Colonialism In The Man Who Would Be King

Superior Essays
The Man Who Would Be King
The Man Who Would Be King is a novel written by Rudyard Kipling in 1888 which was later adapted and filmed by John Huston in 1975. It is an enthusiastic and intriguing tale set in India during the height of the British Empire. In the Huston’s film adaptation of The Man Who Would Be King demonstrate a sarcastic look at British colonialism in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. The story consists of British soldiers Peachy Carnehan and Daniel Dravot whose services in the military were no longer needed due to the British government’s successfully gained control of India and the enforcement of their system of indirect rule. They then decided to make a future in becoming kings of a foreign land. This can be seen as a parallel
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The idea of colonialism is the power of gaining control or governing influence of a nation over a dependent country, territory, or people, culture, resources and economic sustainability. In the film, Danny and Peachy was able to gain the trust of Kafiristan, in consideration that they could help lead them against all their enemies and consolidate the country under them. Danny and Peachy then set to educating the Bashkai people in modern war tactics and the ways of British soldiering. During their first battle, Danny is struck by an arrow in a leather strap on his shoulder. He removes the arrow, without pain or blood, to the bewilderment of all the native people who bow down around him. Danny is believed to be Alexander the Great’s son sent back to these people as was promised. To the people of Kafiristan, Danny is god. This led Danny and Peachy to become the highest authority, especially Danny who ended up becoming the king of Kafiristan. This led to a decolonization, the unification of formerly rival regions and the creation of a unified empire under the rule of Danny and

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