The author may have opted for couplets as it is a specific method of writing poetry.
Kipling seemed to wish to elevate the ideals of the empire he felt a part of. An article in The Guardian pointed out that he faced criticism for this perspective, yet he was awarded a Nobel Prize at a young age, highlighting his creative talents. He is primarily recognized for his children's literature and adventure tales, perhaps illustrating themes of exploration, discovery, and appreciation for aging. He was a proponent of English Imperialism, believing the Empire was sufficiently established to seek new territories for the benefit of its citizens.
"Heroes Every Child Should Know" is a compilation authored by Hamilton Wright Mabie, an American writer who was born in New York in 1845 and passed away in 1916. Published in 1908, this work collects tales of heroic figures from historical times, myths, and folk traditions that Mabie considered important for children to learn as models of virtuous behavior and conduct. In the excerpt, Mabie suggests that heroes have consistently been cherished across various eras and cultures because they symbolize the pinnacle of human qualities such as strength, goodness, and admirable traits. Despite the diversity in kinds of heroes throughout history, the reverence for them remains a common thread among people.
The line "Child as he was, he was desperate with hunger and reckless with misery." serves as my answer.