Of those Called by Rudyard Kipling
The narrative unfolds aboard a ship navigating through dense fog in the China Seas, where the crew engages in discussions about maritime accidents. A man from Saigon recounts a harrowing tale of a ship, the _Hespa_, that encountered a similar fog. The third officer describes the ship's engines failing while they were adrift, leading to a series of eerie hails from an unseen vessel. Despite the crew's disbelief, the voice persists, prompting confusion and panic. As the crew attempts to repair the engines, the third officer observes a bowsprit looming ominously, realizing they are about to be rammed by another ship. The collision is catastrophic, resulting in the _Hespa_ being cut in half. The third officer and a few others find themselves submerged, struggling for survival. They manage to cling to debris and are eventually rescued by a passing ironclad, only to discover that the fog has concealed the wreckage entirely. The story explores themes of fate, the unpredictability of the sea, and the thin line between life and death. The fog serves as a metaphor for uncertainty, while the crew's varied reactions highlight human nature in crisis. The tale concludes with a reflection on the fragility of existence and the haunting memories of those lost at sea.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1933 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Adventure, Historical Fiction · 1,402 words
First lines
[Footnote: 1895]
What this Textopian page supports
Of those Called is listed on Textopian as a short story by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1933 CE.
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- Work type: Short story
- Author: Rudyard Kipling
- Date: 1933 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Adventure, Historical Fiction, Short Story, Sea Literature
- Length: 1,402 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The narrative explores complex themes of human experience and existential reflection, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Adventure — The plot involves a maritime setting with elements of danger and survival, typical of adventure stories.
- Historical Fiction — The story is set in a specific historical context involving maritime travel and trade, reflecting the era's realities.
- Short Story — The work is concise and focused on a single incident, fitting the structure of a short story.
Tags
Rudyard Kipling · short story · maritime · fog · sea · accident · narrative · adventure · mystery · sailing · shipwreck · anecdote