White+Man's+Burden+Discussion+Questions

Written by Rudyard Kipling, "White Man's Burden" portrays a different view of imperialism than we tend to think of today. In many ways, the viewpoint that Kipling portrays praises imperialism as a necessary evil. (In fact, President Theodore Roosevelt called imperialism a "manly virtue.") As you read this, remember that we need to look at this document in light of the time that it was written (around the time of the Spanish-American War) and not from a modern day context. I am, however, asking you to reflect on this poem in light in both the time it was written and its modern day application.



To start off, read through "White Man's Burden." As you go through, take note of 2-3 key phrases that truly stand out to you. Also, take note of any vocabulary terms that you do not understand. Remember that this was written in the late 1800s and some of the terminology may be lost on the modern day audience.

After you have done that, read through the following questions and do your best to answer them. (Take a few notes as you go...)

1. What is the "White Man's Burden?" Why does Kipling regard this as a burden?

2. At the end of the second stanza, Kipling writes "To seek another's profit, and work another's gain." What does this imply about his views of imperialism? Is he correct in this assertion?

3. How does Kipling view those being imperialized? Is he correct in this assumption? Why did many Westerners hold the same belief as Kipling?

4. At the end, Kipling writes (or implies) that those doing the imperializing will most likely not receive any thanks from those who are benefiting (the imperialized nation) and will face the judgment of their peers. If that is the case, why would someone engage in imperialism?

The next few questions ask you to think hypothetically about imperialism in general.

5. Is imperialism always done for the benefit of the mother country? Why or why not? Cite specific historical examples.

6. Can imperialism be done in a manner that is truly altruistic? (By that, I mean, can one engage in imperialism solely for the benefit of the nation being imperialized?)

7. What are the pros and cons of imperialism? Do the cons outweigh the pros?

Back to Unit 3 Page