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13. Her Majesty’s Servants
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
The group of animals from the Viceroy’s camp sing about their jobs in wartime. First come the elephants, who are proud to have fought alongside Alexander the Great. Their job is to haul heavy military equipment such as cannons. Then the cavalry horses follow them and sing about carrying soldiers into battle. The mules have their turn next, and they sing about hauling the parts of screw-guns (small guns that soldiers can quickly deconstruct and rebuild at a moment’s notice). The camels bring up the rear of the parade and carry the extra supplies, such as food and ammunition, that the army needs.
This song is an extension of “Her Majesty’s Servants.” It demonstrates how every animal has its place in the Anglo-Indian army. Like the story that precedes it, the song emphasizes the importance of order and hierarchy for success. Kipling preaches these principles because he believes they best serve the interests of the British Empire.
Themes
After the animals sing about their individual jobs, they all join together and sing about the war effort. Their song turns melancholy as they mention the men who walk beside them who are “Dusty, silent, heavy-eyed.” Neither the animals nor the men know why they participate in the war. However, they continue to march forward nevertheless.
Once again, although Kipling repeatedly defends the British Empire, he does not entirely gloss over the effects of the war effort. The animals and the humans that are part of the Anglo-Indian army undeniably suffer. However, Kipling believes their suffering is worth it for the greater good.
Themes
