The Craftsman

By Rudyard Kipling

Narrative Poem
Once, after long-drawn revel at The Mermaid, He to the overbearing Boanerges Jonson, uttered (if half of it were liquor, Blessed be the vintage!) Saying how, at an alehouse under Cotswold, He had made sure of his very Cleopatra, Drunk with enormous, salvation-contemning Love for a tinker. How, while he hid from Sir Thomas's keepers, Crouched in a ditch and drenched by the midnight Dews, he had listened to gipsy Juliet Rail at the dawning. How at Bankside, a boy drowning kittens Winced at the business; whereupon his sister, Lady Macbeth aged seven,thrust 'em under, Sombrely scornful. How on a Sabbath, hushed and compassionate, She being known since her birth to the townsfolk, Stratford dredged and delivered from Avon Dripping Ophelia So, with a thin third finger marrying Drop to wine-drop domed on the table, Shakespeare opened his heart till the sunrise, Entered to hear him. London waken and he, imperturbable, Passed from waking to hurry after shadows . . . Busied upon shows of no earthly importance? Yes, but he knew it!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This complex and layered poem interweaves elements of history, literature, and personal introspection to present a vivid portrait of Shakespeare and his world. The poet uses Shakespeare's works as a backdrop, referencing Cleopatra, Juliet, Lady Macbeth, and Ophelia, to illustrate both the Bard's creative genius and the gritty, often harsh reality of his times.

The tone is one of nostalgia, tinged with a sense of the harsh realities of life, reflecting the duality inherent in Shakespeare's own plays. The structure is linear, tracing moments from a supposed encounter with Jonson at The Mermaid to a contemplative sunrise. The use of allusions to Shakespeare's plays and characters serves as a powerful literary device, allowing the poet to create a rich tapestry of images and emotions. The final line, "Yes, but he knew it!" adds a note of poignant self-awareness, suggesting that Shakespeare was cognizant of the transient nature of his plays, perhaps even their seeming insignificance in the grand scheme of things. Yet, this awareness does not diminish his passion or creativity, but rather underscores the human need for storytelling and connection.

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.