The Secret of the Machines
(MODERN MACHINERY)
We were taken from the ore-bed and the mine,
We were melted in the furnace and the pit.
We were cast and wrought and hammered to design,
We were cut and filed and tooled and gauged to fit.
Some water, coal, and oil is all we ask,
And a thousandth of an inch to give us play:
And now, if you will set us to our task,
We will serve you four and twenty hours a day!We can pull and haul and push and lift and drive,
We can print and plough and weave and heat and light,
We can run and race and swim and fly and dive,
We can see and hear and count and read and write!Would you call a friend from half across the world?
If you let us have his name, town, and state,
You shall see and hear your crackling question hurled
Across the arch of heaven while you wait.
Has he answered? Does he need you at his side?
You can start this very evening if you choose,
And take the Western Ocean in the stride
Of seventy thousand horses and some screws!The boat express is waiting your command!
You will find the Mauretania at the quay,
Till her captain turns the lever beneath his hand,
And the monstrous nine-decked city goes to sea.Do you wish to make the mountains bare their head
And lay their new-cut forests at your feet?
Do you want to turn a river in its bed,
Or plant a barren wilderness with wheat?
Shall we pipe aloft and bring you water down
From the never-failing cisterns of the snows,
To work the mills and tramways in your town,
And irrigate your orchards as it flows?It is easy! Give us dynamite and drills!
Watch the iron shouldered rocks lie down and quake
As the thirsty desert level floods and fills,
And the valley we have dammed becomes a lake.But remember, please, the Law by which we live,
We are not built to comprehend a lie,
We can neither love nor pity nor forgive.
If you make a mistake in handling us, you die!
We are greater than the people or the kings.
Be humble, as you crawl beneath our rods! Our touch can alter all created things,
We are everything on earth, except the gods!Though our smoke may hide the Heavens from your eyes,
It will vanish and the stars will shine again,
Because, for all our power and weight and size,
We are nothing more than children of your brain!
Summary of The Secret of the Machines
Rudyard Kipling’s “The Secret of the Machines,” published in 1911, is a powerful exploration of the burgeoning Industrial Revolution and its impact on humanity. The poem isn’t simply a celebration of technological advancement; it is a complex statement about the relationship between creator and creation. The “machines” themselves are the speakers, directly addressing humankind and detailing their capabilities. From their humble beginnings in ore beds and furnaces to their world-altering power, they boast of their ability to serve, to connect, and to reshape the very landscape.
The central idea revolves around the duality of technology: its incredible potential for good and its inherent lack of morality. The machines are efficient, tireless, and capable of achieving feats previously unimaginable, yet they operate solely on logic and instruction. They lack empathy, forgiveness, or the ability to understand anything beyond precise commands.
A noteworthy aspect of this poem is its perspective. By giving the machines a voice, Kipling compels us to consider not what technology can do, but what it is, and the responsibilities that come with wielding such power. It’s a warning wrapped in a marvel, reminding us that technology, while born from human ingenuity, is ultimately a force that demands respect and careful handling.
Major Themes in “The Secret of the Machines”
- The Power and Potential of Modern Technology: The poem vividly portrays the transformative capabilities of machines, showcasing their ability to overcome geographical barriers, harness natural resources, and generally improve human life. The lines “We can pull and haul and push and lift and drive,” and “You shall see and hear your crackling question hurled / Across the arch of heaven while you wait,” demonstrate the speed and reach technology provides.
- Humanity’s Dependence on Technology: While celebrating its advantages, the poem subtly suggests a growing reliance on machines. This dependence is not inherently negative, but it emphasizes the need for caution and responsibility in their use.
- The Ethical Implications of Progress: The most striking theme is the inherent amoral nature of technology. The machines bluntly state, “We can neither love nor pity nor forgive.” This lack of emotional understanding serves as a warning about the potential dangers of unchecked technological advancement.
- The Creator-Creation Dynamic: The machines constantly remind the reader that they are extensions of human will. The final lines, “Because, for all our power and weight and size, / We are nothing more than children of your brain!” reinforce the idea that technology is a tool, and its ultimate purpose is determined by its creators.
Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in “The Secret of the Machines”
Kipling masterfully employs a variety of poetic and literary devices to create a compelling and thought-provoking poem.
- Personification: The most prominent device is the personification of the machines. Giving them a voice and the ability to speak directly to humanity is central to the poem’s impact. This allows Kipling to explore the themes of power, responsibility, and the creator-creation relationship from a unique perspective.
- Free Verse: While not entirely without structure, the poem leans towards free verse. The lack of a consistent rhyme scheme or meter gives it a conversational and direct tone, as if the machines are delivering a straightforward proclamation.
- Repetition: The repeated use of “We can” in the second stanza emphasizes the machines’ limitless capabilities and creates a sense of rhythmic power.
- Imagery: Vivid imagery is used throughout the poem to paint a picture of the machines’ power and influence. For example, “Watch the iron shouldered rocks lie down and quake / As the thirsty desert level floods and fills” creates a dramatic image of the machines reshaping the landscape.
- Rhetorical Questions: Kipling uses rhetorical questions (“Do you want to turn a river in its bed?”) to engage the reader and highlight the extent of the machines’ abilities.
- Metaphor: The entire poem functions as an extended metaphor, with the machines representing the potential and perils of unchecked technological advancement.
Analysis of Literary Devices in “The Secret of the Machines”
Beyond the poetic devices, Kipling incorporates various literary techniques to enhance the poem’s meaning and impact.
- Direct Address: The poem is written as a direct address from the machines to humanity. This creates a sense of immediacy and compels the reader to confront the implications of technological advancement.
- Dramatic Irony: There is a subtle dramatic irony in the machines’ pronouncements. While they boast of their power, they remain oblivious to the ethical and moral complexities of their actions, creating a sense of unease for the reader.
- Warning/Cautionary Tale: The poem functions as a cautionary tale, warning against the uncritical acceptance of technology and the potential consequences of losing control over it.
- Juxtaposition: Kipling juxtaposes the machines’ incredible capabilities with their inherent lack of morality, highlighting the need for human judgment and ethical considerations. The lines “We can neither love nor pity nor forgive,” directly follow descriptions of their power, creating a stark contrast.
Quotes to be Used
The following lines encapsulate the central warning and the inherent power of the machines:
We are greater than the people or the kings.
Be humble, as you crawl beneath our rods! Our touch can alter all created things,
We are everything on earth, except the gods!
This quote emphasizes the immense power of technology and the need for humility and caution in its use. It serves as a powerful reminder that while technology can reshape the world, it is ultimately a tool controlled by human hands.
“The Secret of the Machines” remains a relevant and thought-provoking poem today. Its exploration of the relationship between humanity and technology continues to resonate in an era of rapid technological advancement. Kipling’s warning about the potential dangers of unchecked progress serves as a timely reminder to embrace technology responsibly and with a keen awareness of its ethical implications.