Regulus (1917) by Rudyard Kipling
The narrative unfolds in a school setting where a teacher, Mr. King, instructs a class on a Latin ode about a Roman general, Regulus, who faced a moral dilemma during the Punic Wars. Regulus, after being captured by the Carthaginians, is sent to Rome to negotiate peace. Instead of advocating for his own safety, he urges the Senate to reject any terms with the enemy, demonstrating his commitment to Rome over personal survival. His return to Carthage leads to his execution, emphasizing themes of honor, sacrifice, and the burdens of leadership. The classroom dynamics reveal the students' struggles with Latin translation, showcasing their varying levels of comprehension and engagement. Mr. King, frustrated by their lack of understanding, emphasizes the importance of the text's emotional weight and the historical context of Regulus's actions. The students, particularly Beetle and Winton, navigate the challenges of translation, often leading to humorous misunderstandings and misinterpretations. As the lesson progresses, the students' interactions reflect their personalities and relationships, with moments of camaraderie and rivalry. Winton, a prominent student, grapples with the pressures of academic performance and social expectations. His character arc includes a moment of emotional outburst, where he physically confronts a classmate, Vernon, after feeling overwhelmed by the day's events and the weight of his responsibilities. The story culminates in Winton's realization of the consequences of his actions, both in the classroom and in his personal life. He seeks redemption through apologies and attempts to reconcile with his peers. The narrative explores themes of adolescence, the quest for identity, and the moral complexities faced by young individuals as they navigate the transition from childhood to adulthood. Ultimately, the work serves as a commentary on the educational system, the significance of classical literature, and the enduring relevance of historical figures like Regulus in shaping moral character and leadership. The interplay between the classroom and the broader themes of honor and sacrifice resonates throughout, leaving a lasting impact on both the characters and the reader.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1917 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Coming-of-Age · 11,408 words
First lines
_Regulus, a Roman general, defeated the Carthaginians 256 B. C., but was next year defeated and taken prisoner by the Carthaginians, who sent him to Rome with an embassy to ask for peace or an exchange of prisoners. Regulus strongly advised the Roman Senate to make no terms with the enemy. He then returned to Carthage and was put to death._
The Fifth Form had been dragged several times in its collective life, from one end of the school Horace to the other. Those were the years when Army examiners gave thousands of marks for Latin, and it was Mr. King's hated business to defeat them.
What this Textopian page supports
Regulus (1917) is listed on Textopian as a novella by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1917 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: 1917 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Drama, Satire
- Length: 11,408 words
- Structure: 1 section, 276 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Regulus (1917) 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 Regulus (1917)?
- How does this novella by Rudyard Kipling fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Honours Of War 1911 by Rudyard Kipling
- The Ballad Of The White Horse by G. K. Chesterton
- A Knight Of The Legion Of Honor by Francis Hopkinson Smith
- The Oruddy by Stephen Crane
- The Soldiers Song by Alan Monaghan
- A Medal Of Honor by Francis Hopkinson Smith
Genres
- Historical Fiction — The narrative centers around the historical figure Regulus and his conflict with Carthage, blending historical events with fictional elements.
- Literary Fiction — The work explores complex themes of honor, sacrifice, and moral dilemmas, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Coming-of-Age — The story features young characters in a school setting, dealing with personal growth and moral challenges.
- Drama — The interactions between characters, particularly in the classroom and the emotional stakes of Regulus's fate, create a dramatic narrative.
Tags
poetry · war · heroism · British Empire · courage · sacrifice · military · honor · loyalty · patriotism · narrative · historical