History Extra podcast Rudyard Kipling: life of the week
Feb 27, 2024
Dive into the life and legacy of Rudyard Kipling, known as the 'Bard of Empire' for writing The White Man's Burden. Explore his childhood trauma, resilience, early influences, and complex portrayal of India. Learn about his views on imperialism, 'The White Man's Burden', and the lasting impact of his poem 'If'.
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Traumatic 'Home' Experience
- Rudyard Kipling was sent to England as a child and left with abusive foster parents, which he later called 'The House of Desolation.'
- He wrote about the experience in Barrack-Room Ballads and the short story 'Baa Baa, Black Sheep' as a form of revenge and processing.
Early Career Built In India
- Kipling began publishing short 'turnover' stories for the Civil and Military Gazette and collected them as Plain Tales from the Hills.
- By age 25 he had a substantial body of work and recognition before moving to London in 1890.
Why Kipling Became A Celebrity
- Kipling's vivid, varied portrayals of colonial life and inventive use of English made him an instant celebrity.
- Critics admired his freshness and storytelling, and he remained globally popular throughout his life.