Title: Rikki-Tikki-Tavi

Author: Rudyard Kipling

 

Character:

-          Rikki-tikki-tavi- A brave and curious mongoose who protects the family

-          Rag- Hates people. Dreams of ending them.

-          Nagaina- nags clever and vengeful mate

-          Teddy- finds a connection with someone called Rikki.

-          Teddys parents - folks Rikki keeps close watch on

-          Darzee - A tailorbird who warns Rikki about danger

 

Plot Elements

Exposition: A flood washes a young mongoose, Rikki-Tikki-Tavi, out of his burrow, and an English family finds him in India. They take care of him, and he becomes a part of the family.

Rising Action: He soon finds out that two cobras, Nag and Nagaina, reside in the garden and plan to kill the family so they can take over the house and garden. Rikki vows to protect his new home.

Climax: Having overheard Nag's plans to strike the humans, Rikki-Tikki fights and kills him in the bathroom. Later, he has to battle with Nagaina, whom he chases into her nest of cobras, where he kills her too.

Resolution: As both snakes are now dead, the garden is safe once more. Rikki is hailed as a hero by the family and all the animals. Peace once again pervades the household.  

 

Summary:

“Rikki-Tikki-Tavi” is the story of a brave mongoose, defending the human family who saved him against two cobras that threaten to destroy them. Rikki uses courage and cunning to defeat the snakes, saving his home.

 

Analysis & Feelings:

This is a tale of bravery, loyalty, and good versus evil. The courage of Rikki and his quick thinking inspire him to be the heroic character. The action in this story is very exciting and suspenseful, yet it possesses a certain noble quality to it that sends a message: one must protect those they love from harm and stand up to danger. I felt proud of Rikki and relieved toward the end when the family was safe. Fast action and vivid animal characters made the story thrilling and memorable.