On the City Wall by Rudyard Kipling
The narrative unfolds in a city where Lalun, a woman of a traditional profession, resides on the city wall. Her life intertwines with Wali Dad, a young man grappling with the complexities of his education and identity. Wali Dad is enamored with Lalun, composing songs about her beauty, which captivates the local populace. The story explores themes of love, identity, and the socio-political landscape of colonial India. Wali Dad, educated in a Mission school, struggles with his faith and the expectations of his society. He finds solace in Lalun's company, where diverse characters gather to discuss life, politics, and culture. Lalun is portrayed as a figure of beauty and wisdom, possessing knowledge of the city's secrets and the hearts of its men. Her home becomes a salon for intellectual discourse, attracting various individuals from different backgrounds. The narrative shifts to the political tensions in the city, particularly during the Mohurrum festival, which heightens communal strife between Hindus and Muslims. Wali Dad predicts trouble, reflecting the underlying tensions in society. As the festival progresses, violence erupts, leading to riots that threaten the fragile peace of the city. The British authorities, represented by the Deputy Commissioner and his officers, struggle to maintain order amidst the chaos. Khem Singh, an old warrior and political prisoner, becomes a focal point in the story. His return to the city stirs memories of past conflicts and ignites old animosities. The narrative reveals the complexities of colonial rule, where the British attempt to manage the diverse and often conflicting interests of the local populace. Khem Singh's character embodies the struggle against oppression and the longing for a lost past. As the riots escalate, Wali Dad and the narrator witness the brutality of the situation. The British forces respond with overwhelming force, quelling the unrest but at a significant cost to the community. The violence serves as a backdrop to the personal stories of Lalun, Wali Dad, and Khem Singh, highlighting the intersection of personal and political struggles. In the aftermath, Khem Singh's escape from the Fort symbolizes the enduring spirit of resistance against colonial authority. The narrative concludes with a reflection on the complexities of identity, loyalty, and the impact of colonialism on individual lives. The characters navigate a world marked by cultural richness and political turmoil, ultimately revealing the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1891 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance · 10,300 words
First lines
Then she let them down by a cord through the window; for her house was upon the town-wall, and she dwelt upon the wall. -- _Joshua_ ii. 15.
Lalun is a member of the most ancient profession in the world. Lilith was her very-great-grandmamma, and that was before the days of Eve as every one knows. In the West, people say rude things about Lalun's profession, and write lectures about it, and distribute the lectures to young persons in order that Morality may be preserved. In the East where the profession is hereditary, descending from mother to daughter, nobody writes lectures or takes any notice; and that is a distinct proof of the inability of the East to manage its own affairs.
What this Textopian page supports
On the City Wall is listed on Textopian as a novella by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1891 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Rudyard Kipling
- Date: 1891 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance, Social Commentary, Drama
- Length: 10,300 words
- Structure: 1 section, 120 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for On the City Wall by Rudyard Kipling
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering On the City Wall?
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- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The narrative explores complex themes of identity, culture, and societal norms through rich character development and intricate prose.
- Historical Fiction — Set against the backdrop of British colonial India, the story reflects historical tensions and cultural interactions of the time.
- Romance — The relationship between Wali Dad and Lalun serves as a central emotional thread, highlighting themes of love and longing.
- Social Commentary — The text critiques colonial governance and societal expectations, providing insight into the complexities of East-West relations.
Tags
city · wall · urban · architecture · history · narrative · poetry · landscape · imagination · reflection · culture · society