The Two-sided Man
The Two-sided Man - meaning Summary
Duality of Belief and Doubt
Kipling presents a speaker who celebrates an ability to hold contradictory perspectives. He acknowledges various faiths and practices without privileging one, praising a divine gift of having "two sides" to his head. The poem registers pragmatic tolerance and an appetite for intellectual or spiritual ambivalence: the speaker values this doubleness more than material comforts and loyalty to any single creed.
Read Complete AnalysesMuch I owe to the Lands that grew-- More to the Lives that fed-- But most to Allah Who gave me two Separate sides to my head. Much I reflect on the Good and the True In the Faiths beneath the sun, But most to Allah Who gave me two Sides to my head, not one. Wesley's following, Calvin's flock, White or yellow or bronze, Shaman, Ju-ju or Angekok, Minister, Mukamuk, Bonze-- Here is a health, my brothers, to you, However your prayers are said, And praised be Allah Who gave me two Separate sides to my head! I would go without shirt or shoe, Friend, tobacco or bread, Sooner than lose for a minute the two Separate sides of my head!
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