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- The impact America had on Kipling
- About Kipling’s friendships with prominent figures
- To develop resilience in the face of personal tragedy
- How literature reflects personal life
Table of contents
first KEY POINT
An “American Kipling”
Rudyard Kipling was born in Bombay in 1865 and received his education in England. Despite this, most argue that Kipling's best work happened between 1889 and 1899 when he lived in America. During this time, he lived in Vermont and wrote some of his most famous works, like The Jungle Book, Captains Courageous, and the first version of Kim.Rudyard Kipling's time in the US was at the heart of a transformative era. America rapidly grew during the Gilded Age, sometimes even outpacing Britain's industrial strides. However, like a shiny coin with hidden flaws, America looked impressive and glossy on the surface but faced many challenges.
Diversify and enrich your experiences by embracing unfamiliar cultures and locations.
Kipling's primary connection in America was with its people. You may picture him picking up an American accent, laughing, and playing golf with the famous writer Arthur Conan Doyle. Throughout his time in the US, Kipling aimed to capture the real American story. His friendships with Mark Twain and Theodore Roosevelt showed his deep interest in American culture and reflected his genuine immersion into the American mindset and society.Yet, Kipling's bond with America wasn't just about love and admiration. Some viewed him as a politically incorrect write r, and there were debates about his place in the literary world. Despite these challenges, Kipling's influence on America and vice versa was undeniable. He left an indelible mark on the country, and it, in turn, shaped his literary creations.So, let's dive into Kipling's experiences in the United States — a tale of exploration, inspiration, and the imprint of culture on a person's psyche. His example is a testament to the idea that places and cultures can profoundly influence a person, even someone as established and renowned as Kipling. Let’s dive in!
second KEY POINT
Inspired by literature
In August 1889, Rudyard Kipling was a young writer and reporter in India, and he decided to visit the famous Mark Twain at his summer home in Elmira, New York. Kipling greatly admired Twain's work and traveled 14,000 miles to meet his literary hero. Even though Twain didn't allow reporters more than a few minutes with him, he was deeply impressed by Kipling's passion for writing and command of language. Their conversation was so memorable that Twain later described Kipling's words as strong footprints.As they talked, Twain wondered about Kipling's unusual first name, 'Rudyard.' The name’s story begins in England when Kipling's dad, John Lockwood Kipling, worked with clay at the Staffordshire Potteries. One day, Kipling's mom, Alice, went to a picnic at Lake Rudyard. That's where his parents met, and they named their son after the place where their love began.During the American Civil War, which marked a pivotal period in Twain's life, Kipling's family circle felt a similar impact. The blockade on Southern ships transporting cotton to England led to a surge in demand for Indian cotton. In 1865, as the war approached its conclusion, Kipling's parents, on the cusp of welcoming their first child, decided to relocate to the bustling city of Bombay. Despite their differences, Twain and Kipling forged a special bond, united by their mutual affection for storytelling and their intertwined historical experiences.As Kipling's visit neared its end, he found himself in Boston, where he visited the grave of another literary giant, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Even a huge storm couldn't stop him from going to Mount Auburn Cemetery.Kipling looked up to Longfellow for many reasons. He liked that Longfellow's poems reached so many people, something Kipling hoped to do with his writing. Kipling also admired how he brought old story styles, like ballads, to life in new ways. What's more, Longfellow wrote important anti-slavery poems, showing he wanted to make a difference in the world. It made Kipling respect him even more.Kipling's visit to Longfellow's grave was more than honoring a famous writer. It showed how much he connected with Longfellow's stories and how they guided him later in life.
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first KEY POINT
Every cloud has a silver lining
second KEY POINT
A new chapter in Brattleboro
third KEY POINT
Building 'Kim'
fourth KEY POINT
Personal tragedy and political tumult
fifth KEY POINT
Conclusion
Related summaries
Frequently asked questions
What is If: The Untold Story of Kipling’s American Years about?
If: The Untold Story of Kipling’s American Years, authored by Christopher D. Smithers, explores the pivotal time in Rudyard Kipling's life while he lived in America. The book delves into the experiences and relationships that shaped his literary career and personal philosophy during this lesser-known chapter.
What are the key takeaways from If: The Untold Story of Kipling’s American Years?
Key takeaways from If: The Untold Story of Kipling’s American Years include insights into Kipling's complex identity, his views on imperialism, and his inspirations that led to some of his most famous works. Readers gain a deeper understanding of how his American experiences influenced his storytelling and character development.
Is If: The Untold Story of Kipling’s American Years worth reading?
Yes, If: The Untold Story of Kipling’s American Years is worth reading for those interested in a nuanced view of Kipling's life. It illuminates aspects of his character and writing that many fans may not be aware of, enhancing appreciation for his literary contributions.
How many pages is If: The Untold Story of Kipling’s American Years and when was it published?
If: The Untold Story of Kipling’s American Years is approximately 368 pages long and was published on October 10, 2023. This length allows for an in-depth examination of Kipling's American years.
What themes are explored in If: The Untold Story of Kipling’s American Years?
Themes explored in If: The Untold Story of Kipling’s American Years include the exploration of identity, the effects of culture on creativity, and the manifestations of global imperialism in Kipling's work. These themes offer valuable context for understanding his literary output and the historical period he navigated.