Just So Stories · Question
How does Just So Stories develop the theme of Cunning and Resourcefulness?
Answer
Just So Stories by Rudyard Kipling develops Cunning and Resourcefulness across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The Mariner uses his intelligence and a jackknife to outwit the Whale, creating a grating in its throat to prevent being eaten, highlighting how cleverness can overcome physical threats.
The small 'Stute Fish uses cleverness to avoid being eaten, and the Mariner uses his jackknife and suspenders to create a grating that changes the whale's diet forever.
The Parsee cleverly uses cake-crumbs to punish the Rhinoceros for his rudeness and theft.
The animals use their new patterns to hide, and the Ethiopian cleverly uses his fingers to create the Leopard's spots.
Evidence in the book
- How the Whale Got His Throat
The small 'Stute Fish uses cleverness to avoid being eaten, and the Mariner uses his jackknife and suspenders to create a grating that changes the whale's diet forever.
- How the Rhinoceros Got His Skin
The Parsee cleverly uses cake-crumbs to punish the Rhinoceros for his rudeness and theft.
- How the Leopard Got His Spots
The animals use their new patterns to hide, and the Ethiopian cleverly uses his fingers to create the Leopard's spots.
- The Elephant's Child
The Elephant's Child uses politeness and persistence, while the Bi-Coloured-Python-Rock-Snake employs clever knots to aid in the escape.
- The Beginning of the Armadillos
The Hedgehog and Tortoise use clever wordplay and adaptation to outsmart the Jaguar, leading to their transformation into Armadillos.
- How the First Letter Was Written
Taffy uses her drawing skills to convey a message, showing resourcefulness in solving a problem.
- The Cat That Walked by Himself
The Cat uses cleverness and patience to achieve his desires, making a bargain and waiting for the right moment to win the Woman's praise.
