Equality and Unity
The themes of equality and unity are prominent throughout Kim, particularly highlighted through the Buddhist teachings of Teshoo Lama. He tells Kim, “To those who follow the Way there is neither black nor white, Hind nor Bhotiyal. We be all souls seeking to escape.” This philosophy surpasses the strict caste and class divisions of the predominantly Hindu society that Kim knows. The lama carries a diagram called the Wheel of Life, representing the Buddhist belief that all lives are equally trapped in the cycle of existence and that every soul seeks release through Enlightenment. The novel frequently references the Wheel of Life, reinforcing its message of equality and unity. The lama's pursuit of Enlightenment and his teachings are never critiqued by Kipling, in contrast to other religious views in Kim. The story concludes with the lama achieving Enlightenment, affirming the themes of equality and unity emphasized throughout the narrative.
Kipling also uses the theme of unity to portray an ideal India, united rather than divided by imperialism. This is illustrated in the relationships among the characters involved in the Great Game: Mahbub Ali, an Afghan; Lurgan Sahib, of mixed race; Hurree Chunder Mookerjee, a Bengali; and Colonel Creighton, an English officer and member of the ruling class. Despite their different backgrounds, these characters form a cohesive brotherhood of spies committed to safeguarding British interests in India. It is significant that Kipling depicts both British and Indian characters collaborating as equals for the empire's advantage, promoting an idealized and unrealistic vision of a unified, inclusive British India.
Imperialism
In his essay “Kipling’s Richest Dream,” John A. McClure observes, “In Kim... brotherhood and despotism keep uneasy company.” The portrayal of unity and equality between "native" and "Sahib" in Kipling’s work is in stark contrast to the reality where the British are the rulers and the Indians are the ruled. Despite this, Kipling presents the British imperial presence in India as undeniably positive. This perspective is most clearly illustrated in the main plot, where Indian and British spies collaborate to defend British India's northern border from Russian threats, thereby protecting the British Empire's interests. The portrayal of Indian spies working to safeguard British interests is particularly noteworthy. Through this storyline, Kipling depicts an India where the native population supports the British Empire, framing imperialism as a beneficial force.
Orientalism
In recent years, orientalism has been characterized as the knowledge and beliefs regarding the peoples of "the Orient"—which includes the Middle East, South Asia, and East Asia—as shaped and imposed by Western European colonizers. Many of the depictions of Indian life in Kim that are presented as factual are actually derogatory stereotypes rooted in these orientalist perspectives.
For example, Edward Said mentions in his introduction to Kim:
Sikhs are portrayed as having a particular 'love of money'; Hurree Babu associates being Bengali with being fearful; when he hides the packet taken from the foreign agents, the Babu 'stowed the entire trove about his body, as only Orientals can.'
These negative ethnic stereotypes are sharply contrasted with Kipling’s depictions of the British and their culture as more advanced. For instance, when Lurgan Sahib attempts to hypnotize Kim, Kim resists by reciting multiplication tables he learned at an English school—effectively symbolizing Kipling’s belief in the superiority of British rationality over the supposed superstitious nature of Asians. Such contrasts throughout Kim are used to support and justify the rule of the "more capable" British over the Indian population.
Identity
Kim, an orphan from Ireland, faces a complex identity crisis. Growing up on the streets of Lahore, he assimilates so seamlessly into Indian...
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culture and languages that he can blend into nearly any religious or cultural group within the country. He is both a Sahib and, due to his upbringing, a part of the colonized society.
Nicknamed the "Friend of All the World," Kim sees "this great and beautiful land" as his own. However, his sense of identity is challenged when he is sent to school to be groomed as a Sahib.
This internal conflict over identity and belonging haunts Kim throughout the novel, leaving him feeling alone. Although Kim's identity struggles stem from his abrupt exposure to British culture, Kipling does not frame it as a choice between being a Sahib—part of the ruling class—or a "native"—part of the governed society. By ultimately finding a balance between both identities, Kipling conveys his broader vision of a unified British India.
Religion
One of Kim’s main storylines revolves around Teshoo Lama's journey towards Enlightenment. Throughout the novel, the lama encounters a variety of external and internal obstacles in his quest, yet the story concludes with him successfully reaching his goal. The narrative intricately weaves in the lama's Buddhist spirituality and teachings. Although many characters, including Kim, express confusion and skepticism about his philosophies, the lama's eventual success in attaining Enlightenment confirms the validity and sincerity of his beliefs.
In sharp contrast to the favorable depiction of Buddhism in Kim, Christianity is critiqued through the characters of Father Victor and the Reverend Bennett. Unlike the lama, who earns Kim’s deep admiration, the Christian chaplains are portrayed as uneducated and lacking dignity, which results in Kim's disdain for them. Despite their attempts to convert Kim to Christianity, he remains steadfast in his loyalty to his Buddhist mentor. This symbolic "defeat" of Christianity can be seen as reflecting Kipling’s enduring disdain for Christianity and missionary efforts in India.
Women and Treachery
"Kim" predominantly tells a male-focused story, featuring an all-male cast and centering on traditional male bonds, such as the relationship between Master and Student and Kim's induction into the brotherhood called the Sons of the Charm. Female characters generally serve to move the storyline forward. For example, the old woman of Kulu provides a resting place for Kim and the lama, much like the Woman of Shamlegh does.
While women have a minor presence in the novel, their portrayal implies they are viewed as deceptive hurdles to men's goals, whether spiritual or political. For instance, the lama laments that the old woman of Kulu has diverted him from his quest: "Take note, my chela, that even those who would follow the Way are thrust aside by idle women!" Similarly, Kim is warned about the cunning of women by his other mentor, Mahbub Ali, during his espionage training: "Mahbub was exact to point out how Huneefa [a prostitute] and her likes had destroyed kings."
The limited presence of women throughout the novel underscores the notion that spiritual and adventurous pursuits are primarily male territories. It suggests that the absence of women is crucial for the male characters to accomplish their goals.
