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.