Poem Analysis - To The True Romance

Rudyard Kipling's "To The True Romance" is a soaring hymn to an idealized, almost mystical concept of Romance. The poem isn't about romantic love in the conventional sense but rather a devotion to an abstract ideal of beauty, truth, and purpose that elevates human existence. The tone is reverent and celebratory, imbued with a sense of longing and aspiration. While the poem remains largely consistent in its tone, there is a subtle shift from lamenting the elusiveness of this ideal to embracing its enduring influence.

The Enduring Power of Idealism

One of the central themes is the power of idealism to inspire and sustain humanity. The poem posits that this "True Romance" is the wellspring of all that is beautiful and meaningful in human endeavor: "What is is Thine of fair design / In thought and craft and deed." This ideal is presented as the driving force behind artistic creation, moral action, and even the pursuit of knowledge. Kipling suggests that even failures and suffering gain meaning when viewed through the lens of this overarching ideal, implying that it is the pursuit of this elusive Romance that gives human life its significance.

Transcending the Mundane

The poem also explores the theme of transcendence. The "True Romance" is perpetually beyond reach, always "far from this our war." Yet, its influence permeates all aspects of human experience. It acts as a "veil" between humanity's imperfections and a higher power, providing comfort and meaning amidst the "shambles where we die." This transcendence is not just spiritual; it's also manifested in human creativity and the ability to perceive beauty even in suffering. The poem suggests that by connecting with this ideal, individuals can transcend the limitations of their mortal existence and access a realm of eternal significance.

Romance as the Source of Meaning

A third prominent theme is the idea of Romance as the source of ultimate meaning. Without it, Kipling suggests, human endeavors are reduced to mere "arithmetic" or base instincts. The True Romance provides the "spur of trust" and the "curb of lust," guiding individuals towards higher purposes. This concept acts as both a source of comfort in times of hardship ("Comfortress of Unsuccess") and a guiding principle for moral action. The poem implies that true fulfillment comes not from material success or worldly pleasures but from aligning oneself with this enduring ideal of beauty, truth, and purpose.

Recurring Images and Their Symbolism

The poem employs recurring images to reinforce its themes. The image of light is particularly significant, representing knowledge, beauty, and the divine. The "Lights" that were "set" before creation symbolize the eternal nature of this Romance, while the "light that shifts, a glare that drifts" suggests its elusive and ever-changing presence in the world. The use of **garments** implies a tantalizing closeness to the divine, yet an insurmountable distance. The poem also includes the image of a "face" that cannot be seen. This suggests that the True Romance can be known but not fully understood in a tangible form. What, if anything does it mean for the "children wise of outer skies" to "mark" us? The poem might be interpreted as humanity's own understanding of Romance is forever changing, not only on Earth, but that Earth is being observed and its trajectory measured by forces beyond our comprehension.

Concluding Thoughts

In conclusion, "To The True Romance" is a powerful affirmation of the enduring human need for ideals and meaning. Kipling's poem celebrates the transformative power of an abstract concept of beauty, truth, and purpose, suggesting that it is this "True Romance" that elevates human existence and provides solace in the face of mortality. The poem serves as a reminder that even in a world filled with war and suffering, the pursuit of ideals can offer a path towards transcendence and lasting significance.