The Jungle Books: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Jungle Books: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the rich tapestry of characters that populate Rudyard Kipling's classic tales set in the jungles of India. Central to the narrative is Mowgli, a boy who becomes a symbol of resilience and adaptability after being raised by wolves. His journey is marked by significant encounters, including his fierce adversary, Shere Khan, the tiger, who embodies the dangers of the jungle and the complexities of nature. Supporting Mowgli are key figures such as Mother Wolf, who nurtures him alongside her cubs, and Baloo, the bear who imparts vital knowledge about jungle life.
Bagheera, the black panther, acts as a protector and mentor, advocating for Mowgli's acceptance among the wolves, while Akela, the wolf pack leader, forms a bond with Mowgli throughout their adventures. Other notable characters include Kaa, the python who aids Mowgli in times of peril, and the Bandar-Log, a group of monkeys representing the chaotic elements of the jungle. This analysis offers insights into how these characters contribute to the overarching themes of belonging, identity, and the struggle between civilization and the wild, making it a compelling exploration for those interested in character dynamics within this iconic work.
The Jungle Books: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Rudyard Kipling
First published: The Jungle Book, 1894; The Second Jungle Book, 1895
Genre: Short fiction
Locale: India
Plot: Fable
Time: Nineteenth century
Mowgli, the boy-hero who strays away from a village in India when he is a very small child. He is pursued by Shere Khan, the tiger, but escapes when the beast misses a leap at the boy. Mowgli is reared by Mother Wolf with her own cubs and becomes a member of the jungle wolf pack. He has many adventures among the jungle animals, but when he is about seventeen years old, he realizes that he must return to the Manpack to stay.
Messua, the woman who adopts Mowgli for a time. She finally tells Mowgli that she believes he is her son who was lost in the jungle many years before.
Shere Khan, the tiger who pursues Mowgli when he is first lost in the jungle. Shere Khan shocks the other animals when he announces that he has killed a man from choice and not for food. Then follows the story of how the tiger first killed Man and was condemned to wear stripes.
Mother Wolf and Father Wolf, who find Mowgli, give him his name, and rear him with their own cubs in the jungle.
Baloo, the bear who becomes Mowgli's teacher and instructs him in jungle lore.
Bagheera, the black panther who speaks for Mowgli's acceptance into the wolf pack and advises Mowgli to get fire to protect himself against his enemies.
Akela, the leader of the wolf pack and Mowgli's friend in many adventures.
The Bandar-Log, the monkey people, who are despised by the other jungle dwellers. They carry Mowgli off when he climbs a tree and tries to make friends with them.
Kaa, the rock python who helps to rescue Mowgli when he is carried off by the monkeys.
Gray Brother, Mowgli's brother in the wolf pack, who helps Mowgli rescue Messua and her husband when they are confined by the other villagers.
Buldeo, a village hunter, who follows Mowgli's trail when he returns to the jungle after living with Messua in the human village.
Hathi, the wise elephant, who tells the story of why the tiger has stripes.