How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #1
Take up the White Man's burden-- (1, 9, 17, 25, 33, 41, 49)
Everyone got their weight belts on? The refrain of this poem really drives home two facts: a) this is hard work, and b) this is man's work. Those two ideas are of course related, tied to the stereotypical notion that men have to do all the heavy lifting that women are incapable of. The image of the "manly" man is front and center in this poem.
Quote #2
Go bind your sons to exile (3)
The word "sons" here does a couple of things for the poem. Firstly, it underscores the sacrifice that a country is making by sending its dear, sweet boys overseas to teach those native locals how to behave. At the same time, these young lads will be transformed by the experience (at least, according to the speaker). They'll start out as boys, but they'll end up as men—in the most stereotypical sense of what a "man" should be (stern, calloused, strong, etc.).
Quote #3
Have done with childish days-- (50)
Sorry, guys—no teddy bears allowed on board this cruise to the Philippines. The process of "civilizing" another country is, in this poem's estimation, worth as much or more to the white men as it is to the native population. By engaging in this work and enduring hardship, the white men will be transformed from carefree children into serious Men—with a capital M.