I am working on 'The Bridge Builders' and am once again thwarted by Kipling's elusive and
elegant textual layering. Just as I think I've understood his meaning up pops another
(seemingly throwaway) sentence that adds another dimension of complexity. It seems that
the tale's 'truth' is held in the character of Peroo. The story's meaning seems to be
contained in Peroo's words: 'It is not good to look at death with a clear eye'. Could it be that
Kipling is making a parallel between the edifice of empire and the Indian gods? Certainly,
we sense the hopelessness of Findlayson's situation and a colonial reputation that will fall if
the bridge is destroyed, despite the engineer's enormous efforts? Are the 'dreams' of the
empire-builders as fragile as the gods' existence? Any suggestions would be most welcome.
Kind regards,
Lizzy Welby
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