21. RUDYARD KIPLING: If
This is the second part of my ‘Poetic Justice’ saga. PART 1: Invictus and PART 3: O me! O life!
Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936) was an English author and poet. Before researching him for this post I always just thought he was the ‘Jungle Book dude’ without realising how prolific and important he was. I haven’t read any of his books and have only watched Disney’s The Jungle Book (I can still sing The Bare Necessities) and the average film adaptation starring Jason Scott Lee (hey look, it has Cersei Lannister too!). Probably not the best way to experience Kipling. I also didn’t know that If was voted the most popular poem of all time by the English people. Hope I didn’t ruin it for anyone!
I wasn’t planning on doing a sequel to the Invictus hammer fight, but I really liked ‘the kid’ and wanted to see more of him. I also liked the idea of only using classic poetry to tell his story. Now for part 3 …
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My favourite poem of all time. Something every person on this planet should aim to be. Although I’d have preferred the boy not to react in the picture, it kinda goes in the face of Rudyard’s point of “Keeping your head when those about you are losing theirs”
One of my favorite poems as well, especially by Rudyard Kipling. I must say I’m normally a big fan of how you illustrate the meanings of the quotes you choose and while I love the art in this comic today, I am also afraid I don’t understand why the boy is being so reactionary and bloodthirsty/violent to the others. I don’t think that follows the intent of how I interpret the poem anyway. Not trying to be too critical here, just curious to hear your thoughts on why you went that direction if you care to share. Love your work, thanks for drawing all these!
I interpreted it as the kid having kept his head in battle in the midst of being outnumbered and overpowered. Also, he didn’t cry and scream while getting beaten or gloat and celebrate when he beat them. He realised he had done wrong and accepts being punished by the police. He was also ashamed and couldn’t look his father in the eye. Overall, it’s an event in the boy’s life that helps him become a man. I know the violence might turn some readers off but I wanted to keep it in the same vein as the Invictus piece, both in style and subject matter. Appreciate the comments and keep them coming.
Thanks for responding with your thoughts! I hadn’t actually seen the Invictus comic before I read this one (or wrote my original comment.) It makes a bit more sense to me now in the context of the first comic. I also am totally in favor of putting our own spins on things, that is often one of the most fun parts after all! I forgot to mention in my original comment that I did like the ending parts pretty well. I think I was just thrown off by empathizing with the “star” of the comic who appeared very bloodthirsty without the context of the first Invictus comic.
Thanks for posting this, it’s nice to have insight into your thought process.
However, I still disagree with your interpretation of both these poems. I feel that turning Invictus into revenge and If to violence takes the meaning of the poems from a spiritual level to a more base, material one.
That’s not to say you’ve lost me as a follower of the site, by the way. One of the beautiful things about poetry (and art in general) is the fact that a give piece can be interpreted 10 different ways by 10 different people.
man, I almost cry with this. the poem, the illustrations… this is a fine piece of art.
Your work it’s awesome, thank you for sharing it with us.
You know the bully at the beginning of Ender’s Game? Ender beat him until he died.
The only reason he got off is that they wanted a killer to fight in the their space war. He never knew he killed him either, because they never told him about it.
Can you please, please PLEASE make this a poster possibility? One of my most cherished and favourite poems by far, and the comic hits home!
freakin’ awesome……
I get the “original” intention of the poem but being open to interpretation is also one of the joys and dangers of something being put out there.
Internally I shouted “YES!” when the boy reacts, he/we are human and can only take so much without the desire to return the hurt. Whether we do or don’t is another matter.
Thank you for a different scenario beautifully illustrated.You brought a tear to my eye and a smile to my face and made my day better for it.
This and Invictus are the only comics I didn’t enjoy. I’m sorry to come just with criticism (I find most of your comics very creative, inspirational and really well-drawn).
I had never read that poem before, and when I read the first line I thought that something would happen so the boy wouldn’t end up committing a violent act. I always wonder why these kind of scenes (bullying) are depicted everywhere, and yet the “solution” shown always seems to be “to fight back and win”. When I saw that there was a second part to Invictus, I was really looking forward to see something different, a message for peace, like I found in other comics. I was disappointed, but then I noticed that this really doesn’t have a happy ending (yet), that the “victory” isn’t celebrated, and the man doesn’t look proud of what his son did, so… now I’m just intrigued to see the next part (I hope there will be one). I’ll be waiting
Since you’re doing poems, I’d love to see your take on Dirge Without Music: http://cscs.umich.edu/~crshalizi/Poetry/Millay/Dirge_without_Music.html
This is great. I’d actually not heard of either of these (“If” or “Invictus”) prior to your publishing them, but I love every quote you put up here. I think Mr. Kipling would be quite satisfied with how you’ve brought it to life here, even though it might be interpreted as a bit harsh (the boy doesn’t do the peaceable, turn-your-other-cheek thing that we expect).
