“The Man Who Would Be King” is a short story written by Rudyard Kipling, which was first published in 1888. The story is set in colonial India and follows two British adventurers, Daniel Dravot and Peachey Carnehan, who set out to become kings of Kafiristan, a remote part of Afghanistan. While the story can be enjoyed as a thrilling adventure tale, it is also an allegory that explores the dangers of imperialism and the hubris of those who seek to impose their will on others.
Kipling was a prolific writer who is best known for his stories about British colonialism, and “The Man Who Would Be King” is no exception. The story is a critique of the arrogance and greed that often accompanies imperialism, as well as the misguided belief that one culture has the right to dominate another. Through the character of Dravot, Kipling shows how power can corrupt even the most well-intentioned individuals, and how the desire for control can lead to disastrous consequences.
Author and Historical Context
Rudyard Kipling, the author of “The Man Who Would Be King,” was a British writer and poet born in Bombay, India in 1865. He spent his early years in India, where he learned to speak Hindi and developed a deep appreciation for Indian culture. Kipling’s literary career began with his stories about the British Raj in India, which were published in newspapers and magazines in the late 19th century.
Kipling’s work was deeply informed by the historical context of British imperialism in India. During the 19th century, Britain ruled India as a colony, and Kipling’s writing reflects the complex relationship between the colonizer and the colonized. While Kipling was a proponent of British colonialism, he also recognized the injustices and abuses of power that were inherent in the colonial system.
“The Man Who Would Be King” is a story that explores the themes of imperialism, power, and identity. The story is set in India and follows the adventures of two British adventurers, Peachey Carnehan and Daniel Dravot, who set out to establish themselves as kings in the remote region of Kafiristan. The story is both a thrilling adventure and a commentary on the dangers of colonialism and the corrupting influence of power.
Plot Overview
“The Man Who Would Be King” is a novella written by Rudyard Kipling, first published in 1888. The story follows two British adventurers, Daniel Dravot and Peachey Carnehan, who travel to a remote region of Afghanistan in the late 19th century with the ambition of becoming kings of a local tribe.
The story begins with the narrator, a newspaper correspondent, traveling by train from Mhow to Ajmir. He meets Peachey Carnehan, who tells him the tale of their adventure. Peachey and Daniel, both former British soldiers, decide to venture into Kafiristan, a region where no European has ever been before, with the goal of establishing themselves as rulers.
After a series of dangerous encounters and a successful military campaign, they are crowned as kings by the people of Kafiristan. However, their newfound power and wealth soon lead to their downfall. Daniel’s attempt to marry a local woman of royal blood leads to his exposure as a fraud, and he is killed by the angry Kafiristanis. Peachey is captured and tortured, eventually revealing the location of their hidden treasure. He is also killed by the Kafiristanis, leaving the narrator to reflect on the folly of ambition and the dangers of imperialism.
Main Characters and Their Symbolism
Peachey Carnehan
Peachey Carnehan is one of the two main characters in “The Man Who Would Be King.” He is a former British soldier who, along with his friend Daniel Dravot, sets out to become kings in Kafiristan. Peachey’s character represents the common man who seeks adventure and glory. He is driven by his desire for wealth and power, which he believes he can achieve by becoming a king. Peachey’s journey is a metaphor for the human desire for success and the lengths people will go to achieve it.
Daniel Dravot
Daniel Dravot is the other main character in the story. He is the more charismatic and ambitious of the two friends, and he is the one who ultimately convinces Peachey to join him on his quest. Dravot’s character represents the idea of the “superman” or the “chosen one.” He is convinced that he is destined for greatness and that he has the ability to achieve anything he desires. Dravot’s journey is a metaphor for the dangers of unchecked ambition and the consequences of believing oneself to be above the rules that govern society.
