Poem Analysis - The Trade

Introduction: A Shadowy Profession

Rudyard Kipling's "The Trade" unveils the secretive and perilous world of submarine warfare. The poem adopts a tone of hushed respect mingled with a chilling awareness of the deadly nature of the submariners' work. There is a consistent mood of somber solemnity throughout the poem. The poem paints a portrait of unseen heroes operating in the shadows, their sacrifices largely unacknowledged, defined by a code of silence and deadly efficiency.

Historical Context: Silent Service in the Great War

While the exact historical context is not explicitly stated in the provided material, given that Rudyard Kipling was writing during a time of significant naval development in England, and considering the poem's themes, it's highly likely that "The Trade" reflects the rise of submarine warfare, potentially during the First World War or in its immediate aftermath. The reference to Zeppelins and the Baltic suggests a setting during WWI, where submarines played an increasingly important role. Kipling’s son, John, died in WWI which likely deeply impacted Kipling’s view of war and its participants. Submarines, then a relatively new technology, operated with a degree of secrecy and posed a unique threat, which likely inspired the poem’s themes of anonymity and unseen danger.

Anonymity and Sacrifice: Themes of Hidden Valor

One of the main themes is the anonymity surrounding the work of submariners. The opening lines, "They bear, in place of classic names, Letters and numbers on their skin," immediately depersonalize them, turning them into mere cogs in a machine of war. This loss of individual identity emphasizes the selfless sacrifice they make. Another key theme is the inherent danger associated with their missions. Lines like "Sometimes they stalk the Zeppelin, Sometimes they learn where mines are laid, Or where the Baltic ice is thin," highlight the constant risk of death. The phrase "one-eyed Death" is a powerful symbol of the submarine, and indicates the danger and unpredictability of their operations. Finally, the poem explores the theme of unacknowledged service. The lines "Their feats, their fortunes and their fames Are hidden from their nearest kin" reveal the complete lack of public recognition for their bravery. This deliberate obscurity underscores the profound sacrifice these individuals make, offering their lives without the prospect of glory or even acknowledgement.

Imagery and Symbolism: The Submarine as Silent Death

The poem utilizes stark imagery to depict the silent and deadly nature of submarine warfare. The "little boxes made of tin" create a claustrophobic and vulnerable image of the submarines themselves. The "whiffs of paraffin Or creamy rings that fizz and fade" serve as subtle but ominous signs of the submarine's presence, highlighting its ability to strike unseen. The poem includes the symbol of the “one-eyed death”. It is very vivid and is used to dehumanize both the submariner and his ship. The submarine is reduced to a deadly hunter, stalking their prey.

Concluding Thoughts: The Unsung Heroes of the Deep

"The Trade" serves as a poignant tribute to the submariners who operate in the shadows, risking their lives in anonymity and without public recognition. Kipling's poem skillfully conveys the perilous nature of their work and the profound sacrifices they make. By focusing on the secrecy and the lack of accolades, the poem underscores the dedication and courage of these unsung heroes of the deep, leaving the reader to contemplate the human cost of unseen battles and the often-unrecognized contributions of those who fight them.