The only Son by Rudyard Kipling
The narrative follows a young boy, the Only Son, who experiences a blend of dreams and reality, reflecting on his identity and connection to nature. He awakens in a hut, contemplating his origins and the duality of his existence. His dreams are vivid, filled with imagery of animals and primal instincts, suggesting a deep bond with the wilderness. As he grapples with his thoughts, he hears sounds outside, prompting him to question whether the creatures lurking are threats or familiar kin. The tension builds as he feels a pull towards the natural world, indicating a longing for adventure and belonging. When he finally opens the door, he is greeted by a grey bitch-wolf, symbolizing a connection to the wild and perhaps a deeper understanding of his place in the world. The story explores themes of identity, belonging, and the tension between civilization and the wild. The boy's dreams serve as a metaphor for his internal struggles and desires, while the wolf represents both danger and companionship. The narrative ultimately reflects on the complexities of growing up and the search for one's true self amidst the influences of family and nature.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1935 · Genre: Poetry, Fantasy, Coming-of-Age · 452 words
First lines
She dropped the bar, she shot the bolt, she fed the fire anew, For she heard a whimper under the sill and a great grey paw came through. The fresh flame comforted the hut and shone on the roof-beam, And the Only Son lay down again and dreamed that he dreamed a dream. The last ash fell from the withered log with the click of a falling spark, And the Only Son woke up again, and called across the dark: -- 'Now was I born of womankind and laid in a mother's breast? For I have dreamed of a shaggy hide whereon I went to rest? And was I born of womankind and laid on a father's arm? For I have dreamed of clashing teeth that guarded me from harm. And was I born an Only Son and did I play alone? For I have dreamed of comrades twain that bit me to the bone. And did I break the barley-cake and steep it in the tyre? For I have dreamed of a youngling kid new-riven from the byre. For I have dreamed of a midnight sky and a midnight call to blood, And red-mouthed shadows racing by, that thrust me from my food. 'Tis an hour yet and an hour yet to the rising of the moon, But I can see the black roof-tree as plain as it were noon. 'Tis a league and a league to the Lena Falls where the trooping blackbuck go; But I can hear the little fawn that bleats behind the doe. 'Tis a league and a league to the Lena Falls where the crop and the upland meet, But I can smell the wet dawn-wind that wakes the sprouting wheat. Unbar the door, I may not bide, but I must out and see If those are wolves that wait outside or my own kin to me!'
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The only Son is listed on Textopian as a poem by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1935 CE.
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- Work type: Poem
- Author: Rudyard Kipling
- Date: 1935 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Fantasy, Coming-of-Age, Adventure, Nature Writing
- Length: 452 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythmic and lyrical language typical of poetry.
- Fantasy — The narrative includes dream-like elements and anthropomorphized animals, characteristic of fantasy literature.
- Coming-of-Age — The themes explore identity and the transition from childhood to adulthood, central to coming-of-age stories.
- Adventure — The protagonist's journey and exploration of the wilderness reflect adventure themes.
Tags
Rudyard Kipling · poetry · dreams · identity · nature · wolves · family · myth · childhood · solitude · imagination · fear