Justice by Rudyard Kipling (1901)
The work explores themes of justice, accountability, and the consequences of human actions in the context of war and societal decay. It opens with a somber reflection on the grief and loss experienced by humanity, emphasizing the heavy burden of responsibility that comes with conflict. The narrative suggests that before any new beginnings can emerge, there must be a reckoning with past injustices. The text critiques a society that has grown complacent in its moral failings, where the powerful exploit the weak without fear of retribution. It highlights the inevitability of justice, asserting that all individuals, regardless of their status, will ultimately face the consequences of their actions. The imagery of a world ravaged by war serves as a backdrop for a call to recognize and rectify the wrongs committed against humanity. The work posits that true justice is essential for peace and that without it, society risks descending into chaos and despair. It emphasizes the importance of collective memory and accountability, suggesting that future generations must learn from the mistakes of their predecessors to avoid repeating them. The piece concludes with a hopeful yet cautionary note, advocating for a society built on honor and integrity, where the sacrifices of the fallen are respected and remembered.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1901 · Genre: Poetry, Political Commentary, Philosophical · 428 words
First lines
OCTOBER 1918.
_Across a world where all men grieve And grieving strive the more, The great days range like tides and leave Our dead on every shore. Heavy the load we undergo, And our own hands prepare, If we have parley with the foe, The load our sons must bear._
What this Textopian page supports
Justice is listed on Textopian as a poem by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1901 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: 1901 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Political Commentary, Philosophical, War Literature, Historical
- Length: 428 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Political Commentary — The themes address justice, accountability, and the consequences of war, reflecting on societal issues.
- Philosophical — The text explores deep moral and ethical questions regarding justice and human behavior.
- War Literature — The context of the poem relates to the impact of war and the collective grief of nations.
Tags
Justice · Rudyard Kipling · Poetry · War · Grief · Humanity · Moral Responsibility · Suffering · Redemption · Law · Kingship · Evil