Friday, September 25, 2009

On Rudyard Kipling's Jungle Books


It just so happens that I came into this world around the same time that Walt Disney's The Jungle Book was being released on VHS. As a result, it was the first movie I ever saw and instantly became one of my childhood favorites, and a film I still love to watch to this day. At some point in my life, the possibility entered my mind that The Jungle Book might actually be based on a book. Upon confirming the result of my sudden epiphany, I quickly checked it out at the library and began reading. And just as the animated film was one of my favorite movies, so the book itself has also become a treasure. So here, in honor of Rudyard Kipling being our Manly Man of the Month, I present a few thoughts on his work.

In 1894, while living in America, the Indian-born British author published a short story collection entitled The Jungle Book. It was followed a year later by The Second Jungle Book. Fortunately for us modern day readers, most copies are published as a single-volume edition, usually titled The Jungle Books. Between the two, there are 15 short stories, eight of which deal with the adventures of the man-cub, Mowgli, who dwells in the jungles of India. As an infant, he is rescued from the cowardly, man-hating tiger Shere Khan by Father and Mother Wolf, who raise him as one of their own cubs. He is officially inducted into the Seeonee wolf pack, and takes part in their community. As such, he is instructed in the "jungle law" by the wise, old bear Baloo, who serves as a sort of schoolmaster for all the young wolf cubs (you are by now beginning to see that the Disney version differs substantially from the book). He also has the constant companionship of Bagheera, the panther. While Baloo mostly preaches the theory of the law, it is Bagheera who guides Mowgli in its practical application. Throughout the life of Mowgli, I have observed a number of important lessons for young men.

"The Mowgli Stories" (as they are often called) are in essence a coming-of-age tale. As a boy, Mowgli is very foolish and haughty, having no regard for Baloo's lessons, or the very real danger of Shere Khan. His attitude lands him in trouble on more than one occasion. In "Kaa's Hunting," he is captured by the bander-log, or monkey people, who at first entice him with their similarly foolish behavior. In many ways, the bander-log are much like the majority of today's boys. They are lazy, lacking any sense or direction. Kipling describes how they will often appoint themselves a leader, and boast of doing great things. But in almost no time at all, throwing sticks at each other and cackling become far more appealing than the effort required to fulfill their ambitions. Baloo and Bagheera offer numerous Solomonic warnings to Mowgli about avoiding their company. Unfortunately, Mowgli tires of the "dry, boring, old grown-ups who think they know everything" and ignores their council, finding himself in dire trouble when the monkeys refuse to release him. However, faithful friends that they are, the bear and the panther, enlisting the help of the crafty python, Kaa, come to Mowgli's rescue. In the end, the boy admits his wrong-doing and accepts his punishment.

The Law of the Jungle is a very powerful motif throughout the stories. We human observers are able to learn just a few of its precepts, but the spirit and power of the Law pervade the characters' actions. Mowgli and the other cubs are taught the law from a young age, and are expected to obey it in the interest of a peaceful existence with the other creatures of the jungle, especially Man. Baloo teaches Mowgli that the Law is like a creeping vine; no one can escape its dominion and consequences. Like Mowgli, all young men struggle with authority and submission, but like Mowgli, young men will nonetheless be confronted by its realities. Hopefully, they will also respond as Mowgli does in "How Fear Came," by marveling at its creation of order and justice.

There are in fact many more lessons to be learned by young men from the pages of The Jungle Books as Mowgli grows older, encounters Man, and gradually becomes more mature and introspective, but I would hate to spoil them for you, especially as they concern his acts of bravery and love. And though I have focused on the Mowgli stories, there are also valuable lessons to be found in the courage of the faithful mongoose "Rikki-tikki-tavi," the determination of "The White Seal," the right-of-passage experienced by "Toomai of the Elephants," and the selfless sacrifice that was "The Miracle of Purun Bhagat." Kipling's masterful stories are indispensable for young men. Just make sure you read an unabridged version.


2 comments:

  1. I have always really loved The Jungle Book movie. I know that there was a book, but haven't ever got to reading it. I will have to check it out soon! Thanks for posting about it.

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  2. "Look for the bear necessities, the simple bear necessities. Forget about your worries and your strife..." :P

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