Tasks: Lispeth by Rudyard Kipling
What do you know about the time the British ruled India?
This quiz has some tricky questions, so don't worry if you don't know all the answers already. Use the quiz as a starting point to learn more about the time the British ruled India.
Talk about the questions with a partner or partners.
Then read the suggested answers below.
Describe the setting of this short story. Where and when does it take place?
There are many references to local places in the story. What is the effect of this? Are you able to locate the places on a map?
Lispeth's beauty is mentioned repeatedly. Why do you think that is?
- The Chaplain, his wife and the Englishman are not mentioned by name. What is achieved by not naming them?
- How did Lispeth change when she understood that the Englishman would not come back? Can we interpret this as more than just a broken heart?
- A world map puzzle that Lisbeth played with as a child is mentioned in the text. Can this be interpreted as a metaphor for something?
What does the story tell us about the customs of the natives? Why do you think the writer has chosen to describe their culture like that?
What is the significance of naming the short story after the protagonist?
Pick one of the tasks. Choose to work in a group or alone as best suits you and the task you have chosen.
Make a film adaptation of the short story. You can choose what type of film you want to make, e.g documentary, animation, feature film ...
Rewrite the short story from the point of view of the Englishman.
Pick one of the tasks and write a longer text.
Lispeth is very bitter after everything that has happened, and before she leaves, she writes a letter to the Chaplain and his wife where she puts her bitterness into words. Write the letter.
Write a character description of Lispeth, the Englishman, and the Chaplain's wife. What are their strengths and flaws? Would you describe them as dynamic or static characters?
Analyse the short story paying special attention to theme and message.
What view of colonisation is evident in the short story? Is Kipling criticising colonialism, or does the story show a positive view? Write a text where you discuss these questions.
Choose one of the following countries: India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, or Bangladesh. Find out more about their situation during the colonial period.
What was it like for these countries to be under British rule?
How has the colonial period influenced the country after they gained independence?
What is the relationship between the country and the United Kingdom today?
Make a Power Point presentation or an audio recording where you present your findings.
Related content
Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936) was born in India to English parents who were part of the British ruling class.