The Sergeant's Weddin'
The narrative revolves around a wedding ceremony involving a sergeant and a woman, highlighting the skepticism and cynicism of the soldiers attending. The poem captures the atmosphere of the event, marked by a mix of celebration and mockery. The soldiers express their doubts about the couple's suitability for marriage, suggesting that both have questionable pasts and that the union is not based on genuine affection. The attendees are aware of the sergeant's dubious reputation, referring to him as a "bloomin' robber" who profits from illicit activities. The lyrics convey a sense of camaraderie among the soldiers, who share inside jokes and grievances about the couple. They speculate on the woman's motivations for marrying the sergeant, implying that she is not as innocent as she appears. As the ceremony unfolds, the soldiers maintain a facade of respect while internally critiquing the couple. The imagery of the wedding, with its white ribbons and formalities, contrasts sharply with the soldiers' irreverent attitudes. The poem culminates in a raucous cheer for the newlyweds, underscoring the tension between the outward celebration and the underlying skepticism. Overall, the work explores themes of social class, morality, and the complexities of relationships within a military context, revealing the soldiers' perspectives on love, duty, and the realities of their lives.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1890 · Genre: Poetry, Military Fiction, Humor · 514 words
First lines
'E was warned agin' 'er -- That's what made 'im look; She was warned agin' 'im -- That is why she took. 'Wouldn't 'ear no reason, 'Went an' done it blind; We know all about 'em, They've got all to find!
Cheer for the Sergeant's weddin' -- Give 'em one cheer more! Grey gun-'orses in the lando, An' a rogue is married to, etc.
What this Textopian page supports
The Sergeant's Weddin' is listed on Textopian as a poem by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1890 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: 1890 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Military Fiction, Humor, Social Commentary, Narrative Poetry
- Length: 514 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Sergeant's Weddin' by Rudyard Kipling
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Sergeant's Weddin'?
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and rhyme, characteristic of poetry.
- Military Fiction — The narrative revolves around military life and the experiences of soldiers, reflecting themes of camaraderie and social dynamics.
- Humor — The poem contains satirical elements and humor, particularly in its portrayal of the wedding and the characters involved.
- Social Commentary — The text critiques social norms and relationships within the military context, highlighting class and moral issues.
Tags
wedding · military · Rudyard Kipling · poetry · satire · humor · British culture · colonialism · sergeant · marriage · social commentary · ceremony