In the Matter of a Private

Name: In the Matter of a Private
Author: Rudyard Kipling

The narrative follows the life of a soldier, Corporal Slane, who is engaged to be married to Miss Jhansi M'Kenna. The story is set in a British regiment during a hot season, where the soldiers experience a monotonous and oppressive existence in the barracks. The atmosphere is tense, exacerbated by the heat and the idleness of the men, leading to rising tempers and conflicts. Simmons, another soldier, becomes increasingly agitated due to harassment from Losson, who mocks him with a parrot that repeats derogatory phrases. This ongoing humiliation festers within Simmons, culminating in a violent outburst. One evening, after a series of provocations, Simmons snaps and shoots Losson, killing him. In a state of frenzy, he takes his rifle and ammunition, threatening the other soldiers and creating chaos. As Simmons goes on a rampage, the regiment is thrown into disarray. The Colonel and other officers are faced with the dilemma of how to handle the situation. Corporal Slane, showing bravery, attempts to subdue Simmons. A confrontation ensues, resulting in Simmons injuring Major Oldyne before Slane manages to incapacitate him. Simmons is captured and subsequently hanged for his actions. The narrative concludes with reflections on the nature of violence, the impact of alcohol, and the societal perceptions of soldiers. The story critiques the conditions that lead to such tragedies, highlighting the complexities of military life and the human psyche under duress. The juxtaposition of the soldiers' experiences with the initial description of hysteria in a girls' school serves to underscore the absurdity and fragility of human behavior in extreme circumstances.

By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1888 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Military Fiction, Drama · 4,989 words

First lines

Hurrah! hurrah! a soldier's life for me! Shout, boys, shout! for it makes you jolly and free. The Ramrod Corps.

What this Textopian page supports

In the Matter of a Private is listed on Textopian as a short story by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1888 CE.

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Work type: Short story
Author: Rudyard Kipling
Date: 1888 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Military Fiction, Drama, Psychological Thriller, Satire
Length: 4,989 words
Structure: 1 section, 56 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Literary Fiction — The story explores complex themes of human behavior, societal expectations, and the psychological struggles of soldiers, characteristic of literary fiction.
Military Fiction — The plot centers around military life, the experiences of soldiers, and the consequences of their actions, making it a key aspect of the narrative.
Drama — The intense emotional conflicts and character interactions create a dramatic atmosphere, highlighting personal and social tensions.
Psychological Thriller — The story delves into the psychological breakdown of a character, creating suspense and tension as the narrative unfolds.