Poem Analysis - A Tale Of Two Cities

Introduction: A City Built on Contradiction

Rudyard Kipling's "A Tale of Two Cities" presents a cynical yet vibrant portrait of Calcutta (the city Charnock chose). The poem's tone is initially descriptive, almost anthropological, cataloging the city's features. It shifts to a critical, even sardonic, observation of the colonial relationship between the British rulers and the city they control. Finally, it arrives at a conclusion of resigned detachment, acknowledging the inherent conflicts within this colonial enterprise.

Historical Context: The Burden of Empire

Kipling, a staunch supporter of the British Empire, often explored the complexities and contradictions of colonial rule. This poem reflects that ambivalence. The historical context is crucial: Calcutta was the capital of British India for many years, a vital center of trade and administration. Charnock, mentioned in the poem, was a representative of the East India Company, whose initial trading post evolved into a powerful administrative center. The poem, therefore, can be seen as a commentary on the unintended and often problematic consequences of imperial expansion.

Theme 1: The Parasitic Nature of Colonialism

One dominant theme is the parasitic nature of colonialism. The poem highlights how the British "Rulers" benefit from the city's resources and trade ("Though the argosies of Asia at Her doors Heap their stores"), yet retreat from its discomforts ("Fled, with each returning spring-tide from its ills To the Hills"). This highlights the imbalance of power, where the colonizers extract wealth while avoiding the consequences of their presence. The city itself is described as "pestilential," an environment the rulers cannot fully inhabit, further emphasizing their exploitative relationship.

Theme 2: The Inevitability of Conflict

Another theme is the inevitability of conflict within the colonial structure. The "City and the Viceroy, as we see, Don't agree." This disagreement isn't simply about comfort, but represents a deeper clash of interests. The city demands equality ("Because for certain months, we boil and stew, So should you"), while the ruling class asserts its privilege and inability to withstand the city's conditions ("That an amateur Saint Lawrence cannot fry: 'All must fry!'"). This tension reveals the fundamental unsustainability of a system built on inequality and exploitation.

Theme 3: The Ambiguous Legacy of Progress

The poem also explores the ambiguous legacy of progress. The rise of the city from a humble trading post to a major center is presented as accidental and even regrettable ("Thus the midday halt of Charnock -- more's the pity! Grew a City"). The imagery of the city spreading like "fungus" suggests a chaotic and uncontrolled growth, leading to "poverty and pride -- Side by side." This highlights the social disparities and environmental degradation that accompanied colonial development, suggesting that "progress" came at a significant cost.

Symbolism: The City as a Living Organism

The city itself serves as a powerful symbol. It is not just a location, but a living organism, riddled with disease ("cholera, the cyclone, and the crow"), but also bustling with trade and activity ("the merchant deals in indigo and tea, Hides and ghi"). The "sewage rendered fetid" and the "Sunderbunds unwholesome" symbolize the moral and physical corruption inherent in the colonial project. The description of the city’s unplanned growth as a spreading fungus is an extremely negative symbol, that highlights the uncontrollable and harmful effects of colonialism.

Conclusion: A Resigned Departure

"A Tale of Two Cities" is a complex and ambivalent portrayal of colonialism. It acknowledges the economic benefits brought to Calcutta through trade but underscores the exploitative nature of British rule and the inevitable conflicts it engendered. The final lines express a sense of resignation, suggesting that the best solution is separation: "Still, for rule, administration, and the rest, Simla's best." Ultimately, the poem leaves the reader with a sense of unease, questioning the long-term consequences of a system built on inequality and the unsustainable desire to profit from a place without truly investing in its well-being.