The Madness of Private Ortheris
The narrative follows the experiences of a soldier grappling with feelings of homesickness and disillusionment while stationed in a foreign land. The protagonist, along with his comrades, embarks on a shooting expedition, where they engage in light-hearted banter and camaraderie. However, the mood shifts as one soldier, Ortheris, reveals his deep-seated dissatisfaction with military life and longing for home. Ortheris expresses his regret over not pursuing a more conventional life, lamenting his status as a soldier and the loss of potential happiness. His emotional turmoil escalates, leading to a state of distress that concerns his friend Mulvaney, who recognizes the signs of a mental breakdown. Mulvaney attempts to coax Ortheris out of his despair, but the latter's fixation on his grievances intensifies. As the story unfolds, Ortheris contemplates desertion, driven by his overwhelming desire to escape the confines of military life. The protagonist, witnessing Ortheris's struggle, devises a plan to help him desert without immediate repercussions. This plan involves a ruse where they exchange clothes, allowing Ortheris to slip away unnoticed. The tension peaks as Ortheris, in a moment of clarity, realizes the gravity of his actions and the potential disgrace it would bring upon himself and his comrades. After a chaotic episode of emotional release, he returns to his senses, confronting the reality of his situation. The narrative concludes with Mulvaney chastising Ortheris for his moment of weakness, emphasizing the bond of friendship and the complexities of soldiering. The work explores themes of identity, camaraderie, and the psychological toll of military service, highlighting the struggles of individuals caught between duty and personal desires. The characters embody the duality of soldier life, oscillating between moments of levity and profound existential crises.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1890 · Genre: Literary Fiction, War Fiction, Historical Fiction · 4,385 words
First lines
Oh! Where would I be when my froat was dry? Oh! Where would I be when the bullets fly? Oh! Where would I be when I come to die? Why, Somewheres anigh my chum. If 'e's liquor 'e'll give me some, If I'm dyin' 'e'll 'old my 'ead, An' 'e'll write 'em 'Ome when I'm dead. -- Gawd send us a trusty chum! _Barrack Room Ballad._
My friends Mulvaney and Ortheris had gone on a shooting-expedition for one day. Learoyd was still in hospital, recovering from fever picked up in Burma. They sent me an invitation to join them, and were genuinely pained when I brought beer -- almost enough beer to satisfy two Privates of the Line. and Me.
What this Textopian page supports
The Madness of Private Ortheris is listed on Textopian as a short story by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1890 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: 1890 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, War Fiction, Historical Fiction, Drama, Adventure
- Length: 4,385 words
- Structure: 1 section, 66 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Madness of Private Ortheris by Rudyard Kipling
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Madness of Private Ortheris?
- 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
- Private Learoyds Story by Rudyard Kipling
- With The Main Guard by Rudyard Kipling
- In The Interests Of The Brethren by Rudyard Kipling
- The Likes O Us by Rudyard Kipling
- A Trooper Of Horse by Rudyard Kipling
- The Arrest Of Lieutenant Golightly by Rudyard Kipling
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The narrative explores deep themes of identity, camaraderie, and the psychological struggles of soldiers, characteristic of literary fiction.
- War Fiction — The story is set against a military backdrop, focusing on the lives and experiences of soldiers, which is central to war fiction.
- Historical Fiction — The setting and context reflect historical military life, particularly in the British Army during colonial times.
- Drama — The emotional and psychological conflicts faced by the characters create a dramatic narrative.
Tags
madness · war · British Army · colonialism · psychological · short story · military · India · narrative · isolation · identity · camaraderie