The Bold 'Prentice
The narrative follows a young apprentice in the locomotive repair department of a major Indian railway during the late 19th century. Born to a railway worker, he is immersed in the culture of the railway, surrounded by a mix of native and European workers. The apprentices, including the protagonist, initially display a lack of seriousness towards their training, engaging in playful antics rather than focusing on their work. As the protagonist matures, he begins to learn the intricacies of locomotive mechanics, aided by his father's experience and the mentorship of a skilled driver named Olaf Swanson. Olaf, a colorful character with a unique approach to teaching, insists on the importance of practical knowledge and the value of his self-published manual on locomotive repair. The protagonist's relationship with Olaf deepens as he learns to appreciate the manual's insights, which prove invaluable during a crisis. The story escalates when the protagonist, now a sergeant in the railway's volunteer corps, embarks on a hunting trip. During this trip, he encounters a catastrophic failure of a locomotive driven by a careless native driver. Seizing the opportunity to apply his knowledge, he takes charge of the situation, coordinating efforts to salvage the damaged engine and restore it to operational status. His quick thinking and practical skills, honed through years of apprenticeship and Olaf's guidance, allow him to navigate the challenges posed by the flooded landscape and the malfunctioning engine. Despite initial skepticism from the soldiers assisting him, the protagonist successfully manages to get the damaged locomotive moving again, albeit in a compromised state. His efforts culminate in a dramatic return to the railway station, where he faces Olaf's wrath for the delays caused but ultimately earns his respect for his resourcefulness and application of the manual's teachings. The story concludes with the protagonist being recognized for his skills and being assigned to a permanent driver’s position, marking a significant milestone in his career. His journey from a carefree apprentice to a competent driver illustrates themes of mentorship, the importance of practical knowledge, and the challenges of working in a complex and evolving industry. The narrative encapsulates the spirit of determination and the value of hands-on experience in mastering a craft.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1894 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Adventure · 4,162 words
First lines
_This story is very much of the same sort as "An Unqualified Pilot," and shows that, when any one is really keen on his job, he will generally find some older man who is even keener than he, who will give him help and instruction that could not be found in a whole library of books. Olaf Swanson's book of "Road-Locos Repair or the Young Driver's Vademecome," was well known in the Railway sheds in its day, and was written in the queerest English ever printed. But it told useful facts and, as you will see, saved a train at a pinch. It may be worth noticing that young Ottley's chance did not come to him till he had worked on and among engine-repairs for some five or six years and was well-grounded in practical knowledge of his subject._
What this Textopian page supports
The Bold 'Prentice is listed on Textopian as a short story by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1894 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: 1894 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Adventure, Coming-of-Age, Technical Fiction
- Length: 4,162 words
- Structure: 1 section, 74 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Bold 'Prentice 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 Bold 'Prentice?
- How does this short story by Rudyard Kipling fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- The Three Young Men by Rudyard Kipling
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- So Young by George Eliot
- Young Peoples Pride by Stephen Vincent Benet
- Country Sentiment Tom Taylor by Robert Graves
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The story explores themes of apprenticeship, personal growth, and the intricacies of railway work, showcasing character development and social dynamics.
- Historical Fiction — Set in 19th century India, it reflects the historical context of the railway system and colonial influences.
- Adventure — The narrative includes elements of adventure through the protagonist's experiences with locomotives and the challenges faced during his apprenticeship.
- Coming-of-Age — The protagonist, young Ottley, undergoes significant personal development and maturation throughout the story.
Tags
adventure · coming of age · courage · self-discovery · friendship · mentorship · work ethic · determination · life lessons · youth · exploration · resilience