“Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.”
—Rudyard Kipling
Life and Influences:
Stewart Rudyard Kipling was born as Joseph Rudyard Kipling on December 30, 1865 in Bombay, India. (Now Mumbai, India) He was an English writer, poet, and novelist that wrote most famously about British Imperialism, especially in India. He also received a Nobel Prize for literature in the year 1907 (Stewart, 2019).
Kipling's childhood was not a good one. Most of his days were spent at different boarding schools where his was frequently mistreated. Despite this, Kipling always had a fondness and interest in native India. This affection is captured in may of his novels and works. However, these kind feelings were just that as Kipling was a large believer in British superiority and the mission to "civilize" what he considered to be heathens. Much of these imperialistic and racist ideals are incorporated into his work, influencing his ideas of loyalty to country and to other men.
Kipling's childhood was not a good one. Most of his days were spent at different boarding schools where his was frequently mistreated. Despite this, Kipling always had a fondness and interest in native India. This affection is captured in may of his novels and works. However, these kind feelings were just that as Kipling was a large believer in British superiority and the mission to "civilize" what he considered to be heathens. Much of these imperialistic and racist ideals are incorporated into his work, influencing his ideas of loyalty to country and to other men.