Snarleyow by Rudyard Kipling (1895)
The narrative unfolds during a battle involving a battery of artillery, highlighting the harsh realities of military life. The protagonist, a driver, is responsible for a horse named Snarleyow. As the battery maneuvers into action, Snarleyow is injured by a roundshot, leading to a series of grim events. The driver, unable to stop for the wounded horse, faces a moral dilemma when a shell lands near them, resulting in the death of his brother, who is caught in the chaos. The driver is depicted as conflicted but ultimately prioritizes duty over personal ties. The story emphasizes the brutal nature of warfare, where familial bonds are rendered irrelevant in the face of military obligations. The driver’s actions reflect the harsh truth that in the service of the crown, personal relationships are sacrificed for the greater goal of victory. The narrative concludes with a stark moral: to succeed in battle, one must focus solely on their duties, disregarding personal attachments. The tone is both somber and critical of the sacrifices demanded by military life.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1895 · Genre: War Poetry, Narrative Poetry, Humor · 648 words
First lines
This 'appened in a battle to a batt'ry of the corps Which is first among the women an' amazin' first in war; An' what the bloomin' battle was I don't remember now, But Two's off-lead 'e answered to the name o' _Snarleyow_. Down in the Infantry, nobody cares; Down in the Cavalry, Colonel 'e swears; But down in the lead with the wheel at the flog Turns the bold Bombardier to a little whipped dog!
They was movin' into action, they was needed very sore, To learn a little schoolin' to a native army corps, They 'ad nipped against an uphill, they was tuckin' down the brow, When a tricky, trundlin' roundshot give the knock to _Snarleyow_.
What this Textopian page supports
Snarleyow is listed on Textopian as a poem by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1895 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: 1895 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: War Poetry, Narrative Poetry, Humor, British Literature, Animal Poetry
- Length: 648 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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- Work identity for Snarleyow by Rudyard Kipling
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Discussion starters
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- Where does War Poetry first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- War Poetry — The poem reflects themes of battle, sacrifice, and the harsh realities of military life.
- Narrative Poetry — The work tells a story through verse, focusing on characters and events in a military context.
- Humor — The poem employs dark humor and irony regarding the absurdities of war and military duty.
- British Literature — The poem is a product of British literary tradition, reflecting colonial themes and military culture.
Tags
war · battle · military · artillery · cavalry · infantry · humor · Rudyard Kipling · poetry · narrative · British Empire · colonialism