All that day Mowgli sat in the cave tending his fire-pot and dipping dry branches into it to see how they looked. He found a branch that satisfied him, and in the evening when Tabaqui came to the cave and told him rudely enough that he was wanted at the Council Rock, he laughed till Tabaqui ran away. Then Mowgli went to the Council, still laughing.

Question

—“Mowgli’s Brothers,” The Jungle Book,
Rudyard Kipling

Explain how the ending of the passage creates tension and might lead to a conflict.

Answer 1

The ending of the passage creates tension and foreshadows potential conflict by juxtaposing Mowgli's carefree, playful demeanor with the seriousness of the situation that awaits him at the Council Rock. Mowgli is engaged in a lighthearted activity, experimenting with branches and fire, which contrasts sharply with Tabaqui's rude and urgent summons. This contrast highlights Mowgli's naivety or perhaps his disregard for the gravity of the situation, suggesting that he may not be fully aware of the dangers or responsibilities he faces as a member of the jungle community.

Tabaqui's rudeness and the demand for Mowgli's presence at the Council Rock imply that something significant is at stake—likely a decision that could affect Mowgli and his standing within the jungle society. Mowgli's laughter in response to Tabaqui's harshness may suggest his confidence or arrogance but also hints at potential isolation from the other jungle inhabitants. This reaction could lead to conflict, especially if Mowgli’s lightheartedness is perceived as disrespect, or if the Council's discussions revolve around serious threats such as his relationship with the wolves, his human identity, or the potential danger from Shere Khan.

Thus, the ending implies an impending clash between Mowgli's carefree attitude and the serious, possibly contentious matters of the jungle's governance and culture, creating a palpable tension that suggests conflict may soon arise.