Stalky by Rudyard Kipling (1899)
The narrative follows the escapades of three schoolboys—Corkran, McTurk, and Beetle—who navigate the challenges of their school life with cleverness and mischief. The story begins with the boys observing a chaotic attempt by their peers to drive cattle from one farm to another as a prank against a local farmer, Vidley. The boys, initially hesitant to join in, decide to watch the unfolding events, showcasing their strategic thinking and understanding of the risks involved. As the cattle drive progresses, the boys witness the ensuing chaos, with their classmates getting caught and ultimately captured by the farmers. The trio, valuing their own safety, devise a plan to observe from a distance, demonstrating their preference for cleverness over reckless participation. They find themselves in a position to help when they overhear the captured boys' plight, leading to a series of clever maneuvers to distract the farmers and facilitate a rescue. The boys employ their wit and resourcefulness, using a catapult to create a diversion that sends the cattle into a frenzy, allowing their classmates to escape. Their actions reflect a blend of camaraderie and self-preservation, as they balance their desire to assist with the need to avoid punishment. The narrative culminates in their successful intervention, which not only saves their peers but also allows them to return to school without facing the consequences of their involvement. Throughout the story, themes of friendship, loyalty, and the cleverness of youth are explored, as the boys navigate the complexities of their social environment. Their adventures highlight the importance of strategy and quick thinking in overcoming challenges, ultimately reinforcing the idea that intelligence and composure can lead to successful outcomes in difficult situations. The boys' experiences serve as a testament to their growth and the bonds they share, encapsulating the essence of their schoolboy adventures.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1899 · Genre: Coming-of-Age, Adventure, Humor · 7,957 words
First lines
_This happens to be the first story that was written concerning the adventures and performances of three schoolboys-"Stalky," McTurk and "Beetle. " For some reason or other, it was never put into the book, called "Stalky & Co.," that was made out of the stories. A certain amount of it, I am sorry to say, is founded on fact, though that is no recommendation; and the only moral that I can see in it is, that when for any reason you happen to get into a tight place, you have a better chance of coming out of it comfortably if you keep your head than if you get excited and don't stop to think._
What this Textopian page supports
Stalky is listed on Textopian as a novella by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1899 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: 1899 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Coming-of-Age, Adventure, Humor, Young Adult, Fiction
- Length: 7,957 words
- Structure: 1 section, 190 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Stalky 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 Stalky?
- How does this novella by Rudyard Kipling fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Coming-of-Age first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Coming-of-Age — The story revolves around the adventures and growth of schoolboys, highlighting their transition from childhood to adolescence.
- Adventure — The plot features various escapades and mischiefs undertaken by the boys, showcasing their adventurous spirit.
- Humor — The writing style employs wit and comedic situations, particularly in the interactions and dialogues among the characters.
- Young Adult — The themes and characters are targeted towards a young adult audience, focusing on school life and friendships.
Tags
boarding school · adventure · friendship · pranks · coming of age · military · British literature · colonialism · youth · humor · education · class differences