Poem Analysis - Study Of An Elevation In Indian Ink

A Bitter Glimpse into Professional Jealousy

Rudyard Kipling's "Study Of An Elevation, In Indian Ink" is a wry and envious portrait of a man, Potiphar Gubbins, who has inexplicably climbed the ladder of success. The poem simmers with resentment, bordering on indignation, as the speaker contrasts Gubbins's perceived inadequacies with his own (in his view) superior qualifications. The overall tone is one of bitter frustration, laced with a hint of self-pity and a dash of social commentary. While consistently disparaging, the poem subtly shifts from a professional comparison to a personal slight, highlighting the interconnectedness of career and relationships.

Kipling and the British Empire

While not directly addressed in the poem, Kipling's background as a chronicler of the British Empire provides context. His stories often explored the themes of merit, social class, and the seemingly arbitrary nature of advancement within colonial structures. "Study Of An Elevation" echoes these concerns, suggesting that favoritism and luck sometimes trump genuine skill, even within the supposedly meritocratic framework of engineering and bureaucracy.

Meritocracy Questioned: The Unfairness of Success

One of the central themes is the questioning of meritocracy. The speaker repeatedly emphasizes Potiphar Gubbins's incompetence, noting that "each bridge that he makes either buckles or breaks" and that "his work is as rough as he." Despite these glaring flaws, Gubbins is "dear to the Powers that Be" and destined for a "highly paid post" coveted by more deserving individuals. The poem suggests that success is not always a result of talent or hard work, but can be influenced by other, less justifiable factors, fostering resentment in those who believe they are more deserving. This disparity between perceived merit and actual reward fuels the speaker's bitterness and casts doubt on the fairness of the system.

Love and Loss: A Romantic Angle

The poem introduces a romantic element with the line "And I can't understand why you gave him your hand, Lovely Mehitabel Lee." This suggests that the speaker's envy extends beyond professional jealousy to a personal rivalry. He seems to believe that Gubbins is unworthy not only of his professional position but also of Mehitabel Lee's affections. The question posed in the final stanza, "Should I have riz to where Potiphar is, Hadst thou been mated to Me?" reveals the speaker's belief that his relationship with Mehitabel could have been the key to his success. It implies that romantic relationships can significantly impact one's career trajectory, adding another layer of complexity to the theme of unfairness.

Social Commentary: Appearances and Influence

A recurring image is that of the "Powers that Be" who "bow and...smile in an affable style" towards Gubbins. This imagery underscores the importance of social graces and personal connections in achieving success. Gubbins, despite his professional shortcomings, possesses a certain charm or ability to ingratiate himself with those in positions of authority. This suggests a critique of a system where appearances and influence can be more valuable than genuine competence. The speaker, by implication, lacks this social polish and perhaps suffers as a result, highlighting a disparity between those who are naturally adept at navigating social hierarchies and those who are not. The "tree" where Potiphar stands symbolizes the hierarchical structure, and Gubbins's position at the "top" represents his elevation within that structure.

Conclusion: A Timeless Tale of Envy

"Study Of An Elevation, In Indian Ink" offers a timeless and relatable exploration of envy, frustration, and the perceived unfairness of success. Through its biting tone and vivid imagery, the poem exposes the speaker's resentment towards Potiphar Gubbins, not just for his professional advancement but also for his romantic success. Kipling subtly critiques a system where merit is seemingly overlooked in favor of social connections and perhaps even luck. The poem leaves us contemplating the complex and often unpredictable factors that contribute to individual success, reminding us that bitterness can arise when we perceive ourselves as more deserving than those who have risen above us.