Kidnapped by Rudyard Kipling (1886)
The narrative follows a young man, a diligent officer in colonial India, who becomes infatuated with a beautiful but socially unsuitable woman, Miss Castries. Despite warnings from his peers about the impracticality of their union, he is determined to marry her, blinded by love. His obsession leads to a series of events orchestrated by a clever woman, Mrs. Hauksbee, who intervenes to save him from his folly. Mrs. Hauksbee devises a plan that involves Peythroppe disappearing for a month under the pretense of a shooting trip with friends. This absence allows him to escape the impending marriage, which would have jeopardized his career due to the social ramifications of marrying into the Castries family. The plan succeeds, and upon his return, Peythroppe is a changed man, more self-assured and focused on his career. The story explores themes of love, societal expectations, and the consequences of personal choices. It critiques the institution of marriage, particularly in the context of colonial India, where personal desires often clash with social norms and expectations. Ultimately, Peythroppe learns valuable lessons about love, ambition, and the importance of making wise choices in life. The narrative concludes with the suggestion that he will eventually marry someone more suitable, reflecting the societal pressures of the time.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1886 · Genre: Adventure, Historical Fiction, Coming-of-Age · 2,290 words
First lines
There is a tide in the affairs of men, Which, taken any way you please, is bad, And strands them in forsaken guts and creeks No decent soul would think of visiting. You cannot stop the tide; but now and then, You may arrest some rash adventurer Who -- h'm -- will hardly thank you for your pains. Vibart's Moralities.
What this Textopian page supports
Kidnapped is listed on Textopian as a short story by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1886 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: 1886 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Adventure, Historical Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Satire, Drama
- Length: 2,290 words
- Structure: 1 section, 19 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Kidnapped 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 Kidnapped?
- How does this short story by Rudyard Kipling fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Adventure first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Adventure — The plot revolves around a young man's journey filled with peril and exploration.
- Historical Fiction — The story is set in a specific historical context, reflecting the social and cultural dynamics of the time.
- Coming-of-Age — The protagonist undergoes significant personal growth and self-discovery throughout the narrative.
- Satire — The text critiques societal norms and marriage practices, using humor and irony.
Tags
adventure · historical · coming of age · Scottish · kidnapping · friendship · betrayal · survival · loyalty · exploration · identity · conflict