Lao Tzu once said, “Because of a great love, one is courageous.” Have you ever gained courage from your loved ones? Have you ever had to rush to the rescue when they are in danger? In the fictional story “Rikki-tikki-tavi” by Rudyard Kipling, the theme is being loved gives you courage to protect those who love you. Rikki Tikki is a brave character in this story. As proof the author states, “Rikki-tikki came up and cried: ‘Turn round, Nagaina; turn and fight!’” (para 86). This shows that Rikki Tikki is brave because he is willing to fight Nagaina, the deadly cobra, to protect his family. Rikki Tikki’s character trait demonstrates the thesis because his bravery was able to save the little boy when he was in danger. In addition, “His little …show more content…
For example, “Just under him whizzed by the head of Nagaina, Nag’s wicked wife” (para 29). This proves that Nagaina is a dangerous creature because she strikes almost immediately after Rikki Tikki met Nag and if it was not for Darzee, the tailorbird, Rikki Tikki would have been dead. Nagaina’s character trait is similar to Rikki Tikki because they are both dangerous creatures who are capable of killing deadly animals and this proves the thesis because their loyalty to their families motivated them to protect their loved ones. In addition, “She has gone into the veranda, and—oh, come quickly—she means killing!” (para 82). This shows that Nagaina was in despair after Nag had died, and quickly went to the veranda to kill Rikki Tikki’s family for revenge, neglecting Darzee’s wife and leaving her eggs out in the open unprotected. This character trait of Nagaina is different to Rikki Tikki’s character trait because unlike Rikki Tikki, Nagaina did not think about her actions as she rushed to the veranda to kill the family and this proves the thesis because Nagaina went to the veranda to kill the humans so her eggs will be protected from the “bang-stick.” In conclusion, Nagaina, the antagonist of the story, is a dangerous and vicious character and is similar to Rikki Tikki because she is very protective of her loved …show more content…
First, “If you move, I strike, and if you do not move, I strike. Oh, foolish people, who killed my Nag!” (para 84). As you can see, this is an example of personification because Nagaina spoke to the humans and she showed emotions towards Nag. This example of personification proves the theme because Nagaina’s love for Nag gave her courage to go to the veranda and try to kill the little boy alone. Secondly, “What are you bothering for? All the cobras are dead; and if they weren’t, I’m here” (para 104). As a result, this is an example of personification because Rikki Tikki spoke to the humans and he showed bravery and loyalty towards them. This personification proves the theme because Rikki Tikki’s love for his family gave him the courage to protect them from any remaining cobras in the garden. Overall, Rudyard Kipling uses personification in “Rikki-tikki-tavi” to demonstrate how loving or being loved affects your actions and