The Jungle Book Themes & Characters

The Jungle Book Themes and Characters

As in beast fables, Kipling's characters represent certain traits, qualities, and values. For example, the wolves personify order. They have a code of law developed by a council that determines every aspect of life, from the rearing of young to interaction with the other animals. But the wolves are also capable of great compassion. Mother Wolf loves and protects Mowgli and fights for him to be accepted by the other wolves.

In one episode a tribe of monkeys called the Bandar-Log kidnap Mowgli.

These monkeys are the very antithesis of the orderly wolves; they are some of the most ignorant and lawless creatures of the jungle and are despised by the other animals. Mowgli's friends— Bagheera the panther, Baloo the bear, and Kaa the rock python—come to his rescue.

Mowgli lives as a wolf and is as knowledgeable about the jungle as a wolf...
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