Unit 1.pdf - Southwest High School

Activity 1.15
continued
In order to better understand Cultural Criticism, you will examine two
poems. The first poem, by Rudyard Kipling, affirms the concept of
imperialism. In contrast, Henry Labouchère’s poem, written in response
shortly after Kipling’s poem was published, questions imperialism. As
you read and discuss the two poems, note how the perspective of the
speaker, the imaginary voice of the author, influences what the speaker
has to say about the concepts of “imperialism” and/or “colonialism.”
My Notes
P o e t r y
A b o u t t h e A u t h o r
Rudyard Kipling was a British author known for his support of British
colonialism and imperialism. Born in Bombay (now Mumbai), India, in
1865, Kipling was educated in England; but he returned to India where
he worked for seven years as a journalist. Kipling’s poems, novels, and
short stories reflect the Anglo-Indian experience. Kipling was awarded
the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1907. His children’s books, including
Just So Stories (1902) and Kim (1901) are considered classics.
© 2011 College Board. All rights reserved.
by Rudyard Kipling
McClure’s Magazine (12 Feb. 1899)
Take up the White Man’s burden—
Send forth the best ye breed—
Go bind your sons to exile
To serve your captives’ need;
To wait, in heavy harness,
On fluttered folk and wild—
Your new-caught sullen 1 peoples,
Half devil and half child.
Take up the White Man’s burden—
In patience to abide,
To veil the threat of terror
And check the show of pride;
By open speech and simple,
An hundred times made plain,
To seek another’s profit,
And work another’s gain.
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sullen: moody; sulky
Unit 1 • Perception Is Everything 49