Kim, by Rudyard Kipling is a novel about the “coming of age” of a cunning, playful, and charming British boy raised in India. This article discusses the effects of Kim, and his being forced from Indian culture into British culture. Based on critical analysis from readers, I bring to a conclusion my opinion the effect that British culture had on Kim.
The critical articles by Suleri and Kaul were very engaging and thoughtful. I was able to gain a greater insight into the novel, or at least contemplate the perspective of another reader. Much of the two articles I agreed with. Kaul, brought up many great points, though I couldn’t quite get behind everything he was arguing.
Kaul suggest in, Kim, or how to be young, Male and British in Kipling’s India, that Kim is like a man child. He shows examples of Kim’s man child behavior through interactions with women. For example, the Sahiba explains to Kim that there are two types of women, “those who take the strength out of a man, and those who put it back. Once I was that, now I am this.” This, is shown as an example of childlike behavior, as he needs the care of a woman to help him. On the other hand, Kaul gives the example of Kim being manly when he doesn’t give in to the sexual tension with the woman of Shamleigh because he has his duties to the Great Game.(426-436)
I don’t dispute that Kim acts manly and childish at times. The article by Kaul, in fact gave me more insight into the man child behavior of Kim. However, I don’t believe that this behavior can solely be represented by his interactions with women. In response to sexual relations, Kim was around prostitutes, and one in particular who helped disguise, in order to, escape St. Xavier’s. “Was I born yesterday,” Kim says to the prostitute.(108) It is evident here that Kim understands the prostitute’s work. Yet, there is no indication that Kim is sexually attracted to her, or that he is avoiding sexual relations due to his duties. In regards to the care of the Sahiba, I don’t think this makes Kim any more child-like. Because a woman is taking care of Kim, doesn’t make him any less manly. Everyone, at the very least, has a Mother for a reason. In an expanded view, I believe Kim is in his adolescence, and he is unsure of his duty in life or a quest for a sexual partner as many adolescences are.
Suleri’s article, Kim’s Colonial Education, takes a broad look of Kiplings overall intention. Suleri argues that Kim’s colonial education was a disguise that turned him into a “colonial casualty.” Suleri shows how the beginning of the novel is highly energetic and journalistic while post educated Kim is more of a third person view of the anthropology.(406-410)
I think Suleri hits the nail on the head here. It is evident that Kim’s education is the turning point in the novel. I found the beginning of the novel highly entertaining. It’s entertaining to see his playfulness when he is playing with his buddies on the cannon. He shows a lot of adventure and curiosity when he sets off to find the river with the Lama or his escaping from St. Xavier’s. The beginning of the novel expresses these journalistic aspects that Suleri refers to. However, post education, we don’t see the playful side of Kim anymore. In fact, it’s a bit of a tear jerker to see him weak, and questioning of himself. He feels like, “the wheels of his being locked up anew on the world without.”(234) He has lost his identity, when in fact he has more of an identity than ever. Hence, the novel becomes more of an anthropology to suggest the casualties of his education.
Much of these two critical articles I agreed with. I found Suleri’s arguments to be very solid, and well supported. Kaul, brought to the table many great points, and a fresh perspective to the novel. However, I feel like his connections where a bit far-fetched. The critical analysis brought to my attention the deeper layers to the novel that I didn’t catch on to in my initial reading. Overall, I thought the novel was great, and even more interesting after reading some critical articles.
