Pharaoh and the Sergeant
The narrative follows the journey of a Sergeant sent by England to assist Pharaoh in transforming his army. The Sergeant, a humble figure in khaki, is tasked with instilling discipline and skill in the Egyptian soldiers, who are depicted as lacking in military prowess. The story highlights the contrast between the grandeur of historical miracles and the practical, gritty work of the Sergeant, who is portrayed as a catalyst for change. As the Sergeant trains the soldiers, he faces numerous challenges, including cultural differences and the harsh desert environment. Despite these obstacles, he manages to inspire and improve the soldiers, turning them into a competent fighting force. The Sergeant's methods are unconventional, relying on a mix of determination and resourcefulness rather than formal military doctrine. The relationship between Pharaoh and the Sergeant evolves as they work together. Pharaoh, initially resistant, begins to appreciate the Sergeant's guidance and the potential of his men. The narrative emphasizes the Sergeant's role in shaping Pharaoh's character and military capabilities, likening him to a modern-day Moses leading his people out of bondage. The story critiques the British Empire's approach to colonialism, suggesting that true progress comes from the ground level rather than from lofty ideals. The Sergeant's contributions go unrecognized by the higher authorities, reflecting the often-overlooked efforts of those who work behind the scenes. The Sergeant remains a figure of humility, embodying the idea that significant change can occur through dedication and hard work, even in the face of adversity. Ultimately, the tale serves as a commentary on leadership, the complexities of colonial relationships, and the transformative power of mentorship. The Sergeant's legacy is one of quiet strength and resilience, illustrating that true heroism often lies in the everyday actions of individuals rather than in grand historical narratives.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1935 · Genre: Poetry, Satire, Historical Fiction · 866 words
First lines
‘. Consider that the meritorious services of the Sergeant Instructors attached to the Egyptian Army have been inadequately acknowledged. To the excellence of their work is mainly due the great improvement that has taken place in the soldiers of H. H. the Khedive. ' _Extract from letter._
Said England unto Pharaoh, ‘I must make a man of you, That will stand upon his feet and play the game; That will Maxim his oppressor as a Christian ought to do,' And she sent old Pharaoh Sergeant Whatisname. It was not a Duke nor Earl, nor yet a _Vis_count -- It was not a big brass General that came; But a man in khaki kit who could handle men a bit, With his bedding labelled Sergeant Whatisname.
What this Textopian page supports
Pharaoh and the Sergeant is listed on Textopian as a short story by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1935 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: 1935 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Satire, Historical Fiction, Adventure, Drama
- Length: 866 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Pharaoh and the Sergeant by Rudyard Kipling
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Pharaoh and the Sergeant?
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
- Satire — The text critiques colonial attitudes and military practices through humor and irony.
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is set in a historical context involving Egypt and British colonialism.
- Adventure — The story involves themes of exploration and military endeavors in a foreign land.
Tags
historical · fiction · adventure · Egypt · military · colonialism · power · leadership · conflict · courage · betrayal · loyalty