At the Pit's Mouth

Name: At the Pit's Mouth
Author: Rudyard Kipling

The narrative revolves around a man, his wife, and a third party, referred to as the Tertium Quid, whose relationship dynamics are fraught with tension and ambiguity. The man works diligently in the plains, sending letters to his wife, who is entangled in a flirtatious relationship with the Tertium Quid. Their interactions are marked by a blend of innocence and underlying impropriety, as the wife enjoys the attention and the thrill of potential scandal. Simla serves as the backdrop, a place where social norms are fluid and relationships can be both cherished and scrutinized. The wife, despite her seemingly innocent demeanor, is portrayed as manipulative and aware of the implications of her actions. The Tertium Quid, while initially charming, becomes increasingly uncomfortable with the situation, especially as rumors about their closeness circulate. The couple's rendezvous in the cemetery, a peculiar choice for a meeting place, highlights their disregard for societal expectations. Their conversations reveal a mix of levity and foreboding, particularly when they encounter grave diggers, leading to a chilling moment when the Tertium Quid expresses discomfort about the grave being dug. As the story progresses, the tension escalates during a ride to Fagoo. The road proves treacherous, and a moment of panic leads to a catastrophic accident where the Tertium Quid falls to his death. The wife, in a state of shock and madness, is left to grapple with the consequences of their actions. The narrative concludes with her missing the funeral, emphasizing the tragic fallout of their entangled lives and the societal implications of their choices. The themes of infidelity, societal judgment, and the fragility of life are woven throughout, culminating in a poignant exploration of human relationships and moral ambiguity.

By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1902 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Drama, Social Commentary · 2,604 words

First lines

Men say it was a stolen tide The Lord that sent it He knows all, But in mine ear will aye abide The message that the bells let fall -- And awesome bells they were to me, That in the dark rang, 'Enderby. ' -- Jean Ingelow

Once upon a time there was a Man and his Wife and a Tertium Quid.

What this Textopian page supports

At the Pit's Mouth is listed on Textopian as a short story by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1902 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: 1902 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Drama, Social Commentary, Tragedy, Romance
Length: 2,604 words
Structure: 1 section, 38 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Literary Fiction — The narrative explores complex human relationships and moral ambiguities, characteristic of literary fiction.
Drama — The story presents intense emotional conflicts and character-driven plot developments, typical of dramatic literature.
Social Commentary — The work critiques societal norms and relationships, particularly regarding gender roles and social expectations.
Tragedy — The story culminates in a tragic event, highlighting the consequences of the characters' actions and decisions.