Presented by Nimra Abdulhayee

Rudyard Kipling Biography and writing

style :**

Rudyard Kipling, born on December 30,

1865, in Bombay, British India (now
Mumbai, India), was a renowned British
author, poet, and journalist. He spent his
early childhood in India and later moved
to England for education. Kipling's early
experiences in India greatly influenced
his writing and shaped his literary style.

*"I had not the good fortune to be born

in England, but that is where my heart
is."*
During his time in India, Kipling
developed a deep affection for the
country's rich culture and landscape,
which found expression in many of his
works, especially "The Jungle Book" and
"Kim."

*"There are only two places in the world

where we can live happy: at home and in
Paris."*

Kipling's writing career began as a

journalist for local newspapers in India.
His experiences as a reporter provided
him with valuable insights into diverse
cultures, a skill that later reflected in his
storytelling.

*"Words are, of course, the most

powerful drug used by mankind."*

His literary breakthrough came with the

publication of "Plain Tales from the
Hills," a collection of short stories set in
India. These stories showcased Kipling's
gift for storytelling and his keen
observation of human nature.

*"He wrapped himself in quotations - as

a beggar would enfold himself in the
purple of Emperors."*
In 1889, Kipling moved back to England,
where he continued to write and publish
numerous works, including poetry, short
stories, novels, and essays.

*"I keep six honest serving-men (they

taught me all I knew); Their names are
What and Why and When and How and
Where and Who."*

One of his most famous works, "The

Jungle Book," published in 1894,
captivated readers with its imaginative
tales of Mowgli and his animal friends,
while also conveying deeper moral
lessons.

*"For the strength of the Pack is the

Wolf, and the strength of the Wolf is the
Pack."*

Kipling's writing style is characterized by

its vivid descriptions, keen attention to
detail, and use of colloquial language. He
often delved into themes of imperialism,
colonialism, and the clash of cultures,
reflecting the complexities of his time.

*"We have forty million reasons for

failure, but not a single excuse."*
Kipling's legacy continues to inspire
readers worldwide, and his literary
contributions have earned him enduring
recognition, including the Nobel Prize in
Literature in 1907.

*"If history were taught in the form of

stories, it would never be forgotten."*

On January 18, 1936, Rudyard Kipling

passed away in London, leaving behind a
rich literary heritage that continues to
be celebrated and appreciated to this
day.
**Kim Character Description:**
Kim, the protagonist of Rudyard Kipling's
novel "Kim," is a young, resourceful, and
adventurous boy of mixed heritage who
grows up in India during British colonial
rule. Here's a character description using
quotations:

1. *"He was the son of nobody, and as

such was free of all territorial and
sectarian bias."* - Kim is a free-spirited
and unattached boy, belonging to no
specific social or religious group, which
allows him to move effortlessly through
different cultural settings.
2. *"An Irish voice cried: 'Let me go! Bad
cess to you, I'll remember you for this,
red woman! Let me go!'"* - Kim's quick
wit and adaptability are evident in his
ability to switch between various accents
and personas, enabling him to blend in
with different groups and navigate
challenging situations.

3. *"I am Kim. I am Kim. And what is

Kim?"* - Kim grapples with questions
about his identity and purpose
throughout the novel, as he seeks to find
his place in the world and understand his
true self.
4. *"He meditated treason against the
Government of India; he investigated
matters which were no business of his;
he said things which made Government
angry; and which, deep in his heart, he
knew for lies."* - Kim's mischievous
nature and penchant for mischief
sometimes lead him into trouble, but
they also demonstrate his curiosity and
desire to challenge authority.

5. *"Kim's mother died when he was a

babe, and his father, Mahbub Ali, the
great horse-dealer of Kabul, was away
across the passes on business."* - The
absence of his parents shapes Kim's
independent spirit and self-reliance as
he learns to fend for himself in the
vibrant streets of India.

6. *"He held it out to Kim. 'Is it a charm?

For I am no buffalo, to play in the mud
with a mere painted pebble.'"* - Kim's
interactions with the Tibetan lama reveal
his compassionate and protective
nature, as he forms a deep bond with
the older man and accompanies him on
a spiritual quest.

