The Dying Chauffeur

Author: Rudyard Kipling

Wheel me gently to the garage, since my car and I must part, 
 No more for me the record and the run.
 That cursed left-hand cylinder the doctors call my heart
 Is pinking past redemption, I am done! 

 They'll never strike a mixture that'll help me pull my load.
 My gears are stripped, I cannot set my brakes.
 I am entered for the finals down the timeless untimed Road
 To the Maker of the makers of all makes!
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Type of Poem: Elegy

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

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Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem is a poignant exploration of the themes of mortality, aging, and the inevitability of death, employing the metaphor of a car for the human body. The speaker acknowledges their failing health, as represented by the "cursed left-hand cylinder" or the heart, and the impending end of their life's journey. The tone is one of resigned acceptance, a somber reflection on the inescapable fate that awaits all living beings.

The structure of the poem lends itself well to the thematic content. The steady rhythm and regular rhyme scheme mirror the ceaseless, relentless march of time. Interestingly, the poet uses automotive language and imagery, a powerful and unique metaphorical device, to convey the speaker's physical decline. This not only creates a connection between the speaker and the reader, who may be more familiar with car troubles than medical terminology, but also universalizes the poem's core themes. The final lines are especially striking, painting a picture of the speaker's journey towards death as an inexorable race "down the timeless untimed Road," a beautifully paradoxical phrase that exemplifies the poem's exploration of life's transience and the eternal nature of death. The poem concludes with a nod to the divine, "the Maker of the makers," a hint of spirituality that adds another layer of depth to this powerful piece.

Understanding Elegy

An elegy is a form of poetry that expresses sorrow or lamentation, often for someone who has died. This type of poetry serves as a tribute to the deceased, reflecting on their life and the grief left behind.

Elegies are deeply emotional and personal, exploring themes of loss, mourning, and remembrance. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Mournful Tone: Elegies are characterized by a tone of sadness and reflection, as the poet grapples with the pain of loss.
  • Tribute to the Deceased: The subject of an elegy is often someone who has passed away, with the poem serving as a memorial that honors their life and legacy.
  • Personal Reflection: Elegies often include personal reflections on the impact of the deceased on the poet's life, as well as broader musings on mortality and the human condition.
  • Structure and Form: While elegies can vary in form, they often follow a traditional structure that includes an expression of grief, praise for the deceased, and a sense of consolation or acceptance.

From ancient times to the present, elegies have provided a way for poets to navigate the complexities of grief and loss, offering solace and a means of preserving the memory of those who have passed.