Themes and Motifs
Imperialism and Power
The theme of imperialism and power is central to “The Man Who Would Be King”. The story portrays the British Empire’s desire to conquer and colonize other nations. Peachy and Daniel, two former British soldiers, set out on an adventure to Kafiristan with the aim of becoming kings. Their actions are driven by their belief in their cultural and ethnic superiority, and their possession of guns and ammunition. The story highlights the dangers of imperialism and the consequences of attempting to impose one’s will on others.
Friendship and Loyalty
Friendship and loyalty are important motifs in the story. Peachy and Daniel’s friendship is put to the test as they embark on their journey to become kings. They remain loyal to each other throughout their adventures, even when their lives are in danger. The story also portrays the loyalty of the Kafir people to Peachy and Daniel, despite their initial reluctance to accept them as their kings. The theme of friendship and loyalty is a reminder of the importance of standing by those we care about, even in difficult times.
Religion and Superstition
Religion and superstition are also important themes in “The Man Who Would Be King”. The Kafir people worship Peachy and Daniel as gods, which highlights the power of religion and the dangers of blindly following religious beliefs. The story also portrays the superstitions of the Kafir people, such as their belief in the power of the Masonic symbol. The theme of religion and superstition is a reminder of the importance of critical thinking and questioning beliefs that may not be based on reason or evidence.
Allegorical Elements
The Crown as a Symbol
In “The Man Who Would Be King”, the crown symbolizes the ultimate attainment possible to a human being. To Peachey and Dan, being a king means being completely free of the constraints and worries that otherwise plague every aspect of human existence. A crown symbolizes security, liberty, and most importantly, the consent of the people he governs.
The Freemasonry Influence
The allegory in “The Man Who Would Be King” is heavily influenced by Freemasonry. The story’s protagonists, Peachey and Dan, are both Freemasons, and the rituals and symbols of the fraternity are woven throughout the story. The idea of brotherhood, the importance of secrecy, and the symbolism of the square and compass all play a significant role in the story’s allegory.
The Biblical References
“The Man Who Would Be King” also contains several biblical references that contribute to its allegory. The story’s themes of power, temptation, and the consequences of overreaching are reminiscent of the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. The story’s title itself is a reference to the biblical story of King David, who was chosen by God to be the king of Israel.
Narrative Technique and Structure
The narrative technique and structure of “The Man Who Would Be King” are integral to understanding its allegorical significance. The story is framed as a tale told by an unnamed narrator who is a newspaper correspondent in India. The narrator meets two British adventurers, Daniel Dravot and Peachey Carnehan, who have a grand plan to become kings of Kafiristan, a remote region in Afghanistan.
The story is structured as a frame narrative, with the narrator recounting the tale of Dravot and Carnehan to his readers. The use of a frame narrative allows Kipling to create distance between the reader and the events of the story, making it easier to see the allegory. The frame narrative also allows Kipling to include commentary on British colonialism through the narrator’s observations and reactions to Dravot and Carnehan’s actions.
Kipling’s use of vivid and descriptive language helps to create a sense of place and immerse the reader in the story. For example, when the narrator first meets Dravot and Carnehan, he describes them as “two wanderers, without baggage, or apparent occupation, and nothing in particular to take them through the country.” This creates a sense of mystery and intrigue around the characters, making the reader curious about their motivations and plans.
Cultural Impact and Adaptations
“The Man Who Would Be King” has had a significant cultural impact since its publication in 1888. The story has been adapted into various forms of media, including film, television, and radio. The most notable adaptation is the 1975 film of the same name, directed by John Huston and starring Sean Connery and Michael Caine.
The film adaptation of “The Man Who Would Be King” was a critical and commercial success. It was nominated for four Academy Awards and won the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. The film’s popularity helped to renew interest in Kipling’s work and introduced the story to a new generation of readers.
In addition to its adaptations, “The Man Who Would Be King” has also been referenced in popular culture. The story has been alluded to in various films, television shows, and books. For example, the character of Indiana Jones in the film “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” is said to have been inspired by the character of Peachy Carnehan in Kipling’s story.