Final answer:
Nagaina's motives for wanting Rikki dead in 'Rikki-Tikki-Tavi' include her desire for vengeance following Nag's death, her instinct to protect her eggs and territory, and her view of Rikki as an enemy to her kind.
Step-by-step explanation:
Motivations of Nagaina in ‘Rikki-Tikki-Tavi’
In the story ‘Rikki-Tikki-Tavi’ by Rudyard Kipling, Rikki is a brave mongoose who becomes a part of a human family and takes on the role of their protector. Rikki claims that the big man killed Nag, who is one of the antagonistic cobras in the tale. Despite this, Nagaina, Nag's mate, continues to seek revenge and wants Rikki dead. Nagaina's motives are driven by several factors.
Firstly, her thirst for vengeance is due to the death of her partner, Nag, which is a personal loss for her. This kind of revenge is rooted in the emotion of grief and the desire for retribution. Secondly, Nagaina's drive to kill Rikki can also be seen as an instinctive response to protect her eggs and her territory from what she perceives as a threat. In the animal kingdom, such behaviors are common and are driven by survival instincts. Lastly, as Rikki has aligned himself with the human family, Nagaina sees him as an enemy to her kind and her way of life, reinforcing her motive to remove the threat he poses to ensure the safety and continuation of her lineage.
Understanding Nagaina's motivations in this story requires a comprehension of the complex interplay between personal loss, survival instincts, and the battle for territory that is woven into the narrative of 'Rikki-Tikki-Tavi.' While her actions are portrayed as villainous, they stem from natural instincts and emotional responses that anyone can empathize with.