Jackal and Child by James McIntyre
In Bengal, a jackal scavenges at night, thriving on carrion, which it finds appealing despite the stench. During the Sepoy Rebellion, an English Colonel and his wife leave their daughter at home, believing they are safe. However, rebels abduct the child while the parents are away. The family's Hindu servant, loyal and distressed, witnesses the kidnapping. Upon returning, the Colonel is consumed by rage and fear for his daughter's life. He prepares for confrontation, arming himself and seeking divine protection. Meanwhile, the rebels abandon the child by a river, leaving her to drown. The jackal, seeking water, discovers the girl and, despite lacking affection, seizes her, intending to eat her. As the Colonel pursues the jackal, he refrains from shooting, fearing for his daughter's safety. The jackal, exhausted, eventually drops the child, fleeing in fear. The Colonel finds his daughter unharmed and sleeping, overwhelmed with joy. He embraces her and, in a moment of relief, hands her to her mother, who likely showers the child with affection.
By James McIntyre · First published 2015 · Genre: Poetry, Adventure, Fable · 544 words
First lines
In the great Province of Bengal, The scavenger is the Jackal, For it doth love each night to feast, On the carrion of some beast.
The stench of which pollutes the air, But to this beast 'tis sweet and fair, Carcass to it is source of wealth, Jackals promote the public health.
What this Textopian page supports
Jackal and Child is listed on Textopian as a short story by James McIntyre, dated 2015 CE.
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- Work type: Short story
- Author: James McIntyre
- Date: 2015 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Adventure, Fable, Historical Fiction, Children's Literature
- Length: 544 words
- Structure: 1 section, 15 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for Jackal and Child by James McIntyre
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Adventure — The plot involves a rescue mission and the perilous journey of the Colonel to save his daughter.
- Fable — The story features anthropomorphism with the jackal and conveys moral lessons about bravery and parental love.
- Historical Fiction — The backdrop of the Sepoy Rebellion provides a historical context to the narrative.
Tags
Dark Fantasy · Poetry Collection · Canadian Literature · 19th Century · Literary Fiction · Symbolism · Imagery · Mythology · Folklore · Nature Imagery · Mortality · Existentialism