One theme from Rikki Tikki Tavi would be courage. Rikki has to fight<span> two cobras, Nag and Nagaina, to protect his garden and Teddy. He is frightened of them because they are stronger and bigger than he is, but he overcomes his fear and fights them anyway.</span>
I have read this book before. The ship is a metaphor for The USA after the assassination of Abe Lincoln during the <em>Reconstruction Period</em>
An art song is usually for solo voice and is accompanied by solo piano. (Just as a side note, I recommend listening to the Erlking by Schubert if you have time; it's a German art song (lied))
The last one has the correct punctuation and adverb
