The Virtual Coffeehouse

Many examples occur when empire encounters the masculinity and cultural beliefs of Kim and the lama. In Chapter 5. the white army officials assume that Kim and the lama are ignorant, merely because they aren't exact replications of colonial culture. In their mind, they are wild savages to be brought under control of imperial power. For example, Bennett says to Kim "'you will be what you're told to be...and you should be grateful that we're going to help you'" (141). This is a conflict between masculinity of Kim's independence and rule of himself and the order and colonizing desire that the British empire wishes to have over the villagers.

Another example is when Kim tries to explain that he is the lama's chela and the British officers believe this to be "blasphemy" (137). An overall lack of understanding of those who are ruled is evident. Imperialism believed it could conquer the savages and make them docile and servile through discrediting their belief systems and ways of life.

the example posted by alise was the one that stuck in my mine when reading, and while i read the topic for tonights post this was the instant that i recalled.


i think it stands out the most to me bc it is the most obvious example of the british feeling dominant. clearly the characters feeling dominant are the british men, part of the imperialistic country, that find their religion superior to the lama. because they find their religion more important they have a difficult time understanding why the lama feels it is necessary for Kim to go on his journey with him and do not take into account what Kim wants. I find this passage very interesting however when talking about the masculinity issue because all who are involved are male. The lama is very passive he does attempt to get the officials to allow Kim to continue his travels with the lama but he does not fight very hard for him and does not appeal directly to the officials. Although Kim is a child he is still a male and does not display the typical masculine traits of aggression and strength in going after what he wants, instead he is passive and sneaky which reminds me more of the victorian ideals of a woman.

I found what Jennifer wrote to be incredibily interesting. I didn't notice this myself, but once pointed out I think there is some truth to the idea that Kim, though a male does display rather feminine qualities. His passive nature, yet 'sneaky' (maybe Eve like characteristics?) are quite reminiscent of a Victorian woman.

On a different note I also think an argument could be made that Kim is in some sense a warning to the British. Kim is a white boy growing up and embracing the "Oriental" culture. He can easily deceive people by weaving in and out of cultures. Just as this might be considered 'adventurous' and boyish, there are also underlying concerns of what this might imply. So often in Victorian literature, the 'oriental', 'eastern' or other marginalzied individuals (think of Reuban Sachs...Jewish people) are perceived as threats almost to the Victorian way of life. I think need for the british men to show their dominance is on some level a form of insecurity.