A Conference of the Powers

Name: A Conference of the Powers
Author: Rudyard Kipling

The narrative unfolds in a blue smoke-filled room in India, where a group of young British officers reunite after years apart. They engage in lively discussions about their military aspirations and experiences, revealing their youthful bravado and ambitions. The arrival of a renowned novelist, Eustace Cleever, shifts the dynamic, as the officers express admiration for his work, particularly a book that resonates with their own experiences. As the conversation progresses, Cleever, unfamiliar with military life, becomes intrigued by the officers' tales of service in Burma and the complexities of warfare. The officers recount their encounters with dacoits, the challenges of command, and the absurdities of military bureaucracy. The Infant, one of the subalterns, shares a particularly vivid story about a dacoit-hunting expedition, illustrating the chaos and humor of their experiences. Cleever's fascination grows as he learns about the realities of military life, contrasting sharply with his own artistic world. The officers' candidness about their actions in combat, including the taking of lives, surprises Cleever, who struggles to reconcile their youthful demeanor with the gravity of their experiences. The narrative explores themes of duty, the nature of heroism, and the disconnect between civilian and military life. The evening culminates in an invitation for Cleever to join the officers for a night out, highlighting the camaraderie and respect they have for him. As they venture into the city, Cleever reflects on the insights gained from the young men, recognizing the depth of their experiences and the complexities of their lives. The story concludes with a sense of mutual appreciation, as both the officers and Cleever gain a deeper understanding of each other's worlds.

By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1903 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Adventure · 7,586 words

First lines

Life liveth but in life, and doth not roam To other lands if all be well at home: "Solid as ocean foam," quoth ocean foam.

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A Conference of the Powers is listed on Textopian as a short story by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1903 CE.

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Work type: Short story
Author: Rudyard Kipling
Date: 1903 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Adventure, Satire, War Fiction
Length: 7,586 words
Structure: 1 section, 115 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Literary Fiction — The book explores complex themes of identity, war, and the human experience through rich character development and nuanced dialogue.
Historical Fiction — Set in a specific historical context, it reflects on military life and colonialism in India, providing insights into the era's socio-political dynamics.
Adventure — The narrative includes elements of adventure through military expeditions and encounters with dacoits, highlighting the thrill and danger of the setting.
Satire — The book employs humor and irony to critique societal norms and the romanticism of war, particularly through the interactions between characters.