The Shadow of his Hand

Name: The Shadow of his Hand
Author: Rudyard Kipling

The narrative follows a conversation between two men, one of whom recounts the life of Lot Vermilyea, a man from San Luis Obispo, California. Lot is depicted as a gentle and tender-hearted individual who finds himself in a tumultuous relationship with his father-in-law, Dougherty. The story begins with the stranger's introduction of Lot, highlighting his initial romantic pursuits and the challenges he faced with Dougherty, who disapproved of Lot's courtship of his daughter. As the tale unfolds, it reveals Lot's struggles with his father-in-law, who is portrayed as a combative and relentless figure. Despite Lot's attempts to maintain peace and his affection for his wife, he is repeatedly drawn into physical confrontations with Dougherty. The father-in-law's penchant for fighting becomes a source of ongoing conflict, as he seeks to engage Lot in bouts that disrupt Lot's life and business. The narrative explores themes of familial obligation, the absurdity of their relationship, and the toll that constant conflict takes on Lot. Despite his victories in their fights, Lot's frustration grows as he grapples with the monotony and absurdity of his situation. The story culminates in a reflection on Lot's life, where he expresses a sense of resignation and gratitude for the peculiar circumstances he endures, suggesting a complex mix of love, obligation, and exasperation. Ultimately, the work presents a humorous yet poignant examination of the dynamics between Lot and Dougherty, illustrating the challenges of familial relationships and the absurdities of life.

By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1916 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Humor, Social Commentary · 2,072 words

First lines

"I come from San Jose," he said. "San Jose, Calaveras County, California: that's my place. " I pricked up my ears at the mention of Calaveras County. Bret Harte has made that sacred ground.[6]

"Yes? " said I politely. Always be polite to a gentleman from Calaveras County. For aught you know he may be a lineal descendant of the great Colonel Starbottle.

What this Textopian page supports

The Shadow of his Hand is listed on Textopian as a short story by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1916 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: 1916 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Humor, Social Commentary, Drama, Short Story
Length: 2,072 words
Structure: 1 section, 20 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering The Shadow of his Hand?
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

Genres

Literary Fiction — The narrative explores complex themes of relationships, societal norms, and personal struggles, characteristic of literary fiction.
Humor — The story employs wit and irony, particularly in the interactions between characters, showcasing a humorous take on serious subjects.
Social Commentary — The text critiques social dynamics, particularly familial relationships and societal expectations, reflecting on human behavior.
Drama — The emotional conflicts and character-driven plot create a dramatic tension throughout the narrative.