The Widow's Party by Rudyard Kipling
The narrative unfolds around a military gathering hosted by a widow, where soldiers recount their experiences during a picnic. The poem is structured as a dialogue, with a recurring refrain that emphasizes the camaraderie and the absurdity of their situation. The soldiers are called away from their barracks to attend the widow's event, which is marked by a lack of proper food and drink. They describe the poor quality of the provisions, highlighting the challenges they faced, such as tough meat and inadequate utensils. The humor lies in their exaggerated descriptions and the camaraderie among the men, who share their misfortunes with a sense of pride and resilience. As the event progresses, it becomes clear that the gathering has taken a toll on the soldiers, with some becoming ill from the rations. The protagonist, Johnnie, humorously recounts how he was carried away at the end of the day, showcasing the absurdity of their circumstances. The poem culminates in a reflection on the consequences of the gathering, hinting at broader themes of military life, sacrifice, and the impact of war. The widow's party serves as a microcosm of military experiences, blending humor with a poignant commentary on the realities faced by soldiers. The narrative captures the essence of camaraderie, the absurdity of their situation, and the underlying seriousness of their service.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1935 · Genre: Poetry, Military Fiction, Humor · 558 words
First lines
"Where have you been this while away, Johnnie, Johnnie? " 'Long with the rest on a picnic lay, Johnnie, my Johnnie, aha! They called us out of the barrack-yard To Gawd knows where from Gosport Hard, And you can't refuse when you get the card, And the Widow gives the party. (_Bugle_: Ta -- rara -- ra-ra-rara! )
"What did you get to eat and drink, Johnnie, Johnnie? " Standing water as thick as ink, Johnnie, my Johnnie, aha! A bit o' beef that were three year stored, A bit o' mutton as tough as a board, And a fowl we killed with a sergeant's sword, When the Widow give the party.
What this Textopian page supports
The Widow's Party 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, Military Fiction, Humor, Narrative Verse, Social Commentary
- Length: 558 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
- Military Fiction — The narrative revolves around soldiers and their experiences, reflecting military life and camaraderie.
- Humor — The poem contains elements of humor, particularly in the depiction of the picnic and the absurdity of the situation.
- Narrative Verse — The poem tells a story through its verses, characteristic of narrative poetry.
Tags
Rudyard Kipling · poetry · military · narrative · humor · satire · British literature · colonialism · picnic · barracks · soldiers · food