In the Neolithic Age
The narrative unfolds in the Neolithic Age, where the speaker reflects on their experiences as a tribal singer engaged in primitive warfare for sustenance and recognition. The speaker recounts the harsh realities of life, including conflict with a rival who criticizes their artistic style, leading to a violent confrontation. The speaker's actions result in a moment of introspection, as they grapple with the morality of their deeds and the nature of artistic expression. A vision from their Totem reveals a profound truth: there are numerous valid ways to create and express tribal stories, emphasizing the diversity of perspectives in art and culture. This realization leads to a transformation, as the speaker is reborn into a new era, yet retains the essence of their identity as a storyteller. The poem juxtaposes the primitive past with the complexities of contemporary society, illustrating that despite advancements, human nature remains unchanged. The speaker observes ongoing conflicts and the persistence of basic instincts, suggesting that the essence of humanity—its creativity, struggles, and interactions—transcends time. Ultimately, the work conveys a message about the multiplicity of artistic expression and the universality of human experience, asserting that all forms of storytelling hold value and legitimacy. The speaker's wisdom encapsulates the idea that every narrative, regardless of its form, contributes to the rich tapestry of human culture.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1933 · Genre: Poetry, Historical Fiction, Adventure · 574 words
First lines
In the Neolithic Age savage warfare did I wage For food and fame and woolly horses' pelt; I was singer to my clan in that dim, red Dawn of Man, And I sang of all we fought and feared and felt.
Yea, I sang as now I sing, when the Prehistoric spring Made the piled Biscayan ice-pack split and shove; And the troll and gnome and dwerg, and the Gods of Cliff and Berg Were about me and beneath me and above.
What this Textopian page supports
In the Neolithic Age is listed on Textopian as a poem by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1933 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Rudyard Kipling
- Date: 1933 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Historical Fiction, Adventure, Philosophical, Satire
- Length: 574 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for In the Neolithic Age by Rudyard Kipling
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Similar titles
- Into The Primitive by Robert Ames Bennet
- The Maker To Posterity by Robert Louis Stevenson
- Poseidons Law by Rudyard Kipling
- Jubal And Tubal Cain by Rudyard Kipling
- The Story Of Ung by Rudyard Kipling
- Evarra And His Gods by Rudyard Kipling
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and rhyme, characteristic of poetry.
- Historical Fiction — The poem explores themes and settings from the Neolithic Age, blending historical elements with imaginative storytelling.
- Adventure — The narrative involves themes of warfare, survival, and exploration, typical of adventure literature.
- Philosophical — The poem reflects on the nature of art, culture, and human experience, prompting philosophical contemplation.
Tags
Neolithic · Kipling · poetry · tribal · savage warfare · prehistoric · art · culture · mythology · nature · humanity · identity