Warning: If you are expecting singing bears and playful monkeys, prepare to be disappointed. Once again, Disney has given us an inaccurate portrayal of Rudyard Kipling's classic tale. What you will find is a real jungle filled with danger, stories, and The Law of the Jungle, which all noble creatures must obey.
A Brief Synopsis
The book begins with a small boy wandering into the lives of Mother Wolf and Father Wolf. This little one-year-old is being hunted by Shere Khan, a tiger who is not admired by the rest of the forest. The wolves are taken with the bravery of the little boy, for he is unafraid of the tiger. Much to the anger of Shere Khan, Mowgli is taken to the wolf council were Mother and Father Wolf petitition for his adoption into the pack. Baloo, the kindly bear who teaches the young wolves the Law of the Jungle, and Bagheera the panther whom all greatly respect speak on behalf of the boy, and so he is taken in.
Now, the story does not occur in order. There are technically four chapters in the book, but the first chapter should really be two. So, if the chapters were to be placed in order, it would be 1a, 3, 2, 1b, 4.
Chapters 1b and 4 tell the main story, which is the struggle between Mowgli and Shere Khan. The middle of the book highlights some of Mowgli's adventures as a young boy.
When Mowgli is older, Shere Khan challenges his right to live, and unfortunately he gets many of the younger wolves on his side. Bagheera tells Mowgli that he must return to the world of man, for this is where he belongs. This is the end of chapter 1. Chapter 4 begins with Mowgli's return to the local village. He is taken in, but finds the ways of man very peculiar. The stories that the elders tell of gods and spirits are absolute nonsense to Mowgli, and the caste system is a complete mystery. He has not forgotten the jungle, for he has sworn to kill Shere Khan for all his wickedness. With the help of his wolf-brothers, Mowgli starts a stampede of cattle and tramples the tiger. Pinning his hide to the Council Rock, Mowgli restores order to the wolf-people. He does not wish to be a part of the pack who betrayed him, so he and his wolf brothers go to hunt in the forest alone. The story ends with the words "But he was not always alone, because, years afterward, he became a man and married. But that is a story for grown-ups".
Chapters 1b and 4 tell the main story, which is the struggle between Mowgli and Shere Khan. The middle of the book highlights some of Mowgli's adventures as a young boy.
When Mowgli is older, Shere Khan challenges his right to live, and unfortunately he gets many of the younger wolves on his side. Bagheera tells Mowgli that he must return to the world of man, for this is where he belongs. This is the end of chapter 1. Chapter 4 begins with Mowgli's return to the local village. He is taken in, but finds the ways of man very peculiar. The stories that the elders tell of gods and spirits are absolute nonsense to Mowgli, and the caste system is a complete mystery. He has not forgotten the jungle, for he has sworn to kill Shere Khan for all his wickedness. With the help of his wolf-brothers, Mowgli starts a stampede of cattle and tramples the tiger. Pinning his hide to the Council Rock, Mowgli restores order to the wolf-people. He does not wish to be a part of the pack who betrayed him, so he and his wolf brothers go to hunt in the forest alone. The story ends with the words "But he was not always alone, because, years afterward, he became a man and married. But that is a story for grown-ups".
My Thoughts
I didn't expect to enjoy this book very much. I knew it was very different from the movie and that it would contain the dark violence of a real jungle, but I was pleasantly surprised. Yes, the book had its dark moments, but I found myself enraptured with the honour and nobility of the forest creatures. The Law of the Jungle is everything to them, and Shere Khan's defiance of The Law is not to be taken lightly.
While I enjoyed Mowgli's character, I really fell in love with the noble Bagheera. He is wise and feared, kind but dangerous. His presence in the novel was overpowering, and I see that as a sign of good writing.
I found Kipling's commentary of the Indian society to be unexpectedly interesting. I like how he almost bluntly mocked the caste system and their mythology through Mowgli's utter distaste for such bizarre traditions. Kipling knew that the strict caste system was immoral and holding the great country back, and he needed to instruct future generations of its absurdity. It was great to have a bit of social commentary amongst tales of honour and revenge.
This book took my totally by surprise. Kipling created an entire world within the wild lands of India. I know I keep talking about The Law of the Jungle, but the social system of Mowgli's jungle is to be envied. Creatures of all sizes are trusted to uphold the standards of society, and even though the food chain is very much in place, all animals are given equal respect. I wish we could adopt the ways of The Jungle Book.
I love reading about the Real stories and comparing them to the ones we grew up with. I honestly think I might have to read this book, loved the pictures too. Your posts make me want to read these books for myself.
ReplyDeleteAww thanks:) And it's true, pictures can really add to the experience of the book.
DeleteI remember trying to read this as a child but finding it a bit dull, but thanks to your post I might have to go back and try to read it again. With each of you're post you seem to remind of what I should have been reading as a kid. Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteYa, it's a bit tricky to get started because the syntax is pretty old (there are even some thous and thys) but it's a really interesting book once you get past that. And I agree, a lot of us missed out on really great books as kids.
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