An English School by Rudyard Kipling

Name: An English School
Author: Rudyard Kipling

The narrative centers on a prestigious school established for the sons of military officers, situated in a picturesque Devonshire landscape. The school prides itself on its rigorous preparation for military careers, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and discipline among its students. The headmaster, a former educator from a renowned institution, commands respect and trust, guiding boys through their academic and personal development without the typical clerical authority that often breeds suspicion. The boys engage in various activities, including sports, particularly football and cricket, which are compulsory. The school emphasizes physical fitness and teamwork, with a culture that celebrates victories and camaraderie. The boys also partake in theatrical performances, showcasing their creativity and fostering a sense of community. The narrative highlights the boys' adventures and mischief, including their interactions with nature and occasional rule-breaking, which are met with a mix of punishment and understanding from the staff. The headmaster's approach to discipline is pragmatic, focusing on correction rather than punishment for its own sake. As the boys mature, they prepare for military examinations, with the school boasting a direct pipeline to the Army. The text reflects on the boys' aspirations, their experiences in the school, and the lasting bonds formed during their formative years. The narrative concludes with reflections on how the lessons learned and the character developed at the school shape the boys into men who serve their country with honor and integrity, echoing the school's motto of loyalty to God and the Crown. The story encapsulates themes of education, masculinity, and the transition from boyhood to manhood within the context of military service.

By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1896 · Genre: Coming-of-Age, Historical Fiction, Bildungsroman · 5,811 words

First lines

Of all things in the world there is nothing, always excepting a good mother, so worthy of honour as a good school. Our School was created for the sons of officers in the Army and Navy, and filled with boys who meant to follow their father's calling.

What this Textopian page supports

An English School is listed on Textopian as a short story by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1896 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: 1896 CE
Language: English
Genres: Coming-of-Age, Historical Fiction, Bildungsroman, Adventure, Social Commentary
Length: 5,811 words
Structure: 1 section, 75 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for An English School by Rudyard Kipling
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
Readability and classroom-planning context
Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering An English School?
How does this short story by Rudyard Kipling fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Coming-of-Age first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Coming-of-Age — The narrative focuses on the growth and development of boys into men, particularly in the context of military preparation and personal responsibility.
Historical Fiction — The story is set against a backdrop of historical references and societal norms of the time, particularly relating to British military culture.
Bildungsroman — The text explores the educational journey and moral development of the characters, emphasizing their experiences at school.
Adventure — The boys engage in various activities and challenges that reflect a spirit of adventure, including sports and exploration.