How Did Rudyard Kipling Show Imperialism

Shivani Patel
SOC225-3 Global Politics
Prof. Luke Santoro
Philadelphia University
10/3/14
Rudyard Kipling: Social Darwinism and Imperialism

Rudyard Kipling, globally known for his poetry and views on imperialism, has written two prevalent poems that have contrasting concepts. Social Darwinism and imperialism, are both prominent themes in his writings. This correlates with imperialism and colonialism because it justifies the notion of going somewhere and changing how things are done in order to gain control of those with superior traits (Kipling, Rudyard). Imperialism was extremely common in Kipling’s work whether it was for it or against it, and can be seen in his works “A White Man’s Burden” and “Gunga Din”.
Kipling’s poem, “A White Man’s Burden”

The poem, to summarize, is about two people, each of a different class. Throughout the poem, the British Soldier torments and treats the “bhisti” or water bearer badly by giving him firm orders. Later he calls him “brother” and realizes how loyal he is regardless of position. This poem could be most famous for its contrasting ending in which racial feelings are revealed through recognition of the Bhisti portraying actions that correlate with those of a soldier. Kipling writes, "Tho' I've belted you and flayed you, By the livin' Gawd that made you, You're a better man than I am, Gunga Din!" which tells the reader that the soldier has realized all of the hard work, time, and effort the bhisti has done/given. (82-84) The Englishman has a moment of realization when his life is saved by the water bearer who loses his. Tables turn and we recognize that not only the soldier, but Kipling himself is aware of racism and that Gunga Din is in fact the hero of the story. The majority of the poem correlates with Kipling’s previous works, and gives insight on imperialism yet again through the mistreatment of those who are of a lower