Rikki-tikki came to live with the English family after he was washed out of his burrow by a flood and rescued by the family. This event is described in Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, specifically in the story “Rikki-Tikki-Tavi.”
📜 Textual Evidence:
“It was a flood that washed him out, and washed him down the roadside ditch. He found a little wisp of grass floating there, and clung to it till he lost consciousness. When he came to, he was lying in the hot sun on the middle of a garden path, very draggled indeed, and a small boy was saying, ‘Here’s a dead mongoose. Let’s have a funeral.’”
“But the father said, ‘He’s not dead at all. Let’s take him in and dry him.’ And that’s how Rikki-Tikki came to live in the house.”
✅ Summary:
Rikki-tikki came to live with the English family because:
A flood washed him out of his home.
He was found by a young English boy, Teddy.
Teddy’s father realized he was alive and decided to take him in and care for him.
This act of kindness brought Rikki-tikki into their home, setting the stage for his later protection of the family from the cobras.
Let’s break down and analyze the quote about how Rikki-Tikki came to live with the English family, focusing on character development, theme, and tone:
🔍 Quote:
“It was a flood that washed him out, and washed him down the roadside ditch. He found a little wisp of grass floating there, and clung to it till he lost consciousness. When he came to, he was lying in the hot sun on the middle of a garden path, very draggled indeed, and a small boy was saying, ‘Here’s a dead mongoose. Let’s have a funeral.’”
“But the father said, ‘He’s not dead at all. Let’s take him in and dry him.’ And that’s how Rikki-Tikki came to live in the house.”
📘 Analysis
1. Character Development:
This quote introduces Rikki-Tikki as a vulnerable creature, nearly dead from the flood. His helpless state helps us sympathize with him from the beginning.
It also shows the kindness and compassion of the English family, especially the father, who decides to care for Rikki-Tikki instead of ignoring him or letting the boy bury him.
2. Theme:
Theme of survival and second chances: Rikki is literally washed out of his home, nearly drowns, and is close to death. But instead of dying, he is given a second chance by the family.
Theme of human-animal relationships: The decision to take Rikki in shows the bond that can form between humans and animals based on care, trust, and mutual protection.
3. Tone:
The tone is gentle and sympathetic, especially in how the narrator describes Rikki’s condition (“very draggled indeed”).
The child’s innocent misunderstanding (“Let’s have a funeral”) contrasts with the father’s calm, practical compassion, which sets the tone for the nurturing environment Rikki will now live in.
4. Foreshadowing:
This moment subtly foreshadows Rikki-Tikki’s role as a protector. Though he’s weak now, being brought into the family’s home gives him the chance to grow strong and eventually defend them from real danger (the cobras).
🧠 Conclusion:
This quote is significant because it marks the turning point in Rikki-Tikki’s life—from being alone and nearly dead to being part of a family. It also establishes key themes of compassion, resilience, and the importance of kindness, which echo throughout the rest of the story.
Be the first to comment