Edgehill Fight

By Rudyard Kipling

Narrative Poem
Naked and grey the Cotswolds stand Beneath the autumn sun, And the stubble-fields on either hand Where Stour and Avon run. There is no change in the patient land That has bred us every one. She should have passed in cloud and fire And saved us from this sin Of war, red war,' twixt child and sire, Household and kith and kin, In the heart of a sleepy Midland shire. With the harvest scarcely in. But there is no change as we meet at last On the brow-head or the plain, And the raw astonished ranks stand fast To slay or to be slain By the men they knew in the kindly past That shall never come again, By the men they met at dance or chase, In the tavern or the hall, At the j ustice-bench and the market-place, At the cudgel-play or brawl, Of their own blood and speech and race, Comrades or neighbours all! More bitter than death this day must prove Whichever way it go, For the brothers of the maids we love Make ready to lay low Their sisters sweethearts, as we move Against our dearest foe. Thank Heaven! At last the trumpets peal Before our strength gives way. For King or for the Commonweal, No matter which they say, The first dry rattle of new-drawn steel Changes the world to-day!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This is a deeply moving poem that explores the themes of war, brotherhood, and the transformation of familiar landscapes. The author uses the setting of the Cotswolds, a peaceful and idyllic English countryside, as a stark contrast to the horrific realities of war. The poem begins with a serene depiction of the land, which is soon disrupted by the brutal events taking place within it. The author employs the power of juxtaposition and irony to make the readers feel the tragic transformation of this peaceful land and its people into a battlefield.

The tone of the poem is somber and melancholic, reflecting the poet's sorrow and despair over the war. The poet uses powerful imagery to depict the cruel reality of war - friends and neighbors turned into enemies, the serene country landscape turned into a battlefield. The poet's use of repetition, especially of the phrase 'no change', emphasizes the drastic, irreversible changes brought about by war. The poem ends on a poignant note, highlighting the harsh truth that the 'first dry rattle of new-drawn steel changes the world today', signifying the beginning of the war and the end of the world as they knew it.

The poem's structure, with its consistent rhyme scheme and meter, echoes the relentless march of war, while its vivid descriptions provide a stark contrast between the peace of the past and the violence of the present. The poem's profound emotional impact lies in its exploration of the personal and communal tragedy of war, showing how it disruptively intrudes upon and transforms familiar, peaceful landscapes and relationships.

Exploring Narrative Poetry

Narrative poetry is a form of poetry that tells a story, often making use of the voices of a narrator and characters as well. Unlike lyric poetry, which focuses on emotions and thoughts, narrative poetry is dedicated to storytelling, weaving tales that captivate readers through plot and character development.

Narrative poems are unique in their ability to combine the depth of storytelling with the expressive qualities of poetry. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Structured Plot: Narrative poems typically have a clear beginning, middle, and end, following a plot that might involve conflict, climax, and resolution, much like a short story or novel.
  • Character Development: Characters in narrative poems are often well-developed, with distinct voices and personalities that drive the story forward.
  • Descriptive Language: The language used in narrative poetry is vivid and descriptive, painting a clear picture of the scenes and events, while also conveying the emotions and atmosphere of the story.

From ancient epics like "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" to more modern narrative poems, this form continues to engage readers by blending the art of storytelling with the beauty and rhythm of poetry.