Mary Postgate (1915)
The narrative centers on a woman who has dedicated her life to being a companion and caretaker for an elderly woman, Miss Fowler. Mary Postgate is depicted as a diligent, unassuming individual who has spent over a decade in this role, managing household affairs and providing support to Miss Fowler, who is physically limited due to illness. The story unfolds against the backdrop of World War I, which disrupts their quiet existence. Mary's life takes a significant turn when Miss Fowler's nephew, Wynn, enlists in the military and becomes a pilot. His departure marks a shift in Mary's emotional landscape, as she becomes increasingly invested in his well-being and the war effort. Wynn's character is lively and somewhat irreverent, contrasting with Mary's more reserved demeanor. Their interactions reveal a bond that is both affectionate and fraught with the tensions of youth and responsibility. As the war progresses, the narrative explores themes of duty, loss, and the impact of conflict on personal lives. Wynn's eventual death during a training flight leaves Mary and Miss Fowler grappling with grief. Their reactions to his death are complex; while Miss Fowler expresses sorrow, Mary exhibits a stoic demeanor, reflecting her upbringing and the societal expectations of women during that era. The story takes a darker turn when a tragic accident occurs in the village, resulting in the death of a young girl, Edna, due to a bomb dropped from an enemy aircraft. This incident forces Mary to confront the brutal realities of war and its consequences on innocent lives. Her initial reaction is one of anger towards the enemy, but she also struggles with the need to maintain composure and not dwell on the horrors she witnesses. In a climactic moment, Mary encounters a wounded enemy pilot who has fallen from the sky. Instead of offering help, she grapples with her emotions, reflecting on the loss of Wynn and the senseless violence of war. Her internal conflict culminates in a moment of decision where she chooses to focus on her own grief and the destruction of Wynn's belongings, symbolizing her rejection of the enemy and the war itself. The narrative concludes with Mary finding a sense of agency in her actions, as she takes control of her environment and her emotions. The story encapsulates the complexities of human relationships during wartime, the struggle for identity, and the impact of loss on the human spirit. Through Mary's journey, the work examines the intersections of duty, love, and the harsh realities of a world at war.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1915 · Genre: Literary Fiction, War Fiction, Drama · 8,245 words
First lines
Of Miss Mary Postgate, Lady McCausland wrote that she was 'thoroughly conscientious, tidy, companionable, and ladylike. I am very sorry to part with her, and shall always be interested in her welfare.'
What this Textopian page supports
Mary Postgate (1915) is listed on Textopian as a short story by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1915 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: 1915 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, War Fiction, Drama, Historical Fiction, Psychological Fiction
- Length: 8,245 words
- Structure: 1 section, 136 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for Mary Postgate (1915) by Rudyard Kipling
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Discussion starters
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- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Life In The War Zone by Gertrude Atherton
- A Desertion by Stephen Crane
- A Straggler Of 15 by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
- Mr Britling Sees It Through by H. G. Wells
- A Grey Sleeve by Stephen Crane
- The Vortex August 1914 by Rudyard Kipling
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The narrative focuses on character development, emotional depth, and social commentary, typical of literary fiction.
- War Fiction — The story is set against the backdrop of World War I, exploring its impact on personal lives and societal norms.
- Drama — The plot revolves around intense emotional situations and character interactions, characteristic of dramatic literature.
- Historical Fiction — The setting and events are rooted in a specific historical context, reflecting the societal attitudes of the time.
Tags
war · women · narrative · British literature · short story · World War I · grief · loss · courage · isolation · society · humanity