Spirituality and Espionage: Kim and the Teshoo Lama in Rudyard Kipling’s Kim

Addysen M. Williams
Dr. Hena Ahmad, Faculty Mentor

Rudyard Kipling’s Kim (1901) follows the adventures of thirteen-year-old Kimball O’Hara, an Irish orphan growing up in colonial India. English and white, though “burned black as any native,” Kim is under training to be a member of the British intelligence network when he meets the Teshoo Lama. Kim’s relationship with the Lama deepens as he accompanies the Lama on his spiritual quest. As Kim travels with the Lama, he navigates both Indian culture and British authority while developing a deeper understanding of himself and the world through the Lama’s spiritual guidance. This growth contrasts with the expectations placed on him through his espionage training. This paper will examine how Kim’s relationship with the Lama shapes his evolving identity, ultimately showing how spiritual mentorship allows him to form a sense of self beyond roles others expect him to play.

Keywords: Rudyard Kipling, Kim, Teshoo Lama, Spirituality, Colonial India, The Great Game, Espionage, Identity

Topic(s):English

Presentation Type: Oral Presentation

Session: TBA
Location: TBA
Time: TBA