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.
