The Big Drunk Draf'
The narrative follows Private Mulvaney, a former soldier who has returned to India as a civilian after his time in the military. His wife, Dinah Shadd, is dissatisfied with their new life and longs for the comforts of their previous existence. Mulvaney, despite his civilian status, struggles with the transition and reminisces about his days in the army, feeling a sense of loss and nostalgia. The story unfolds as Mulvaney receives news of a new draft of soldiers arriving, which stirs his old military instincts. He is drawn to the chaos surrounding the new recruits, who are depicted as rowdy and unruly, indulging in excessive drinking and revelry. Mulvaney's concern for the young officer in charge of the draft, who is inexperienced and overwhelmed, prompts him to intervene. As the narrative progresses, Mulvaney takes it upon himself to manage the situation, using his knowledge and experience to guide the young officer and the drunken soldiers. He employs a mix of humor and authority, showcasing his leadership skills despite his civilian status. The interactions between Mulvaney, the soldiers, and the young officer highlight the challenges of military life and the camaraderie that exists among soldiers. The climax of the story occurs when Mulvaney orchestrates a plan to restore order among the drunken soldiers, demonstrating his resourcefulness and deep understanding of military discipline. His actions lead to a successful resolution, earning him the respect of the young officer and the soldiers, who ultimately appreciate his efforts. In the end, Mulvaney reflects on his identity as a civilian while still feeling a strong connection to his past as a soldier. The story captures the tension between his current life and his longing for the camaraderie and purpose he experienced in the army, ultimately illustrating the complexities of transitioning from military to civilian life.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1920 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Humor · 5,167 words
First lines
We're goin' 'ome, we're goin' 'ome -- Our ship is at the shore, An' you mus' pack your 'aversack, For we won't come back no more. Ho, don't you grieve for me, My lovely Mary Ann, For I'll marry you yet on a fourp'ny bit, As a time-expired ma-a-an Barrack Room Ballad.
AN awful thing has happened! My friend, Private Mulvaney, who went home in the Serapis, time-expired, not very long ago, has come back to India as a civilian! It was all Dinah Shadd's fault. She could not stand the poky little lodgings, and she missed her servant Abdullah more than words could tell. The fact was that the Mulvaneys had been out here too long, and had lost touch of England.
What this Textopian page supports
The Big Drunk Draf' is listed on Textopian as a novella by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1920 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: 1920 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Humor, Adventure, Drama
- Length: 5,167 words
- Structure: 1 section, 83 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Big Drunk Draf' by Rudyard Kipling
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Big Drunk Draf'?
- How does this novella by Rudyard Kipling fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The narrative explores complex themes of identity, nostalgia, and the transition from military to civilian life, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Historical Fiction — Set in colonial India, the story reflects historical contexts and the experiences of soldiers, fitting the historical fiction genre.
- Humor — The dialogue and situations are infused with humor, particularly through the character of Mulvaney and his interactions.
- Adventure — The plot involves elements of adventure, particularly in the context of military life and the challenges faced by soldiers.
Tags
humor · satire · alcohol · drinking · adventure · narrative · poetry · British literature · short story · folklore · character study · social commentary