The more I read this book the more puzzled I am. Generally speaking, the story line parallels to the movie, but there are many small insights in the book that further complicates the story.
As an orphan, Kim's role in the book would easily be presumed as helpless or powerless. The role of an orphan child subjects the character to rely on some other means for guidance and discipline usually resulting in heteronomy.
What's interesting about Kim's is that he is the exception to the typical orphan child. Kim uses the loss of his parents, while it may be tragic for him deep down inside, as an opportunity for autonomy. He is empowered by free will. He incurs authoritarian relationships with characters like Muhab Ali, the Lama, and Lungar, amongst many others. These relationships, although close to parental, are not taken seriously by Kim.
The Lama is dependent upon Kim as a child would be dependent upon his parent. The Lama relies on Kim for companionship, food, shelter, and overall survival. Muhab Ali relies on Kim for prophets and to spy and carry messages. In return he rewards him with food, shelter, and money but there is never a parental relationship that suggest that Kim's welfare is of his greatest concern.
I understand that Kim is supposed to portray the resilient and defiant orphaned child but we are constantly reminded that he is indeed a child. The loss of his parents leave him with a lack of sense of identity in search of a purpose and in need of guidance.
At this point, Lurgan seems to be the most profound relationship that Kim has encountered. Lurgan has the greatest influence over Kim in a manner that, unbeknownst to Kim himself, he is preparing him to be self sufficient while conscious and trusting of his instincts and own knowledge.
My point is that the relationships that Kim has encountered thus far are rewarding, although some not as much as others, to his development and education. I would predict that Kim's future endeavors will result in his triumph if he can find, and learn to absorb knowledge and wisdom instead of always being responsible to provide it.
I hope that made sense.
I like your note of the weird empowerment that being an orphan gives Kim. I think it strongly helps shape his identity, and strangely allows his more agency to develop himself. We touched on this in class, but I think that aspect of his personality really allows for the transparency that comes to define his character.
ReplyDeleteFinding traces of paternal relationships in Kim is difficult. Kim spends more time looking after the lama than the reverse. Mahbub Ali and Kim have more of a symbiotic relationship than a parental one. Father Victor wants to do right by Kim as soon as he discovers that he's a white boy, but considers his obligation fulfilled as soon as Kim is turned over to Creighton. The colonel is concerned for Kim's safety but wants to use him in the Game for his own purposes. Lurgan understands Kim on a deeper level ("He seemed to understand what moved in Kim's mind ere the boy opened his mouth."). He takes pride in Kim's abilities and treats him "as an equal on the Asiatic side". I think that level of understanding precludes a father/son relationship though. He is too accepting of Kim's desire to be on the road and independent, too willing to have him involved in the Game at what even Creighton sees as still a tender age.
ReplyDelete