On the Great Wall by Rudyard Kipling
The narrative unfolds through the experiences of a Roman centurion stationed at the northern frontier of the Empire, where he encounters the complexities of military life, cultural interactions, and personal growth. The centurion, Parnesius, recounts his journey from Rome to the Wall, reflecting on his lost love, Lalage, and the challenges faced by soldiers in a foreign land. As Parnesius shares his tales with children, he describes the arduous marches across Britain and Gaul, the camaraderie among soldiers, and the stark contrast between the civilized Roman world and the wild, untamed lands beyond the Wall. He emphasizes the importance of discipline, the Roman way of life, and the harsh realities of military duty, including the constant threat posed by the Picts, the indigenous people of the region. Parnesius's experiences are interwoven with themes of friendship, loyalty, and the struggle for identity. He forms a bond with Pertinax, a fellow officer, and Allo, a tame Pict who serves as a guide and friend. Their adventures include hunting expeditions and encounters with the Picts, revealing the complexities of their relationships and the misunderstandings that arise from cultural differences. The story also delves into the political landscape of the time, highlighting the tensions between Rome and the Picts, as well as the internal struggles within the Roman ranks. Parnesius grapples with his role as a leader and the moral implications of his actions, particularly in relation to the treatment of the Picts and the preservation of peace. As the narrative progresses, Parnesius is faced with a pivotal moment when he meets Maximus, the Emperor of Britain. Their conversation reveals the broader implications of governance, the need for understanding between cultures, and the delicate balance of power. Parnesius's insights into the Picts' grievances and his proposals for peace demonstrate his growth from a soldier focused solely on duty to a leader who recognizes the importance of empathy and diplomacy. The climax of the story centers around the impending threat from the Northmen, who seek to exploit the divisions between the Romans and the Picts. Parnesius's commitment to fostering peace and understanding is put to the test as he navigates the complexities of loyalty, duty, and the harsh realities of war. Ultimately, the narrative concludes with Parnesius and Pertinax assuming leadership roles on the Wall, symbolizing their transformation and the hope for a more harmonious future. The story encapsulates the themes of sacrifice, the search for belonging, and the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity, leaving readers with a profound reflection on the nature of civilization and the bonds that unite us across cultural divides.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1891 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy · 8,460 words
First lines
'When I left Rome for Lalage's sake By the Legions' Road to Rimini, She vowed her heart was mine to take With me and my shield to Rimini -- (Till the Eagles flew from Rimini! ) And I've tramped Britain, and I've tramped Gaul, And the Pontic shore where the snow-flakes fall As white as the neck of Lalage -- (As cold as the heart of Lalage! ) And I've lost Britain, and I've lost Gaul,'
(the voice seemed very cheerful about it),
What this Textopian page supports
On the Great 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: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy, Coming-of-Age, Poetry
- Length: 8,460 words
- Structure: 1 section, 150 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for On the Great Wall 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 On the Great Wall?
- How does this novella by Rudyard Kipling fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is set in a historical context, focusing on Roman Britain and the interactions between Romans and Picts.
- Adventure — The story involves exploration, military life, and encounters with various cultures, embodying the spirit of adventure.
- Fantasy — Elements of magic and mythical beings, such as Puck, introduce a fantastical aspect to the narrative.
- Coming-of-Age — The protagonist experiences growth and self-discovery through his experiences on the Wall.
Tags
China · Great Wall · travel · exploration · history · culture · architecture · landscape · adventure · literature · poetry · colonialism