The Author of Recessional and a Brief Biography  The author of the poem is Rudyard Kipling. Rudyard Kipling was born in Bombay, India on December 30, Kipling was a British author and poet. In 1907, he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature, making him the first English language writer and he remains today its youngest ever recipient. The Historical Background of Rudyard Kipling  Kipling wrote novels, poems and short stories--mostly set in India. He was the 1907 Nobel Prize Laureate in Literature "in consideration of the power of observation, imagination of ideas and remarkable talent for narration which characterize the creations of this world-famous author.” Rudyard Kipling was an author and poet that wrote about British Imperialism and it's greatness. He also told stories of the British Soldiers in India.

The Summary Of The Plot  The poem expresses pride in the British Empire, also an underlying sadness that the Empire might go the way of all previous empires. The Thesis Statement of Recessional  In his poem, Rudyard Kipling uses the literary devices of rhyme, refrain, and the mood of the poem is sad.

The Theme  The theme of the poem is pride is an offense against God and can lead to downfall. The Tone and Setting That Portrays the Theme  The duality of tone in the poem, suggesting ‘coming back’ – an act of remembrance and gratitude with the suggestion of a holy sacrament, and also the idea of ‘receding’ – anticipating the fading of Britain’s glory that we acted under God’s authority.

If, drunk with sight of power, we loose Wild tongues that have not Thee in awe— Such boastings as the Gentiles use, Or lesser breeds without the Law— Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet, Lest we forget—lest we forget! The Great Britain needs to remember not to abuse the power granted to it, or that power would swiftly vanish in the sight of God. The phrase “lesser breeds without the law” is a reference to Germany, the rising power in Europe.

Figurative Language  The poem Recessional by Rudyard Kipling have no figurative language in it. Poetic Device  The poem Recessional by Rudyard Kipling have no poetic devices in it.

What does the poem say? What does the poem mean?  The poem is saying a prayer. The prayer entreats God to spare “use” (England) from these fates “lest we forget” the sacrifice of Christ. Make inference about the meaning behind the poem  The poem went against the celebratory mood of the time, providing instead a reminder of the transient nature of British Imperial power.

Cite specific examples  The tumult and the shouting dies;  The Captains and the Kings depart:  Still stands Thine ancient sacrifice,  An humble and a contrite heart.  Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,  Lest we forget—lest we forget!

The Restated Thesis Statement of Recessional In his poem, Rudyard Kipling uses the literary devices of rhyme, refrain, and the mood of the poem is sad. The Explanation Kipling was upset that any nation, even his own beloved Great Britain, was as nothing when compared with God, and that people needed to be reminded of that fact. With such an awareness, it is small wonder that Kipling refused all earthly honors from the hands of the country he loved.

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