The Key Is Loyalty

In The Jungle Book and in The Graveyard Book, the authors showcase model behavior through their protagonists.  Kipling and Gaiman teach their readers’ lessons in how to properly behave and what people should strive to be.  One of the qualities that is emphasized often is loyalty.  In both stories, the protagonists, Mowgli and Bod, cling to those who protected and cared for them when they were in a fragile situation. 

With the help and guidance that the animals provide Mowgli, he develops a loyalty unrivaled by any other characters in the short stories.  For example, in “Mowgli’s Brothers” Mowgli saves Akela’s life, which is the most selfless display of gratitude he could give to Akela.  Akela steps up to defend Mowgli as he says, “it is certain that I must die, and my life is of no worth, or I would offer that in the man-cub’s place” (Kipling 20).  Mowgli recognizes this gesture as the purest sign of friendship and returns the favor.  His loyalty coincides with the Law of the Jungle that governs the animals.  In “The Law of the Jungle” poem, Rudyard Kipling writes, “For the strength of the Pack is the Wolf, and the strength of Wolf is the Pack” (Kipling 172).  The animals must rely on each other because in times of danger, they must trust the strength of their allies to overcome the danger.  Thus, loyalty is key in the law of the jungle and in surviving.  Because Mowgli grows up in an environment that caters to this belief, he emphasizes loyalty in his actions.

Although Bod is raised in a much different environment, he too develops loyalty to those who saved him initially from the man Jack.  Similar to Mowgli protecting Akela, Bod reacts in a similar way when the Jacks who are hunting him threaten his home.  After ensuring his childhood friend Scarlett is safely hidden, Bod returns to the graveyard.  Scarlett, worried about his safety, asks Bod why he does not just hide with her or run away; Bod replies, “this is my home, and I’m going to protect it” (Gaiman 264).  Additionally, Bod showcases his loyal nature when Jack Frost threatens Scarlett’s life.  Bod puts himself in harm’s way to protect his dear friend and demand’s that Jack let Scarlett go.  In both of these situations, Bod is bravely loyal and does not hesitate to put others or his home before himself.

While both Kipling and Gaiman’s stories involve moments of extreme danger, they are accompanied by acts of loyalty and bravery.  Through the use of characters like Mowgli and Bod, the authors successfully demonstrate that loyalty is a necessary component to survival in both the jungle and in the graveyard.