The Anglo-Indian Identity Crisis
From the beginning of the novel, it is clear that Kim is in a predicament concerning his identity. As an Irish orphan growing up in the streets of Lahore, he can adapt to the numerous cultures and languages prevalent in India. He is markedly able to relate to people of disparate religious and cultural groups, which is unique given that he is ultimately from the land of the colonizer.
When Kim is taken in by his father's former infantry and sent to an Anglican school called St. Xavier's, his conflict of identity intensifies. It is the first time Kim is truly thrust into British society, and his social position immediately changes from being "ruled" to being "ruler." Although he enjoys some of the comforts of embracing his Anglo identity, there is also a part of Kim that remains uneasy and dissatisfied. Through espionage, Kim is able to reconcile his identity crisis. In this way, Kipling asserts his own political beliefs in regards to a unified British India, in which colonized and colonizer can peacefully coexist.
Equality Prevails
In his introduction of the Teshoo Lama character, Kipling puts forth the theme of equality and unity. In Chapter Twelve, when the duo are arriving at the Kulu woman's house, the lama tells Kim "To those who follow the Way there is neither black nor white, Hind nor Bhotiyal. We be all souls seeking escape." In this way, we see the lama teaching Kim how Buddhism transcends the divisions of traditional Hindu caste society. The illustration of the Wheel of Life, which ends up driving the story to its climactic moment, further underscores the importance of unity through acknowledgment of shared humanity.
More specifically, Kipling chooses to write about a cast of diverse characters in their shared mission of expanding the British Empire's influence in India. Mahbub Ali is from Afghanistan, Lurgan Sahib is white but seems to "pass" as Indian, Colonel Creighton is an Englishman, and the Babu is Bengali. Although each of these characters belongs to different cultural and racial groups, they all operate "equally" in order for the empire's mission to prevail. In this way, once again, Kipling asserts his belief that colonialism can bring about unity and equality.
Religion
Throughout Kim, religion is portrayed in its abundance and diversity, thus highlighting a key component of life in British India in the late 19th century. One prominent example of religion in the novel is Kim's exposure to Buddhism through his friendship with the lama. Kim is initially drawn to the lama because his life purpose appears to be something "greater" than what Kim has seen before. The Lama's spiritual journey, his quest for the River of the Arrow, and his unwavering commitment to his faith provide a lens through which Kipling examines the role of religious devotion in shaping individual identity and purpose.
In addition to Buddhism, Kipling weaves elements of Hinduism into the narrative. This aspect is primarily explored through the Babu, a Bengali spy. The Babu is connected to his religious roots, and his actions are influenced by the Hindu principles of dharma and loyalty. As discussed in the "character" section, the Babu is committed to his work as a spy—despite all of the challenges it brings him. Kipling uses Babu's character to highlight how religion can be a guiding force in decision-making, morality, and interpersonal relationships.
Additionally, there are two Christian characters in the novel—Father Victor and Reverend Bennett. Unlike the lama, the Christian chaplains are portrayed as somewhat limited, ignorant, and judgmental—particularly of the lama and his Eastern beliefs. While the chaplains try to convert Kim to Christianity and even enroll him in a religious Anglican school, Kim's own religious journey continues to align more with his guidance from the lama.
In "Kim," the exploration of religion extends beyond the boundaries of formalized faiths to include mystical and folk beliefs. The novel introduces the concept of the Red Bull on a Green Field, a symbol that captures the imagination of both the British and Indian characters. This mysterious and almost mythical element adds a layer of spirituality to the narrative, emphasizing how religious symbolism and folklore play a role in shaping the cultural consciousness of the characters. Through these diverse examples, Kipling paints a rich portrait of religious influences and how they drive the actions of various characters over the course of the narrative.
Playfulness and "The Game"
From the moment that the reader is introduced to Kim snaking through the streets of Lahore, it is clear that the protagonist is, to borrow a phrase, 'bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.' We can imagine Kim with a grin, charming and conning his various neighbors. Kipling's portrayal of playfulness is nuanced, as it ultimately emerges as a coping mechanism for Kim's orphanhood. In this way, the reader understands how Kim's adaptability is a form of resiliency in the face of adversity.
It is no coincidence that Kim's playfulness is an asset to the geopolitical "Great Game." As the story progresses, Kim is entangled in a rigid and severe world of espionage. Despite being surrounded by adults, Kim repeatedly emerges as wise beyond his years (and his elder peers). This dynamic is particularly evident in Kim's relationship with the lama. Although the two often communicate in terms of play and banter, Kim and the lama are repeatedly shown in a kind of role reversal—the lama is naive, while Kim is cunning.
The motif of "games" reappears throughout the novel. One of these examples is when Kim arrives at Lurgan Shahib's home and is put to the test by playing The Jewel Game. In this game, Lurgan shows Kim a variety of jewels before covering them and asking Kim to describe what he has seen. Although Kim struggles at the beginning, he eventually triumphs. This confirms Kim's acute observational skills and prepares him to be a spy.
