it's a sign

[rivendellrose]

The one time in my academic career I've tried to cheat and read Sparknotes instead of actually doing the reading, and they don't have the book. o.O On the one hand, I can keep my dignity. On the other, I have to keep slogging through this book. Damn.

Comments

[ursula]

Still on Kim? Did you read the Just So Stories as a kid? Do you have the edition with Said's introduction?

[rivendellrose.livejournal.com]

Yup, still on Kim. I read some of them along with the Jungle Books. Unfortunately, no, I don't have the one with Said - it was the recommended, but given the choice between paying 2.50 and paying 8 something, I went cheap. *Headdesk* I really just need to DO IT, but I'm feeling excessively tired and lazy at the moment.

[ursula]

OK, here's my recommended survival strategy.

1. Reread "The Cat Who Walks By Himself", as it will make you like Kipling more:

http://www.boop.org/jan/justso/cat.htm

2. What Said says about Kim is, first, that Kipling, far from being ostensibly conflicted about imperialism, carefully removes all possible reference to challenges to imperialism such as the Mutiny (which is described as "they tried to kill the Sahibs' women and children"). Said also observes that the book is VERY MALE; the most important female character is an old woman, quite decidedly unsexual.

3. Take Said at his word and go find some homoerotic tension.

[rivendellrose.livejournal.com]

*Laughs* I'm finding a few good bits, at the moment, but I will definitely remember that link when I'm frustrated and ready to scream.

And I definitely will be looking for the homoerotic tension. Amazing that I didn't think of it before - the fastest way to make anything amusing is to sexualize it. ;)

[ursula]

I advise Colonel Creighton and the boarding school as potential targets ;)

[rivendellrose.livejournal.com]

I've actually been picking up major vibes from Mahbub and especially Lurgan, myself. Although Creighton is another good choice. ;)

[ursulakohl.livejournal.com]

Creighton/Lurgan OTP!!!!

Also, Kim/ Younger boy who memorizes all the jewels (once he grows up, naturally).

[rivendellrose.livejournal.com]

Gods yes. That was... wow. With all the "jealousy" talk, I was vastly amused.

[becksbooks.livejournal.com]

Have you tried the other *notes.coms? (e-notes, monkeynotes.com, studyguide.com, etc.) Trust me, there's a million. Spark notes are best, but others are out there.

[rivendellrose.livejournal.com]

Nope, I haven't - if I get desperate over the last chunk of the book I'll have to take a look, but it seems like finally I managed to get into it shortly after posting this.