The White Man's Burden: analyse af Rudyard Kiplings digt

In Rudyard Kipling's poem "The White Man's Burden," the author explores complex themes of imperialism and colonialism. The title of the poem immediately suggests a responsibility that white or Western nations carry, inviting a closer look at the ideologies behind the colonial mindset.

An example of this can be found in the poem's title, almost serving as a call to action. "Take up the White Man's burden, send forth the best ye breed,"(l. 1, first stanza) suggests that it is a duty for the best of the white race to take responsibility for civilizing other nations.

Through these lines, Kipling conveys not only a perception of burden as a duty but also an implicit belief in superiority. The word "best" implies a selection based on race or cultural belief. This illustrates Kipling's deeply established belief that the white race was obligated to lead and educate other nations due to their presumed superiority.

The text has a very specific verb inflection. There are used some very strong and imperative words. Through imperative words, the reader is directly urged to take up the burden and lead, emphasizing the overall message of the poem about the alleged duty of the white race to civilize other societies.