Consequences by Rudyard Kipling
The narrative follows a young man named Tarrion, who aspires to secure a prestigious government appointment in Simla, India. He is clever, charming, and seeks to escape his regimented life. His fortunes change when he encounters Mrs. Hauksbee, a resourceful and influential woman in Simla society. After Tarrion assists her by altering an invitation, she agrees to help him find a suitable position. Mrs. Hauksbee, amused by the challenge, begins strategizing how to leverage her connections to secure an appointment for Tarrion. The political landscape is depicted as secretive and complex, with new Viceroys often caught up in the intricacies of governance. A significant batch of confidential documents, mistakenly delivered to Mrs. Hauksbee, reveals the inner workings of the government, which she and Tarrion study together. Tarrion decides to pursue a position in the Intelligence Branch or the Foreign Office, believing his newfound knowledge from the documents gives him an edge. He boldly approaches a powerful official, presenting his case with confidence. The official, intrigued yet cautious, considers the implications of Tarrion's insider knowledge. After a tense wait, Tarrion's appointment is confirmed, albeit with some suspicion regarding the source of his information. The Viceroy acknowledges Tarrion's audacity, warning him that such boldness is rarely rewarded twice. Tarrion reflects on his good fortune, attributing his success to Mrs. Hauksbee's assistance and cleverness. The story concludes with Tarrion expressing gratitude to Mrs. Hauksbee, who remains aware of the folly of men and the unpredictable nature of ambition and opportunity. The narrative explores themes of ambition, the interplay of power and influence, and the consequences of one's actions within a bureaucratic system.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1905 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Historical Fiction · 2,722 words
First lines
Rosicrucian subtleties In the Orient had rise; Ye may find their teachers still Under Jacatala's Hill. Seek ye Bombast Paracelsus, Read what Flood the Seeker tells us Of the Dominant that runs Through the cycles of the Suns -- Read my story last and see Luna at her apogee.
There are yearly appointments, and two-yearly appointments, and five-yearly appointments at Simla, and there are, or used to be, permanent appointments, whereon you stayed up for the term of your natural life and secured red cheeks and a nice income. Of course, you could descend in the cold weather; for Simla is rather dull then.
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Consequences is listed on Textopian as a short story by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1905 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: 1905 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Historical Fiction, Drama, Satire
- Length: 2,722 words
- Structure: 1 section, 16 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for Consequences by Rudyard Kipling
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Consequences?
- 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 characters and themes, focusing on personal ambition and social dynamics.
- Social Commentary — The story critiques the bureaucratic and social structures of colonial India, highlighting the interplay of power and influence.
- Historical Fiction — Set in colonial India, it reflects the historical context and societal norms of the time.
- Drama — The plot revolves around interpersonal relationships and conflicts, emphasizing emotional depth and character development.
Tags
Rudyard Kipling · Consequences · short story · British literature · colonial India · Simla · government · diplomacy · social dynamics · character study · ambition · secrecy