It is necessary to understand the symbolism that an author incorporates into his/her literature so that you understand the story on a deeper level. Symbolism allows authors to get a deeper message across while letting the reader discover this message on their own. For instance, in Rudyard Kipling’s short story, “Rikki Tikki Tavi”, a man shoots a snake that was residing in his bathroom. Later on, that man is removed from his gun and a mongoose saves his life. In other words, the man’s weapon of defence is lost and he is obligated to put his faith in nature. Thus, the gun acts as a symbol of the man’s control over this foreign terrain. Knowing this, the reader comprehends the man’s fear on a deeper level. To conclude, a reader must be able to