The Man who Would be King
Two Englishmen, Daniel Dravot and Peachey Carnehan, decide to leave India in search of adventure and wealth. They aim to establish themselves as kings in a remote region called Kafiristan, believing they can conquer it due to their military experience. They disguise themselves as a mad priest and his servant to cross into Afghanistan, carrying rifles and ammunition hidden under the guise of toys. Upon reaching Kafiristan, they successfully integrate into the local culture, using their knowledge of warfare to gain the trust of the tribes. Dravot claims to be a god, and the locals, impressed by their prowess, accept him as their king. They establish a rudimentary government, with Carnehan as his advisor, and begin to unify the tribes under their rule. As they consolidate power, Dravot becomes increasingly ambitious, envisioning a grand empire and seeking to expand their influence. However, he also desires a wife, which goes against the contract they made to avoid women and alcohol. Despite Carnehan's warnings, Dravot insists on marrying a local woman, believing it will strengthen his rule. The situation escalates when Dravot attempts to marry the woman, leading to a violent backlash from the locals who realize he is not a god but merely a man. The priests and tribesmen turn against them, and a chaotic confrontation ensues. Dravot is captured and executed, while Carnehan is tortured but ultimately survives. Carnehan returns to India, traumatized and broken, carrying with him the severed head of Dravot as a grim trophy of their failed venture. He recounts their story to a newspaper editor, reflecting on the folly of their ambition and the tragic consequences of their hubris. The tale serves as a cautionary narrative about the dangers of imperialism, the allure of power, and the thin line between ambition and madness.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1888 · Genre: Adventure, Colonial Literature, Short Story · 20,288 words
First lines
"Brother to a Prince and fellow to a beggar if he be found worthy. "
The Law, as quoted, lays down a fair conduct of life, and one not easy to follow. I have been fellow to a beggar again and again under circumstances which prevented either of us finding out whether the other was worthy. I have still to be brother to a Prince, though I once came near to kinship with what might have been a veritable King, and was promised the reversion of a Kingdom -- army, law-courts, revenue, and policy all complete. But, to-day, I greatly fear that my King is dead, and if I want a crown I must go hunt it for myself.
What this Textopian page supports
The Man who Would be King is listed on Textopian as a novel by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1888 CE.
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- Work type: Novel
- Author: Rudyard Kipling
- Date: 1888 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Adventure, Colonial Literature, Short Story, Historical Fiction, Fantasy
- Length: 20,288 words
- Structure: 1 section, 206 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Man who Would be King 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 Man who Would be King?
- How does this novel by Rudyard Kipling fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Genres
- Adventure — The plot revolves around two British adventurers who become kings in a remote part of India, highlighting themes of exploration and the quest for power.
- Colonial Literature — The story reflects the British colonial experience and attitudes towards imperialism, showcasing the complexities of colonial rule.
- Short Story — The work is a concise narrative that encapsulates a complete story within a limited word count.
- Historical Fiction — The setting and characters are based on historical contexts, blending fact with fiction to explore themes of leadership and governance.
Tags
colonialism · adventure · leadership · empire · friendship · betrayal · myth · power · identity · exploration · fate · destiny