Poem Analysis - Things And The Man

Introduction: A Call to Recognize the Individual

Rudyard Kipling's "Things And The Man" is a potent exploration of the power of the individual in the face of overwhelming forces. The poem's initial tone is somewhat accusatory, directed at those who dissect and analyze history without recognizing the driving force behind it. However, the mood shifts to admiration and reverence as the poem progresses, celebrating the exceptional individual who shapes events. Ultimately, the poem ends with a challenge, a questioning of whether such individuals still exist in the present day. It's a rallying cry to acknowledge and celebrate the agency of the single person.

The Unsung Hero: Valorizing the Individual Over Abstraction

One of the central themes of the poem is the importance of recognizing the individual's role in shaping history. Kipling criticizes those who focus on "written clue[s]" and "accomplished Fact[s]," essentially, historical records and events, without understanding the personal drive and courage behind them. This is evident in the refrain, "Once on a time there was a Man," which emphasizes the human element often lost in broader historical narratives. The poem paints a picture of a hero who faces seemingly insurmountable odds: "Magicians, Armies, Ogres, Kings," illustrating that history is not simply a series of events, but the result of individual will and action. The poem challenges the reader to look beyond the "Things" (historical events, structures of power) and see the "Man" who initiated them.

Defiance and Innovation: Challenging the Status Quo

Another key theme is the individual's capacity to challenge and disrupt established norms. The poem highlights the hero's rebellious spirit: "The peace of shocked Foundations flew / Before his ribald questionings." This depicts a person who is unafraid to question authority and break down established structures. By breaking "the Oracles in two," the "Man" exposes the artificiality and limitations of conventional wisdom. His "desert wanderings" symbolize a journey of innovation, leading his "soul, his cause, his clan" away from the established "ruck of Things." Kipling celebrates not just individual courage, but also the power of independent thought and action to create something new.

Empire's Foundation: Individual Drive and Collective Impact

The poem touches upon the theme of leadership and the impact of a single individual on a larger scale, potentially within an imperial context, which is in keeping with Kipling's known affiliations. The line "And unto him an Empire clings" suggests that the individual's vision and purpose can inspire and mobilize entire societies. The imagery of "Dothan's dreamer" evokes the biblical figure of Joseph, who's dreams led to great things, highlighting the power of vision and foresight. The concluding question, "Once -- in our time -- is there a Man?" underscores the ongoing need for such individuals to guide and shape society, particularly within the British Empire, and the poem serves as an encouragement for their emergence.

The Sting of Truth: A Simple Message, Profoundly Disruptive

A recurring image is the "simple central truth that stings / The mob to boo, the priest to ban." This highlights the often unpopular and disruptive nature of genuine leadership. The "truth" is not always easily accepted; it can challenge established power structures ("priest") and societal norms ("mob"). The image of the "Teeth of Things" is also a potent symbol of the overwhelming forces of the world, the challenges and obstacles that the individual must confront. It represents the collective weight of history, tradition, and adversity that stands in the way of progress, and the hero's ability to launch himself straight at it.

Conclusion: A Timeless Question of Individual Agency

"Things And The Man" ultimately serves as a reminder of the importance of individual agency in shaping history and society. It critiques a purely structural or materialistic view of history, arguing that the actions and vision of exceptional individuals are the driving force behind significant change. The poem's enduring significance lies in its ability to challenge us to look beyond events and institutions to recognize the individuals who dare to question, innovate, and lead. The final question leaves us pondering whether such individuals still exist in our own time, and what we can do to foster their emergence. The poem implicitly inspires the reader to be that "Man."