Part 5/12:
The poem begins with examples from nature—bears and cobras—to illustrate that "the female of the species is more deadly than the male." She emphasizes that this isn't about hating women but acknowledging their innate strengths and the dangerous potential of their instincts if unchecked. The poem also touches on Native American tribes and the Jesuits of India, suggesting that the idea of female power has been recognized historically across cultures.
Kipling’s portrayal of women as protectors, bearers of life, and fierce defenders of their children is examined as a celebration of their vital, yet often misunderstood, role. The speaker explores how women are naturally built for resilience, stubbornness, and protective instincts given their responsibility for motherhood and nurturing.