Background of Mowgli and Tarzan
Mowgli and Tarzan are both fictional characters who were raised by animals in the wilderness. Mowgli, created by Rudyard Kipling, is a young Indian boy who is adopted by a pack of wolves in the jungles of India. He learns to survive in the wild and befriends various animals, including Baloo the bear and Bagheera the panther. On the other hand, Tarzan, created by Edgar Rice Burroughs, is an English nobleman’s son who is orphaned in Africa. He is raised by apes and becomes the “king of the jungle.”
Similarities Between Mowgli and Tarzan
- Wilderness Upbringing: Both Mowgli and Tarzan are raised in the wilderness, far from human civilization. This unique upbringing gives them exceptional survival skills and a deep connection with the animal kingdom.
- Animal Companions: Both characters befriend various animals who become their trusted allies and mentors. Mowgli connects with wolves, bears, and panthers, while Tarzan forms bonds with gorillas, lions, and elephants.
- Superior Physical Abilities: Raised in harsh environments, both Mowgli and Tarzan develop extraordinary physical capabilities. They possess exceptional strength, agility, and instinctual prowess.
- Cultural Identity: Despite their wilderness upbringing, both characters struggle with their cultural identities. Mowgli questions where he truly belongs, torn between his wild animal family and his human origins. Similarly, Tarzan faces an inner conflict of being both human and ape.
Differences Between Mowgli and Tarzan
- Geographical Setting: Mowgli’s story takes place in the jungles of India, while Tarzan’s adventures occur in the African wilderness. The contrasting landscapes significantly shape their experiences and encounters.
- Human Interaction: Mowgli has more exposure to human society, encountering characters like the British colonialists and the village girl, while Tarzan has limited interaction with humans until later in his story.
- Skills and Abilities: Although both characters possess exceptional physical abilities, their skill sets differ. Mowgli is renowned for his wit, agility, and ability to communicate with animals through his celebrity-level “Jungle Book” storytelling talent. Tarzan, on the other hand, focuses more on his prowess as a hunter and his ability to swing through the trees using vines.
In conclusion, while Mowgli and Tarzan share some similarities due to their wilderness upbringings and animal companions, they are not truly the same. They hail from different geographical locations, have distinct cultural identities, and develop unique sets of physical skills. Both characters have their individual charm and have left an indelible mark on the world of literature and entertainment. Whether you resonate more with the jungles of India or the African wilderness, the adventures of Mowgli and Tarzan continue to captivate audiences of all ages.