Burtran and Bimi by Rudyard Kipling
The narrative unfolds aboard a steamer transporting an orangutan, Bimi, to England for exhibition. The protagonist, alongside Hans Breitmann, a German collector, engages in a conversation about Bimi and a man named Bertran, a naturalist who had raised the orangutan as a companion. Bertran, believed to be an escaped convict, possesses a unique bond with Bimi, treating him more like a human than an animal. Hans recounts his experiences in the Malayan Archipelago, where he met Bertran, who had a remarkable ability to communicate with animals. Bimi, raised in Bertran's household, exhibits human-like behaviors, including smoking cigars and displaying emotions. As Bertran prepares to marry a beautiful half-caste French girl, Hans warns him about Bimi's jealousy, suggesting that the orangutan could pose a danger to his future wife. Despite Hans's concerns, Bertran dismisses the threat, believing Bimi to be harmless. However, Bimi's behavior becomes increasingly erratic, culminating in a tragic event where Bertran's wife disappears under mysterious circumstances. The narrative reveals the aftermath of this incident, with Bertran's mental state deteriorating as he remains in denial about the reality of what has transpired. The climax occurs when Bertran confronts Bimi after a ten-day wait for his return. In a fit of rage and jealousy, Bimi attacks, leading to a fatal confrontation. Bertran, despite his injuries, finds a twisted sense of contentment in the chaos, laughing as he succumbs to his wounds. The story concludes with Hans reflecting on the events, revealing his own moral ambiguity and the complexities of human-animal relationships, as well as the darker aspects of jealousy and possession. The tale serves as a commentary on the nature of humanity, the boundaries between man and beast, and the consequences of neglecting the instincts of both.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1902 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Adventure, Animal Fiction · 2,632 words
First lines
The orang-outang in the big iron cage lashed to the sheep-pen began the discussion. The night was stiflingly hot, and as I and Hans Breitmann, the big-beamed German, passed him, dragging our bedding to the fore-peak of the steamer, he roused himself and chattered obscenely. He had been caught somewhere in the Malayan Archipelago, and was going to England to be exhibited at a shilling a head. For four days he had struggled, yelled, and wrenched at the heavy bars of his prison without ceasing, and had nearly slain a lascar, incautious enough to come within reach of the great hairy paw.
What this Textopian page supports
Burtran and Bimi 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, Adventure, Animal Fiction, Philosophical Fiction, Short Story
- Length: 2,632 words
- Structure: 1 section, 28 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Burtran and Bimi 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 Burtran and Bimi?
- How does this short story by Rudyard Kipling fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The narrative explores complex themes of humanity, nature, and morality through character interactions and philosophical discussions.
- Adventure — The setting involves travel and exploration in the Malayan Archipelago, highlighting the adventures of the characters.
- Animal Fiction — The story centers around an orang-outang, Bimi, and examines the relationship between humans and animals.
- Philosophical Fiction — The dialogue includes deep reflections on existence, ego, and the nature of beings.
Tags
adventure · friendship · animals · fantasy · children's literature · imagination · courage · loyalty · exploration · moral lessons · whimsical · narrative