A Study of Kipling’s Idea of Law in The Jungle Book

Tan Qin

【Abstract】Rudyard Kipling is a prolific English writer.Although he is the most popular writer of his time，his literary reputation has followed an uneven course.Besides the analytical way which simply puts the imperial address on Kipling，this thesis defends Kipling and praises the positive side of his thought.

【Key Words】Kipling； idea of law； The Jungle Book； idealism

1.Introduction

My study is attempts to explain Kiplings idea of law and his ideal world through an analysis of the themes in The Jungle Book.An exposition of the nature of law is one of Kiplings main aims in The Jungle Book，especially in the Mowgli stories.The scene of most stories is laid in the Indian jungle.The jungle，symbolic of the world，is governed by the law of the jungle.The law of the jungle is presented as a principle of order which has emerged out of lawlessness.The law of the jungle is an instrument to establish a harmonious social order.

2.The Idea of Law Embodied in The Jungle Book

Kipling never defines what exactly he means by law，but an exposition of the nature of the law is one of his main aims in The Jungle Book in general and the Mowgli stories in particular.

2.1 Social Order

The law of the Jungle is an instrument of establishing a harmonious social order.The jungle is ruled by the law，and Baloo advises Mowgli in “How Fear Came” that “the Law was like the Giant Creeper，because it dropped across every ones neck and no one could escape.” The law is universal in the jungle； the animals know it and must abide by it.Only Mowgli has no instinctive knowledge and he must be entirely taught.Yet Kipling，by making Baloo the teacher of the young wolves as well，makes the law something that is not purely instinctive； it is communicated by teaching and example.

2.2 The Influence of Identity Crisis

Mowglis conflict over his true identity expresses itself in less direct fashions as well.Clearly it is the source—along with an interdiction in the law—of his refusal to slay any human beings，though their plans for dealing with him contain no such scruples.It is perhaps also significant that Mowgli insists on assuming an invisible role during the extravagant vengeance he wreaks in “Letting in the Jungle”：The man pack shall not know what share I have in the sport.In spite of his announced hatred of men he apparently does not wish to be incriminated in his revenge against them.

2.3 Kiplings Imperialistic Superior Feelings

From the pattern of abandonment and Mowglis struggle between the jungle world and the village，we can see Kipling is rewriting his childhood.India feeds Kipling and makes him one of them yet above them，like Mowgli who is later to become the leader of the pack.Kipling loves India，but at that time the racial differences between the English and the Indians are considered irreversible as the differences between the man-cub and the animals.Undoubtedly Kipling believes India should submit to the British Empire and be at the command of superior civilization.We can see Kiplings imperial superiority and he is trying to apply his law to govern India and even the whole world.

3.Reflection of Kiplings Idealism Through His Idea of Law

Most of the tales in The Jungle Book take place in the jungle.Through a series of Mowglis stories，Kipling expresses himself，his idea of law，his idealism and his love for the primeval world—an ideal jungle world.

3.1 Ideal Man

Mowglis stories would be helpful to note that often the allegorical hero is not a real person as a generator of secondary personalities，which are partial aspects of himself.These agents stand for abstract ideas and they give a sort of life to intellectual conceptions.The writer is able to project clearly what goes on in the mind of the protagonist.It would therefore appear that the Mowgli fables are concerned with a single person，that is Mowgli.But Mowgli himself is not an individual：the shadow of Adam looms heavily on him.Mowgli may therefore be taken to stand for the generic Man.

3.2 Ideal World

Kipling is a man longing for a simpler world，in which individual rights could be protected，courage and self-discipline could be credited，and the sympathy for the weak could be ensured.All of these are very ideal.

4.Conclusion

As we have discussed so much above on Kipling，we can see that there are many reasons to ensure Kiplings popularity as one of the most significant writers in the English literature history.Kipling is a man who is neither pure dreamer nor plain doer.A being whose eyes are unwavering focused on the infinite and yet clearly sees what lies at his feet.

Reference：

[1]Q.N.Chen，“Nobel Prize Winning Novel Appreciation of the Award-Winning Novel，” Jiangsu Literature and Art Press，Jiang-su，1992.

[2]Rudyard Kipling，“The Jungle Book，” Dilithium Press Ltd，New Jersey，1989.