The Edge of the Evening (1913)
The narrative unfolds with a chance encounter between two men, one of whom is a successful American businessman, Zigler, who has returned to England after a significant period abroad. The protagonist, initially surprised to see Zigler, is drawn into a conversation that reveals Zigler's transformation from a prisoner of war in South Africa to a wealthy industrialist. Zigler's exuberance and confidence are palpable as he discusses his inventions and business ventures, particularly in the aeronautics industry. As they travel to Zigler's estate, the protagonist is introduced to a world of American expatriates mingling with British aristocracy. The social dynamics are explored through a dinner party at Zigler's home, where various characters engage in lively discussions about politics, culture, and the differences between American and British societies. The protagonist observes the interactions, noting the contrasts in attitudes and values, particularly regarding comfort and adaptability. The story takes a darker turn when an unexpected incident occurs involving a bi-plane landing in the park. Two men emerge from the aircraft, and a confrontation ensues, resulting in a violent altercation. Zigler, the protagonist, and their companions find themselves entangled in a situation that escalates to murder. The group grapples with the moral and legal implications of their actions, leading to a tense discussion about how to handle the aftermath. As they attempt to conceal the incident, the narrative delves into themes of guilt, responsibility, and the complexities of human nature. The characters' varying responses to the crisis reveal their personalities and moral compasses. The protagonist, in particular, reflects on the nature of justice and the consequences of their choices. The story culminates in a decision to dispose of the bodies in a manner that avoids detection, highlighting the lengths to which individuals will go to protect themselves and their social standing. The tension between the characters and their shared secret creates an atmosphere of unease, as they navigate the consequences of their actions while maintaining appearances in their social circles. Ultimately, the work explores the intersection of personal ambition, societal expectations, and the darker aspects of human behavior, leaving readers to ponder the moral dilemmas faced by the characters and the implications of their choices in a world where appearances often mask deeper truths.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1913 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Drama, Adventure · 9,652 words
First lines
Ah! What avails the classic bent, And what the chosen word, Against the undoctored incident That actually occurred?
And what is Art whereto we press Through paint and prose and rhyme -- When Nature in her nakedness Defeats us every time?
What this Textopian page supports
The Edge of the Evening (1913) is listed on Textopian as a novel by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1913 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Rudyard Kipling
- Date: 1913 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Drama, Adventure, Historical Fiction, Mystery
- Length: 9,652 words
- Structure: 1 section, 153 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Edge of the Evening (1913) by Rudyard Kipling
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Edge of the Evening (1913)?
- How does this novel 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 book explores complex themes of identity, morality, and the human condition through rich character development and intricate prose.
- Drama — The narrative features intense interpersonal conflicts and moral dilemmas, characteristic of dramatic literature.
- Adventure — The protagonist's experiences in South Africa and the subsequent events in England provide an adventurous backdrop.
- Historical Fiction — The story is set against the backdrop of historical events and societal norms of the early 20th century.
Tags
short stories · fiction · British literature · early 20th century · narrative · themes of nature · human experience · colonialism · adventure · moral dilemmas · character study · cultural exploration