Literary Elements and Devices in Rikki Tikki Tavi

Learning objectives:

Analyze elements of the plot in the story you read, “Rikki-tikki-tavi”

Conflict Characters & characterization Theme Symbolism Figurative language Foreshadowing & suspense

Literary Elements

Summarize the Story- 2 Strategies Somebody Wanted But So

ICER Introduction of setting/characters Conflict Events Resolution

Conflict

Types of Conflict Man vs. Man

Rikki Tikki Vs. Nag; Rikki Vs. Karait; Rikki vs. Karait Man vs. Nature

Rikki vs. flood Man vs. Society

Rikki vs. fear of having the mongoose around Teddy (Alice)

Man vs. Self Rikki was a young a mongoose without much

experience. He struggled in the beginning with insecurity about fighting the cobras.

Conflict

What is the primary conflict in this story? The cobras want to regain control and superiority

in the garden and plan to do so by killing the family and then Rikki. Rikki wants to protect himself and the family by killing the snakes.

What type is this? Man vs. Man (or rather

Creature vs. Creature)

Characters

Who is the protagonist, the main character? Rikki-tikki-tavi

How would you describe him? Brave – conflict with Karait, Nag, Nagaina Smart – the plan with Darzee to get the eggs Curious – nightly walk around th e house Friendly – met the animals in the garden and

and worked with them friendly and loyal to the family

Characters Who is the antagonist? Who opposes the

protagonist? Nag/Nagaina

How are they described in the story?

Evil - terrorize the garden Dangerous – threaten Rikki & family For interfering Protective (of each other and eggs) Sneaky – hatch a plan to kill the family sneaks up on Rikki

Minor Characters The Family

Teddy The Big Man Teddy’s Mother)

Rikki’s Friends Darzee (flat) Darzee’s Wife (flat) Chuchundra (flat) courage of Rikki and

contrasted that with the cowardice of Chuchundra the muskrat

Theme

A theme is the main idea or message conveyed by the piece

What some topics related to the central ideas of the story? Courage – The story emphasized the courage of

Rikki facing the cobras. Teamwork– Rikki conquers the cobras with help

from his friends in the garden. Survival – Survival is the motivating factor

behind the actions of all characters involved. Even the cobras killed only for food and to protect their way of life.

Theme

Was there a lesson or moral to be learned? Courage will help you overcome obstacles.

In order to survive and navigate the obstacles of life, we may need to cooperate with others .

Symbolism

Symbolism is the use of specific objects or images to represent abstract ideas

For example, in “Rikki-tikki-tavi”, Rikki’s “red and hot” eyes represent his anger

Common Symbols in Literature

Good VS. Evil Garden symbolizes good. The cobras symbolize evil.

Figurative Language

Descriptive language that is not meant to be taken literally, but to create imagery

Metaphor – direct comparison of unrelated subjects Equates two ideas despite their differences “I am death” “He sat stone still.”

Simile – uses words such as “like” or “as” to compare ideas Allows two ideas to remain distinct in spite of their

similarities “…balancing to and fro exactly as a dandelion tuft

balances in the wind.” “She flew like an arrow down the path.”

Personification

Type of figurative language that describes something which isn’t human as having human qualities “Fear knocked on the door. Faith answered.

There was no one there.” – English proverb

Anthropomorphism is a literary device that takes this idea a little bit further, giving uniquely human characteristics to non-humans “Rikki-tikki-tavi” is based entirely on this device.

The animals all talk, plan, and are even implicated as being good or evil

Foreshadowing

Foreshadowing occurs when future events in a story are suggested by the author before they actually happened.

For example, in “Rikki-tikki-tavi”: "He'll do no such thing," said the father.

"Teddy's safer with that little beast than if he had a bloodhound to watch him. If a snake came into the nursery now--"

The statement by the father foreshadows the conflict with Nag and Nagaina that occurs later in the story

Foreshadowing- hints or clues about what will happen nextWhat clues did the author give that

foreshadows Rikki Tikki’s eventual victory?

Opening line of the story Nag’s being afraid of of Rikki Rikki’s enjoyment of fighting Rikki’s self confidence Rikki’s conflict with Nag/Nagaina Rikki killing Nag Rikki Vs. Karait

Mood/Suspense

Mood refers to the general sense or feeling the reader is supposed to get from the text.

What kind of mood do you sense in the story? The bulk of the story is suspenseful as the

conflict develops, but the end delivers relief and joy as the garden and the family celebrate the end of Nag and Nagaina

How did the author build suspense?

The conflicts in the story combined with the details leave the reader anxious and guessing.

Lines 111-1112 ( movement of the grass) Lines 116 (Darzee’s frantic cry) Lines 118-119 (description of Nagaina’s

head; “savage hiss” Lines 121 -124 – describe Rikki as

inexperienced & not knowing how to kill a cobra

Questions?This a review of literary elements for the midterm

and the TDW Quiz tomorrow

Exit Ticket

Before you leave, respond to the following prompt on a sheet of notebook paper.

Rate your understanding of today’s lesson out or 4 (4 meaning you totally got it) . Explain the reason for your rating.