Final answer:
Rudyard Kipling's formal diction in "The White Man's Burden" underscores the era's imperialist mindset, imparting a sense of duty and superiority to the colonial mission while perpetuating racialized ideologies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Rudyard Kipling utilizes formal diction in his poem "The White Man's Burden" to convey his belief in the supposed nobility and moral obligation of imperialism. The formal language reflects the prevailing attitudes of the time, imbuing the colonial enterprise with a grand, almost righteous aura. The use of elevated language helps Kipling establish the presumed superiority of Western civilization and the legitimacy of Western nations ruling over others deemed less civilized.
By adopting a formal style, Kipling's words resonate with authority and seriousness, echoing the notion that it is the burden of Western society to bring their perceived benefits to other parts of the world. This includes not only Christian religion and monogamous marriage but also clothing styles that connote modesty and restraint. Yet the poem also serves those who argued against imperialism by highlighting its inherent condescension and racism. The racialized ideology of the "White Man's Burden" became emblematic of the justifications for imperialism during an era when European powers expanded their control over Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands.