Mowgli's Song against People
The poem expresses a fierce and vengeful sentiment from a character who embodies the spirit of the jungle. It serves as a declaration of war against humanity, emphasizing the power of nature and its ability to reclaim what has been taken. The speaker invokes various elements of the jungle, such as vines, wolves, and snakes, to illustrate the impending chaos that will be unleashed upon human settlements. The imagery is vivid and foreboding, depicting the destruction of human structures and the encroachment of wild nature. The repeated mention of "Karela," a bitter plant, symbolizes the harsh consequences that will befall those who have encroached upon the jungle. The speaker's confidence in the jungle's might suggests a deep connection to the natural world, contrasting sharply with the fragility of human civilization. Throughout the verses, there is a sense of inevitability; the jungle will reclaim its territory, and humans will be left to witness their downfall. The poem serves as a reminder of the resilience of nature and the consequences of human arrogance. The tone is assertive and defiant, encapsulating the struggle between humanity and the untamed wilderness.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1894 · Genre: Poetry, Fantasy, Allegory · 369 words
First lines
I will let loose against you the fleet-footed vines -- I will call in the Jungle to stamp out your lines! The roofs shall fade before it, The house-beams shall fall, And the Karela, the bitter Karela, Shall cover it all!
In the gates of these your councils my people shall sing, In the doors of these your garners the Bat-folk shall cling; And the snake shall be your watchman, By a hearthstone unswept; For the Karela, the bitter Karela, Shall fruit where ye slept!
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Mowgli's Song against People is listed on Textopian as a poem by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1894 CE.
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- Work type: Poem
- Author: Rudyard Kipling
- Date: 1894 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Fantasy, Allegory, Adventure, Children's Literature
- Length: 369 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Similar titles
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- A Tree Song by Rudyard Kipling
- Three Elephant Power by Andrew Barton Paterson
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs rhythmic and lyrical language typical of poetry.
- Fantasy — The themes involve anthropomorphized animals and a jungle setting, characteristic of fantasy literature.
- Allegory — The poem conveys deeper meanings about nature versus civilization and the consequences of human actions.
- Adventure — The themes of conflict and survival in a wild setting suggest elements of adventure.
Tags
Mowgli · Rudyard Kipling · poetry · Jungle · nature · rebellion · symbolism · Karela · bitter · animals · humanity · conflict