A Bank Fraud by Rudyard Kipling

Name: A Bank Fraud
Author: Rudyard Kipling

The narrative centers on a bank manager in India, Reggie Burke, who leads a dual life: a carefree socialite by day and a diligent banker by day. His professional life is complicated by the arrival of a new accountant, Silas Riley, whose arrogance and lack of understanding of Indian banking create friction. Riley, suffering from a serious illness, becomes increasingly dependent on Reggie, who must manage both the bank and Riley's demands. As Riley's health deteriorates, Reggie concocts a plan to defraud the bank. He manipulates the situation by hiding Riley's dismissal letter and fabricating correspondence from the bank's directors to keep Riley pacified. Reggie pays Riley's salary out of his own pocket, all while maintaining the facade that everything is fine. This deception allows Reggie to continue his fraudulent activities without raising suspicion. Riley, oblivious to the true state of affairs, remains focused on his own recovery and the future of the bank, often lecturing Reggie on business ethics and morality. As Riley's condition worsens, he becomes a source of both burden and motivation for Reggie. The accountant's delusions of grandeur and self-importance provide Reggie with the opportunity to execute his scheme without interference. Ultimately, Riley's health declines to the point where he recognizes his impending death. In his final moments, he expresses regret over his unfulfilled potential and instructs Reggie to send his last salary to his mother. After Riley passes away, Reggie reflects on the situation, realizing the weight of his actions and the fragility of life. The story explores themes of deception, morality, and the complexities of human relationships within the context of colonial India. Reggie's internal conflict and the consequences of his choices highlight the moral ambiguity of his actions, leaving readers to ponder the nature of integrity in a flawed system.

By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1923 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Drama, Crime Fiction · 3,412 words

First lines

He drank strong waters and his speech was coarse; He purchased raiment and forebore to pay; He struck a trusting junior with a horse, And won Gymkhanas in a doubtful way. Then, 'twixt a vice and folly, turned aside To do good deeds and straight to cloak them, lied. The Mess Room.

What this Textopian page supports

A Bank Fraud is listed on Textopian as a short story by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1923 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: Rudyard Kipling
Date: 1923 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Drama, Crime Fiction, Social Commentary, Humor
Length: 3,412 words
Structure: 1 section, 28 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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How does this short story by Rudyard Kipling fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Literary Fiction — The story explores complex characters and moral dilemmas, focusing on themes of trust, deception, and the duality of human nature.
Drama — The narrative involves intense interpersonal conflicts and emotional struggles between the characters, particularly between Reggie and Riley.
Crime Fiction — The plot centers around a bank fraud, highlighting criminal activities and the consequences of deceit.
Social Commentary — The work critiques colonial attitudes and the banking system in India, reflecting on societal norms and expectations.