The Enormous Crocodile (1)
The title character is a very elastic figure when it comes to symbolism. The specificity of symbolism is dependent upon the context in which he interacts. In the opening sequence in the muddy river alongside the Notsobig One, the Enormous Crocodile symbolizes dissatisfaction with life and the willingness to risk what one has for the low odds of an unlikely payoff of something better.
Notsobig One
Notsobig One is only present for the opening scene is never heard from again. He stands in contrast to the Enormous Crocodile in symbolizing the wisdom of enjoying what one has in life. His rejection of the idea of eating children because “they are tough and chew and nasty and bitter” may represent a genuine expression of his contentment with his lot in life or it may be an expression of “sour grapes” because he knows he can never actually trap them as prey. It doesn’t matter which, however, because both perspectives situate him as a symbol of practical utilitarian philosophy.
The Enormous Crocodile (2)
When the Enormous Crocodile is making his way through the jungle and coming into contact with other animals, his value as symbol undergoes a transformation. The crocodile tells Notsobig One that whereas he failed in his previous attempt to trap kids as prey, he will succeed this time because he has developed “secret plans and clever tricks.” He also boasts to the other crocodile of his bravery and cleverness. As he crosses path with other animals, he tells them of his plan to go to town and use nasty tricks to lure kids for consumption. This raises his self-confidence in his own bravery and smarts to the level of tragic flaw, making him a symbol of the ancient Greek concept of hubris: excessive pride which leads inexorably to a downfall.
The Another Animals
The hippo, the monkey, the Roly-Poly bird and the elephant are all beneficiaries of the crocodile’s hubris. As a result, they are prepared beforehand to come to the rescue of kids who fall victim to the crocodile’s many disguises. Although each animal shows up individual to thwart a specific implementation of the croc’s dastardly strategy, they wind up working together to stop him completely. As a result, all four of the other jungle animals become symbols of how advanced planning and teamwork can stop disasters from occurring.
The Enormous Crocodile (3)
The Enormous Crocodile does not choose to launch his secret plans and dirty tricks to lure children into his jaws in places one might expect: isolated places where kids might get lost wandering. Instead, he specifically chooses to enter into the belly of the beast, picking out exact locations where kids congregate, such as a grove of coconut trees, a playground, a fair, and picnic grounds. In each of these locations he tries to fit in using a disguise that makes him less conspicuous and more like he belongs there. It is at this point that the crocodile transforms in the story’s darkest symbol: the pedophile, abductor or child killer who is most dangerous to kids precisely because he does seem dangerously out of place among them.
