GLORIFYING THE ENGLISH EMPIRE: A POSTCOLONIAL ANALYSIS OF KIPLING’S POEM ‘A YOUNG BRITISH SOLDIER’
Abstract
Colonial period is marked by massive cultural and political changes in various parts of the world. Colonial powers occupied various parts of the world and imposed their own political and social order. In the same connection, Afghans had turbulent relations during 19th and 20th centuries. During these adventures, certain colonial authors are found to be writing about them. Rudyard Kipling stands as a prominent literary figure whose works touch upon the theme of the politics of Empire. After the intellectual advancement in literary theory, such depiction appears immensely problematic and hence, questioned in the literary circles. The present study analyses the selected poem of Rudyard Kipling through Saidian theoretical lens. Through Qualitative Research Paradigm, the text of the selected poem is analyzed. After the detailed analysis, Kipling’s depiction is found Eurocentric and one sided which evidently seems that the poet is on the specific mission of the Empire and its expansion and consolidation. He is concerned about the safety and the security of English imperial forces. They are given instructions and guidelines how to fight and how to counter the Afghan fighters. Colonial mission in Afghanistan is encouraged and glorified. Ironically, even Afghan women are termed barbaric, evil, and violent for defending their land. It is cautiously noted in the analysis that for him only the interest of the empire is paramount and supreme. Those resisting the imperial forces are nothing ironically but violent beings. Lastly, it is evident in the text that he glorifies the empire because it is the sacred mission of the so-called civilizing mission.