An Imperial Rescript by Rudyard Kipling

Name: An Imperial Rescript
Author: Rudyard Kipling

The narrative unfolds during a council convened by a German Kaiser, aimed at addressing the burdens of the strong and the needs of the weak. Delegates from various industrial cities gather, representing a diverse workforce weary from labor. The young King proposes a solution: a collective march towards peace and prosperity, where the strong support the weak. As the delegates prepare to sign a document promising this unity, a young woman's laughter disrupts the solemnity. Her presence symbolizes the aspirations and personal lives of the workers, reminding them of their individual dreams and responsibilities. A delegate from America expresses his commitment to his family and future, rejecting the notion of sacrificing personal ambition for collective ideals. An English delegate echoes this sentiment, emphasizing his dedication to his family and job. The German delegates engage in a pragmatic discussion about the interplay between financial stability and personal relationships, suggesting that economic success is intertwined with social connections. They conclude that while they aspire to improve conditions, their immediate focus remains on their own livelihoods and families. Ultimately, the council's deliberations highlight the tension between collective responsibility and individual aspirations, illustrating the complexities of labor, love, and ambition in a rapidly industrializing world. The laughter of the maiden serves as a pivotal moment, reminding the delegates of their humanity amidst the weight of their responsibilities. The story encapsulates the struggle between idealism and realism, emphasizing that personal desires often take precedence over grand collective promises.

By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1901 · Genre: Poetry, Satire, Social Commentary · 703 words

First lines

Now this is the tale of the Council the German Kaiser decreed, / To ease the strong of their burden, to help the weak in their need, / He sent a word to the peoples, who struggle, and pant, and sweat, / That the straw might be counted fairly and the tally of bricks be set.

The Lords of Their Hands assembled; from the East and the West they drew -- / Baltimore, Lille, and Essen, Brummagem, Clyde, and Crewe. / And some were black from the furnace, and some were brown from the soil, / And some were blue from the dye-vat; but all were wearied of toil.

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An Imperial Rescript is listed on Textopian as a poem by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1901 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Rudyard Kipling
Date: 1901 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Satire, Social Commentary, Historical Fiction, Narrative
Length: 703 words
Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and rhyme, characteristic of poetry.
Satire — The poem critiques social and political issues, using humor and irony to highlight the absurdity of the council's deliberations.
Social Commentary — The themes address labor, class struggle, and the human condition, reflecting on societal dynamics.
Historical Fiction — The poem references historical figures and events, situating its narrative within a specific historical context.