A Really Good Time
The narrative follows a protagonist reflecting on his experiences in London, particularly the challenges he faces as an Anglo-Indian. He begins by expressing a desire to relax and share his thoughts, highlighting the egotism of Londoners that makes genuine communication difficult. The story kicks off with an amusing encounter where a well-educated gentleman proposes to publish the protagonist's autobiography, requesting a fee upfront. The protagonist humorously counters by suggesting he would publish the gentleman's autobiography instead, leading to a comical exchange filled with insults and misunderstandings. As the protagonist navigates the literary scene, he writes stories about India, which attract mixed reviews. Critics praise his style while others dismiss it as superficial. This leads him to experiment with publishing under different names, hoping to observe the reactions without revealing his identity. He encounters various literary figures who offer conflicting opinions on his work, some urging him to embrace imaginative fiction while others criticize him for lacking authenticity. The protagonist's interactions reveal the absurdity of literary criticism and the pressure to conform to specific genres or styles. He becomes embroiled in debates about literary movements, such as the Neo-Gynekalistic school, which he does not fully understand but is humorously accused of joining. The narrative captures the protagonist's frustration with the literary establishment and the absurdity of the expectations placed upon him. As the story progresses, the protagonist feels increasingly alienated, caught between competing factions of literary critics. He reflects on the challenges of being an Anglo-Indian in England, where his identity and experiences are often misunderstood or misrepresented. The narrative culminates in a sense of disillusionment, as the protagonist grapples with his place in the literary world and the absurdity of the criticisms he faces. Overall, the work is a satirical exploration of the literary landscape, identity, and the often ridiculous nature of artistic criticism, all framed through the lens of the protagonist's unique perspective as an outsider in London.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1935 · Genre: Satire, Humor, Literary Fiction · 1,900 words
First lines
There are times when one wants to get into pyjamas and stretch and loll, and explain things generally. This is one of those times. It is impossible to stand at ease in London, and the inhabitants are so abominably egotistical that one cannot shout "I, I, I" for two minutes without another man joining in with "Me, too! " Which things are an allegory.[24]
What this Textopian page supports
A Really Good Time is listed on Textopian as a short story by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1935 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: 1935 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Humor, Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Allegory
- Length: 1,900 words
- Structure: 1 section, 12 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for A Really Good Time by Rudyard Kipling
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Satire — The text critiques societal norms and literary pretensions through humor and irony.
- Humor — The narrative employs wit and comedic situations to engage the reader.
- Literary Fiction — The work explores complex themes of identity and perception within a literary context.
- Social Commentary — It reflects on the interactions and conflicts between different social classes and literary circles.
Tags
adventure · humor · friendship · exploration · narrative · short stories · British literature · satire · social commentary · travel · cultural insights · character development