“Rikki-Takki-Tavi” by Rudyard Kipling: Analysis

Introduction: “Rikki-Takki-Tavi” by Rudyard Kipling

“Rikki-Tikki-Tavi” by Rudyard Kipling initially appeared in 1894 within his renowned collection, The Jungle Book. The short story centers on Rikki-tikki-tavi, a courageous mongoose who fearlessly protects a human family residing in India, and their garden, from the sinister cobras Nag and Nagaina. Kipling’s writing is notable for its rich depictions of the Indian landscape, the use of anthropomorphism to imbue animal characters with human-like qualities, and the timeless theme of good versus evil. These elements contribute to the enduring appeal of “Rikki-Tikki-Tavi.

Main Events in “Rikki-Takki-Tavi” by Rudyard Kipling

1. Rikki-tikki’s Arrival: A summer flood washes Rikki-tikki, a young mongoose, from his burrow (“…a high summer flood washed him out of the burrow where he lived with his father and mother…”). A British family residing in the Segowlee cantonment in India discovers him, takes him in, and nurses him back to health.
2. Encounter with Nag: Rikki-tikki meets Nag, a large and intimidating cobra, in the garden (“…from the thick grass at the foot of the bush there came a low hiss—a horrid cold sound that made Rikki-tikki jump back two clear feet.”). Nag presents himself as a powerful figure, marked by Brahma.
3. Protecting Teddy: Rikki-tikki bravely defends Teddy, the family’s son, from Karait, a deadly dust-brown snakeling (“Just as Teddy was stooping, something wriggled a little in the dust, and a tiny voice said: ‘Be careful. I am Death!’ It was Karait…”).
4. Nagaina’s Plot: Rikki-tikki eavesdrops on Nag and Nagaina’s evil scheme to eliminate the human family and claim the garden (“When the house is emptied of people…he will have to go away, and then the garden will be our own again.”).
5. The Bathroom Battle: Nag slithers into the bathroom, intending to kill Teddy’s father. Rikki-tikki engages Nag in a ferocious fight, ultimately gripping Nag’s head and refusing to let go despite being battered about (“…as his teeth met, Rikki braced his back against the bulge of the red earthenware to hold down the head.”). The father ends Nag’s life with his shotgun.
6. Nagaina’s Eggs: Guided by Darzee the tailorbird, Rikki-tikki locates Nagaina’s hidden clutch of eggs and destroys nearly all of them to prevent the birth of new cobras (“There, in the warm litter above the melons, very cunningly hidden, he found twenty-five eggs…”).
7. The Final Confrontation: Seeking revenge, Nagaina enters the house and threatens Teddy and his parents. Rikki-tikki bravely confronts her, using the last egg to lure her away (“Nagaina spun clear round, forgetting everything for the sake of the one egg. Rikki-tikki saw Teddy’s father shoot out a big hand, catch Teddy by the shoulder, and drag him across the little table…”).
8. Underground Battle: Rikki-tikki chases Nagaina into her rat-hole lair, and a desperate battle ensues in the darkness (“…he went down with her—and very few mongooses, however wise and old they may be, care to follow a cobra into its hole.”). He emerges covered in dirt, signifying his victory over Nagaina.
9. Hero of the Garden: Rikki-tikki is hailed as a hero and protector. He becomes an integral part of the family and ensures the safety of the garden from future snake threats.

Literary Devices in “Rikki-Takki-Tavi” by Rudyard Kipling

1. Allegory: The story functions as an allegory for good versus evil, with Rikki-tikki representing courage and righteousness, while Nag and Nagaina embody wickedness and treachery.
2. Alliteration: The repetition of consonant sounds creates emphasis and rhythm:
   • “Rikki-tikk-tikki-tikki-tchk!” (Rikki-tikki’s war cry)
   • “Darzee, the Tailorbird” (repetition of the ‘D’ sound)
3. Anthropomorphism: Animals are given human-like qualities and motivations:
   • Nag and Nagaina conspire to kill the human family.
   • Darzee and his wife mourn the loss of their fledgling.
4. Foreshadowing: Hints of upcoming events create suspense:
   • Chuchundra the muskrat warns, “Nag is everywhere, Rikki-tikki.”
5. Hyperbole: Exaggeration for emphasis:
   • Rikki-tikki’s tail fluffs up “till it looked like a bottle brush.”
6. Imagery: Vivid language appeals to the senses:
   • “A big man picked him up between his finger and thumb and said he was not dead but half choked.”
7. Metaphor: Comparisons without using “like” or “as”:
   • Rikki-tikki’s eyes are described as “pink” and “like hot coals.”
8. Onomatopoeia: Words that imitate sounds:
   • “H’sh!” (Chuchundra’s nervous sound)
9. Oxymoron: Combination of contradictory terms for effect:
   • “…the wicked snake’s eyes that never change their expression…”
10. Pathetic Fallacy: Attribution of human emotions to nature:
    • “…the sorrowful voices in the thorn-bush.” (Darzee and his wife mourn)
11. Personification: Giving non-human things human characteristics:
    • “The moon was shining, and the frogs were croaking.”
12. Repetition: Repeating words or phrases for emphasis:
    • Nagaina’s repeated hiss, “Come and fight with me.”
13. Simile: Comparison using “like” or “as”:
    • “He could fluff up his tail till it looked like a bottle brush…”
14. Symbolism: Objects and characters represent abstract ideas:
    • The garden symbolizes a haven from the dangers of the wild.
    • Rikki-tikki represents courage and the defense of the innocent.
15. Zoomorphism: Attributing animal qualities to humans
    • Teddy’s father reacting with the speed and precision of an animal when rescuing Teddy from Nagaina.

