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Figurative Language In Rudyard Kipling's The Man Who Would Be King

760 Words4 Pages

Have you ever had a strong negative attitude towards a person that everything about them seems bad? In Rudyard Kipling’s novella, The Man Who Would Be King, this is exactly what he was doing. The novella is a story about imperialism in the British Empire and how it impacted its citizens and countries they conquered. Kipling portrayed his negative attitude toward the British Empire through the use of figurative language and diction. The Man Who Would Be King is a depiction of Kipling’s experience with the British Empire when he was growing up in India. Throughout the story, Kipling utilizes figurative language to portray the journey of Daniel Dravot and Peachy Carnehan in their quest to become kings. Along the way, we learn …show more content…

He described the empire as selfish, powerful, and careless. In his novella, Kipling mentioned that “Englishmen are not usually softened by appeals to the memory of their mothers.” This quote is a prime example of the thought process of the British Empire. The men were brainwashed to think in a way which impacted their feelings about their own mothers. Doing this helps to ensure that the men are focused about their task so they can get the jobs done quicker and in the right way. Dravot later exclaimed that he won’t make a nation, but an empire. He goes on to say that “these men aren’t Indians; they’re English.” In Dravot’s eyes, becoming king of the Indians would benefit them a lot more. This is as a result of what the British Empire has taught them. Making an ‘empire’ emphasizes the goals of Dravot as well as the British Empire. They believe they are entitled to conquering less powerful countries when in reality they aren’t. “Noblesse Oblige” is the obligations of those belonging to the upper, or noble, class. If you have power, wealth, or status, then you have a responsibility to those who are less fortunate. Kipling used his novella to support this term so that he can show the impact it has on smaller countries. He was able to do so effectively by telling his readers a story what it was like growing up as one of the countries who was under

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