The Beginnings

By Rudyard Kipling

Ballad
It was not part of their blood, It came to them very late With long arrears to make good, When the English began to hate. They were not easily moved, They were icy-willing to wait Till every count should be proved, Ere the English began to hate. Their voices were even and low, Their eyes were level and straight. There was neither sign nor show, When the English began to hate. It was not preached to the crowd, It was not taught by the State. No man spoke it aloud, When the English began to hate. It was not suddenly bred, It will not swiftly abate, Through the chill years ahead, When Time shall count from the date That the English began to hate.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a profound exploration of the theme of latent hostility, specifically within the context of English society. At its core, it seems to grapple with the concept of hate, tracing its slow, silent inception to its chilling permanence. The tone is somber, marked by a quiet, icy resolve that echoes the temperance and patience of the English the poem describes.

Structurally, the poem employs a consistent rhyme scheme (ABAB), which enhances its rhythmic quality and imparts a sense of inevitability to the narrative. The repetitive phrase "When the English began to hate" serves as an anchor, driving home the central theme and providing a recurring temporal reference point. This repetition, along with the restrained, almost clinical, descriptions of the English people, imbues the poem with an unsettling calm that underscores the gravity of the hate it discusses.

In terms of literary devices, the poet effectively uses imagery and contrast to highlight the unexpected nature of this hatred. The peaceful, controlled demeanor of the English people is contrasted against the violent emotion of hatred, creating a stark dichotomy that adds depth to the poem. Furthermore, the use of personification and metaphor in lines like "With long arrears to make good," and "Through the chill years ahead," lends a sense of tangibility to abstract concepts like time and emotion, making the poem's message more impactful. The poem ultimately paints a chilling picture of deeply-rooted animosity, leaving readers to ponder over its origins and implications.

Understanding Ballads

A ballad is a form of verse, often a narrative set to music, that has been a cornerstone of storytelling across various cultures. Traditionally passed down orally, ballads are known for their rhythmic structure and often tell tales of love, adventure, and heroism.

Ballads are characterized by their strong rhythm and repetition, making them both memorable and engaging. Here are some defining features:

  • Narrative Structure: Ballads typically tell a story, often a dramatic or emotional tale that unfolds in a straightforward, chronological order.
  • Quatrain Stanzas: Most ballads are composed of quatrains (four-line stanzas) with a rhyme scheme of ABAB or ABCB, which adds to the musicality of the verse.
  • Repetition: Refrains or repeated lines are common in ballads, helping to emphasize key themes or emotions and making the ballad easier to remember.
  • Oral Tradition: Many ballads originated from oral traditions, which means they were passed down through generations by word of mouth before being written down.

From medieval minstrels to contemporary songwriters, ballads have continued to evolve, remaining a beloved form of expression that captures the human experience in a way that is both poetic and accessible.