The Law of the Jungle
The narrative explores the intricate laws governing the animal kingdom, particularly focusing on the wolves. It emphasizes the importance of community, cooperation, and respect for hierarchy within the pack. The laws are presented in a rhythmic, poetic format, highlighting their significance and the consequences of breaking them. The central tenet is that the strength of the pack relies on the strength of each individual wolf, and vice versa. The laws dictate various aspects of life, including hygiene, hunting practices, and social interactions. They stress the importance of maintaining peace with other jungle inhabitants, such as tigers and bears, and outline the protocols for conflict resolution among packs. Key laws include the necessity of hunting silently, the prohibition against killing for pleasure, and the rights of individual wolves regarding their kills and lairs. The narrative also addresses the roles of mothers and fathers within the pack, emphasizing their rights to care for their young and hunt independently. The overarching message is one of obedience to the established laws, which are portrayed as essential for survival and prosperity in the jungle. The work serves as a moral guide, illustrating the balance between individual needs and communal responsibilities.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1894 · Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Children's Literature · 934 words
First lines
Just to give you an idea of the immense variety of the Jungle Law, I have translated into verse (Baloo always recited them in a sort of sing-song) a few of the laws that apply to the wolves. There are, of course, hundreds and hundreds more, but these will do for specimens of the simpler rulings.
Now this is the Law of the Jungle -- as old and as true as the sky; And the Wolf that shall keep it may prosper, but the Wolf that shall break it must die.
What this Textopian page supports
The Law of the Jungle is listed on Textopian as a short story by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1894 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Rudyard Kipling
- Date: 1894 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Children's Literature, Fable, Poetry
- Length: 934 words
- Structure: 1 section, 20 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Law of the Jungle by Rudyard Kipling
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Law of the Jungle?
- How does this short story by Rudyard Kipling fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Adventure first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Jungle Books by Rudyard Kipling
- Letting In The Jungle by Rudyard Kipling
- The Boy And Snake by Charles Lamb
- The Hunter And The Horseman by Esopo
- Outsong In The Jungle by Rudyard Kipling
- The Kingdom Of The Lion by Esopo
Genres
- Adventure — The narrative involves exploration and survival in a jungle setting, highlighting the challenges faced by the characters.
- Fantasy — The story features anthropomorphic animals and a mythical interpretation of jungle life, creating a fantastical world.
- Children's Literature — The book is often aimed at younger audiences, using simple language and moral lessons suitable for children.
- Fable — The work conveys moral lessons through the laws of the jungle, akin to traditional fables.
Tags
jungle · law · animals · survival · nature · adventure · friendship · loyalty · conflict · tribe · instinct · fable