These are great questions to ask Rudyard Kipling! Here are my thoughts on each and why they would be interesting to discuss with him:
-
How did you come up with the idea for The Jungle Book?
- This question would shed light on the inspiration and creative process behind one of his most famous works.
-
Does Mowgli remind you of anyone you know?
- Asking this would give insight into whether he drew from real-life experiences or people when creating his characters.
-
Why do you think so many people still love your stories many years after they were written?
- This question allows him to reflect on the timelessness and universality of his themes, which could lead to a rich discussion about literature's impact.
-
Which character in The Jungle Book is your favorite? Which is your least favorite?
- This would provide a personal perspective on his creations and reveal more about his feelings toward the characters and their arcs.
-
What was the most difficult part of the story to write? Why?
- Understanding his challenges could illuminate the complexities of his writing process and the struggles that all writers face.
-
How might you change the story if you rewrote it today?
- This could lead to an interesting conversation about how societal values and perspectives have changed since he wrote The Jungle Book.
-
What is The Jungle Book’s most important message?
- This question would allow him to express the core themes he intended to convey, and it could lead to a deeper analysis of the story's relevance.
Each question has the potential to unlock fascinating discussions about Kipling's life, his writing process, and the themes of his work.