Mowgli's survival in The Jungle Book, written by Rudyard Kipling, is entirely dependent on his willingness and ability to learn and follow Jungle Law. Very rarely does the reader see Mowgli disobey the Law, and never purposefully. When this occurs Mowgli is punished very severely for his transgression, both by his mentors and with being placed in an incredibly dangerous situation. When compared to Mowgli's (almost) complete obedience to the Law, the reader sees a large distinction to Bod of The Graveyard Book, written by Neil Gaiman. There are numerous occasions in The Graveyard Book where Bod consciously chooses to disobey the Law, and meets with mixed results because of this. The fact that Bod is able to weigh the costs and benefits of disobeying the Law, and then act accordingly based on his evaluation, sets him apart from Mowgli. Due to this difference between the two protagonists, the reader is able to infer that Kipling placed a greater importance on strict obedience to the Law than Gaiman, who allows Bod to bend the Law when he feels it is necessary.
One of the few instances during The Jungle Book in which Mowgli breaks Jungle Law is during "Kaa's Hunting." Mowgli has not been warned by Baloo to never associate with the Bandar-Log, and as a result he spends time with them, "...and then they gave me nuts and pleasant things to eat..and said I was their blood-brother..and should be their leader one day" (Page 30). For his mistake, Mowgli is met with a long, harsh tongue-lashing by Baloo. For breaking the Law, even unknowingly, Mowgli receives stern punishment. This story illustrates Kipling's views on the importance and unquestionable nature of the Law; it is the duty of all citizens to know it and follow it completely.
Bod breaks Graveyard Law many times, but never as successfully as Chapter Four, "The Witch's Headstone." He is told countless times never to leave the graveyard because he cannot be protected outside of its borders, but Bod feels such great empathy for Elizabeth Hempstock, due to her being buried on unconsecrated ground without a headstone, that he decides to risk a trip into the living world. Bod is met with all kinds of peril, but ends up able to find a beautifully colored paperweight to use as a headstone for Liza. Due to his display of kindness, he gains a very valuable friend in Liza when she shows her approval of her new headstone, "'Not bad,' said a pert voice from the Potter's Field behind him. 'Not bad at all.'" Liza will in return help Bod on his journeys several times. Bod bends Graveyard Law when it is to help another individual, the good of a person surpasses the good of the Law.
By comparing these two stories to one another, the reader can hash out themes and viewpoints of the respective authors of both books. Kipling implies that a strict adherence to the Law is completely necessary, and even a slight misstep is reason enough for punishment. However, Gaiman suggests that in some situations, a bending of the Law is acceptable if it is necessary to help another person.
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