A Wayside Comedy by Rudyard Kipling
The narrative unfolds in a remote Indian station, Kashima, surrounded by the Dosehri hills, where the arrival of Mrs. Vansuythen disrupts the previously tranquil lives of the small European community. The station's isolation breeds a unique social dynamic, where personal relationships are intensified and public opinion is nearly non-existent. Mrs. Vansuythen, a captivating woman, becomes the center of attention, particularly for Captain Kurrell, who is secretly in love with her. This unrequited affection complicates the lives of the other residents, especially Mrs. Boulte, who suspects her husband, Engineer Boulte, of being enamored with Mrs. Vansuythen. The tension escalates as Mrs. Boulte grapples with her feelings of jealousy and betrayal, leading to a confrontation with her husband. As the story progresses, the emotional turmoil among the characters deepens. Boulte's unexpected affection for his wife during the monsoon season contrasts sharply with Mrs. Boulte's growing suspicion of Kurrell's intentions. The narrative captures the complexities of their relationships, revealing the fragility of love and loyalty in a confined environment. The climax occurs when Mrs. Boulte, in a moment of desperation, confesses her feelings to Boulte, who responds with a mix of indifference and resignation. The revelation of Kurrell's supposed indifference towards Mrs. Boulte further complicates matters, leading to misunderstandings and emotional upheaval. The characters' interactions are marked by a blend of humor and tragedy, as they navigate their entangled lives. The social etiquette of Kashima, akin to that of a desert island, dictates that they must maintain a facade of civility despite the underlying tensions. Ultimately, the story explores themes of desire, betrayal, and the consequences of unspoken truths. The characters are left to confront their feelings in a setting that amplifies their emotional struggles, leading to a resolution that leaves the community forever changed. The narrative concludes with a sense of unresolved tension, as the characters continue to coexist in their isolated world, bound by the complexities of their relationships.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1926 · Genre: Drama, Literary Fiction, Romance · 4,914 words
First lines
Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore the misery of man is great upon him. -- Eccles. viii. 6.
Fate and the Government of India have turned the Station of Kashima into a prison; and, because there is no help for the poor souls who are now lying there in torment, I write this story, praying that the Government of India may be moved to scatter the European population to the four winds.
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A Wayside Comedy is listed on Textopian as a short story by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1926 CE.
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- Work type: Short story
- Author: Rudyard Kipling
- Date: 1926 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Drama, Literary Fiction, Romance, Social Commentary, Psychological Fiction
- Length: 4,914 words
- Structure: 1 section, 99 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Drama — The narrative focuses on interpersonal relationships, emotional conflicts, and moral dilemmas among the characters.
- Literary Fiction — The work explores complex themes such as love, jealousy, and societal norms within a confined setting.
- Romance — Romantic entanglements and infidelity are central to the plot, driving character motivations and conflicts.
- Social Commentary — The story critiques colonial society and the dynamics of small communities, highlighting the impact of isolation on human behavior.
Tags
comedy · drama · theater · humor · satire · social commentary · British literature · 19th century · character study · dialogue · relationships · conflict