Kipling

Found George Orwell's essay on Kipling---or rather, Orwell response to an essay Eliot had written in defense of Kipling 'verse' (Eliot's preferred phrase over 'poetry'). Basically, Orwell felt that Eliot's defense wasn't much, and his support of Kipling needed to come from a different direction, and a more discerning view of the Kipling's time, and Kipling life and place in English society.

Still mulling this one over. I have some debate with Orwell, on politics, Kipling and the point of poetry. I have some agreement as well. And per Mr. Orwell's advice, I am also viewing his words through Mr. Orwell's life and times.

http://www.george-orwell.org/Rudyard_Kipling/0.html

Thank you to terpsichoros for telling me about this essay.