A Menagerie Aboard by Rudyard Kipling
The narrative unfolds aboard a ship in the Bay of Bengal during a relaxed morning period known as "pyjama time." The captain recounts a peculiar incident involving a menagerie transported on the vessel, which includes a variety of exotic animals, notably giraffes. The atmosphere is lively, with the crew and passengers sharing stories and anecdotes. As the ship sails, the captain experiences a humorous encounter with one of the giraffes that inadvertently enters his cabin at night. Initially mistaking it for a more dangerous animal, he is struck by the giraffe's gentle eyes, which evoke a sense of tenderness. The captain's attempt to return the giraffe to safety leads to a chaotic scene on deck, with the quartermaster frantically trying to manage the situation as the giraffe, oblivious to the commotion, seeks freedom. The captain's narrative highlights the absurdity of the situation, blending humor with a sense of camaraderie among the crew. The giraffe's antics create a memorable episode, showcasing the challenges of transporting wild animals and the unpredictable nature of life at sea. The story captures the essence of maritime life, filled with unexpected events and the bonds formed through shared experiences. The captain's reflections on the giraffe's eyes serve as a poignant reminder of the beauty and innocence found in the animal world, even amidst the chaos of a ship's journey.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1892 · Genre: Fiction, Humor, Adventure · 1,420 words
First lines
It was pyjama time on the _Madura_ in the Bay of Bengal, and the / incense of the very early morning cigar went up to the stainless skies. / Every one knows pyjama time -- the long hour that follows the removal / of the beds from the saloon skylight and the consumption of _chota / hazri_. Most men know, too, that the choicest stories of many seas / may be picked up then -- from the long-winded histories of the Colonial / sheep-master to the crisp anecdotes of the Californian; from tales of / battle, murder and sudden death told by the Burmah-returned subaltern, / to the bland drivel of the globe-trotter. The Captain, tastefully / attired in pale pink, sat up on the signal-gun and tossed the husk of a / banana overboard.[3]
What this Textopian page supports
A Menagerie Aboard is listed on Textopian as a short story by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1892 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: 1892 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fiction, Humor, Adventure, Fantasy, Short Story
- Length: 1,420 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for A Menagerie Aboard by Rudyard Kipling
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Fiction — The narrative is a fictional account of a menagerie aboard a ship, blending humor and imaginative storytelling.
- Humor — The story employs comedic elements, particularly in the interactions with the animals and the absurdity of the situations.
- Adventure — The setting aboard a ship and the presence of exotic animals contribute to an adventurous atmosphere.
- Fantasy — The anthropomorphism of animals and surreal situations lend a fantastical quality to the narrative.
Tags
Rudyard Kipling · short story · menagerie · animals · ship · adventure · humor · Bay of Bengal · giraffe · panther · bear · tales