The City of Brass by Rudyard Kipling
In a land once prosperous, a civilization succumbs to decadence and folly. The people, intoxicated by their own hubris, believe themselves to be sovereign over all creation. They dismantle the structures of their forebears, replacing them with hedonistic pursuits and a false sense of security. As they indulge in excess, they appoint leaders who lack wisdom, encouraging rebellion and chaos among their ranks. The populace, driven by envy and sloth, seeks to redistribute wealth and power, justifying their actions with a distorted sense of justice. They mock the principles of governance and morality, believing that they can create a new order devoid of accountability. This leads to a breakdown of societal norms, as the strong prey upon the weak, and the fabric of their civilization unravels. As their arrogance peaks, a foreboding sign emerges from the sea, heralding their impending doom. Despite the warnings, they remain in denial, clinging to their delusions of invincibility. The consequences of their actions, however, are inescapable. The very chaos they fostered turns against them, leading to their downfall. In the end, the civilization that once thrived is obliterated, a victim of its own misguided choices. The narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of hubris, the fragility of power, and the inevitable retribution that follows moral decay. The story concludes with a stark reminder of the consequences of forsaking wisdom and virtue in favor of self-indulgence and folly.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1888 · Genre: Poetry, Fantasy, Adventure · 1,092 words
First lines
1909.
Here was a people whom after their works thou shalt see wept over for their lost dominion: and in this palace is the last information respecting lords collected in the dust. _The Arabian Nights_
What this Textopian page supports
The City of Brass 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: Poetry, Fantasy, Adventure, Historical Fiction, Allegory
- Length: 1,092 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for The City of Brass by Rudyard Kipling
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The City of Brass?
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Similar titles
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- Country Sentiment Manticor In Arabia by Robert Graves
- Ancient Riding by Frank R. Stockton
- The Red Moon Of Meru by G. K. Chesterton
- A Mysterious Vale by Sabine Baring Gould
- The Place Of Dragons by William Le Queux
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythmic and lyrical language typical of poetry.
- Fantasy — The themes and settings evoke elements of fantasy, including mythical places and supernatural occurrences.
- Adventure — The narrative suggests a journey or exploration, common in adventure literature.
- Historical Fiction — The text reflects historical themes and settings, drawing on past civilizations and their decline.
Tags
fantasy · adventure · mythology · magic · brass · city · exploration · mystery · cultural · historical · Arabian · tales