The Role of Animals in The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling

Abstract

This paper provides an analysis of The Jungle Book (1897) written by Rudyard Kipling. The book is a collection of stories that examines the jungle and its inhabitants. In the first three chapters, Mowgli tries to understand the animals' languages that have played a great role in his life. He talks and communicates with them; however, the bear remains a bear, and so do the other animals.

The paper explores how the book is didactic as well as entertaining, offering satire and political commentary; that is why it is not only enjoyed by children, but also by adults. It has profound meaning and symbolism. On the surface level, the story is very interesting for children as it has many adventures which make the child keen and enthusiastic to read the whole story. It conveys moral lessons and basic rules in life, sometimes directly and sometimes indirectly for children to learn and follow. However, children could not comprehend the political trend in the story, as it is very difficult for them to understand its symbolic meaning, and that is why it is enjoyed by adults as well. The paper tackles the book from both its political and moral aspects and pinpoints the different roles played by animals in such works.