Question

4. Next, consider this example: Throughout the story, Akela’s words and actions show him to be an honorable leader who upholds the law of the jungle as best he can. He also knows that the law of the jungle states that when he cannot bring down his buck, the other wolves must kill him and choose another leader. However, when the council meets and Mowgli masters the wolves, the narrator says:
Akela, the grim old wolf who had never asked for mercy in his life, gave one piteous look at Mowgli…
Is Akela appealing to Mowgli’s respect for the law or his sense of compassion? Support your answer with evidence from the text.

Answer 1

In this case, Akela is appealing to Mowgli's sense of compassion.  When one gives a look of pity, he knows that Mowgli has a tough decision to make, especially since Akela has always abided by the laws of the jungle.  But in order for Akela to live, he must appeal to Mowgli's sense of compassion for life of all creatures thereby putting the law of the jungle by the waist side.  The evidence is not really presented here, so you will need to look for pieces of evidence that show Mowgli being a compassionate character.