Thursday, March 14, 2019
Biography of Rudyard Kipling:
Rudyard Kipling was a British author and poet born on December 30, 1865, in Bombay (now Mumbai), British India. He is best known for his works of fiction and poetry that capture the spirit of the British Empire and its influence on various cultures. Kipling's writing often explores themes of imperialism, adventure, and the complexities of human relationships.
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Biography of Rudyard Kipling
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Here are key points in Rudyard Kipling's biography:
1. Early Life of Rudyard Kipling:
Rudyard Kipling was born to John Lockwood Kipling, an artist and scholar, and Alice Kipling, a woman of great influence in the Kipling family.
He spent his early childhood in Bombay before being sent to England for his education.
2. Education in England:
Kipling's early education took place at the United Services College in Westward Ho!, Devon. His experiences there significantly influenced his later works, including his famous novel "Stalky & Co."
3. Return to India:
Kipling returned to India in 1882, where he worked as a journalist and editor for various newspapers. His time in India provided material for many of his stories and poems.
4. Literary Career of Rudyard Kipling:
Kipling gained recognition for his poetry and short stories, which often celebrated the British Empire and its military. His works were widely popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Some of his notable works include "The Jungle Book," "Kim," "The Man Who Would Be King," and the poem "If—."
5. The Jungle Books:
"The Jungle Book" and its sequel, "The Second Jungle Book," are collections of stories set in the Indian jungle and feature Mowgli, a young boy raised by wolves. These stories have been adapted into numerous films and are enduring classics.
6. Nobel Prize in Literature:
In 1907, Rudyard Kipling was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, making him the first English-language writer to receive this prestigious honor. The Nobel Committee recognized his mastery of narrative and his ability to create characters who vividly embody aspects of human nature.
7. Family Lifeof Rudyard Kipling:
Kipling married Caroline Starr Balestier in 1892. The couple had three children. The Kipling family experienced tragedy with the loss of their daughter, Josephine, during World War I.
8. Rudyard Kipling in World War I:
Kipling was a staunch supporter of the British war effort during World War I. His only son, John, was killed in action in 1915. The grief from this loss deeply affected Kipling and influenced his later writings.
9. Later Years:
In his later years, Kipling continued to write, but his output diminished. He focused on historical fiction, including the novel "Puck of Pook's Hill."
He also wrote war memorials and epitaphs, expressing the profound impact of World War I on him and the nation.
10. Death of Rudyard Kipling:
Rudyard Kipling died on January 18, 1936, in London, England. He was buried in Poets' Corner at Westminster Abbey.
11. Legacy:
Kipling's works have left a lasting impact on literature and popular culture. His stories and poems continue to be read and adapted, and his influence on the adventure genre is widely acknowledged.
However, Kipling's views on race and imperialism have been the subject of criticism and reevaluation in modern times.
Rudyard Kipling's literary legacy is characterized by his ability to capture the essence of the British Empire and his keen observations of human behavior. While his writings reflect the values and attitudes of his time, they also remain significant for their storytelling prowess and cultural impact.