The Kingdom by Rudyard Kipling
The narrative explores themes of power, ambition, and the burdens that accompany leadership. It begins with a triumphant declaration of having achieved a kingdom, emphasizing the military strength and authority that come with it. However, this victory is juxtaposed with a sense of emptiness and disillusionment. The speaker reflects on the cost of power, revealing that despite the external glory and the right to rule, there is an internal struggle marked by shame, fear, and sorrow. As the speaker contemplates the weight of the crown, it becomes clear that personal relationships suffer in the pursuit of ambition. The love of the speaker is overshadowed by the responsibilities of leadership, leading to a profound sense of loss. The imagery of a crown made of withered leaves symbolizes the decay of personal joy and fulfillment in the face of political success. The work ultimately presents a stark contrast between the allure of power and the emotional toll it takes on the individual. The speaker's realization that their achievements bring little happiness to their loved ones highlights the isolation that often accompanies high status. The narrative serves as a meditation on the complexities of ruling and the sacrifices made in the name of duty, leaving the reader to ponder the true cost of ambition and the nature of fulfillment.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1935 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Drama · 231 words
First lines
Now we are come to our Kingdom, / And the State is thus and thus; / Our legions wait at the Palace gate -- - / Little it profits us, / _Now we are come to our Kingdom! _
Now we are come to our Kingdom, / And the Crown is ours to take -- / With a naked sword at the Council board, / And under the throne the Snake, / _Now we are come to our Kingdom! _
Now we are come to our Kingdom, / And the Realm is ours by right, / With shame and fear for our daily cheer, / And heaviness at night, / _Now we are come to our Kingdom! _
What this Textopian page supports
The Kingdom 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, Literary Fiction, Drama, Historical Fiction, Philosophical
- Length: 231 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Kingdom by Rudyard Kipling
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Similar titles
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- Epitaphs by Rudyard Kipling
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on rhythm and imagery.
- Literary Fiction — The themes explore complex human emotions and societal issues, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Drama — The content reflects conflict and emotional tension, akin to dramatic literature.
- Historical Fiction — The themes of power and governance suggest a historical context, though not explicitly tied to a specific event.
Tags
power · kingdom · crown · sword · council · throne · snake · realm · right · shame · fear · heaviness