# Cunning and Resourcefulness in Just So Stories

> Theme guide for Just So Stories by Rudyard Kipling.

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.

## Where it surfaces

- [How the Whale Got His Throat](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/just_so_stories_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/just_so_stories_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/just_so_stories_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/just_so_stories_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/just_so_stories_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/just_so_stories_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/just_so_stories_se/chapters/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.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/just_so_stories_se/themes/cunning_and_resourcefulness
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/just_so_stories_se/themes