(minor nit: I think the “BREATH” in the frame where the boy is being loaded into the cop car should be “BREATHE”. I’m not sure if that’s poetic license on Mr. Kipling’s part.)
You’re right, I fixed the typo – thanks for the pickup
I ahve seen that father son embrace so many times in my own backyard, thank you for your beautiful work that seems to get it o so right every time.
There…you almost make a grown man cry Gavin..
Thank you, you made this beautiful poem more beautiful
Hi Gav – thanks for this comic and all your comic. When I first saw this I was a little shocked (and a little disappointed) that they hero would be so reactive. After reflecting on it tho’, I think you’ve done a great job capturing the essence of a literary tragedy (think “Hamlet” or “Lord of the Flies”). In my mind, the tragic literary form teaches us the consequences of our decisions. With this perspective kudos to you for not letting the little kid become a Disney character
In this piece, I was impressed by the unconditional love from the boys’ father.
Keep up the good work… I’m looking forward to seeing more.
In regards to the boy ‘resorting to violence’. I think the comic sets up pretty clearly that these are not the sort of thugs that listen to reason. The first comic (invictus) setup that this wasn’t the first time they’d beaten him up, and his pacifist stance had not worked as they kept coming back.
As for him finally ‘cracking’ in this comic, well the poem states “IF you do all these things, like keep your head etc you’ll be a man”, well the boy clearly isn’t a man yet, and is still finding his way hence why he doesn’t ‘fill all the criteria’. He’s on a journey, and has to live with the consequences of his actions. At least, that’s the way I see it.
The Invictus story is complete!
i cried.
argh. at my office. on my desk. argh.
wow I creid reading it
Great piece.
Here’s Dennis Hopper reading the poem. http://youtu.be/ySRA0cNICuY
Beautiful!
Here’s a much better reading, with poor sound quality: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAejmFrO_6Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jdkaLCGM5k&feature=related
Super!
Gav, it made me teary. It’s good to feel something, when some days at your desk – you feel nothing.
Oh, the Jungle Book is much more than a kid’s story! The whole Scout movement was built on those ideals.
And yeah. My wife just came in and found me dabbing my eyes.
i cried too…….
very beautiful.
That was incredibly moving
Holy crap what is going on here? Turn around and all of the sudden you are a rock star. Tons of comments and an article on Comic Riffs.
Well done my friend. About time people realized your talents went way beyond boob jokes.
I know, finally right? thanks Bearman
Gav,
Nice job, man! I like your interpretation. Life is sometimes violent. Sometimes you have to fight. Captain Kirk was very manly when he said in “A Taste of Armageddon”, “I didn’t start this was, but I am going to end it!”
I can’t wait for your Part 3!
Sorry, I really hate this one. You’ve disgraced a beautiful poem by painting it with disgusting glorified violence, which seems to be the exact opposite of what was intended by the writing.
Open your mind a little.
Unfortunately the poem has become cliched over time. Actually, Kipling became a cliche in his own time.
Anyway, to those who think the imagery is our of keeping with the poem, try “Stalky & Co”. Kipling’s childhood was alien to everyone reading this now.
Sorry, This one really doesn’t work. I love the others, but the narrative you’ve drawn does not fit with the message of the poem.
Lots of comments here about the violent nature of the illustrations. Don’t forget that the “bullies” here are physical representations of Chance, Circumstance and the Shade.
“In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.”
I have to say i am not from US, and did not have the fortune to hear about it (the poem). And i like it. Maybe most of the people don’t understand, because you used violence. But we must agree that sometimes we have to use it with animals, and that’s what i see from the 2 paintings. So i congratulate you for your work, very nice indeed!
And forget to put this too. A picture does not tell us only what we can see, but tell us all the things we can imagine. And i imagine that is a guy that is putting his self together to face their fears and conquer them…
Thanks everyone for the comments – whether you agree or disagree with my interpretation it’s great to see thoughtful discussion on literature and poetry … on a comic blog!
Wow… that was beautiful. Great work!
As for those that say it’s a violent interpretation, just remember one thing: a thousand people, a thousand opinions, a thousand thoughts, a single idea.
All the people disliking the “disgusting glorified violence” should just go and play with the newest Barbie & Ken. Also, this is a poem, and can be interpreted in any way anybody likes, there’s no absolute meaning to this.
Other than that, great work, great emotions.. please keep it up.
