Introduction: Overview of Elephant Run and Bukong

Elephant Run is a historical fiction novel written by Roland Smith, set in 1941 during World War II in Burma. The story follows fourteen-year-old Nick Freestone, who is sent to live with his father’s friend, a wealthy plantation owner, in the Burmese jungle. There, Nick befriends a local Burmese boy named Mya, and a skilled elephant handler, or mahout, named Bukong. Bukong plays a significant role in the story, and this article will explore his character in depth.

Bukong’s Introduction and Background

Bukong is first introduced in the novel as the mahout responsible for overseeing the elephants on the plantation. He is an older man, with a weathered face and a kind demeanor. Bukong was born and raised in Burma, and has been working with elephants since he was a young boy. He is highly respected among the other mahouts and is known for his expertise with elephants.

Bukong’s Relationship with Nick

Nick and Bukong develop a close relationship early on in the novel. Nick is fascinated by the elephants and is eager to learn from Bukong. Bukong, in turn, sees potential in Nick and takes him under his wing. He teaches Nick how to communicate with the elephants and how to ride them. Bukong becomes a mentor figure to Nick, and their bond only grows stronger as the story progresses.

Bukong’s Role as a Mahout

As the lead mahout on the plantation, Bukong is responsible for the care and training of the elephants. He is highly skilled in all aspects of elephant handling, from feeding and bathing them to training them for work in the jungle. Bukong takes his job seriously and is committed to ensuring the well-being of the elephants under his care.

Bukong’s Expertise with Elephants

Bukong’s expertise with elephants is unmatched. He has spent his entire life working with them and has a deep understanding of their behavior and needs. He is able to communicate with them using a combination of voice commands and physical cues, and is able to train them to perform complex tasks with ease.

Bukong’s Loyalty to Nick

Bukong is fiercely loyal to Nick and will do whatever it takes to protect him. He sees Nick as a surrogate son and is willing to put himself in danger to keep him safe. Bukong’s loyalty to Nick is tested many times throughout the novel, but he never wavers in his commitment to him.

Bukong’s Contribution to the Plot

Bukong’s role in the plot of Elephant Run is significant. He is instrumental in helping Nick and Mya escape from the plantation when the Japanese invade. He also plays a key role in the resistance movement against the Japanese, using his expertise with elephants to help transport supplies and people through the jungle.

Bukong’s Impact on the Other Characters

Bukong has a profound impact on the other characters in the novel. He is a calming presence in the midst of chaos, and his wisdom and expertise are valued by everyone around him. He helps Nick and Mya navigate the complex world of the Burmese jungle, and his guidance is crucial to their survival.

Bukong’s Symbolic Representation

Bukong can be seen as a symbol of the wisdom and resilience of the Burmese people. He embodies the values of loyalty, hard work, and respect for nature that are central to Burmese culture. His expertise with elephants represents the deep connection that many Burmese people have with the natural world around them.

Bukong’s Controversial Actions

Bukong’s actions are not always without controversy. He makes some tough decisions throughout the novel that have serious consequences. For example, he decides to sacrifice one of the elephants to distract the Japanese soldiers, a decision that is not easy for him.

Bukong’s Ultimate Fate

Bukong’s ultimate fate is tragic. He sacrifices himself to save Nick and Mya from the Japanese soldiers, demonstrating his loyalty and courage until the very end. His death is a sobering reminder of the brutality of war and the sacrifices that people must make to protect those they love.

Conclusion: Bukong’s Significance in Elephant Run

In conclusion, Bukong is a complex and multi-dimensional character in Elephant Run. He represents the wisdom and resilience of the Burmese people, and his expertise with elephants is crucial to the survival of the other characters. His loyalty to Nick and his commitment to the resistance movement make him a hero in the eyes of the other characters, and his tragic death is a powerful reminder of the cost of war. Overall, Bukong’s character is an essential part of the novel, and his impact on the story and the other characters is significant.