Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Kim, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Mentorship and Parenthood
Race, Identity, and Colonialism
Connection vs. Detachment
Misogyny
Summary
Analysis
As they begin their ascent into the mountains, Kim observes the lama grow stronger by the day, relishing in “my country.” Along the way, Kim and the lama occasionally encounter the devout hill-folk, as well as the Bengali hakim—Hurree Babu—who secretly asks Kim to always keep within eyesight of his umbrella. This proves difficult, however, with the lama often leading Kim on short-cuts on side-roads. Thus, upon arriving in the monumental Ziglaur valley—what Kim calls a world within a world—Hurree Babu is far out of sight, having taken the main road.
Growing stronger and more confident through their travels in the mountains, the lama exposes the deep psychological and physical bond one can share with the land and the advantages it can bring. Just as Kim finds rejuvenation in the plains and farmlands of India, the lama experiences invigoration in the mountains, which he regards as "[his] country."
Themes
While Kim and the lama wait out a storm in a hut at Ziglaur, Hurree Babu spies the two foreigners with a group of baggage-coolies. Pretending to be an agent for the Rajah of Rampur, Hurree quickly ingratiates himself with two men—one Russian and one French—subtly searching their kiltas, or baskets, as he does so. To earn the men’s trust, Hurree feigns intoxication and speaks treasonously of the British government. In the morning, the men accept Hurree as a guide through the mountains, citing his hatred of his conquerors. As they walk, Hurree eavesdrops on their conversation, keeping an eye on the basket containing maps and documents.
Here, Hurree Babu demonstrates his prowess as one of the world's top spies. Effortlessly winning the trust of the two foreign agents, Hurree showcases not only his exceptional acting skills, but an extensive understanding of the political tensions between the British and other foreign governments, which he masterfully exploits in his favor. This underscores the practical perils of unchecked prejudice, showing how it can leave a person open to manipulation.
Themes
Two days later, Kim spies Hurree’s umbrella and suggests they rest until it catches up to them. Hurree and the two men arrive to find the lama explaining the Wheel of Life to Kim. Sensing their interest, the lama launches into a long explanation of the Wheel, during which time the Babu explains the situation to Kim. One of the men offers to buy the chart from the lama, but the lama refuses, folding up the wheel. The Russian, seeing the lama as little more than a dirty old man, grabs at the chart, tearing it. Outraged, the lama draws his iron pen case as a weapon, and the Russian hits the lama on the face.
Failing to understand the significance of the lama’s status as holy man, the Russian treats the lama disrespectfully, tearing his precious chart and striking him in the face. Hearkening back to the Mavericks’ treatment of the lama, this incident highlights the irony of the Great Game, as both the British and the Russians, despite claiming each other unfit for rule on the grounds of mistreatment, display almost identical attitudes towards the native populations.
Themes
Chaos ensues as Kim attacks the Russian and the coolies run away, fearing retribution from the Gods. Hurree pretends to attack Kim, but really tells him to retrieve the bag with the men’s documents from the coolies. Kim returns to the lama and the coolies. All are unhurt, but the lama has to talk the coolies down from attacking the men, chastising them for fighting violence with violence. The lama collapses from his exertions, and Kim retrieves whiskey from the men’s supplies. After some debate, the coolies conspire to flee to Shamlegh and split the loot from the baggage. Fearing consequences, they all vow silence on the matter.
The Russian’s ignorance proves to be his downfall as the coolies, deeply offended by his attack on a holy man, immediately turn on him. This illustrates the Russian’s extreme arrogance, believing himself to be invincible, despite being massively outnumbered. More broadly, this incident acts as a cautionary metaphor for colonialism, suggesting that overly arrogant European countries may meet a similar fate as the Russian.
Themes
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One of the coolies, Ao-chung, consults Kim about the bag of documents, worried that possession of such items might incriminate them or insult the sahib gods. Sensing his opportunity, Kim offers to take the bag and draw out its magic, claiming that otherwise it will do them harm. The men agree, and Kim, flush with pride, humorously reflects on the outcome of the situation; he is in possession of the bags, and the two men are now stranded in the wilderness, entirely reliant on Hurree. Hurree Babu reflects similarly; despite being stuck with the men and no way to communicate with Kim, he trusts him to retrieve the bags, and looks forward to laughing about everything later.
Separated from Hurree Babu, Kim takes responsibility for securing the intel from the coolies’ bags. Exploiting the coolies’ superstitions, Kim convinces them to give him the bag of intel, illustrating his own impressive acting abilities and quick-thinking skills. Though separated from Kim, Hurree Babu celebrates the successful completion of the mission, signaling his complete faith in Kim’s abilities.
Themes
