Imperialism In The Jungle Book

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Imperialism may seem like an obvious subject, but it can be hidden in the least expected places. Rudyard Kipling illustrates imperialism in India in The Jungle Book. The characters in these stories can represent British people fighting for British control, British people fighting for Indian rule, Indian people fighting for British control, and Indian people fighting for Indian rule. Characters in Mowgli’s Brothers such as the wolves, Mowgli, Shere Khan, Bagheera, and Baloo symbolize these roles in society. The Jungle Book uses allegory to show imperialism in India in various ways.
In the story Mowgli’s Brothers, the wolves are in charge of their part of the jungle. Shere Khan tries to hunt in that area when he is not welcome. The leader of …show more content…

They support the wolves in their rule of the village and disapprove of Shere Khan and his ways. While teaching Mowgli, Bagheera remarked “that was foolishness, for though Tabaqui is a mischief maker…. Open those eyes Little Brother. Shere Khan dare not kill thee in the jungle(25).” Bagheera is teaching and helping Mowgli, but warning him about Shere Khan and Tabaqui, Shere Khan’s helper. He does not think that Shere Khan should hunt there, for fear that Mowgli would be in danger. Baloo is supportive of Mowgli in the fact that he teaches him and sticks up for him. At a council meeting “...Baloo, the sleepy brown bear who teaches the wolf cubs the Law of the Jungle…rose upon his hind quarters and grunted. ‘I speak for the man’s cub…(18).’” Baloo spoke up for Mowgli so he could be part of their community of animals. He teaches Mowgli how to live with the wolves because he accepts that they are in charge. Bagheera and Baloo are seen as Indian for a free India. Hidden meaning and symbolism in The Jungle Book helps to demonstrate imperialism in India. The wolves, Mowgli, Shere Khan, Bagheera, and Baloo represent the British and Indian people fighting for freedom or control. Mowgli’s Brothers is just one of the stories in The Jungle Book that shows imperialism. Hidden meanings and allegory are found everywhere, and they are not just about

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