The Likes o' Us by Rudyard Kipling
The narrative unfolds in a military setting, focusing on the interactions between soldiers and their struggles with discipline, camaraderie, and the harsh realities of life in the army. The story begins with a General Officer discussing the simplicity of managing soldiers, particularly a Private named Thomas Atkins, whom he likens to a child, suggesting that they can be easily controlled with basic needs and tasks. The scene shifts to a confrontation between Gunner Barnabas and Private Shacklock, who is inebriated and has been involved in a scuffle. Gunner Barnabas, a physically imposing figure, subdues Shacklock, who is weak and scrawny. The Gunner reflects on the nature of soldiers like Shacklock, who are prone to drunkenness and violence, and the potential consequences of their actions. As the Gunner contemplates the situation, he expresses a mix of disdain and pity for Shacklock, recognizing the boy's vulnerability and the cycle of violence that often leads to tragedy among soldiers. He considers the implications of Shacklock's behavior, understanding that his drunkenness could lead to fatal outcomes, both for himself and others. The Gunner's internal conflict is evident as he grapples with the responsibility of dealing with Shacklock. He ultimately decides against punishing him physically, instead opting to keep him under his watch until he sobers up. This decision highlights the complexities of military life, where personal ethics clash with the harsh realities of discipline and survival. The story culminates in a poignant moment where Gunner Barnabas carries Shacklock back up the hill, emphasizing the bond formed through shared experiences, even amidst conflict. The Gunner's final remarks underscore a sense of shame associated with the actions of soldiers like Shacklock, contrasting their behavior with the ideals of honor and duty expected in the military. Overall, the work explores themes of masculinity, the burdens of military life, and the moral dilemmas faced by those in uniform, ultimately painting a nuanced portrait of the soldiers' existence and the societal expectations placed upon them.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1950 · Genre: Military Fiction, Drama, Social Commentary · 3,431 words
First lines
It was the General Officer Commanding, riding down the Mall, on the Arab with the perky tail, and he condescended to explain some of the mysteries of his profession. But the point on which he dwelt most pompously was the ease with which the Private Thomas Atkins could be "handled," as he called it. "Only feed him and give him a little work to do, and you can do anything with him," said the General Officer Commanding. "There's no refinement about Tommy, you know; and one is very like another. They've all the same ideas and traditions and prejudices. They're all big children. Fancy any man in his senses shooting about these hills. " There was the report of a shot-gun in the valley. "I suppose they've hit a dog. Happy as the day is long when they're out shooting dogs. Just like a big child is Tommy. " He touched up his horse and cantered away. There was a sound of angry voices down the hillside.[14]
What this Textopian page supports
The Likes o' Us is listed on Textopian as a short story by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1950 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: 1950 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Military Fiction, Drama, Social Commentary, Character Study, Adventure
- Length: 3,431 words
- Structure: 1 section, 24 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Likes o' Us 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 Likes o' Us?
- How does this short story by Rudyard Kipling fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Military Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Soldier An Sailor Too by Rudyard Kipling
- The Instructor by Rudyard Kipling
- Consequences by Rudyard Kipling
- Bill Awkins by Rudyard Kipling
- Tommy by Rudyard Kipling
- A Supplementary Chapter by Rudyard Kipling
Genres
- Military Fiction — The narrative revolves around soldiers, their interactions, and the complexities of military life.
- Drama — The story explores intense emotional conflicts and moral dilemmas faced by the characters.
- Social Commentary — The text critiques social hierarchies and the nature of man, particularly in the context of British colonialism.
- Character Study — The focus on individual characters and their psychological states provides deep insights into their motivations and behaviors.
Tags
Rudyard Kipling · British literature · short story · military · colonialism · humor · satire · character study · social commentary · class differences · soldiers · drunkenness