Characterization in “Rikki-Takki-Tavi” by Rudyard Kipling

Major Characters

• Rikki-tikki-tavi
• Courageous: Fearlessly faces Nag and Nagaina, even when the odds are against him (“…a grown mongoose’s business in life was to fight and eat snakes.”).
• Curious: Driven by an innate need to explore and understand his surroundings (“‘Run and find out'”).
• Loyal: Develops a deep bond with the family, fiercely protecting them from harm.
• Quick-witted: Demonstrates cleverness in battle and strategy, such as using the last of Nagaina’s eggs to lure her away.
• Nag:
  • Arrogant: Boasts about his power and the mark of Brahma, believing himself superior.
  • Cruel: Exhibits a thirst for killing, plotting to murder the entire family for his own gain.
  • Cunning: Attempts to use manipulation and deceit to get his way.
• Nagaina:
  • Vengeful: Driven by an insatiable desire for revenge after the deaths of Nag and her eggs.
  • Maternal: Shows a protective instinct towards her eggs, however warped it may be.
  • Strategic: Like Nag, she is capable of scheming and attempts to use Teddy as leverage.

Minor Characters

• Teddy:
  • Innocent: Unaware of the true danger lurking in the garden, embodying childlike vulnerability.
  • Kind: Displays compassion towards Rikki-tikki from the moment they meet.
• Teddy’s Parents:
  • Protective: Act swiftly to defend Teddy when danger arises, especially the father.
  • Appreciative: Deeply grateful to Rikki-tikki for saving their lives.
• Darzee the Tailorbird:
  • Emotional: Prone to dramatic expressions of grief and triumph (“The valiant Rikki-tikki caught him by the head and held fast.”)
  • Helpful (to a degree): Provides Rikki-tikki with information while sometimes getting distracted.
• Chuchundra the Muskrat:
  • Timid: Fearful and hesitant, never venturing out into the open (“‘Don’t kill me,’ said Chuchundra, almost weeping.”)
  • Knowledgeable: Possesses insight into the danger posed by the cobras, despite his cowardice.

Characterization Techniques

Kipling uses several techniques to create these characters:

• Direct Description: Explicitly states the traits of the characters (e.g., “All mongooses are like that.”)
• Actions: Characterization through what they do and the choices they make. (Rikki-tikki’s battles, Nagaina’s plotting)
• Dialogue: How characters speak reveals their personalities (Nag’s arrogant pronouncements, Chuchundra’s whimpering)
• Contrast: Characters are defined in relation to one another (Rikki-tikki’s bravery vs. Chuchundra’s fearfulness).

Major Themes in “Rikki-Takki-Tavi” by Rudyard Kipling

• Good vs. Evil: This classic theme is at the heart of the story. Rikki-tikki, the brave mongoose, embodies righteousness and the forces of good, while Nag and Nagaina represent pure evil, driven by their desire to dominate and kill. This struggle plays out in their epic battles and the cobras’ insidious plots against the innocent family.
• Courage and Loyalty: Rikki-tikki’s unwavering courage is central to the story. He faces danger head-on to protect those he cares about, even when severely outmatched. His loyalty to the family who took him in highlights the importance of protecting those we love and doing what is right, even in the face of fear.
• The Importance of Curiosity and Exploration: Rikki-tikki’s inherent curiosity leads him to explore the garden, uncovering the danger posed by the cobras (“This is a splendid hunting ground,” he said…). This theme suggests that awareness of our surroundings and a desire to understand them can reveal hidden threats, but also potential for good.
• Civilization vs. Wilderness: The garden acts as a microcosm of civilization, a place of order and relative safety within the larger, untamed world. Nag and Nagaina represent the dangers of the wild, their intrusions a constant reminder that chaos and violence lurk just beyond the borders of the cultivated space. Rikki-tikki acts as a guardian, defending this civilized space from encroaching threats.

