Poem Analysis - A Truthful Song

A Timeless Truth: An Introduction

Rudyard Kipling's "A Truthful Song" is a lighthearted and humorous poem that celebrates the enduring nature of human trades and skills. Through two anecdotal narratives, the poem emphasizes how little essential knowledge and practice have changed since ancient times. The tone is initially anecdotal and conversational, shifting to a more assertive and confident declaration of unchanging traditions.

Echoes of the Past: Ancient Skills in Modern Times

The poem presents two parallel scenarios: a bricklayer and a sailor encountering figures who claim to be Pharaoh and Noah, respectively. These figures possess an uncanny mastery of their trades, demonstrating knowledge and skill that surpasses even contemporary practitioners. This juxtaposition of ancient figures with modern tradesmen creates a humorous effect while also underscoring the idea that fundamental skills are timeless and unchanging. The poem suggests that despite technological advancements, the core principles of these trades remain surprisingly consistent with those practiced in ancient civilizations.

The Enduring Nature of Skill: A Central Theme

The central theme of "A Truthful Song" is the enduring nature of skill and craftsmanship. Both Pharaoh and Noah express that, despite the modern advancements in glazing, plumbing, wheels and pumps, they see no fundamental change in the core principles of bricklaying and shipbuilding, respectively. The confident pronouncements of Pharaoh and Noah, asserting their ability to build a pyramid or sail the world, highlight the unchanging nature of the essential skills required for these trades. The poem playfully suggests that true mastery transcends time.

Humor and Hyperbole: Exaggerating the Point

The poem employs humor and hyperbole to emphasize its message. The outrageous claims of Pharaoh and Noah, their ancient identities, and their casual assertion of superior skill are all humorous exaggerations that highlight the poem's central point. The image of Pharaoh confidently offering to teach bricklayers how to build a pyramid, or Noah promising to sail a modern ship around the world in a week, adds a layer of absurdity that reinforces the idea that some skills are fundamentally unchanging.

An Affirmation of Tradition: A Final Insight

"A Truthful Song" is a playful but ultimately affirmative poem that celebrates the continuity of human endeavor. While technology and tools may evolve, the underlying principles of craftsmanship remain constant. The poem's lighthearted tone and humorous imagery serve to reinforce the idea that the skills and knowledge passed down through generations connect us to the past and provide a sense of enduring tradition in a rapidly changing world. The poem acknowledges change but firmly believes that in its core the human capability in trades remain unchanged.