The Jungle Book
'The Jungle Book' Summary
A major theme in the book is abandonment followed by fostering, as in the life of Mowgli, echoing Kipling's own childhood. The theme is echoed in the triumph of protagonists including Rikki-Tikki-Tavi and The White Seal over their enemies, as well as Mowgli's. Another important theme is of law and freedom; the stories are not about animal behaviour, still less about the Darwinian struggle for survival, but about human archetypes in animal form. They teach respect for authority, obedience, and knowing one's place in society with "the law of the jungle", but the stories also illustrate the freedom to move between different worlds, such as when Mowgli moves between the jungle and the village. Critics have also noted the essential wildness and lawless energies in the stories, reflecting the irresponsible side of human nature.
Book Details
Author
Rudyard Kipling
Britain
Kipling's writing has strongly influenced that of others. His stories for adults remain in print and have garnered high praise from writers as different as Poul Anderson, Jorge Luis Borges, and Randal...
More on Rudyard KiplingDownload eBooks
Listen/Download Audiobook
Related books
William Again by Richmal Crompton
This is a beloved children's book that continues the mischievous adventures of the lovable and imaginative 11-year-old boy named William Brown. This d...
Alice's Adventures Underground by Lewis Carroll
One of the best-known works of Victorian literature, its narrative, structure, characters and imagery have had huge influence on popular culture and l...
The Tale of Sandy Chipmunk by Arthur Scott Bailey
This is a captivating children's book that takes young readers on a delightful adventure through the fascinating world of a chipmunk named Sandy. Writ...
The Beasts of Tarzan by Edgar Rice Burroughs
The Beasts of Tarzan is a novel by American writer Edgar Rice Burroughs, the third in his series of twenty-four books about the title character Tarzan...
The Tale of Frisky Squirrel by Arthur Scott Bailey
This is a heartwarming and engaging story that captures the imagination of young readers. Originally written in [1915], this timeless tale continues t...
Redskin and Cow-Boy: A Tale of the Western Plains by G. A. Henty
The central interest of this story is found in the many adventures of an English lad who seeks employment as a cowboy on a cattle ranch. His experienc...
The Tale of Billy Woodchuck by Arthur Scott Bailey
In the enchanting world of Whispering Hollow, where animals possess the power of speech, a thrilling tale unfolds. This is a captivating adventure tha...
Great Big Treasury of Beatrix Potter by Beatrix Potter
Whether you're a parent or a child, a young reader or an older one, the Great Big Treasury of Beatrix Potter is indeed just that – a treasure chest of...
Stories of Animal Sagacity by William Kingston
A number of anecdotes were touching stories about clever or caring animals. Others were amusing or surprising examples of animal behaviour. But there...
Reviews for The Jungle Book
No reviews posted or approved, yet...