The Prodigal Son

By Rudyard Kipling

Narrative Poem
Here come I to my own again, Fed, forgiven and known again, Claimed by bone of my bone again And cheered by flesh of my flesh. The fatted calf is dressed for me, But the husks have greater rest for me, I think my pigs will be best for me, So I'm off to the Yards afresh. I never was very refined, you see, (And it weighs on my brother's mind, you see) But there's no reproach among swine, d'you see, For being a bit of a swine. So I'm off with wallet and staff to eat The bread that is three parts chaff to wheat, But glory be!, there's a laugh to it, Which isn't the case when we dine. My father glooms and advises me, My brother sulks and despises me, And Mother catechises me Till I want to go out and swear. And, in spite of the butler's gravity, I know that the servants have it I Am a monster of moral depravity, And I'm damned if I think it's fair! I wasted my substance, I know I did, On riotous living, so I did, But there's nothing on record to show I did Worse than my betters have done. They talk of the money I spent out there, They hint at the pace that I went out there, But they all forget I was sent out there Alone as a rich man's son. So I was a mark for plunder at once, And lost my cash (can you wonder?) at once, But I didn't give up and knock under at once, I worked in the Yards, for a spell, Where I spent my nights and my days with hogs. And shared their milk and maize with hogs, Till, I guess, I have learned what pays with hogs And, I have that knowledge to sell! So back I go to my job again, Not so easy to rob again, Or quite so ready to sob again On any neck that's around. I'm leaving, Pater.    Good-bye to you! God bless you, Mater! I'll write to you! I wouldn't be impolite to you, But, Brother, you are a hound!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
Rudyard Kipling’s "The Prodigal Son" is a Narrative Monologue Poem infused with Bittersweet Irony, Social Critique, and World-Weary Humor. It is a sardonic reimagining of the biblical parable, told entirely from the perspective of the wayward son who, while welcomed home, finds no true forgiveness or understanding. The central theme is the disillusionment with shallow reconciliation: though formally "forgiven," the Prodigal feels more judged, resented, and morally patronized by his family than he ever was among the pigs with whom he once lived. His choice to return to the "Yards"—that is, back to the rough, honest life—is portrayed as a triumphant act of self-respect rather than a fall from grace.

The tone throughout is brisk, defiant, wounded, and darkly comic. Kipling uses colloquial language ("D'you see," "I'm damned if I think it's fair!") to give the Prodigal a relatable, rough-edged voice, sharply contrasting with the sanctimony of the home he returns to. The poem’s structure mirrors a casual, spoken confession or a lively letter—abrupt shifts in thought, internal rhymes, and bouncy, almost singsong rhythms amplify the Prodigal's energy and refusal to be shamed. Imagery drawn from the pig-yards—swine, chaff, maize—is used both literally and metaphorically, presenting the Prodigal's "low" life as more honest and less hypocritical than the cold, status-obsessed domestic sphere he reenters.

Kipling’s deeper criticism targets rigid Victorian and Edwardian social morality: the surface forgiveness masking permanent judgment, the valuing of appearances over genuine understanding, and the callous expectation that young men endure failure without compassion. Rather than idealizing family or civilization, Kipling suggests that brutal hardship among animals can be more humane than life among supposedly respectable people.

Ultimately, "The Prodigal Son" is a fierce, vivid reclamation of dignity in defeat, celebrating hard-earned wisdom over superficial redemption. Kipling reminds us that true acceptance lies not in institutions of forgiveness but in the authenticity of those who have lived, erred, and learned without hypocrisy.

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.