The Man Who Would Be King Metaphors and Similes

The Man Who Would Be King Metaphors and Similes

Simile for Class

"You’ll find him sleeping like a gentleman with all his luggage round him in a second-class compartment."

A gentleman, in Kipling's England, was a man of independent means who had enough wealth to not have to work for a living. To sleep like a gentleman, therefore, might ordinarily be to sleep as though one had no cares or concerns. However, since the man in question was sleeping in a second-class compartment instead of a first-class one, obviously he is not a man of significant wealth. For him to sleep surrounded by his worldly possessions and possibly guarding them as well suggests that he is extremely worried about losing what he has. This worry, ironically, could be a commentary on the psychology of the British upper class of the time, who were rapidly being displaced by upstart industrialists who, wealthier than themselves, aspired to take an equal place in the world thereby threatening the upper class hegemony.

Simile for Injury

Peachey, upon his return, is described as walking with one foot over the other "like a bear", with a hand that is twisted "like a bird's claw". These mutilations are the result of Peachey's torture by crucifixion.

Simile for Anger

During the fight after the wedding, Dravot bellows "like a bear", which means he is shouting noisily, angrily, and incoherently.

Metaphor for Untrustworthiness

Dan and Peachey often use the Kafiristani people's "English" mannerisms as a sign of their trustworthiness, however when the real Englishmen show themselves to be frauds, the locals demonstrate that they can be just as vicious and self-interested. So English-ness is actually a metaphor for untrustworthiness.

Metaphor of Savior

By bringing hidden knowledge to people, being worshiped as gods, and being crucified, Peachey is a metaphor for a Christ figure. He also refers to the murdered king Dan as the "Son of Man.

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