Private Learoyd's Story

Name: Private Learoyd's Story
Author: Rudyard Kipling

The narrative unfolds in a remote area away from military barracks, where Private Learoyd recounts his experiences with his comrades, Ortheris and Mulvaney. They share a fondness for a well-known dog, Rip, owned by the Colonel's Lady. Rip, a clever fox-terrier, becomes the center of attention due to his charm and antics. Learoyd, tasked with caring for Rip, discovers that the dog is feeling low and suggests that he needs companionship and excitement. Learoyd's interactions with Mrs. DeSussa, a wealthy woman who becomes enamored with Rip, lead to a series of clandestine meetings where she offers Learoyd drinks and cigars in exchange for information about the dog. As Learoyd grows suspicious of her intentions, he confides in Mulvaney and Ortheris, who speculate that Mrs. DeSussa may be attempting to steal Rip. Mulvaney devises a plan to ensure that Rip remains with Learoyd while also considering the possibility of a financial gain. They concoct a scheme to create a replica of Rip using a similar dog owned by the Canteen Sergeant, which they plan to pass off as the real Rip to Mrs. DeSussa. Ortheris, a skilled taxidermist, is enlisted to alter the Canteen Sergeant's dog to resemble Rip. As the day of Mrs. DeSussa's departure approaches, the trio prepares to execute their plan. They successfully convince her to pay a substantial sum for the "dog," which is actually the altered Canteen Sergeant's pet. The transaction is completed amidst a flurry of excitement, and the soldiers share the spoils of their scheme. However, the narrative concludes with a sense of moral ambiguity. While they have profited from the deception, the soldiers are left to ponder the implications of their actions. The story highlights themes of camaraderie, deception, and the complexities of loyalty, ultimately leaving the reader to reflect on the nature of their choices and the consequences that follow.

By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1888 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Adventure · 4,137 words

First lines

And he told a tale. -- _Chronicles of Gautama Buddha._

What this Textopian page supports

Private Learoyd's Story is listed on Textopian as a short story by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1888 CE.

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Work type: Short story
Author: Rudyard Kipling
Date: 1888 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Adventure, Humor, Animal Fiction
Length: 4,137 words
Structure: 1 section, 48 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Literary Fiction — The story explores complex themes of morality, friendship, and the human-animal bond, characteristic of literary fiction.
Historical Fiction — Set in a colonial military context, it reflects the historical realities of British India.
Adventure — The narrative involves elements of adventure through the characters' interactions and escapades.
Humor — The dialogue and situations contain humor, particularly through the characters' banter and misadventures.