The White Man's Burden & Imperialism

Analysis Questions: The White Man's Burden

By. Rudyard Kipling

Q1. Determine what Kipling means by "the White Man's Burden."

A1. What Kipling means by "the White Man's Burden is that the white leaders believed that they were above all others and that they would be able to lead the US to world domonation. They thought very little of any other kind of race, looking at them like they were dirt, and felt that as long as there were white leaders, they would be able to rule the world.

Q2. Does Kipling justify imperialism? How so?

A2. Kipling is justifying imperialism. In this line, "To seek another's profit, And work another's gain," it explains how the white leaders would try to take over someone elses land to gain more authority, thus allowing them to control the citizens that belonged to other leaders, "and work another's gain."

Q3. Why might such a justification might be so appealing?

A3. Kipling's justification of imperialism is so appealing because of the way he sees and interperates his feeling on what's going on. He understands that imperialism is a great advantage to the white men and that it is proves great power and authority, but also understands the disadvantages that occurs to anyone else.