A Friend of the Family
The narrative unfolds in a post-war setting, where the themes of truth and fiction are explored through the lens of human experience and societal norms. The story begins with a reflection on the nature of truth, which has retreated from a world filled with lies, leaving fiction to fill the void. As war ravages the landscape, truth is compelled to return, confronting the grim realities of human actions and the horrors of conflict. The plot centers around a gathering of men at a Masonic lodge, where they engage in discussions that reveal their diverse backgrounds and experiences during the war. Among them is Bevin, a chicken farmer with aspirations of herb-growing, who recounts tales of camaraderie and loss. The conversations shift between personal grievances, the absurdities of war, and the complexities of human relationships. Bevin shares the story of Hickmot, an Australian soldier who, despite his unremarkable presence, plays a pivotal role in the lives of those around him. Hickmot's background as a drover among Indigenous Australians renders him almost invisible in the eyes of his peers. His interactions with Bert Vigors, another soldier burdened by grievances about the war and its injustices, highlight the contrasting personalities and coping mechanisms of soldiers. As the narrative progresses, Hickmot's actions during a chaotic night of bombing reveal his resourcefulness and cunning. He orchestrates a series of events that lead to the destruction of a rival's property while simultaneously ensuring the safety of livestock. This act of sabotage is framed as a form of camouflage, allowing him to blend into the chaos of war while achieving his own objectives. The story culminates in a reflection on the nature of identity and belonging. Hickmot, despite his significant contributions, remains an enigma to those around him, illustrating the theme of how individuals can be overlooked or misunderstood in the broader tapestry of society. The men at the lodge, through their discussions, grapple with their own identities and the impact of war on their lives, ultimately revealing the complexities of human nature and the often-blurred lines between right and wrong. In the end, the narrative serves as a commentary on the human condition, the search for truth amidst deception, and the ways in which individuals navigate their roles within the collective experience of war and society. The interplay between truth and fiction, as well as the exploration of personal and collective identities, underscores the enduring relevance of these themes in understanding the human experience.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1899 · Genre: Literary Fiction, War Literature, Social Commentary · 8,259 words
First lines
A LEGEND OF TRUTH
Once on a time, the ancient legends tell, Truth, rising from the bottom of her well, Looked on the world, but, hearing how it lied, Returned to her seclusion horrified. There she abode, so conscious of her worth, Not even Pilate's Question called her forth, Nor Galileo, kneeling to deny The Laws that hold our Planet 'neath the sky. Meantime, her kindlier sister, whom men call Fiction, did all her work and more than all, With so much zeal, devotion, tact, and care, That no one noticed Truth was otherwhere.
What this Textopian page supports
A Friend of the Family is listed on Textopian as a short story by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1899 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: 1899 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, War Literature, Social Commentary, Poetry, Historical Fiction
- Length: 8,259 words
- Structure: 1 section, 114 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Friend of the Family by Rudyard Kipling
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The book explores complex themes of truth, identity, and human nature through nuanced character interactions and philosophical dialogue.
- War Literature — The narrative is set against the backdrop of war, examining its impact on individuals and society, particularly through the experiences of soldiers.
- Social Commentary — The text critiques societal norms and prejudices, particularly in the context of cultural differences and class distinctions.
- Poetry — The work employs poetic language and structure, particularly in the opening legend and the poem 'We and They', reflecting Kipling's mastery of verse.
Tags
family · friendship · loyalty · betrayal · adventure · moral dilemmas · cultural conflict · society · class differences · human relationships · trust · deception