Army Headquarters by Rudyard Kipling
The narrative follows Ahasuerus Jenkins, a man with a remarkable tenor voice but questionable equestrian skills. He is depicted as a somewhat comical figure, often ridiculed for his unconventional methods of riding and saluting. Despite his shortcomings, he possesses intelligence and charm, which ultimately lead to his rise in status. Jenkins is transferred from his regiment to a bureaucratic position, where he spends his days managing maps and catalogs, earning a generous salary. His connection with Cornelia Agrippina, a woman of influence who controls her husband and, by extension, a department, plays a crucial role in his ascent. Cornelia appreciates Jenkins' musical talent, and they often perform together, further enhancing his reputation. As the story unfolds, Jenkins becomes a significant figure in the state, leveraging his musical abilities and connections to gain power and recognition. The work explores themes of ambition, the intersection of art and politics, and the absurdities of military and bureaucratic life in colonial India. Jenkins' journey reflects the complexities of social mobility and the often arbitrary nature of success within the rigid structures of society.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1895 · Genre: Poetry, Satire, Literary Fiction · 418 words
First lines
Old is the song that I sing -- Old as my unpaid bills -- Old as the chicken that kitmutgars bring Men at dak-bungalows -- old as the Hills.
Ahasuerus Jenkins of the "Operatic Own" Was dowered with a tenor voice of super-Santley tone.
What this Textopian page supports
Army Headquarters is listed on Textopian as a short story by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1895 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: 1895 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Satire, Literary Fiction, Humor, Historical Fiction
- Length: 418 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Army Headquarters 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 Army Headquarters?
- How does this short story by Rudyard Kipling fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Widow At Windsor by Rudyard Kipling
- The Instructor by Rudyard Kipling
- Departmental Ditties by Rudyard Kipling
- Delilah by Rudyard Kipling
- Col Angus Mclean by Ring Lardner
- A Code Of Morals by Rudyard Kipling
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
- Satire — The poem critiques military and bureaucratic life, using humor and irony to highlight absurdities.
- Literary Fiction — The narrative explores character development and social themes within a specific cultural context.
- Humor — The poem contains comedic elements, particularly in the portrayal of Ahasuerus Jenkins and his antics.
Tags
Rudyard Kipling · poetry · British literature · military · satire · humor · colonialism · India · music · government · bureaucracy · character study