Poem Analysis - What Happened

Introduction: A Satirical Tale of Misplaced Ambition

Rudyard Kipling's "What Happened" is a satirical poem that recounts the story of Hurree Chunder Mookerjee, a Bengali man who seeks to assert his status by acquiring weaponry. The poem adopts a lighthearted and almost mocking tone, initially amused by Mookerjee's vanity. However, the mood shifts as the narrative progresses, revealing a darker undercurrent of colonial power dynamics and the consequences of underestimating the martial capabilities of those deemed "unenlightened." The poem ultimately leaves the reader with a sense of unease and unanswered questions regarding Mookerjee's fate.

Context: Colonial Power and Perceived Inferiority

Kipling, writing from the perspective of the British Empire, frequently explored themes of cultural difference and the complexities of colonial rule. This poem reflects the era's assumptions about the superiority of Western civilization and the perceived naivety of the colonized. It hints at the power imbalance between the British government and the Indian population, with the government's actions bordering on manipulation and a dangerous game of observation. It is relevant to remember that Kipling was a product of his time and not to assume that modern views are always reflected in older works.

The Illusion of Power and the Perils of Vanity

One central theme in "What Happened" is the illusion of power. Mookerjee, eager to display his status, believes that acquiring arms will elevate him in society. The poem uses vivid imagery to emphasize his superficiality: "Jingled like a carriage-horse when he went abroad." This simile underscores the absurdity of Mookerjee's attempt to project power through mere possessions. The poem mocks the "Barrishter-at-Lar" for thinking his westernized title gives him any kind of real advantage against much more dangerous players. Ironically, these same possessions ultimately contribute to his downfall when they attract the attention of individuals far more experienced and ruthless in their use of weaponry.

The Underestimation of Native Strength

The poem also explores the theme of underestimation. The Indian government, in its "wicked wink," assumes that men like Yar Mahommed and Chimbu Singh are merely "horrid men" who can be easily controlled. However, the poem reveals their martial prowess and deep-rooted knowledge of warfare: "the lore of centuries, plus a hundred fights." This highlights a critical flaw in the colonial mindset, which often dismissed the capabilities of indigenous populations. The detailed descriptions of the weapons that these individuals are already familiar with are presented in great contrast to Mookerjee's newly purchased and showy arms. This further highlights the fact that while Mookerjee is showy, the others are skilled and prepared.

The Symbolism of Weapons and Disappearance

The weapons in the poem serve as potent symbols of power and cultural identity. Mookerjee's "tubes of Lancaster, Ballard, Dean, and Bland" represent Western technology and his aspiration to emulate the colonizers. In contrast, the weapons of the other characters, such as the "hide-bound flail" and the "Khyberee butcher-knife," symbolize their connection to their ancestral traditions and their understanding of violence as a practical necessity. Mookerjee's disappearance is itself a powerful symbol. The poem ends with a series of questions about his fate, leaving the reader to infer the grim reality: Mookerjee has been overpowered and likely killed, a victim of his own vanity and the underestimation of others.

Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale of Colonial Blindness

"What Happened" is a darkly humorous poem that satirizes the vanity of Hurree Chunder Mookerjee and critiques the short-sightedness of colonial power. While the poem's tone may initially seem playful, it ultimately exposes the dangers of cultural arrogance and the tragic consequences of underestimating the strength and resilience of those deemed "unenlightened." The unresolved questions surrounding Mookerjee's fate serve as a chilling reminder of the real-world implications of such flawed perspectives and the complex interplay of power, perception, and cultural identity in the colonial context. The poem leaves the reader to ponder the true meaning of power and the importance of understanding the capabilities of others, regardless of perceived social standing.