Rudyard Kipling
Rudyard Kipling promoted imperialism and wanted to spread British laws and literature throughout the world. His stories promoted his jingoistic and elitist ideals which, though considered racist, encouraged the spread of literacy. His beliefs are in contrast to Mao’s, which is the primary reason why his work is mentioned in the novel. Whereas Mao contained the culture of Chine, Kipling tried to spread British culture. Mao’s attempt at re-education was not actually education at all, but a move to strip people of all contemporary knowledge. On the other hand, Kipling wanted to spread literacy and education by civilizing the entire world. These are the beliefs that Mao was trying to work against through his re-education techniques. As Mao’s communist regime gained power and influence throughout the world, Kipling’s nationalistic views were interpreted as backwards and reactionary.
