“He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.” -Muhammad Ali. Thus, being courageous will be rewarding. Bravery is key to pursuing victory. With courage comes success is the theme of Rudyard Kipling’s fictional story, Rikki-tikki-tavi.

Rikki Tikki is a determined character in this story. The text states, “he remembered that a full meal makes a slow mongoose, and if he wanted all his strength and quickness ready, he must keep himself thin.” (para. 34). This implies that Rikki-tikki’s determination for being a strong, quick mongoose is shown when he realized he shouldn’t eat a full meal. He knew a full meal may slow him down, putting him at a disadvantage against Nag and Nagaina. Additionally, Rikki-tikki said, “marks or no marks, do you think it is right for you to eat fledglings out of a nest?” (para. 25) This displays that Rikki-tikki stood up against the feared Nag for the sake of Darzee and his wife. He is determined to save his friends no matter the cost. Undoubtedly, Rikki-tikki-tavi proves to be a determined mongoose. …show more content…
For instance, “‘Son of the big man that killed Nag,’ she hissed, ‘stay still. I am not ready yet. Wait a little. Keep very still, all you three! If you move, I strike, and if you do not move, I strike. Oh, foolish people, who killed my Nag!’” (para. 84). Thus, this quote exhibits how Nagaina can be protective and vengeful of her loved ones. This is similar to Rikki-tikki because he is protective of his friends and family as well. Furthermore, “Nagaina spun clear round, forgetting everything for the sake of the one egg” (para. 91) This shows that Nagaina was protective when she left everything for the sake of her last egg. Rikki-tikki-tavi is also motivated to save his family and friends. For the reasons above, Nagaina demonstrates her protection for her family in the