----- Original Message ----- From: "Marvin Long, Jr." <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Friday, February 07, 2003 8:45 AM Subject: Re: war and peace
> On Thu, 6 Feb 2003, Robert Seeberger wrote: > re: white man's burden > > > I see this as a bitter diatribe against imperialism and not so much as a > > ralling cry for colonialism. > > Of course I am not a Kipling expert and my interpretation is only informed > > by my own experience writing poetry. I find the sarcasm blatant and laden > > with cynisism. > > To my (admittedly slight) knowledge Kipling was a critic of abusive > colonial practices (and of what struck him as a naive American enthusiasm > for colonialism in the Phillipines) but a supporter of the idea of a > Christian colonial empire. I see in the poem a deep disillusionment with > the colonial project combined with a belief it is nevertheless the right > thing to do, if done "right." > I understand your point and actually that is what I thought you were trying to say. But looking at Kiplings life and his other writings, then trying to filter *this* piece through these other things smacks of putting words in Kiplings mouth. (As if that were ever necessary<G>). I do not doubt that you are correct about his beliefs, but do not see support for your interpretation of that particular piece *in* that specific piece. I would find it interesting if others posted what they read in the piece and compare notes on "Kipling experience" to see how much that effects ones reading of the piece. xponent Unfiltered Maru rob ________________________________ You are a fluke of the universe. You have no right to be here. And whether you can hear it or not, the universe is laughing behind your back. _______________________________________________ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
