The Burial by Rudyard Kipling (1935)
The narrative centers on the burial of C. J. Rhodes in the Matoppos, reflecting on themes of legacy, power, and the relationship between the individual and the land. The poem opens with a meditation on mortality, contrasting the grand funerals of kings and emperors with the more personal grief experienced by those left behind. It suggests that while great figures may be mourned for a day, the impact of their lives and visions extends far beyond their death. The protagonist, a visionary leader, is portrayed as someone whose thoughts and ambitions transcended ordinary understanding. His spirit is depicted as having created vast cities and nations through his ideas, emphasizing the power of vision and ambition. The text suggests that his will and determination shaped the world around him, and even in death, he remains a vital force in the land he influenced. The burial site is described as a place of significance, where the deceased can look out over the territories he once sought to transform. The imagery evokes a sense of permanence and continuity, suggesting that the essence of the leader will endure in the land and its people. The poem concludes with the assertion that the spirit of the deceased is intertwined with the soul of the land, reinforcing the idea that true legacy is not merely in physical achievements but in the lasting impact on culture and society. Overall, the work explores the intersection of mortality, ambition, and the enduring influence of a leader's vision, encapsulating the profound connection between an individual and the world they leave behind.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1935 · Genre: Poetry, Elegy, Historical · 320 words
First lines
C. J. RHODES, buried in the Matoppos, April 10, 1902
When that great Kings return to clay, Or Emperors in their pride, Grief of a day shall fill a day, Because its creature died. But we -- we reckon not with those Whom the mere Fates ordain, This Power that wrought on us and goes Back to the Power again.
What this Textopian page supports
The Burial is listed on Textopian as a poem by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1935 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: 1935 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Elegy, Historical, Philosophical, Literary Fiction
- Length: 320 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Similar titles
- Epitaphs by Rudyard Kipling
- When Im Killed by Robert Graves
- The Song Of The Dead by Rudyard Kipling
- The Last Department by Rudyard Kipling
- Lonely Burial by Stephen Vincent Benet
- A Dedication by Rudyard Kipling
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Elegy — The poem reflects on death and mourning, characteristic of elegiac themes.
- Historical — The content references historical figures and events, situating the narrative in a specific historical context.
- Philosophical — The themes explore existential questions about life, death, and legacy.
Tags
burial · Rudyard Kipling · poetry · death · grief · legacy · spirituality · nature · empire · vision · identity · land