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Chapter 3
Themes
and Colors
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Kim, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Mentorship and Parenthood
Race, Identity, and Colonialism
Connection vs. Detachment
Misogyny
Summary
Analysis
The soldier introduces Kim and the lama to his son, detailing Kim’s prophecy of war. The son mocks Kim for his profit-oriented ways, but the old soldier rebukes him, having him pay Kim upon their departure. At the gates of the Grand Trunk Road, a Punjabi constable demands four anees but Kim, recognizing the scam, mocks the constable and does not pay. The lama celebrates Kim’s abilities as a protector, but expresses playful uncertainty whether or not he is an “evil imp.” On the road, the lama meditates while Kim revels in the landscape and passersby.
Though appreciative of Kim’s abilities as a “protector,” the lama shows he is becoming increasingly wise to his questionable tactics, playfully questioning whether Kim is an “evil imp.” This marks a new stage in Kim and the lama’s relationship, one of greater transparency and mutual understanding. Though the lama may disapprove of some of Kim’s behavior, he now seems to accept it as a condition of their partnership and Kim’s continued protection of him.
Active
Themes
Kim and the lama arrive at a parao, or resting place. The narrator describes the dramatic setting of the sun over the picturesque landscape. Kim embraces the “happy Asiatic disorder” of the parao, boldly building a fire next to the cart of a wealthy, high-spirited widow. One of the men, a hillman, orders Kim to move farther away, and Kim mocks him, eliciting laughter from the widow. The hillman makes to attack Kim, but stops at the sight of the lama, apologizing to Kim. He returns shortly after, asking for the lama to speak to the widow; Kim obliges, but requests food for the lama.
Kim illustrates his social precociousness, boldly building a fire next to the cart of a wealthy widow. Though such boldness is in part a personality trait of Kim’s, it also reflects his newfound confidence in his status as chela: with the lama at his side, Kim can get away with being rude without fear of reprimand. This underscores the social power of holy men in the novel’s depiction of India, as well as the benefits reaped by Kim by virtue of his new position.
Active
Themes
Calling him to her cart, the widow criticizes Kim for attaching himself to the lama for personal gain, not believing him to be a true chela. Kim does not deny this, but distracts her with a bold insult against her people, insinuating their complicity in slave-trading. Kim continues to poke at her, begetting her wrath but also amusing her. Eventually, she gives Kim money, recognizing that if she wishes to speak to the lama, she needs to win Kim’s favor, being the “eyes and ears” of the lama. When the lama awakes surrounded by food, he calls Kim to his side, expressing his affection for him and hypothesizing that he rendered Kim service in a former life.
At Kim’s request, the lama goes to speak with the widow. Kim watches from afar, wishing he could overhear, and when the lama returns Kim inquires after their conversation. The lama reports the widow to be a woman of wisdom and integrity, though admits many of her problems are foolish and superstitious. He explains that she invited them to join her on her journey, and suggests they comply; she only asks that the lama pray for her son and that joining her does not inhibit his quest for the River. Kim is amused, and the lama goes to bed, but not before making a joke about talkative women.
Active
Themes
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In the morning, Kim revels in the plethora of sights and sounds of the newly awoken India, seeing in them “the world in real truth.” He happily reflects on his new station as the disciple of a holy man “annexed by a strong-willed lady,” and observes with amusement the widow’s ordering around of her servants as they make ready to leave. Once on the road, Kim fills with pride at his place in the impressive procession and watches as an Englishman playfully chastises the widow. Afterward, the widow discusses religion with the lama while Kim speaks with the Oorya escorts. At noon, the widow tells a story about local Gods while they eat.
