Rikki-Tikki-Tavi is a short story written by Rudyard Kipling set in Colonial India. It tells of a feud between a mongoose named Rikki-Tikki-Tavi and two snakes named Nag and Nagaina. The story represents the battle that goes on between good and evil powers. The two snakes prove to be a threat to the family that adopted Rikki, so he quickly jumps into action. His actions were justifiable, as well as instinctive. Some people believe that Nag and Nagaina are the victims of the story, but they are the unquestionably guilty characters. But, Rikki did attack Nag and Nagaina’s unborn snakelets. While this is true, they were killed for the future protection of the family that Rikki loved. For example, Nag and Nagaina were conspiring to kill the family that took Rikki in, so Rikki killed Nag before he was able to harm anyone. The character shows that he is a caring creature, wanting to protect Teddy and his parents from any danger. This reveals that Rikki is not a crazed animal who kills snakes for fun, but has a reason every time he does. In addition, Nagaina was almost to the point of biting …show more content…
However, the snakes’ actions were only to protect their children. However, their children's’ lives will follow their parents, and they will certainly be as malicious. Rikki’s instinct was to prevent an outbreak of cobras to stop injuries from occurring to Teddy and his parents. This reveals that Rikki’s love of the family, and his intentions were only to protect them. Generally, Rikki’s instinct to respond shows that he was not only protecting them in the present but also the future. In addition, Rikki killed Nag after he and Nagaina had trespassed and were planning to murder them. This reveals that Nag and Nagaina are guilty of trespassing. So, Rikki had the right to take action against the snake, as their intentions were impure. Clearly, Rikki is not guilty of mass murder and is not being