Beyond the Pale by Rudyard Kipling
A man, intrigued by native life, becomes enamored with a young widow named Bisesa, who lives in a secluded gully. Their relationship begins when he hears her singing a love song and later receives a symbolic message from her, inviting him to meet. He visits her at night, and they embark on a passionate affair, hidden from the societal norms of their respective cultures. As their relationship deepens, the man, Trejago, leads a double life, maintaining his public persona while secretly meeting Bisesa. However, complications arise when Trejago's attention to a Western woman sparks jealousy in Bisesa. She confronts him about his flirtation, expressing her love and distress over their differing backgrounds. Despite his attempts to reassure her, Bisesa insists they must end their relationship, leading Trejago to leave her. Weeks pass without contact, and Trejago returns to the gully, only to find Bisesa has mutilated herself, cutting off her hands in despair. A violent confrontation ensues, resulting in Trejago being injured. He escapes, traumatized and uncertain of Bisesa's fate, haunted by the possibility of her suffering and the consequences of their forbidden love. The story concludes with Trejago unable to find Bisesa or learn her fate, left with a lingering sense of loss and guilt, while he continues to navigate his life in society, marked by the physical and emotional scars of his choices.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1893 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Romance, Social Commentary · 3,065 words
First lines
"Love heeds not caste nor sleep a broken bed. I went in search of love and lost myself. " Hindu Proverb.
A man should, whatever happens, keep to his own caste, race and breed. Let the White go to the White and the Black to the Black. Then, whatever trouble falls is in the ordinary course of things -- neither sudden, alien, nor unexpected.
What this Textopian page supports
Beyond the Pale is listed on Textopian as a short story by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1893 CE.
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- Work type: Short story
- Author: Rudyard Kipling
- Date: 1893 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Romance, Social Commentary, Historical Fiction, Tragedy
- Length: 3,065 words
- Structure: 1 section, 37 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The narrative explores complex themes of love, caste, and societal boundaries, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Romance — The central plot revolves around a romantic relationship that defies societal norms and expectations.
- Social Commentary — The story critiques social structures and the consequences of crossing cultural boundaries.
- Historical Fiction — Set in a specific cultural and historical context, reflecting the social dynamics of colonial India.
Tags
colonialism · empire · British Raj · India · cultural clash · identity · race · society · class · morality · adventure · exploration