To be Held for Reference
The narrative follows the life of McIntosh Jellaludin, a once-respected Englishman who has descended into alcoholism and poverty while living in a Central Asian caravanserai. The story begins with a poetic reflection on fate and the fall of a stone, symbolizing McIntosh's own decline. 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 about native life, contrasting his current state with his past as an Oxford man. He is proud of his self-sufficiency as a drunkard, rejecting charity while offering companionship and insights in return. His wife, a native woman, cares for him, and their relationship is marked by cultural differences and mutual affection. As the story unfolds, McIntosh reveals his literary ambitions, claiming to have written a significant work that documents his life and the lives of others. He entrusts this manuscript to the narrator, insisting it holds value and should not be altered or lost. His final moments are filled with a mix of clarity and confusion, as he reflects on his life choices and the consequences of his actions. The narrative explores themes of degradation, identity, and the search for meaning in a life marred by addiction. McIntosh's character serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of human dignity and the complexities of cultural intersections. The story concludes with the narrator's commitment to preserving McIntosh's legacy, hinting at the enduring impact of his life and work despite its chaotic nature.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1926 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Drama, Social Commentary · 4,249 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 has 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 From the Unpublished Papers of McIntosh Jellaludin.
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To be Held for Reference is listed on Textopian as a short story by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1926 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: 1926 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Drama, Social Commentary, Tragedy, Historical Fiction
- Length: 4,249 words
- Structure: 1 section, 45 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores complex themes of identity, degradation, and the human condition through rich character development and introspective narrative.
- Drama — The story presents intense emotional conflicts and character interactions, particularly focusing on McIntosh Jellaludin's struggles and relationships.
- Social Commentary — The narrative critiques colonial attitudes and the clash of cultures, reflecting on the lives of expatriates and natives in India.
- Tragedy — The protagonist's downfall and existential musings highlight themes of loss, regret, and the consequences of one's choices.
Tags
reference · literature · short stories · narrative · fiction · British literature · historical · adventure · character study · social commentary · colonialism · morality