Bring on the tough stuff - there’s not just one right answer.
- What do you think Kipling's true motivation is in writing this poem? Is it racial dominance? Or was he genuinely interested in helping others? Could he have another aim in mind? How can you tell?
- Is the speaker more concerned about the native people, or the white men? How do you know?
- How does the poem describe the native locals? Are there any positive descriptions? If so, where? If not, why not?
- Some have read this poem as sarcastic, an indictment of imperialism rather than a celebration of it. Do you agree with that reading? Why or why not?
- How does the poem's regular rhyme scheme and meter affect its message?