Orientalist Stereotypes in "Overland Mail"

 

The idea of the Orient is something that many people from the West held true and it was made known through  their art and literature. One piece of literature that possesses Orientalist stereotypes is the poem "Overland Mail" by Rudyard Kipling. Examples of these stereotypes are apparent throughout Kipling's "Overland Mail" from the very beginning and flow through to the very end. In the very first line of the poem, the Empress of India is addressed: "In the name of the Empress of India, make way" (315). This immediately paints a picture of India being full of luxury and wealth. Orientalist stereotypes continue on through the first stanza: "Let the robber retreat-let the tiger turn tail" (315). The Orient is often categorized as being exotic and wild, maybe even dangerous. The tiger could represent the exotic and wild part of the Orient. However, the forth stanza in a whole is the most Orientalist stereotypical part of the whole poem. It illustrates the exotic landscape of the Orient. "From aloe to rose-oak, from rose-oak to fir, / from level to upland, from upland to crest, / from rice-field to rock-ridge, / from rock-ridge to spur" (316). The landscape is full of trees and land and rocks and vegetation, exactly what is stereotypically known to be Orientalist. Finally, in the last stanza, Kipling offers just a few more lines of Orientalist stereotype. The exotic side and beauty of the Orient is illustrated once again. "There's a scuffle above in the monkey's abode, / The world is awake and the clouds are aglow" (316). Monkeys and beautiful clouds above show the exotic, yet peaceful side of the environment surrounding the overland mailman. Orientalist stereotypes are seen throughout Kipling's "Overland Mail", yet these representations and ideas are not uncommon, and can be seen in many other works of art, literature, or poetry.

 

Westerners see the East as exotic, mystical, sexual, dangerous and mysterious. Orientalist stereotypes like these can be seen throughout art and literature. Check out this link that goes into depth about Orientalism and even offers pictures and examples: What is Orientalism?

 

If anyone is an expert on the subject of Orientalism it is Edward Said. In this video he discusses his views and expertise on Orientalism and the effect it has on society and the arts.