The Story of Uriah by Rudyard Kipling
The narrative follows the life and death of Jack Barrett, a soldier who is transferred from the pleasant climate of the Himalayas to the harsh environment of Quetta. The story opens with a stark contrast between two men: one rich and one poor, setting the stage for themes of duty, sacrifice, and the often harsh realities of military life. Barrett's transfer is shrouded in ambiguity; he does not understand the reasons behind it, which foreshadows his tragic fate. The oppressive heat and demanding conditions of Quetta take a toll on him, leading to his untimely death shortly after his arrival. The poem reflects on the indifference of military bureaucracy, as Barrett is sent to a post that ultimately proves fatal, highlighting the disconnect between those who make decisions and the lives affected by them. His widow, Mrs. Barrett, mourns him briefly, suggesting a societal expectation of moving on from loss. The narrative implies a critique of the military system that prioritizes orders over individual lives, as Barrett's sacrifice is reduced to a mere statistic in the "big black Book of Jobs." The poem concludes with a haunting reflection on mortality and the consequences of decisions made by those in power, leaving the reader to ponder the cost of duty and the fragility of life.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1898 · Genre: Poetry, Narrative, Tragedy · 293 words
First lines
"Now there were two men in one city; / the one rich and the other poor."
Jack Barrett went to Quetta / Because they told him to. / He left his wife at Simla / On three-fourths his monthly screw: / Jack Barrett died at Quetta / Ere the next month's pay he drew.
Jack Barrett went to Quetta. / He didn't understand / The reason of his transfer / From the pleasant mountain-land: / The season was September, / And it killed him out of hand.
Jack Barrett went to Quetta, / And there gave up the ghost, / Attempting two men's duty / In that very healthy post; / And Mrs. Barrett mourned for him / Five lively months at most.
What this Textopian page supports
The Story of Uriah is listed on Textopian as a short story by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1898 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: 1898 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Narrative, Tragedy, Military Fiction, Social Commentary
- Length: 293 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Story of Uriah by Rudyard Kipling
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Similar titles
- Epitaphs by Rudyard Kipling
- That Day by Rudyard Kipling
- Follow Me Ome by Rudyard Kipling
- The Widows Party by Rudyard Kipling
- The Poor House by Sara Teasdale
- Mesopotamia by Rudyard Kipling
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
- Narrative — The poem tells a story about Jack Barrett's life and death, characteristic of narrative forms.
- Tragedy — The themes of death and loss reflect tragic elements in the narrative.
- Military Fiction — The setting involves military life and the consequences of duty, relevant to military fiction.
Tags
Rudyard Kipling · poetry · narrative · military · death · transfer · Quetta · Simla · loss · grief · duty · sacrifice