7. *"The lama is my friend, and I will be

his chela."* - Kim's loyalty and devotion
to the lama drive him to support and aid
the old man in his spiritual journey, even
in the face of danger.

8. *"...he rejoiced like a schoolboy on his

holiday, babbling and shouting up and
down the platform, till the big Eurasian
stationmaster whispered to him: 'This is
the work of devils.'"* - Kim's enthusiasm
and joy for life shine through his vibrant
personality, endearing him to those he
encounters during his adventures.

9. *"The heart's gone out of me and all

for little more than new clothes and
some useless knowledge... You know
how to make a roomful laugh, and you
never waste a word to make them
laugh."* - Kim's ability to connect with
people from all walks of life is a
testament to his charismatic nature and
skill as a storyteller.

10. *"So, though he could not

understand the cause of his blindness,
he accepted the fact without blinking -
accepted it as a child accepts an
inevitable injury - stolidly, that is, and
without tears."* - Kim's resilience and
maturity are evident in how he faces
challenges, accepting them with stoicism
and determination.
Throughout the novel, Kim's journey is
one of self-discovery, cultural
exploration, and growth, making him a
captivating and memorable character in
the world of literature.
**Important Themes in "Kim" with
Quotations:**

1. **Identity and Belonging:**

*"Who is Kim? He is Kim. Who is
Kim?"* - Kim's quest to understand his
own identity and where he belongs,
being of mixed heritage and having no
fixed social status, is a central theme in
the novel. Kim's journey of self-
discovery revolves around his
struggle to understand his identity
and sense of belonging in a diverse
and complex society. Being an
orphan of mixed heritage, he
grapples with questions about his
place in the world and the multiple
cultural influences that shape him.

2. **Colonialism and Imperialism:**

*"We must stop this. Remember that
there is a God of Justice, and He will
judge us all if we do not do right to the
widow and the fatherless."* - The novel
explores the impact of British
colonialism in India and the ethical
dilemmas faced by the characters
regarding their roles within the colonial
system. The novel delves into the
effects of British imperialism on both
the colonizers and the colonized.
Kim's involvement with the British
authorities reflects the complexities
and moral dilemmas surrounding the
colonial system.

3. **Cultural Clash and Harmony:**

*"India is not a pink-faced madam
from a music-hall song! The shade of
difference is abysmal."* - The clash
between different cultures, particularly
between the British and Indian societies,
is a recurring theme, emphasizing the
complexity of relationships and the
potential for harmony. Kim's
interactions with diverse characters
from various cultural backgrounds
highlight both the clash and harmony
between different societal groups.
The novel portrays the complexities
of cultural diversity in colonial India.

4. **The Great Game:**

*"It is a great and terrible world, for all
things are done in circles, and I see the
end of them all."* - The concept of the
Great Game, the political and strategic
rivalry between Britain and Russia in
Central Asia, serves as a backdrop to the
novel, affecting the characters' actions
and decisions.
The backdrop of the Great Game
adds intrigue and espionage
elements to the novel's plot. Kim's
involvement in this political rivalry
exposes him to the dangerous world
of spies and secret agents.
5. **Friendship and Loyalty:**
*"The lama is my friend, and I will be
his chela."* - The profound friendship
between Kim and the Tibetan lama
highlights themes of loyalty, devotion,
and the willingness to support each
other on their respective journeys. Kim's
unwavering loyalty and deep
friendship with the lama showcase
the emotional bonds that transcend
cultural and social barriers. Their
relationship remains a guiding force
for both characters throughout their
respective journeys
6. **Spiritual Quest:**
*"I do not seek enlightenment. I do not
seek Nirvana. I do not seek to enter on
the Wheel of Things."* - The lama's
spiritual journey and quest for
enlightenment are intertwined with
Kim's own journey of self-discovery, as
they navigate the complexities of faith
and belief.
7. **Social and Racial Prejudice:**
*"Where are thy men? Hast thou
considered how thou wilt answer if they
catch thee? Thou hast proved thyself an
idiot several times before."* - The novel
explores the prejudices and stereotypes
prevalent in society based on race, class,
and ethnicity, impacting the characters'
interactions and choices. Kim faces
discrimination as a result of his mixed
heritage, while the lama is judged
based on his religious identity. The
novel sheds light on the detrimental
effects of such prejudices on
individuals and society.
8. **Education and Knowledge:**
 *"I shall make a little money, and later
on the Holy One and I will go out and see
all the cities of India, and the places
wherein he has preached."* - The
pursuit of knowledge and the
importance of education are depicted
through Kim's desire to learn and
experience the world beyond his
immediate surroundings. Kim's desire
to learn and experience the world
beyond his immediate surroundings
demonstrates the significance of
education in shaping one's worldview
and understanding of the world.

