How we cite our quotes: (Paragraph)
Quote #1
He spent all that day roaming over the house. He nearly drowned himself in the bath-tubs, put his nose into the ink on a writing-table, and burned it on the end of the big man's cigar, for he climbed up in the big man's lap to see how writing was done. (15)
The world inside the human's bungalow sure sounds dangerous, but it's a playful danger. Picture this scene with the Benny Hill theme in the background, and you'll see what we mean.
Quote #2
It was a large garden, only half cultivated, with bushes as big as summer-houses of Marshal Niel roses, lime and orange trees, clumps of bamboos, and thickets of high grass. Rikki-tikki licked his lips. "This is a splendid hunting-ground," he said, […]. (18)
Although it's technically a garden, this description invokes vast, untamed stretches of a jungle. But once it's "fully cultivated" instead of only "half cultivated," will the family even need Rikki-tikki anymore?
Quote #3
When he had lifted one-third of himself clear of the ground, he stayed balancing to and fro exactly as a dandelion-tuft balances in the wind, and he looked at Rikki-tikki with the wicked snake's eyes that never changed their expression, whatever the snake may be thinking of. (23)
Nag gets a little natural description with that "dandelion-tuft." Maybe not too sinister, but those snake eyes sure look evil.
Quote #4
Nag was thinking to himself, and watching the least little movement in the grass behind Rikki-tikki. (27)
Notice how Nagaina comes from the grass as if nature itself is preparing to strike Rikki-tikki. We can easily see which side of the man/nature equation the cobras will be on by their first appearances.
Quote #5
But just as Teddy was stooping, something flinched a little in the dust, and a tiny voice said; "Be careful. I am death!" (34)
Okay, okay, you get it, right? Well, look at just one more: do you see how the snakes' association with nature makes it seem as if nature itself is the danger? Do you see? Do you!? Oh, good.
Quote #6
"I will kill the big man and his wife, and the child if I can, and come away quietly. Then the bungalow will be empty, and Rikki-tikki will go." (55)
Not only is nature dangerous, but it's out to get you. The cobras wish to empty the house, as if trying to return it to a natural setting. Sure, it's not a day-after-tomorrow natural disaster, but still.
Quote #7
The big man had been wakened by the noise, and had fired both barrels of a shot-gun into Nag just behind the hood. (61)
Man isn't exactly powerless. The father can maintain his control over nature thanks to the power of his big ole' gun.
Quote #8
It was dark in the hole; and Rikki-tikki never knew when it might open out and give Nagaina room to turn and strike him. He held on savagely, and struck out his feet to act as brakes on the dark slope of the hot, moist earth. (101)
Nagaina's home is deep within the natural world. Literally. It's also the most dangerous place a creature like Rikki-tikki can venture. (Also, "hot" and "moist"? What's up with that description?)
Quote #9
When Rikki got to the house, Teddy and Teddy's mother (she looked very white still, for she had been fainting) and Teddy's father came out and almost cried over him; and that night he ate all that was given him till he could eat no more, and went to bed on Teddy's shoulder, […]. (107)
Rikki-tikki the wild mongoose becomes Rikki-tikki the domesticated mongoose. Nature-wise, he's sided with man in this game.