Writing Style in “Rikki-Takki-Tavi” by Rudyard Kipling

• Vivid & Detailed Sensory Language:
  • “Eyes and the end of his restless nose were pink…”
  • “…a big man picked him up between his finger and thumb and said he was not dead but half choked…”
  • “…the dry scratch of a snake’s scales on brickwork…”
• Immersive Descriptive Imagery:
  • “…a large garden, only half cultivated, with bushes as big as summer-houses…”
  • “…clumps of bamboos, and thickets of high grass.”
  • “…Nagaina came to the bathroom sluice and called for Nag…”
• Natural and Believable Dialogue:
  • “‘Don’t be frightened, Teddy,’ said his father. ‘That’s his way of making friends.'”
  • “‘Be careful. I am death!’ It was Karait, the dusty brown snakeling…”
  • “‘Give me the egg, Rikki-tikki. Give me the last of my eggs…'”
• Effective Use of Humor & Suspense:
  • Rikki-tikki’s comical rocking and swaying motion in battle.
  • Chuchundra’s fearful whimpering and inability to act.
  • The tense build-up before Nag’s strike in the bathroom.
• Relatable Anthropomorphism:
  • Rikki-tikki’s curiosity and desire for a “house mongoose” life.
  • Darzee and his wife’s expressions of grief over their lost fledgling.
  • Nag and Nagaina’s plotting and vengeful emotions.
• Accessible and Engaging Writing:
  • Simple yet evocative language that draws in young readers.
  • Fast-paced action that keeps the story moving.
  • Endearing animal characters and a clear-cut struggle between good and evil.

Literary Theories and Interpretation of “Rikki-Takki-Tavi” by Rudyard Kipling

Literary Theory	Application to “Rikki-tikki-tavi”	Potential Interpretation
Formalism/New Criticism	Focus on the text itself: structure, word choice, literary devices.	* Close reading of Kipling’s use of language, symbolism (the garden, Rikki-tikki as a mongoose), and recurring motifs (eyes, the war cry) can reveal deeper layers of meaning and artistry.
Reader-Response Theory	Examines the reader’s role in creating meaning based on their own experiences and perspectives.	* Analyzes how readers of different ages or cultural backgrounds might relate differently to themes of courage, family, or the animal characters. *
Postcolonial Theory	Investigates power relationships, colonialism, and cultural representation within the text.	* Consider how the story reflects British colonial attitudes towards India and native animals. Does it perpetuate stereotypes, or are there nuanced portrayals? *
Feminist Theory	Explores gender roles, female representation, and power dynamics within the text.	* Examine the portrayal of Nagaina – a powerful yet ultimately villainous female character. How does she compare to the human females in the story? *
Ecocriticism	Examines the relationship between literature and the environment.	* Analyze the depiction of the natural world: the garden as a controlled vs. wild space, the animal characters, and their relationship to humans. *

Questions and Thesis Statements about “Rikki-Takki-Tavi” by Rudyard Kipling

• How does Kipling use anthropomorphism to make the animals in “Rikki-Tikki-Tavi” relatable and endearing to readers?
• Thesis statement: Through his use of anthropomorphism, Kipling imbues the animals in “Rikki-Tikki-Tavi” with human qualities and emotions, making them relatable and endearing to readers and enhancing the emotional impact of the story.
• What role does loyalty play in the story of “Rikki-Tikki-Tavi” and how is it depicted in the characters?
• Thesis statement: The theme of loyalty is central to the story of “Rikki-Tikki-Tavi,” and is depicted through the unwavering loyalty of Rikki-tikki-tavi to his adoptive family, as well as the loyalty of other characters such as Darzee and Chuchundra.
• How does Kipling use symbolism to convey deeper meaning in “Rikki-Tikki-Tavi”?
• Thesis statement: Kipling uses symbolism throughout “Rikki-Tikki-Tavi,” such as the portrayal of the garden as a battleground between good and evil, to convey deeper meaning and enhance the themes of the story.
• In what ways does “Rikki-Tikki-Tavi” reflect Kipling’s colonialist views?
• Thesis statement: Kipling’s colonialist views are reflected in “Rikki-Tikki-Tavi” through the portrayal of the British family as colonizers imposing their values on the animals in the garden, and the implicit hierarchy between humans and animals.
• How does Kipling use language and dialogue to create tension and suspense in “Rikki-Tikki-Tavi”?
• Thesis statement: Through his use of vivid sensory language, dialogue, and foreshadowing, Kipling creates a suspenseful and engaging atmosphere in “Rikki-Tikki-Tavi,” building tension throughout the story and enhancing its themes.
• How does “Rikki-Tikki-Tavi” explore the theme of good versus evil, and what message does it convey?
• Thesis statement: The theme of good versus evil is central to “Rikki-Tikki-Tavi,” and is explored through the conflict between Rikki-tikki-tavi and the cobras, ultimately conveying the message that good will triumph over evil with courage and determination.

