Books of Literature by Nobel Prize Winning Authors: 2020 Challenge discussion
Kim by Rudyard Kipling
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fourth week of reading: chapters 13-15 and final summary/thoughts
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Kim is a story set in British ruled India in the mid 1800's during which time much unrest occurred between the native people and their British rulers. Kipling was a believer of the goodness of the British Empire and also had a deep love for India and it's people. This is very evident in the story.The story is told in a narrative style and has a colourful variety of characters through which the story is told. Kim is an orphan boy of European descent but was born and raised in India, so is Indian in many ways. These 2 sides of Kim are shown throughout the book and the best of both sides seems to win out in most instances. I believe Kipling was showing that good and bad exist in all nations.
The book is very tolerant and respectful of all religions and describes them as all being on the wheel of life. All are on a journey of becoming.
There is a lot of background historical information that can and should be read to enhance the reading of this book regarding the rulers of India, the wars and unrest, and the Great Game i.e. British Secret Service.
Kim is a book that celebrates the life and culture of a country as well as drawing attention to the common duty of man; to walk through life learning and becoming like unto the One whom we should seek.
I agree with all you have said Tracey. That sums up the novel accurately. Kipling's writing style enhances the book. He writes in such a flowing style and I enjoyed the dialogues. What most impressed were his descriptions of India, and especially the Great Road. On a more personal note, having recently visited a place with high altitude ( Peru) I really know how Kim felt in the high mountains!I think this book is wonderful.
I feel that the book is a Victorian Indian version of A Pilgrim's Progress. Would you agree or disagree?Rosemarie wrote: "I agree with all you have said Tracey. That sums up the novel accurately. Kipling's writing style enhances the book. He writes in such a flowing style and I enjoyed the dialogues. What most impress..."
In a way, Kim's journey with the lama is definitely a pilgrimage. The lama is looking for that special river. Kim accompanies him on his journey through India and grows up during the process. At the beginning is an orphan boy, Friend of all the world, with street smarts and friends and connections everywhere.At the end he has experienced much, including serious illness, and still retains his positive attitude and affection for the lama, and his country.
Rosemarie wrote: "In a way, Kim's journey with the lama is definitely a pilgrimage. The lama is looking for that special river. Kim accompanies him on his journey through India and grows up during the process. At th..."Yes Kim is definitely a better companion than some that Christian had. Both the lama and Kim become something more than what they are at the beginning.
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