The Man Who Would Be King
by Rudyard Kipling

The Man Who Would Be King: Frame Story 1 key example

Frame Story
Explanation and Analysis—Carnehan’s Tale:

As a story within the story, Carnehan’s harrowing tale of his time with Dravot in Kafiristan (as told to the narrator) can be considered a frame story. This story takes up the bulk of the narrative, with a few pages of introduction and conclusion from the narrator on either side. The following passage captures the narrative shift from the narrator’s story to Carnehan’s story:

“It’s true,” said Carnehan, with a dry cackle, nursing his feet, which were wrapped in rags. “True as gospel. Kings we were, with crowns upon our heads — me and Dravot — poor Dan — oh, poor, poor Dan, that would never take advice, not though I begged of him!”

“Take the whisky,” I said, “and take your own time. Tell me all you can recollect of everything from beginning to end.”