The Female of the Species (poem) explained

"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)).

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 solely made for child-rearing. 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."

Kipling's description of the stubborn nature of women that makes them good mothers and wives implies that they are unsuitable to hold leadership positions in the broader community. Kipling writes that "man, the coward" has a "timid heart," and so may choose to include women in leadership positions out of foolishness ("fear, or foolishness, impels him").

References in other media

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

Notes and References

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