Poem Analysis - What The People Said

An Introduction to "What The People Said"

Rudyard Kipling's "What The People Said" offers a glimpse into the mindset of the common agricultural worker in India under British rule. The poem is characterized by a tone of stoic acceptance and deep-seated faith in a higher power. It contrasts the grand pronouncements of the ruling power with the quiet resilience of the peasantry, highlighting their focus on the practical necessities of life. The mood is generally calm and resigned, reflecting a worldview shaped by generations of hardship and reliance on the unpredictable forces of nature.

Historical Echoes and Imperial Pronouncements

Kipling's work is often viewed through the lens of British imperialism. He spent a significant portion of his life in India and his writings frequently reflected the social and political dynamics of the time. In "What The People Said," the "Great Queen's voice" is a direct reference to Queen Victoria, then the reigning monarch of the British Empire. The poem hints at the disconnect between the imperial power, celebrating its dominion, and the local population, whose daily lives are dictated by the more immediate concerns of agriculture and survival. The mention of "Mogul Mahratta, and Mlech from the North" highlights the history of invasions and shifting powers in the region, further contextualizing the ploughman's understanding of earthly rulers as temporary.

Faith, Acceptance, and the Cycle of Life

One central theme in the poem is the profound faith of the ploughman. He attributes both the good and the bad – "years that are good" and "the dearth" – to divine will. This acceptance shapes his approach to life. His focus remains on the tangible: "the wheat and the cattle are all my care." The recurring phrase, "And the rest is the will of God," underscores his belief that events beyond his control are predetermined. This faith provides a framework for understanding and coping with the hardships and uncertainties of his existence, allowing him to continue his work with quiet determination.

Imagery of Earth and Power

The poem utilizes powerful imagery to contrast the earthly and the imperial. The "well, where the bullocks go / Silent and blind and slow" and the "field where the young corn dies" depict the harsh realities of agricultural life. These images of labor and potential failure stand in stark contrast to the "Great serpents, blazing, of red and blue" – likely fireworks – that represent the Queen's celebration. These fireworks, though intended to inspire wonder, are met with the ploughman's simple statement: "To-day and to-morrow God's will." The "grudging clod" and "sun-dried clod" symbolize the difficult conditions the ploughman faces and the unyielding nature of the land, contrasting with the fleeting spectacle of imperial power.

The Ambiguity of Progress and Prosperity

The poem concludes with the ploughman returning to his work, reinforcing the cyclical nature of his life and the land. The "White Queen over the Seas" is just another in a long line of rulers, all subject to the same divine will that governs the seasons. While the fireworks suggest progress and celebration, the ploughman's continued labor implies a more nuanced perspective. Does the poem celebrate the resilience and simple faith of the people, or does it subtly critique the disconnect between imperial ambition and the realities of colonial life? The poem leaves room for interpretation, inviting readers to consider the true meaning of prosperity and the impact of distant rulers on the lives of ordinary people.

Final Thoughts

"What The People Said" offers a compelling portrayal of a worldview shaped by faith, resilience, and the rhythms of agricultural life. By contrasting the pronouncements of imperial power with the quiet acceptance of the ploughman, Kipling creates a nuanced exploration of faith and perseverance. Ultimately, the poem suggests that true strength lies not in grand displays of power, but in the enduring spirit of those who work the land and find meaning in the face of hardship.