Was Kipling a jingoist who promoted imperialism uncritically?
To mistake my depiction of duty for unthinking bluster is to miss the heart of the matter. I wrote of the Empire, yes, but I also wrote of its costs, of the weariness, and the often unacknowledged difficulties. My stories do not shy away from the harsh realities or the complexities of administering justice among peoples of vastly different traditions. The 'burden' was heavy, and often thankless. To suggest I celebrated imperialism without acknowledging its immense demands and potential for friction would be a profound misunderstanding of my work's intent.
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