"The White Seal", by Rudyard Kipling, explores the life of a young seal, Kotick, and the hardships he faces in the vast ocean. Also examined are the individual experiences that Kotick must endure as he becomes a leader and an adult. Though others do not agree with his actions, and it takes him many years to reach his goal, he perseveres and succeeds in his dream, and becomes a model leader in the process. The themes of bravery, leadership, individualism, and growth are used to depict the many ways that Kotick evolves in the story.

From the day of his birth, Kotick was different than others not only because of the color of his fur, but in his actions as well. Born to a brave father who fought for his family's place in the breeding grounds each year, Kotick was a natural leader; however, his greater characteristics of...