Short Question-Answer “Rikki-Takki-Tavi” by Rudyard Kipling

Question	Answer
How does Kipling introduce a sense of foreboding and danger early in the story?	Kipling uses ominous descriptions of Nag (“…five feet long from tongue to tail…”) and his menacing hiss to establish him as a formidable threat. Chuchundra’s fearful warnings (“Nag is everywhere…”) and Darzee’s sorrowful cries over his lost fledgling further create an atmosphere of unease, foreshadowing the conflict to come.
What does the garden symbolize within the story?	The garden represents a microcosm of civilization and order within the larger, untamed Indian landscape. It’s a place of relative safety and human control. However, the encroaching threat of Nag and Nagaina symbolizes the ever-present dangers of the wild, highlighting the fragility of this constructed haven.
How does Rikki-tikki’s character embody the ideal of the mongoose?	Mongooses are known for their courage and ability to fight snakes. Rikki-tikki’s fearlessness, curiosity (“Run and find out”), quick reflexes, and unwavering loyalty to the family exemplify the traits that make mongooses effective defenders. Kipling builds on this real-world reputation to create a compelling hero.
Why is Rikki-tikki’s destruction of Nagaina’s eggs significant?	The eggs represent the potential for future cobra generations and continuing threat. By destroying them, Rikki-tikki not only avenges Nag’s death but safeguards the future of the garden and the family. This act symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and the preservation of peace in their domain.

Literary Works Similar to “Rikki-Takki-Tavi” by Rudyard Kipling

Other Animal Fiction by Kipling:

• The Jungle Book: This collection showcases Kipling’s mastery of animal characterization and his exploration of complex relationships between humans and nature.
• Just So Stories: These offer insights into Kipling’s use of animal symbolism to provide satirical commentary on society and human behavior.

Classic Animal Literature:

• The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame: Shares themes of camaraderie and the importance of home, while featuring a more lyrical and understated prose style.
• Watership Down by Richard Adams: Examines themes of leadership, community, and the search for belonging, with complex mythologies woven into its narrative.

·  Fables and Folktales:

• Aesop’s Fables: Provide a comparative lens for analyzing “Rikki-tikki-tavi” through their archetypal characters and timeless moral lessons.
• Panchatantra: Offers opportunities to explore cross-cultural storytelling traditions and the use of animals to impart social commentary.

·  Thematic Parallels to “Rikki-tikki-tavi”:

• Fantasy and Mythological Epics: Investigate grander depictions of the struggle between good and evil, highlighting the universality of this theme across genres.
• Literature Featuring Animal-Human Bonds: Explore the unique dynamics and symbolism present in stories where animals display loyalty, compassion, and play significant roles in human lives.

Suggested Readings: “Rikki-Takki-Tavi” by Rudyard Kipling

Scholarly Articles:

• McClure, John A. “Kipling’s ‘Rikki-tikki-tavi’: The Myths of the Garden.” Twentieth-Century Literature, vol. 33, no. 4, 1987, pp. 449-463. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/441554.
  • Offers a critical examination of themes of colonialism and the constructed “garden” as a space of power and control within the story.
• Parry, Ann. “Recovering the Biographical Context of ‘Rikki-tikki-tavi’.” Kipling Journal, no. 279, June 1994, pp. 8-22.
  • Provides valuable insights into Kipling’s personal experiences in India and potential influences on the story’s creation.
• Kaul, Suvir. “Kipling’s ‘India’: Allocation and Negation.” Economic and Political Weekly, vol. 43, no. 8, 2008, pp. 53-60. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/40277203.
  • Provides theoretical exploration of Kipling’s nuanced and often contradictory representations of India, offering a framework through which to analyze “Rikki-tikki-tavi”.

Additional Resources:

• The Kipling Society: [invalid URL removed]
  • A reputable scholarly organization dedicated to Kipling studies, offering access to research, critical essays, and potential further reading suggestions.
• Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/
  • Provides free access to public domain texts, including many works by Kipling, potentially offering original copies of “Rikki-tikki-tavi” for textual analysis.