the price of recognition, and the functional role of ignorance in maintaining social hierarchies. The poem's ending, with Ung "blessing his tribe for their blindness," leaves a lingering sense of cynicism, suggesting that true artistic fulfillment may be unattainable in a world where art is often valued more for its social utility than for its intrinsic worth. Ultimately, Kipling presents a somewhat bleak, yet perhaps realistic, view of the artist's place in a world that may not truly understand or appreciate their unique vision.