Awesome illustrations! I intepret the “bullies” as representing “Chance”, “Circumstance” and “the Shadow” as laid out in Invictus.
dude, this is amazing! its so moving…and this poem means alot to me. i like your interpretation, because becoming a man is about standing up for what you believe…
dammit…finding it hard to keep myself from shedding a tear on my desk…at work…grrrrr
thanks for the comments – sorry for the work tears!
Really touch my heart.
Make me think of my dad,
despite of our differences and arguments,
i will always miss him.
wan mahamood.
1947-2007
Magnificient. Please don’t stop writing!
this comic was brilliant as usual, but I can’t help but wonder.
Did he get charged for aggravated assault with a weapon and get sent to Juvenile detention?
I’ve got a part 3 in mind …
This is my favorite poem. I was thinking about it all through part 1. Thank you. Your art and choice of prose is beautiful.
Violence is omnipresent in all aspects of life. Not knowing why, when, where and how to deal with it is just another way of hypocritical ‘holier than thou’.
It’s easy for the ones that can rely in a system closer to a ‘fair’ justice to shun any aspect of it, but be warned: many kids, in many countries, don’t have a school board council, or an oriented police-like patrol to help them. Many of these kids deal with the now fashionable ‘bullies’ in a scenario where there is no balance, nor a minimal protection to them. Their will, their [i]potens[i], derive only from a self-steem that they must daily pursue. And, in the trail, violence spurs.
So please, to all those saying ‘Ah woe him for fighting back…’, I can only say – be less hypocritical and get punched in the face. The idea of getting punched is NOTHING, compared to being actually punched.
is it wrong that i cried? i’m also reading this while l’m listening to emotional music..
Love it!
Especially loved the fact that you didn’t go all preachy and predictable with it..
And honestly, there is a lot of courage needed in being courageous. Which will probably seem too simple to most and make sense only to those who have been “courageously” keeping their silence.
this is both brilliant and heartbreaking. You are so talented at telling the story of these quotes
hey can i make a animation of this comic ? its really awesome
Thank you for creating this comic to illustrat this poem, it’s a piece of art. Your Illustrations with the message made me cry for the young man. You are doing a great job illustrating good poems and famous phrases, I disire to you success!
THANK YOU!
You, sir, deserve an oscar.
those three poems, the best work of yours for now !
you made me cry for god sake every fucking I read them !
pls keep it going , you’re doing great
best wishes ,
omar
ksa
I love making dudes cry!
amazing job man waiting for more , well done for that mate it did almost make me cry and im in work now so got to calm down
nice1
Excellent comic. I’ve just found your site (through memebase of all places) and I’m working through your back catalogue. Really liked everything so far.
If anyone has read Kipling, you’ll know he would have been all about the kid’s reaction – he was not a ‘turn the other cheek’ kind of guy (and I agree with him). The ‘just tell a teacher’ advice is bullshit that’s said by teachers and parents who aren’t allowed to advocate violence. The only way to stop bullying (in my experience) is to put the lead offender on the floor. Other than that, anything short of removing all bullies from your physical presence won’t be enough. And most people are bullies, in one way or another, so that will take a looooong time. Stand up for yourself, be a person of peace, and above all never do the same to another that you have suffered yourself – unless of course, you’re doing unto him who has done unto you
I want to let you guys know, I love your artwork. It just appeals to me more than I can put into words. It’s very, very inspiring with the quotes you put that the artwork follows. When this 15 year old gets enough money, he’ll buy several of these prints.
Stop makin dudes cry in front of their girlfriends man. It’s embarrasing. -fahad
what the. i was just browsing on songmeanings for the song if and someone said it was an extension from this poem i thought ok and closed it. literally 30 seconds later (i was just clicking through this site) this appeared
You know, this “Poetic Justice” saga really reminds me of something that happened at my school. This fat girl was made fun of and bullied for years. One day, she snapped and beat one of the more popular girls in the face with a high-heel shoe. She even had to go to the hospital! Of course, a lot of my friends were friends with the bully, so they hated the girl even more, but I thought it was awesome. She got what she deserved.
My favourtie poem…thanks for making it into a wonderful story (although gruesome)…and happy father’s day
I’m crying at the last panel of the comic. Even if I don’t really get the meaning of the poem (I should re-read it then), but, good job at the illustration. You should make a compilation book of your works, I’d definitely buy it.
Hey! Amazing website! Do you ship to India?
Thanks Vibhu – I’m pretty sure the print company Society6 ship to India.
I love this one. This poem used to be in the English language
syllabus for secondary school in Malaysia. Never once I would think of that I will come across this again .
