Little Foxes by Rudyard Kipling
The narrative unfolds along the banks of the Great River Gihon in Ethiopia, where a Governor, newly appointed, interacts with local villagers and their crops. The Governor, intrigued by the local fauna, particularly a cunning fox named Abu Hussein, becomes embroiled in the complexities of land ownership and taxation. The villagers express their grievances regarding crop failures and the oppressive taxation imposed by previous rulers, the Emirs. As the Governor inspects the land, he learns of the villagers' desire for justice and land reclamation. He proposes a hunting initiative to control the fox population, which is seen as a nuisance. The villagers, eager to reclaim their lands, agree to assist in the hunt, leading to a series of comedic and chaotic encounters with the foxes. The Governor's methods, however, are unorthodox; he incentivizes villagers with monetary rewards for capturing the foxes while threatening punishment for those who fail to do so. The story highlights the interplay between colonial authority and local customs, as the Governor's hunting expeditions become a means of enforcing order and settling disputes over land titles. The villagers, initially fearful of the Governor's power, gradually come to see the hunt as a way to assert their rights and reclaim their lands. As the narrative progresses, the arrival of an Englishman, Mr. Groombride, introduces a new layer of tension. He seeks to investigate the treatment of the villagers and the Governor's methods, which have drawn criticism back in England. The villagers, emboldened by Groombride's presence, begin to question their land titles and the legitimacy of the Governor's authority. The climax occurs when Groombride attempts to address the villagers, but his lack of understanding of local customs leads to a farcical situation where he becomes the subject of ridicule. The villagers, having prepared for his arrival, turn his speech into a source of amusement, showcasing their resilience and unity against colonial oppression. In the aftermath, the Governor and the Inspector must navigate the fallout from Groombride's visit, balancing the need to maintain order with the villagers' newfound assertiveness. The story concludes with a reflection on the complexities of colonial rule, the struggle for justice, and the enduring spirit of the local populace. The work serves as a commentary on the dynamics of power, the absurdities of colonial governance, and the resilience of those subjected to it, encapsulating the tensions between authority and the governed in a richly woven narrative.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1901 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Political Satire, Adventure · 10,819 words
First lines
A TALE OF THE GIHON HUNT
A fox came out of his earth on the banks of the Great River Gihon, which waters Ethiopia. He saw a white man riding through the dry dhurra-stalks, and, that his destiny might be fulfilled, barked at him.
What this Textopian page supports
Little Foxes is listed on Textopian as a novel 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: Novel
- Author: Rudyard Kipling
- Date: 1901 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Political Satire, Adventure, Historical Fiction, Animal Fiction
- Length: 10,819 words
- Structure: 1 section, 231 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for Little Foxes by Rudyard Kipling
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Little Foxes?
- How does this novel by Rudyard Kipling fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Foxes And The River by Esopo
- The Escaped Jackdaw by Esopo
- The Mouse The Frog And The Hawk by Esopo
- The Dogs And The Hides by Esopo
- The Bat The Bramble And The Seagull by Esopo
- The Kid And The Wolf by Esopo
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The narrative explores complex themes of power, justice, and cultural conflict, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Political Satire — The story critiques colonialism and governance, using humor and irony to highlight the absurdities of power dynamics.
- Adventure — The plot involves hunting and exploration, typical elements of adventure narratives.
- Historical Fiction — Set in a specific historical context, the story reflects the socio-political climate of colonial Ethiopia.
Tags
fable · animals · morality · deception · survival · nature · family · greed · wisdom · cunning · adventure · friendship