The protagonists of almost all the stories of The Jungle Book—all three Mowgli chapters; Kotick, the white seal; and Little Toomai—are all children, or as they're known in the jungle, cubs or pups. But there comes a time when all cubs and pups must grow up into big-bad bears or bulls or men. And that time is usually near the end of a story, when things are getting nice and dramatic.
Questions About Coming of Age
- What moments mark the transition for Mowgli/Kotick/Toomai from child to adult? How can you tell?
- Is the jungle's version of adult different than society's version? If so, how? And if not, explain the overlap.
- Were any of these characters actually children to begin with? Why or why not?