Just So Stories · Question
How does Just So Stories develop the theme of Communication and Misunderstanding?
Answer
Just So Stories by Rudyard Kipling develops Communication and Misunderstanding across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
Taffy's attempt to send a message through pictures leads to a comedic series of misinterpretations and chaos, showing how early forms of communication can be easily misunderstood.
The whale misunderstands the nature of 'Man' and the Mariner's intentions, leading to a series of events that alter his biology.
Taffy's picture letter is misinterpreted by Teshumai, leading to a tribal uproar, illustrating the pitfalls of early communication.
The chapter focuses on the invention of a written alphabet to avoid past misunderstandings, such as Taffy's earlier picture-letter mistake, and to enable clear communication without spoken words.
Evidence in the book
- How the Whale Got His Throat
The whale misunderstands the nature of 'Man' and the Mariner's intentions, leading to a series of events that alter his biology.
- How the First Letter Was Written
Taffy's picture letter is misinterpreted by Teshumai, leading to a tribal uproar, illustrating the pitfalls of early communication.
- How the Alphabet Was Made
The chapter focuses on the invention of a written alphabet to avoid past misunderstandings, such as Taffy's earlier picture-letter mistake, and to enable clear communication without spoken words.
- The Cat That Walked by Himself
The Cat's independent nature and the Woman's bargains highlight the nuances of communication and the misunderstandings between wild and tame.
- The Butterfly That Stamped
The butterfly's lie to his wife and the queens' misinterpretation of the palace's disappearance highlight misunderstandings.