I love your work. Been browsing this site non-stop. I loved ‘Invictus’ simply because not only is the poem epic, but your rendition was as flawless. Every panel and every sketch brought out the line it was illustrating. I didn’t quite get the same feeling while reading ‘If’. I do get the big picture in this saga, and it’s beautiful nonetheless, but still, the images don’t capture the emotions the same way they did in ‘Invictus’.
but hey, that’s just me.
Anand
P.S. your work is as inspiring as the folks who you quote through it.
thanks Anand!
Yeah, I didn’t like what you did with ‘Invictus’, and I don’t like this sequel either. It reminds me too much of Orson Scott Card’s “Ender’s Game”: he sets up a situation specifically so the main character can commit murder and still be a hero. It leaves a rather nasty taste in the mouth. (Then again, Kipling might well have approved…)
it is very interesting how you illustrate every quote. this and the road not taken is very exceptional. great interpretations and very inspiring indeed. it gives lots of people around me courage and new possibilities. keep up the good work
Only know Kipling through the Jungle Book? Could I recommend Barracks Room Ballads? I find myself thinking of ‘The Young British Soldier’ a lot these days what with the Afghanistan war.
http://www.telelib.com/authors/K/KiplingRudyard/verse/BarrackRoom/index.html
http://www.telelib.com/authors/K/KiplingRudyard/verse/volumeXI/youngbritishsoldier.html
When you’re wounded and left on Afghanistan’s plains,
And the women come out to cut up what remains,
Jest roll to your rifle and blow out your brains
An’ go to your Gawd like a soldier.
Go, go, go like a soldier,
Go, go, go like a soldier,
Go, go, go like a soldier,
So-oldier of the Queen!
Hi!
Yes I’m crying while reading it along.
Love the pic ?
the idea of bringing the 3 different poems into a single storyline seems mind-boggling. loved it.
this made me cry. not only because of the poem but because of the illustration as well. recently some things that my father has done to me in the past have come up again and he was facing jail time. after things got resolved i talked to him. he said he sill loved me. i have never felt so loved in my life
Anyone please tell me what’s the meaning of these lines:
“if you can dream – and not make dreams your master” and
“if you can think – and not make thoughts your aim”?
I had not heard the poem til now. Thanks man it is really awesome and the history is nice. The last image is a perfect ending for the history I nearly cryed haha
I appreciate your work. Just thought I’d share a simpler version of If. You can see it here: http://shop.inkmonkey.com/if-poem-p/10301.htm
I just cried
Maybe it would help those who feel the boy’s violence violates the spirit of Kipling’s poem to consider that in real life, we don’t truly become adults without making some awful mistakes along the way. The violence at the beginning of this comic does violate the spirit of the *entire* poem, its point, but the boy IN the comic doesn’t know that at the beginning; that’s one of the things he has learned at the end. If we can restrain ourselves from imposing the lesson of the end upon the beginning, I think that would honor the poem and leave us feeling better. Maybe.
Just my opinion.
I’m going to be upfront about my qualms with this poem, because I honestly think they might be considered here:
I always liked the idea stated in this work quite a bit – if you can just be in a comfortable medium with all things, especially when it’s difficult to do so, you’ll be ultimately better for it. But I remember reading it for the first time when I was nine years old, and having to hold back tears because of the oddly typical childhood traumas I was in the middle of experiencing. Until I got to the end. It was my first real moment of “Oh. I see.” I read it as not something for *me* to strive toward, as I’m no one’s son, nor would I ever be a man. But all I’d found in books of women’s poetry was so full of existential sadness and desperate feelings of forced entrapment… It really, really bothered me.
Seeing it paneled out like this, along with the illustrated violence – even using a hammer as a weapon – it’s reminding me of the same feeling I had at nine years old. I appreciate the artistry, and I’m consistent in my recommendation of this entire site, but I don’t like this one at all.
Really love in the “If you can dream – and not make dreams your master” part
Its my fav line, and you make one big panel for it
Always make me feel… something whenever I read, nay, experience itself and ‘Invictus’. A stroke of genius sir, salute. Cheers from Egypt!
What a terrific site. Poems usually don’t do it for me, but this hit me hard. truly beautiful. And reading it again it gets to me even more. Wow. And a very smart illustration. Thanks.
I really like your interpretation of Invictus and If. Violence is a touchy subject. I wish I could say something thought provoking on the subject. I’m not one of the ‘Violence is not the answer’ crowd because I think they aren’t asking the right questions.
o’sam way to explain the theme or meaning of the poem
I find it pretty cool that you don’t know much about the people whose quotes you use (maybe you’re not a wide reader or not very into science, history, etc.), and then you’ll learn about them just because you have to draw their wisdom. It shows how your passion still helps you learn more.
Very few things that I have ever read are as inspiring as this gem !