To be Filed for Reference
The narrative follows the life of a man named McIntosh Jellaludin, who has fallen from grace, living in a caravanserai in a foreign land. Once a respected figure, he now grapples with alcoholism and the consequences of his choices. The story begins with a poetic reflection on fate and the burdens of existence, symbolized by a stone cast into a tarn, representing McIntosh's own descent into darkness. The protagonist encounters McIntosh in a drunken state, leading to an unusual friendship. McIntosh, despite his inebriation, displays a sharp intellect and a wealth of knowledge, often referencing his past life as an Oxford man. He is self-aware of his degradation and expresses a disdain for pity, insisting he is a self-sufficient drunkard. Their conversations reveal McIntosh's complex character, oscillating between moments of lucidity and drunken ramblings. As their relationship develops, McIntosh shares insights about native life and culture, often criticizing the ignorance of outsiders. He is accompanied by a native woman, his wife, who cares for him despite his flaws. McIntosh's pride and refusal to accept charity highlight his struggle for dignity amidst his decline. The narrative culminates in McIntosh's death from pneumonia, during which he entrusts the protagonist with his life's work—a collection of writings he deems significant. He insists that these papers, filled with his experiences and reflections, should not be altered or lost. His final moments are marked by a mix of clarity and confusion, as he expresses a desire for his legacy to endure. The protagonist is left to grapple with the weight of McIntosh's bequest, pondering the truth of McIntosh's life and the value of his writings. The story explores themes of redemption, the search for meaning, and the complexities of human existence, ultimately questioning the nature of legacy and the impact of one's life choices.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1925 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Tragedy · 4,226 words
First lines
By the hoof of the Wild Goat up-tossed From the Cliff where She lay in the Sun, Fell the Stone To the Tarn where the daylight is lost; So She fell from the light of the Sun, And alone. Now the fall was ordained from the first, With the Goat and the Cliff and the Tarn, But the Stone Knows only Her life is accursed, As She sinks in the depths of the Tarn, And alone. Oh, Thou who hast builded the world! Oh, Thou who hast lighted the Sun! Oh, Thou who hast darkened the Tarn! Judge Thou The sin of the Stone that was hurled By the Goat from the light of the Sun, As She sinks in the mire of the Tarn, Even now -- even now -- even now! -- _From the Unpublished Papers of McIntosh Jellaluidin_.
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To be Filed for Reference is listed on Textopian as a short story by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1925 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: 1925 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Tragedy, Character Study, Historical Fiction
- Length: 4,226 words
- Structure: 1 section, 46 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The narrative explores complex themes of identity, degradation, and the human condition through rich character development and introspective dialogue.
- Social Commentary — The story critiques colonial attitudes and the intersection of Western and Eastern cultures, particularly through the character of McIntosh Jellaludin.
- Tragedy — The protagonist's fall from grace and the exploration of his existential struggles embody tragic elements.
- Character Study — The focus on McIntosh's life, his relationships, and his internal conflicts provides a deep character analysis.
Tags
short stories · fiction · British literature · colonialism · adventure · narrative · humor · satire · social commentary · historical context · character study · cultural exploration