Overall, Kipling skillfully juxtaposes the lighthearted moments of childhood with the serious responsibilities thrust upon Kim. In this way, he underscores the tension between the carefree nature of youth and the demands of the adult world.
The Secondary Role of Kim's Female Characters
Kim is an explicitly male story, with women serving as flat, secondary characters that merely contribute to the plot's propulsion of action. The absence of women from the novel propagates the idea that the topics of adventure, travel, and spiritual quests are only attainable for male characters & audiences. In this way, Kipling's portrayal of women is limited and reflects the social attitudes of the time.
Oftentimes, the women in Kim are portrayed as obstacles standing in the way of the growth of male characters. For example, the lama describes the Kulu woman as "idle" and blames her for delaying his search for the River of the Arrow. In addition, the Shamlegh woman is depicted as morally questionable—her polyamory and her flirtation with the much younger Kim are both quite scandalous.
The portrayal of the Shamlegh woman ultimately reflects the prevalent Orientalist and colonialist perspectives of the time. It was a late-19th century common belief that women from non-Western cultures were exotic, and in turn, seductive. In this way, this harmful portrayal of non-Western women reinforced gender-based violence, racism, and Western notions of superiority.
Explorations of Destiny, Fate, and Prophecy
Destiny is defined as "the hidden power believed to control what will happen in the future." Meanwhile, fate is "the development of events beyond a person's control, regarded as determined by a supernatural power." Prophecy is a prediction. In Kim, Kipling plays upon these slightly distinct yet interconnected ideas in various ways.
One example of prophecy in the novel is the concept of the "River of the Arrow." The lama, a central character in the story, is on a quest to find this mystical river, believing it will lead him to enlightenment. The prophecy of the River of the Arrow serves as a driving force for the lama, guiding his actions and decisions. This element introduces the theme of destiny and the belief in a predetermined path, highlighting the characters' interactions with fate and the mystical undercurrents of the narrative.
Another example of prophecy is the "red bull on the green field." Kim's late father, Kim Sr., predicted that one day his son would encounter this symbol and be changed by it. This idea proves true when Kim discovers this image on a flag while traveling through British India with the lama. Kim follows the flag and discovers his father's former regiment. While visiting the campsite, Kim encounters Anglican chaplains who ultimately help position Kim for a future career in espionage, thus changing the course of his life's trajectory.
The novel also explores the tension between destiny and free will. While there are elements of prophecy guiding the characters, they are also active agents in shaping their respective paths. Kim's choices, interactions, and the relationships he forms throughout the narrative contribute to a more complex understanding of fate. This dynamic interaction between prophecy and free will adds depth to the exploration of destiny in the novel
The novel has a way of framing things in relation to the Wheel of Existence that the lama draws in the closing chapters—human beings are continuously "becoming," and this brings about a sense of balance in the universe. It can be argued that Kim was destined to meet the lama outside of the Lahore Museum and travel the country as his disciple. When investigating the circumstances of Kim's childhood as an Irish orphan in British India, it can similarly be deduced that he was "destined" to become a spy. At the end of the story, the reader is left with the feeling that everything has "turned out" as it was "meant to be."
Education
In Kim, Kipling explores both formal and informal modes of education, highlighting the diverse ways in which individuals acquire knowledge and skills in the complex sociocultural landscape of British-ruled India.
From what we can gather, it seems that Kim does not receive a formal education until he is enrolled at an Anglican school after visiting his father's former regiment. Kim has a horrendous time adjusting to school, as it represents his larger introduction into British/Western society. Kim argues with his peers and is seen as an outcast, primarily for his physical appearance, his language skills, and his overall comfort in Indian society. When Kim is transferred to St. Xavier's, he has an easier time socially. However, he continually tries to escape, preferring to live the life of a vagrant. In the novel, it is clear that formal education has its limits in shaping Kim's identity. Kim's true education is a product of his diverse experiences and the interactions he has beyond the classroom.
"Informal" education, on the other hand, plays a significant role in Kim's development. Kim has various "teachers" in his life—Colonel Creighton, the Babu, Lurgan Sahib, and the lama to name a few. In Kim's interactions with the lama, the protagonist learns about the spiritual and mystical aspects of life. The Lama becomes a mentor to Kim, imparting wisdom and guidance that goes beyond the boundaries of conventional education. Additionally, Lurgan Sahib trains Kim to be highly observant, sharp, and quick on his feet. The education that Kim receives in his daily life fosters his senses of adaptability, resourcefulness, and understanding which are essential to his success as a future spy. In this way, the theme of education is not confined to the transmission of knowledge but rather extends to the broader ideas of self-discovery and identity formation.
