The Feet of the Young Men
The narrative explores the call of adventure and the innate desire of young men to seek out the wild and untamed aspects of nature. It begins with a vivid depiction of the changing seasons, signaling the time for exploration and the awakening of youthful restlessness. The protagonist and his companions feel an irresistible urge to leave their current surroundings in search of experiences that resonate with their spirits. The poem is structured in a series of stanzas, each detailing different landscapes and adventures that await the young men. They are drawn to various natural settings, such as rivers, seas, and forests, each representing a unique challenge and opportunity for growth. The imagery evokes a sense of freedom and the thrill of the unknown, as they prepare to embark on their journeys. Throughout the work, the motif of the "Red Gods" symbolizes the primal forces of nature that call to the young men, urging them to follow their instincts and desires. The repeated refrain emphasizes the urgency of their departure, reinforcing the idea that they must heed this call before it fades. As they prepare to leave, the camaraderie among the young men is palpable, highlighting their shared aspirations and the bonds formed through their mutual quest for adventure. The narrative captures the essence of youthful exuberance, the longing for exploration, and the transformative power of nature. Ultimately, the work serves as a celebration of the spirit of adventure, the connection to the natural world, and the journey of self-discovery that accompanies the pursuit of one's passions. The young men are portrayed as seekers, driven by an innate desire to experience life fully and authentically, guided by the call of the wild.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1935 · Genre: Poetry, Adventure, Nature Writing · 1,111 words
First lines
Now the Four-way Lodge is opened, now the Hunting Winds are loose -- Now the Smokes of Spring go up to clear the brain; Now the Young Men's hearts are troubled for the whisper of the Trues, Now the Red Gods make their medicine again! Who hath seen the beaver busied? Who hath watched the black-tail mating? Who hath lain alone to hear the wild-goose cry? Who hath worked the chosen water where the ouananiche is waiting, Or the sea-trout's jumping-crazy for the fly?
_He must go -- go -- go away from here! On the other side the world he's overdue. 'Send your road is clear before you when the old Spring-fret comes o'er you And the Red Gods call for you! _
What this Textopian page supports
The Feet of the Young Men 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, Adventure, Nature Writing, Coming-of-Age, Mythology
- Length: 1,111 words
- Structure: 1 section, 15 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Feet of the Young Men by Rudyard Kipling
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- Frank Leighs Song A D 1586 by Charles Kingsley
- In The Pride Of His Youth by Rudyard Kipling
- The Pace Of Youth by Stephen Crane
- Young Peoples Pride by Stephen Vincent Benet
- Little Garaine by Gilbert Parker
- Jonathan by Francis Hopkinson Smith
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythmic and lyrical language typical of poetry.
- Adventure — The themes of exploration and the call of the wild suggest an adventurous spirit and journey.
- Nature Writing — The vivid descriptions of natural landscapes and wildlife highlight a strong connection to nature.
- Coming-of-Age — The focus on young men and their journey reflects themes of growth and self-discovery.
Tags
youth · adventure · coming of age · exploration · identity · courage · friendship · struggle · self-discovery · cultural conflict · resilience · journey