A Code of Morals by Rudyard Kipling
The narrative revolves around a newlywed couple, where the husband, before departing for a military assignment, imparts a code of conduct to his wife. He utilizes a heliograph to communicate with her from the Hurrum Hills, sending her messages of advice and warnings about potential suitors, particularly cautioning her against a notorious figure, Lieutenant-General Bangs. As the story unfolds, General Bangs and his staff intercept one of the husband's messages, misinterpreting its affectionate tone. The General, taken aback by the intimate address, becomes increasingly flustered as the message reveals the husband's warning about his character. The humorous tension escalates as the staff struggles to contain their laughter at the situation, while the General's embarrassment grows. Despite the General's attempts to dismiss the message, the reputation of his immorality spreads across the region, leading to his being labeled as "that most immoral man." The story highlights themes of fidelity, the consequences of reputation, and the humorous misunderstandings that arise from communication. The husband's protective instincts and the societal perceptions of morality play central roles in the unfolding events, ultimately leading to a comedic yet pointed commentary on relationships and honor.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1949 · Genre: Poetry, Satire, Fiction · 581 words
First lines
Lest you should think this story true I merely mention I Evolved it lately. 'Tis a most Unmitigated misstatement.
Now Jones had left his new-wed bride to keep his house in order, And hied away to the Hurrum Hills above the Afghan border, To sit on a rock with a heliograph; but ere he left he taught His wife the working of the Code that sets the miles at naught.
What this Textopian page supports
A Code of Morals is listed on Textopian as a short story by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1949 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: 1949 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Satire, Fiction, Humor, Adventure
- Length: 581 words
- Structure: 1 section, 13 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for A Code of Morals by Rudyard Kipling
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Code of Morals?
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Genres
- Poetry — The work employs a rhythmic and structured form typical of poetry, utilizing meter and rhyme.
- Satire — The narrative critiques social norms and moral behavior through humor and irony, particularly regarding relationships and military conduct.
- Fiction — The story is a fictional narrative that explores themes of love, morality, and societal expectations.
- Humor — The text contains comedic elements, particularly in the portrayal of characters and their interactions.
Tags
Rudyard Kipling · A Code of Morals · poetry · humor · satire · morality · love · communication · helicograph · military · adultery · infidelity