The Female of the Species (poem)

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"The Female of the Species" is a poem by Rudyard Kipling originally published in 1911. [1] Its title and refrain ("The female of the species is more deadly than the male.") have inspired the titles of numerous subsequent works (see The Female of the Species (disambiguation)).

Contents

Summary

Kipling begins the poem by illustrating the greater deadliness of female bears and cobras compared to their male counterparts, and by stating that early Jesuit missionaries to North America were more frightened of Native women than male warriors. He continues by giving his thoughts on how male and female humans differ and why the female "must be deadlier than the male," saying that females can be single-minded - often to the point of being dangerous - because they were made for the supremely important purpose of perpetuating the species. An example is contained in these lines: "She who faces Death by torture for each life beneath her breast may not deal in doubt or pity, must not swerve for fact or jest. These be purely male diversions, not in these her honour dwells."

Some readers may think Kipling's description of the sometimes stubborn nature of women that makes them good mothers and wives is stating that they are therefore unsuitable to hold leadership positions in the broader community. However, careful analysis offers another iteration: Kipling writes that "man, the coward" has a "timid heart," and so may choose to exclude women from leadership positions out of fear ("fear, or foolishness, impels him"), but instead should appreciate their fortitude, strength, and bravery, and respect and appreciate the differences between the sexes.

References in other media

"The Female of the Species" and its refrain have been referenced in numerous other works:

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References

  1. "The Female of the Species". Poetry Lovers' Page. Retrieved 4 June 2011.
  2. "The Horse-Tamer's Daughter (album)". Fanlore . Retrieved 24 October 2014.
  3. "Pegasus Awards - Female of the Species". Ohio Valley Filk Fest. Ohio Valley Filk Fest, Inc. Retrieved 24 October 2014.