The Ladies by Rudyard Kipling (1926)

Name: The Ladies
Author: Rudyard Kipling

The narrative unfolds through the reflections of a soldier who recounts his experiences with various women throughout his life. He begins by acknowledging his romantic escapades, highlighting four significant relationships that shaped his understanding of women. Each woman represents a different cultural background and personal dynamic, illustrating the complexities of love and attraction. The soldier recalls his youthful naivety and the influence of an older woman, who guided him in both personal and professional realms. This relationship serves as a foundation for his subsequent encounters, which range from a devoted yet unconventional partnership with a local woman in Burma to a tumultuous affair with a volatile wife in Neemuch. Each experience teaches him valuable lessons about the nature of women and relationships. As he reflects on these experiences, he recognizes a pattern: the more he learns about women, the more difficult it becomes to commit to one. This realization leads him to a sense of resignation, suggesting that the pursuit of romantic pleasure often results in emotional turmoil and regret. The narrative culminates in a poignant observation about the shared humanity of women, regardless of their social status or background. The soldier concludes that, at their core, all women possess similar traits, emphasizing the universal nature of their experiences and emotions. This insight serves as a cautionary tale for others, urging them to learn from his journey rather than repeat his mistakes.

By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1926 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Humor · 750 words

First lines

I've taken my fun where I've found it; I've rogued an' I've ranged in my time; I've 'ad my pickin' o' sweet'earts, An' four o' the lot was prime. One was an 'arf-caste widow, One was a woman at Prome, One was the wife of a _jemadar-sais_, [Head-groom.] An' one is a girl at 'ome.

Now I aren't no 'and with the ladies, For, takin' 'em all along, You never can say till you've tried 'em, An' then you are like to be wrong. There's times when you'll think that you mightn't, There's times when you'll know that you might; But the things you will learn from the Yellow an' Brown, They'll 'elp you a lot with the White!

What this Textopian page supports

The Ladies is listed on Textopian as a poem by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1926 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Poem
Author: Rudyard Kipling
Date: 1926 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Humor, Colonial Literature, Narrative Poetry
Length: 750 words
Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
Literary Fiction — The themes explore complex human relationships and societal norms, characteristic of literary fiction.
Humor — The tone and some content reflect a humorous take on relationships and gender dynamics.
Colonial Literature — The setting and characters reflect colonial themes, particularly in the context of British India.