As Easy as a. B. C. (1912)
In a future where the Aerial Board of Control (A.B.C.) governs the planet, a crisis arises when Northern Illinois disconnects itself from all systems, citing invasion of privacy. The Board dispatches a team to investigate and restore order. The team, consisting of representatives from various nations, travels in a new aircraft designed by an eccentric inventor. As they approach Illinois, they find the region shrouded in darkness, with no signs of life. Their attempts to communicate are met with silence, highlighting the district's commitment to privacy. Upon landing, they encounter a young woman who humorously grounds them with an electric circuit, illustrating the lengths to which the residents go to maintain their privacy. The team learns that the citizens of Illinois have not had printed news for decades, fearing that it would lead to crowds and chaos. The population is described as quiet and kind but exacting in their privacy standards. The Board members discuss the implications of crowd-making and the historical trauma associated with it, revealing a society deeply scarred by past events. As they investigate further, the team discovers that a crowd has formed in Chicago, where the citizens are singing a forbidden song that evokes memories of the old days of terror and chaos. The Board realizes that the situation is escalating and decides to intervene. They prepare to use their advanced technology to disperse the crowd, fearing that violence may erupt. The narrative explores themes of privacy, governance, and the human condition, contrasting the peaceful existence of the A.B.C. with the chaotic potential of crowds. The Board's actions reflect a desire to maintain order at all costs, even if it means using overwhelming force. In the climax, the Board employs a demonstration of power, using their technology to create a blinding light that overwhelms the crowd, effectively silencing them. The aftermath reveals the complexities of human emotions and the struggle between individual desires and societal control. Ultimately, the story critiques the balance between freedom and security, questioning the cost of maintaining a peaceful society in the face of potential chaos. The characters grapple with their roles in this system, revealing their fears and the moral dilemmas they face as they navigate a world shaped by the scars of history.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1912 · Genre: Children's Literature, Poetry, Fantasy · 14,998 words
First lines
_The A. B. C., that semi-elected, semi-nominated body of a few score persons, controls the Planet. Transportation is Civilisation, our motto runs. Theoretically we do what we please, so long as we do not interfere with the traffic_ and all it implies. _Practically, the A. B. C. confirms or annuls all international arrangements, and, to judge from its last report, finds our tolerant, humorous, lazy little Planet only too ready to shift the whole burden of public administration on its shoulders_.
'With the Night Mail[1].'
What this Textopian page supports
As Easy as a. B. C. (1912) is listed on Textopian as a novel by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1912 CE.
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- Work type: Novel
- Author: Rudyard Kipling
- Date: 1912 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Poetry, Fantasy, Adventure, Humor
- Length: 14,998 words
- Structure: 1 section, 313 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for As Easy as a. B. C. (1912) by Rudyard Kipling
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering As Easy as a. B. C. (1912)?
- How does this novel by Rudyard Kipling fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Children's Literature first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Children's Literature — The book is designed for a young audience, featuring simple language and engaging themes.
- Poetry — The writing style employs rhythmic and lyrical elements typical of poetry.
- Fantasy — The narrative includes imaginative elements and whimsical characters.
- Adventure — The plot involves exploration and the journey of characters in a fantastical setting.
Tags
Rudyard Kipling · children's literature · alphabet · education · humor · poetry · illustrated · nonsense · British literature · classic · language · learning