Poem Analysis - To Thomas Atkins

A Song for the Common Soldier

Rudyard Kipling's "To Thomas Atkins" is a brief but heartfelt tribute to the common British soldier. The poem expresses respect and empathy for the soldier's hardships while also holding a hopeful outlook for future recognition and better treatment. The tone is generally admiring and sympathetic, though tinged with an underlying awareness of the inequities faced by soldiers. The poem maintains a consistent mood of sincere appreciation throughout.

The Burden of Service and Deferred Justice

One of the main themes is the burden of military service and the hope for future justice. The poem acknowledges the "pleasure and...pain" experienced by soldiers, suggesting an understanding of the sacrifices they make. The lines "O there'll surely come a day/ When they'll give you all your pay,/ And treat you as a Christian ought to do" express a hope, perhaps even a belief, that soldiers will eventually receive the respect and compensation they deserve. This theme underscores the discrepancy between the soldiers' service and their societal recognition.

The Enduring Image of "Thomas Atkins"

Another central theme is the idealization of the common soldier. The repeated phrase "Thomas, here's my best respects to you!" reinforces the speaker's admiration and respect for the individual soldier. “Thomas Atkins" was a generic term for a British private, effectively symbolizing everyman in the army. This embodies the soldier's steadfastness and sacrifice in the face of adversity.

Heavenly Protection and Unfulfilled Promises

A key symbol in the poem is the invocation of "Heaven." The line "Heaven keep you safe and sound" indicates not only a concern for the soldier's physical well-being but also a reliance on divine intervention to compensate for societal failings. The hope that "Heaven" will offer protection while the soldier awaits proper treatment underscores the profound vulnerability felt by the speaker. It implies that the promises made to and deserved by the soldier are not currently being fulfilled by earthly powers, therefore the soldier needs protection from something outside of human power.

A Legacy of Respect

In conclusion, "To Thomas Atkins" is a concise and sincere expression of respect and hope for the common British soldier. By acknowledging the soldier's sacrifices and expressing a desire for better treatment, Kipling's poem serves as a reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of recognizing the contributions of those who serve. The poem’s enduring appeal lies in its simple yet powerful message of appreciation and hope for a more just future for those in military service. What does it mean when "all your pay" is given? This raises an interesting question, is it just monetary, or all the respect due, or perhaps, when you're dead, your dues are finally met.