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9. ‘Rikki-Tikki-Tavi’
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Jungle Book, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
The Laws of Nature
Human and Animal Relationships
Loyalty
British Imperialism
Coming of Age
Summary
Analysis
Darzee sings a song in Rikki-tikki-tavi’s honor. The song describes Rikki-tikki-tavi as a ferocious hunter who rules the garden. As Darzee sings the song, Rikki-tikki-tavi repeatedly interrupts him. Rikki-tikki-tavi is trying to work, and Darzee’s song is distracting. Eventually, Darzee gives up on his song.
Although this song is mainly humorous, it purposely emphasizes Rikki-tikki-tavi’s diligence and determination, qualities he shares with Mowgli and Kotick, and qualities which the book values.
Themes
