Imagine you could meet Rudyard Kipling. Check the questions you might ask him.

How did you come up with the idea for The Jungle Book?
Does Mowgli remind you of anyone you know?
Why do you think so many people still love your stories many years after they were written?
Which character in The Jungle Book is your favorite? Which is your least favorite?
What was the most difficult part of the story to write? Why?
How might you change the story if you rewrote it today?
What is The Jungle Book’s most important message?

1 answer

These are great questions to ask Rudyard Kipling! Here are my thoughts on each and why they would be interesting to discuss with him:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.