"The Centaurs" (notes by Isabel Quigly and Lisa Lewis)

the poem

[January 25th 2005]

Publication history

First published in Debits and Credits as a postscript to the school-story “The United Idolaters”. See also “To the Companions” which introduces the same story.

Background

Kipling uses Chiron as an image of Bates, the headmaster in “The United Idolaters” and Stalky & Co. The character was based on his own headmaster Cormell Price.


[L.L./I.Q.] Notes on the text
[Page 107, line 8] Chiron a centaur, and teacher of young centaurs, famous for his knowledge of shooting, medicine, and music; also teacher of the great heroes of his age, Achilles, Jason, Aesculapius, etc.


[I.Q.]

©Lisa Lewis, Isabel Quigly 2005 All rights reserved