The Bisara of Pooree
The narrative revolves around a mystical love charm known as the Bisara of Pooree, a small silver box containing a carved eyeless fish. The charm is said to possess powerful love-inducing properties, but only if it is stolen. If acquired through other means, it brings misfortune to its owner within three years. The story introduces several characters, including Churton, an Assistant Commissioner, and Pack, a despised and unsuccessful officer infatuated with Miss Hollis, a woman who does not reciprocate his feelings. Churton, feeling disheartened by his life, shares the legend of the Bisara with a friend, unaware that Pack overhears the conversation. Driven by his obsession for Miss Hollis, Pack steals the Bisara from Churton's home. Shortly after, Miss Hollis unexpectedly accepts Pack's advances, leading to speculation that the charm has worked its magic. Churton, suspicious of Pack's sudden success, decides to investigate. With the help of a knowledgeable friend, he breaks into Pack's room and discovers the Bisara hidden in a cheap imitation cash box. Churton retrieves the charm, believing it to be the source of Pack's newfound fortune. At a dance, Churton, now in possession of the Bisara, witnesses Miss Hollis's rejection of Pack, confirming the charm's influence. Following this, Pack leaves for Madras, and Churton, relieved to be rid of the charm's potential danger, gives it to his friend, who disposes of it properly to prevent further misfortune. The story concludes with a cautionary note about the Bisara's power, suggesting that those who encounter it should be wary, as its effects can lead to dire consequences. The tale blends elements of folklore, romance, and moral lessons about desire and the consequences of meddling with forces beyond human understanding.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1888 · Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Romance · 2,688 words
First lines
Little Blind Fish, thou art marvellous wise, Little Blind Fish, who put out thy eyes? Open thine ears while I whisper my wish -- Bring me a lover, thou little Blind Fish. The Charm of the Bisara.
Some natives say that it came from the other side of Kulu, where the eleven-inch Temple Sapphire is. Others that it was made at the Devil-Shrine of Ao-Chung in Thibet, was stolen by a Kafir, from him by a Gurkha, from him again by a Lahouli, from him by a khitmatgar, and by this latter sold to an Englishman, so all its virtue was lost: because, to work properly, the Bisara of Pooree must be stolen -- with bloodshed if possible, but, at any rate, stolen.
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The Bisara of Pooree is listed on Textopian as a short story by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1888 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: 1888 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Romance, Fiction, Mystery
- Length: 2,688 words
- Structure: 1 section, 21 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Bisara of Pooree by Rudyard Kipling
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Bisara of Pooree?
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Genres
- Fantasy — The story revolves around a magical love-charm, the Bisara of Pooree, which influences the characters' lives and relationships.
- Adventure — The narrative includes elements of theft and pursuit, as characters seek to possess the Bisara and navigate the consequences.
- Romance — The plot centers on unrequited love and the lengths characters go to in pursuit of affection, particularly Pack's obsession with Miss Hollis.
- Fiction — The work is a fictional narrative that explores human emotions and relationships through its characters and their interactions.
Tags
India · colonialism · adventure · mystery · cultural clash · superstition · exploration · narrative · folklore · tradition · society · conflict