9. **Deception and Espionage:**

 *"The lama will be interested in that.
He likes the handiwork of strangers, as a
llama likes the kerb outside his own
temple."* - The theme of espionage and
deception is present throughout the
novel, reflecting the intrigue and
dangers involved in the Great Game.
The theme of espionage adds
suspense and intrigue to the story.
Kim's involvement in the Great Game
exposes him to the risks and
complexities of deception in pursuit
of strategic goals.
10. **Innocence and Maturity:**
*"He shook himself like a collie-dog... I
have done a wrong to the Friend of all
the World."* - As Kim faces various
challenges and experiences, he
undergoes a transformation from a
carefree and innocent boy to a more
mature individual. This growth shapes
his understanding of the world and
the consequences of his actions.
These themes intertwine to create a rich
and multi-dimensional narrative, making
"Kim" a compelling exploration of
cultural, social, and personal
complexities.

"Kim" is filled with various symbols that

add depth and meaning to the story.
Here are some significant symbols in
the novel:

1. **The Red Bull Symbol:**

The Red Bull symbolizes the British
Empire and the colonial presence in
India. It is seen as a sign of authority and
power. For Kim, it represents the world
of the sahibs and the influence they hold
in the region.

2. **The River Symbol:**

The river, especially the River of the
Arrow, symbolizes the ever-flowing and
unpredictable nature of life and destiny.
It serves as a metaphor for the journey
of self-discovery and the unpredictability
of fate.

3. **The Lama's Prayer Wheel

Symbol:**
The lama's prayer wheel represents his
devotion to his spiritual quest and faith.
It also reflects the cyclic nature of life
and the concept of karma, which plays a
significant role in the characters' actions
and consequences.

4. **The Drum Symbol:**

The drum symbolizes the Great Game
and espionage. It is used to signal secret
agents and convey messages,
highlighting the hidden and secretive
nature of political maneuverings during
the colonial era.

5. **The Lama's Fire Symbol:**

The lama's fire is a representation of
spiritual enlightenment and inner peace.
It serves as a source of comfort and
warmth during their journey,
symbolizing the light of wisdom amidst
the darkness of the world.

6. **The Sahiba's Veil Symbol:**

The Sahiba's veil represents the
mystery and allure of the exotic East for
the British officers. It serves as a symbol
of attraction and fascination with the
unfamiliar culture of India.

7. **The Stars Symbol:**

The stars symbolize destiny and the
interconnectedness of all beings. Kim
often contemplates the stars, reflecting
on the broader implications of his
actions and decisions within the grand
tapestry of life.

8. **The Spinning-Top Symbol:**

The spinning-top, which Kim receives
from the old woman, symbolizes the
cycles of life and the fleeting nature of
childhood. It reminds him of the
impermanence of innocence and the
inevitability of change.

9. **The Kim's Red Book Symbol:**

Kim's red book, containing the secrets
of the Great Game, symbolizes his
involvement in espionage and the
dangerous world of political intrigue. It
becomes a vital item that influences the
course of the plot.

10. **The Silver Coin Symbol:**

The silver coin represents Kim's
freedom and independence. It becomes
a tangible item that allows him to
navigate the world and make choices
that impact his journey.

These symbols contribute to the novel's

rich imagery and thematic complexity,
adding layers of meaning to the story of
"Kim" and providing readers with deeper
insights into its themes and characters.