Reading Notes: More Jataka Tales, Part B

Plot Structure:

Exposition: The narrator introduces the readers to a hunchback or dwarf (some type of small human) with an exceptional talent for archery. The bowman wants to work for the king as one of his soldiers, but he believes the king will refuse to accept him because of his small stature. So, the bowman decides a way around this is to pretend to be the page of a strong-looking man; that way, both of them can join the king's army as a duo.

Rising Action: The bowman comes across the perfect candidate for his plan. He tells the strong man that he can do less work and get better pay by acting out the part of the soldier while the bowman secretly uses his archery skills. They meet with the king, and the king agrees to take both of them and pay them well. The king sends the soldier on several missions. First, he sends him to kill a tiger that had been preying on people in his kingdom. The hunchback bowman kills the tiger. Next, the king sends them to kill a buffalo, and the bowman takes care of that, too. At this point, the strong man is receiving so many accolades that he thinks he does not need the hunchback anymore. He treats the bowman poorly.

Climax: A neighboring king decides to threaten to take over the kingdom. The king sends the bowman to fight this king with the army. The strong man is terrified, and the hunchback tries to reassure him. However, the strong man runs away from the battle, and the hunchback leads the army.

Falling Action: The little bowman helps win the battle for his king and then takes the victorious army back to the kingdom. 

Resolution: The hunchback finally receives the praise he deserves from the king and other people, and he becomes the leader of the king's army.

(Image Info: Archer by Hans Leonard Schaufelein; Source: Wikimedia)

Bibliography: The Brave Little Bowman from More Jataka Tales by Ellen C. Babbitt