Poem Analysis - The White Mans Burden

Overall Impression and Tone

Rudyard Kipling's "The White Man's Burden" is a complex and deeply problematic poem. Its tone is didactic and paternalistic, urging the "White man" to embrace the task of civilizing supposedly inferior races. The poem resonates with a sense of duty and sacrifice, but this is interwoven with an undeniable arrogance and a justification for imperialistic endeavors. While seemingly celebrating selfless service, the underlying message normalizes racial hierarchy and exploitation. The mood is consistently serious, lacking any humor or irony, solidifying its tone of grim obligation.

Historical Context: The Height of Imperialism

Written in 1899, during the height of European imperialism, "The White Man's Burden" was published in response to the United States' annexation of the Philippines after the Spanish-American War. Kipling, a staunch supporter of British imperialism, used the poem as an exhortation to the US to embrace its own imperial destiny and take up the "burden" of civilizing the Filipino people. The poem reflects the prevalent, though deeply flawed, Victorian-era belief in the inherent superiority of the white race and their moral obligation to uplift and govern non-white populations.

The Burden of Civilization: A Central Theme

The central theme is the supposed "burden" of the white race to civilize and govern other, less "developed" peoples. This burden is presented not as a reward or a privilege, but as a difficult and thankless task involving sacrifice and hardship. The poem uses imagery of servitude ("toil of serf and sweeper") and suffering ("mark them with your dead!") to emphasize the cost of this endeavor. This theme is further reinforced through the recurring motif of thanklessness, as the colonized people are depicted as ungrateful and rebellious ("The blame of those ye better, The hate of those ye guard"). This served as a justification for colonial actions despite native resistance.

The "Half Devil and Half Child" Dichotomy: A Dehumanizing Theme

Another significant theme is the dehumanization of colonized peoples. They are repeatedly portrayed as "new-caught, sullen peoples, Half devil and half child." This image suggests that they are inherently uncivilized and incapable of governing themselves, requiring the guidance and control of the "White man." The "devil" aspect represents their supposed savagery and potential for violence, while the "child" aspect reinforces their perceived immaturity and lack of reason. This theme operates as a cornerstone for rationalizing imperial control as benevolent and necessary, masking underlying motivations of economic and political gain.

Sacrifice and Reward: A Twisted Ideal

The poem explores the idea of sacrifice, presenting the "White man" as willing to endure hardship and even death for the sake of others. However, the "reward" offered is not material wealth or personal glory, but the "blame" and "hate" of those they seek to "better." This paradoxical reward system reinforces the idea that the "White man's burden" is a selfless act of altruism, motivated solely by the desire to improve the lives of others. This is, however, a twisted ideal that ignores the clear power imbalances and exploitation inherent in colonial relationships.

Symbols of Civilization and Savagery: Light and Darkness

The poem uses powerful symbols to reinforce its message. Light and darkness are used symbolically to represent civilization and savagery. The "cry of hosts ye humour (Ah, slowly!) toward the light" suggests that the colonized peoples are being led out of darkness (ignorance and barbarism) and into the light of civilization. However, the poem also mentions "Our loved Egyptian night," suggesting that the colonized people may prefer their own traditional ways of life, even if they are perceived as less "advanced" by Western standards. This creates ambiguity; is the light a true enlightenment or a blinding force imposed upon a reluctant people?

Concluding Insight

"The White Man's Burden" is a deeply troubling poem that reflects the attitudes and beliefs of a specific historical period. While it may have been intended as a call to action, its inherent racism and justification for imperialism make it a problematic piece of literature. It stands as a stark reminder of the dangers of ethnocentrism and the lasting impact of colonial ideology. The poem's continued relevance lies in its ability to spark critical discussions about race, power, and the legacy of colonialism.