i need to analyze the poem by Rudyard Kipling, "the white man's burden. Please explain what the poem is saying

Answer 1

At face value it appears to be a rhetorical command to white men to colonize and rule people of other nations for their own benefit (the cost that must be accepted by the white man representing the "burden" of the title), and because of this has become symbolic of Eurocentrism. Eurocentrism is the practice, conscious or otherwise, of placing emphasis on European (and, generally, Western) concerns, culture and values at the expense of those of other cultures

Answer 2

good question!

The poem consists of seven stanzas, following a regular rhyme scheme. At face value it appears to be a rhetorical command to white men to colonize and rule people of other nations for their own benefit (the cost that must be accepted by the white man representing the "burden" of the title), and because of this has become symbolic of Eurocentrism. The more obvious implication of altruism being required of more fortunate races is usually ignored. A century after its publication, the poem still rouses strong emotions, and can be analyzed from a variety of perspectives.

A straight forward analysis of the poem may conclude that Kipling presents a Eurocentric view of the world, in which non-European cultures are seen as childlike. This view proposes that white people consequently have an obligation to rule over, and encourage the cultural development of, people from other ethnic and cultural backgrounds until they can take their place in the world by fully adopting Western ways.

Answer 3

Other responders have indeed expressed the conventional view of this fine poem. Especially given Kipling's sympathy with the British soldier, however, I think it may be read as a somewhat ironic tribute to the sacrifices of those sent abroad to die in order to bring in more profit for those wealthy people at home who risked nothing.

Answer 4

If i remember right, it talks about the "chores" if you might call it that, that white men had to do to somehow save other races. An example would be the conversion to christianity of people in other cultures, another example would be Britain taking over India, and "saving" them perhaps.

Answer 5

The strange thing about the poem is that he seems unaware that the Filipinos were Christian.