English Literary Genres Questions Long
In Rudyard Kipling's 'The Jungle Book', the portrayal of imperialism is evident through various themes and elements present in the story. Imperialism refers to the policy or practice of extending a country's power and influence through colonization, economic dominance, or political control over other territories. Kipling's work reflects the imperialistic mindset prevalent during the time of British colonial rule in India.
One of the main ways imperialism is portrayed in 'The Jungle Book' is through the character of Mowgli, a young boy raised by wolves in the Indian jungle. Mowgli represents the colonized subject, while the animals in the jungle symbolize the colonizers. The British Empire, in this case, is metaphorically represented by the character of Shere Khan, the tiger who seeks to dominate and control the jungle.
The story also highlights the concept of the "White Man's Burden," a phrase coined by Kipling himself in another work. This idea suggests that it is the duty of the white colonizers to civilize and educate the native populations they encounter. In 'The Jungle Book', this is depicted through the character of Bagheera, the black panther who acts as a mentor and guide to Mowgli. Bagheera represents the benevolent colonizer who believes it is his responsibility to shape and mold Mowgli according to his own cultural values.
Furthermore, the presence of the British colonial administration is subtly hinted at in the story. The character of Colonel Hathi, the pompous and authoritarian elephant, represents the British military and administrative presence in India. His strict adherence to rules and regulations reflects the oppressive nature of imperialism.
Another aspect of imperialism portrayed in 'The Jungle Book' is the exploitation of resources. The British Empire was notorious for exploiting the natural resources of the colonies for their own economic gain. In the story, this is depicted through the character of King Louie, the orangutan who desires to possess the "red flower" (fire) that humans possess. This desire for fire symbolizes the desire for power and control over resources.
Overall, Kipling's 'The Jungle Book' serves as a critique of imperialism by highlighting the power dynamics, cultural assimilation, and exploitation that were prevalent during the time of British colonial rule. Through the use of animal characters and a captivating narrative, Kipling effectively portrays the complexities and consequences of imperialism in a thought-provoking manner.