Jubal and Tubal Cain
The narrative explores the contrasting lives and philosophies of two biblical figures, Jubal and Tubal Cain, representing the dichotomy between art and industry, spirituality and practicality. Jubal embodies the artistic spirit, singing of divine wrath, love, and peace, while Tubal Cain symbolizes the industrious man, focused on tangible achievements like agriculture, construction, and weaponry. The poem illustrates their ongoing conflict, rooted in their differing worldviews. Jubal's songs reflect a yearning for harmony and a higher moral order, while Tubal's actions emphasize survival, innovation, and the harsh realities of life. This tension manifests in their interactions with nature and society, where Jubal's idealism clashes with Tubal's pragmatism. As the verses progress, the reader witnesses the cyclical nature of their rivalry, underscoring the perpetual struggle between creative expression and the demands of the material world. The imagery of the earth, the sea, and the elements serves to highlight their respective domains—Jubal's ethereal aspirations versus Tubal's grounded endeavors. Ultimately, the work encapsulates the timeless conflict between the artistic and the practical, suggesting that while both are essential to human existence, they are often at odds. The poem concludes with a recognition that despite their differences, both figures are integral to the human experience, each contributing to the ongoing narrative of civilization.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1911 · Genre: Poetry, Mythology, Literary Fiction · 303 words
First lines
Jubal sang of the Wrath of God And the curse of thistle and thorn -- But Tubal got him a pointed rod, And scrabbled the earth for corn. Old -- old as that early mould, Young as the sprouting grain -- Yearly green is the strife between Jubal and Tubal Cain!
Jubal sang of the new-found sea, And the love that its waves divide -- But Tubal hollowed a fallen tree And passed to the further side. Black -- black as the hurricane-wrack, Salt as the under-main -- Bitter and cold is the hate they hold -- Jubal and Tubal Cain!
What this Textopian page supports
Jubal and Tubal Cain is listed on Textopian as a poem by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1911 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: 1911 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Mythology, Literary Fiction, Allegory, Historical Fiction
- Length: 303 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Jubal and Tubal Cain by Rudyard Kipling
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Mythology — The characters Jubal and Tubal Cain are derived from biblical references, exploring themes of creation and conflict.
- Literary Fiction — The poem delves into complex themes of human nature, conflict, and societal roles, typical of literary fiction.
- Allegory — The narrative represents broader themes of civilization versus nature and the duality of human existence.
Tags
Jubal · Tubal Cain · Kipling · poetry · conflict · brothers · creation · nature · agriculture · music · violence · peace