Poem Analysis - The Undertakers Horse

Introduction: A Grim Canter Towards Mortality

Rudyard Kipling's "The Undertaker's Horse" is a darkly humorous meditation on mortality. The poem adopts a tone of morbid fascination, as the speaker is both repulsed and captivated by the presence of the undertaker's horse. The initial sense of dread and unease subtly evolves into a defiant, albeit nervous, acknowledgment of death's inevitability. This shift is marked by a grudging respect for the horse's purpose, intermingled with a desperate desire to outlive it. Ultimately, the poem serves as a stark reminder of our shared fate.

The Shadow of Empire: Death in Colonial India

Kipling's work is often viewed through the lens of British colonialism, and "The Undertaker's Horse" is no exception. The poem evokes a sense of isolation and vulnerability in a foreign land, as the speaker encounters the undertaker's horse on the "Course," likely a familiar gathering place for the British expatriate community in India. The mention of "dusky heathens" suggests a fear of the unknown and a longing for the familiar comfort of "English grass," implying a deeper unease about mortality within the context of colonial life.

Mortality's Implacable Messenger: The Undertaker's Horse as Symbol

The poem's central theme is, undoubtedly, mortality. The undertaker's horse functions as a powerful symbol of death's relentless approach. Its "hideously suggestive" trot serves as a constant reminder of the speaker's own impermanence. The horse is not merely a vehicle; it's a living embodiment of death's inevitability. The speaker's observations, like "Mend your pace, my friend, I'm coming. Who's the next?" emphasize that death is always approaching, no matter how hard one tries to ignore it. This creates a haunting atmosphere throughout the poem.

Fleeting Beauty and Grim Purpose: Contrasting Images

Kipling skillfully employs contrasting imagery to heighten the poem's impact. The image of "Beauty on your back, Sir, / Pacing as a lady's hack, Sir," juxtaposed with the horse's true purpose, creates a jarring and unsettling effect. This contrast underscores the deceptive nature of life, where beauty and pleasure exist alongside the ever-present reality of death. The horse's "businesslike black crimping of your tail" further emphasizes its somber and practical role, contrasting sharply with the frivolous image of a "lady's hack." This tension between beauty and grim purpose is central to the poem's impact.

The Price of Arrogance: A Defiant Glimmer of Hope

While mortality is a central theme, the poem also explores the hubris of those who believe themselves immune to death. The speaker recalls "the strongest go – men / Of pith and might and muscle – at your heels," suggesting that physical strength and power are ultimately futile in the face of mortality. However, towards the end of the poem, there's a defiant glimmer of hope. The speaker entertains the possibility of outliving the horse: "I shall watch your plump sides hollow, / See Carnifex (gone lame) become a corse – / See old age at last o'erpower you." This moment of vengeful fantasy, however brief, provides a small measure of comfort and a fragile assertion of life's persistence.

Conclusion: An Everlasting Trot

"The Undertaker's Horse" is a chilling and unforgettable exploration of mortality. Kipling uses the image of the undertaker's horse to create a powerful symbol of death's inevitability. The poem's strength lies in its ability to evoke a visceral sense of dread while simultaneously prompting reflection on the fleeting nature of life. Although the speaker attempts to confront and even mock the horse, the poem ultimately acknowledges the inescapable reality that the undertaker's horse – and the death it represents – is "sure to catch you sooner or later." The poem's enduring power lies in its honesty and the uncomfortable truth it presents: death is the ultimate destination for all.