Poem Analysis - Tomlinson

Kipling's Judgment of a Hollow Man

Rudyard Kipling's "Tomlinson" is a scathing satirical ballad that follows the journey of a man's soul through the afterlife, where he is rejected by both Heaven and Hell. The poem's tone is largely sardonic and judgmental, shifting between cosmic grandeur and the grotesque. It critiques intellectual pretense and the lack of genuine experience, ultimately portraying Tomlinson as a hollow man, devoid of original thought or action. The poem's extended narrative and biting wit serve to expose the dangers of a life lived vicariously.

The Perils of Borrowed Knowledge

One of the central themes of "Tomlinson" is the danger of relying on secondhand knowledge and experience. Throughout the poem, Tomlinson attempts to justify his existence by reciting what he has "read in a book," "heard men say," or "got from a Belgian book." This constant reliance on external sources reveals his intellectual dependence and lack of original thought. Kipling uses this to illustrate that mere intellectual knowledge, without accompanying action or genuine feeling, is worthless in the face of judgment, either divine or demonic. Tomlinson's inability to articulate his own experiences condemns him to a liminal state, rejected by both Heaven and Hell.

The Futility of Superficial Morality

The poem also explores the theme of superficial morality. Tomlinson claims to have a priest who can vouch for his good deeds, but is quickly rebuffed with the assertion that "the race is run by one and one and never by two and two." This emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility and the impossibility of relying on others to justify one's actions. Similarly, Tomlinson's attempt to impress the Devil with a borrowed sin – "I mind that I borrowed my neighbour's wife to sin the deadly sin" – is met with derision. This underscores the idea that even sin, if committed without genuine passion or conviction, is meaningless and pathetic. The poem ultimately suggests that true moral worth lies in authentic experiences, whether good or bad, rather than in adhering to societal norms or religious doctrines without internalizing them.

Symbolism of the Wind and Gates

Kipling employs potent symbolism throughout the poem to enhance its meaning. The "Wind that blows between the worlds" is a recurring image that represents the harsh reality of the afterlife and the emptiness faced by Tomlinson. It "cut him like a knife," highlighting his vulnerability and lack of substance. The Gates of Heaven and Hell symbolize judgment and the separation between the righteous and the damned. However, in Tomlinson's case, the gates are not barriers to entry but rather stages for his humiliating examination. They represent the impossibility of finding a place for someone who has failed to develop a unique identity or purpose. The gates become a symbol of Tomlinson's isolation and ultimate rejection, reinforcing the poem's critique of inauthenticity. Is Kipling suggesting that a life without genuine personal experience is a form of spiritual death, leaving one stranded between worlds?

Final Judgment: The Significance of Authenticity

"Tomlinson" serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of living an authentic and meaningful life. Through the character of Tomlinson, Kipling critiques intellectual pretense, superficial morality, and the reliance on secondhand experiences. The poem suggests that true worth lies not in borrowed knowledge or manufactured virtue, but in the genuine actions, feelings, and sins that shape an individual's soul. The harsh judgment faced by Tomlinson highlights the consequences of a life lived in the shadow of others, ultimately underscoring the necessity of embracing one's own experiences, for better or worse, to achieve true individuality and avoid the fate of a hollow, rejected soul. The poem's enduring power lies in its timeless message about the importance of authenticity and the dangers of living a life devoid of genuine personal experience.