Fatima by Rudyard Kipling (1901)

Name: Fatima
Author: Rudyard Kipling

The narrative unfolds in a bungalow where Captain Gadsby is preoccupied with military equipment, reflecting on its weight and functionality. His wife, Mrs. Gadsby, enters with a scalded hand, seeking attention and expressing her desire for connection. Their conversation reveals a disconnect; while he is absorbed in his work, she feels neglected and longs for involvement in his life. As they discuss the equipment, Mrs. Gadsby attempts to engage with her husband's interests, but he dismisses her efforts, believing they would not amuse her. This leads to a deeper exploration of their relationship dynamics, highlighting her feelings of loneliness and his preoccupation with military matters. The tension escalates as she discovers a letter from a woman named Harriet Herriott, which stirs jealousy and insecurity in Mrs. Gadsby. The letter contains ambiguous references to "Consequences," which Mrs. Gadsby interprets as a threat to their marriage. This revelation intensifies her emotional turmoil, leading to a confrontation where she accuses her husband of withholding information and not treating her as an equal partner. Captain Gadsby, caught between his professional obligations and his wife's emotional needs, struggles to communicate effectively. The climax of their interaction occurs when Mrs. Gadsby, overwhelmed by her feelings, retreats into her own space, leaving Captain Gadsby to grapple with his guilt and frustration. The story ultimately examines themes of communication, the complexities of marital relationships, and the impact of external influences on personal connections. The couple's inability to bridge their emotional gap underscores the challenges of intimacy in the face of individual pursuits and societal expectations.

By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1901 · Genre: Drama, Literary Fiction, Romance · 5,275 words

First lines

And you may go into every room of the house and see everything that is there, but into the Blue Room you must _not_ go. -- _The Story of Blue Beard._

SCENE. -- _The_ GADSBYS' _bungalow in the Plains. Time,_ 11 A. M. _on a Sunday morning._ CAPTAIN GADSBY, _in his shirt-sleeves, is bending over a complete set of Hussar's equipment, from saddle to picketing-rope, which is neatly spread over the floor of his study. He is smoking an unclean briar, and his forehead is puckered with thought._

What this Textopian page supports

Fatima is listed on Textopian as a novella by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1901 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novella
Author: Rudyard Kipling
Date: 1901 CE
Language: English
Genres: Drama, Literary Fiction, Romance, Historical Fiction, Comedy
Length: 5,275 words
Structure: 1 section, 170 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Fatima by Rudyard Kipling
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
Readability and classroom-planning context
Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering Fatima?
How does this novella by Rudyard Kipling fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Drama first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Drama — The book features intense character interactions and emotional conflicts, typical of dramatic literature.
Literary Fiction — The narrative explores complex themes of relationships, identity, and societal expectations, characteristic of literary fiction.
Romance — The central relationship between Captain Gadsby and his wife highlights romantic elements and emotional intimacy.
Historical Fiction — The setting and references to military life and equipment suggest a historical context.