The Derelict by Rudyard Kipling
The narrative centers on a derelict ship, the Mary Pollock, abandoned and adrift at sea. The ship personifies its own existence, expressing a deep sense of loss and longing for its former purpose and the crew that once manned it. The poem captures the ship's despair as it is tossed by the waves, reflecting on its creation by man and its current state of helplessness. The ship recalls its glory days, when it was a proud vessel, navigating the oceans with strength and purpose. Now, it is a mere shell, haunted by memories of its crew and the life it once led. The imagery evokes the harsh realities of the sea, with descriptions of the ship's physical deterioration and the relentless forces of nature that now control its fate. As the ship drifts, it experiences a range of emotions, from fear of collision with other vessels to a yearning for connection with the world it has been separated from. The poem explores themes of abandonment, the passage of time, and the relationship between creation and creator. The ship's plight serves as a metaphor for the human condition, highlighting feelings of isolation and the struggle against forces beyond one's control. Ultimately, the derelict ship embodies a poignant reflection on existence, purpose, and the inevitable decline that comes with time, leaving readers to ponder the fate of both the ship and the human spirit.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1896 · Genre: Poetry, Maritime Literature, Narrative Verse · 546 words
First lines
_And reports the derelict _Mary Pollock_ still at sea._ SHIPPING NEWS.
I was the staunchest of our fleet Till the sea rose beneath our feet Unheralded, in hatred past all measure. Into his pits he stamped my crew, Buffeted, blinded, bound and threw, Bidding me eyeless wait upon his pleasure.
What this Textopian page supports
The Derelict is listed on Textopian as a short story by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1896 CE.
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- Work type: Short story
- Author: Rudyard Kipling
- Date: 1896 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Maritime Literature, Narrative Verse, Symbolism, Adventure
- Length: 546 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and meter typical of poetry.
- Maritime Literature — The themes revolve around the sea, ships, and the experiences of a derelict vessel.
- Narrative Verse — The poem tells a story through its stanzas, focusing on the perspective of the derelict ship.
- Symbolism — The ship symbolizes broader themes of existence, fate, and the relationship between man and nature.
Tags
sea · shipping · derelict · shipwreck · ocean · adventure · despair · isolation · nature · survival · maritime · Kipling