What Happened to Justin in The Rats of NIMH?
Justin's fate in The Rats of NIMH is presented differently depending on whether one refers to the original novel by Robert C. O'Brien or the subsequent books written by Jane Leslie Conly. This character's journey reflects a notable divergence between the initial narrative and its continuations.
Justin's Fate Across the Series
To provide a clear understanding, here's a breakdown of Justin's outcome in the different literary works:
| Aspect | Original Story (Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien) | Sequels (Racso and the Rats of NIMH, etc. by Jane Leslie Conly) |
|---|---|---|
| Author's Portrayal | O'Brien hints at a tragic end. | Conly explicitly keeps him alive. |
| Specific Outcome | Strongly implied that he sacrificed his life while attempting to rescue another fallen rat, suggesting he perished. | He is alive and well, continuing his crucial role within the community of rats. |
Details of His Fate
In Robert C. O'Brien's critically acclaimed novel, Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, Justin is depicted as a courageous and highly intelligent rat who plays a pivotal role in the rats' complex society and their daring plans for a new, independent life. As the story concludes, there is a compelling suggestion that Justin makes the ultimate sacrifice. The narrative hints that he bravely returned to save a fellow rat who had fallen, an act of heroism that strongly implies he did not survive the ordeal. This leaves his specific fate somewhat ambiguous in the original text, leading many readers to infer his demise during this valiant rescue attempt.
Conversely, in the official sequels penned by Jane Leslie Conly, starting with Racso and the Rats of NIMH, a different destiny is established for Justin. Conly chose to reverse the implied tragic ending from the original, presenting Justin as unequivocally alive and well. In these subsequent stories, he continues to be an integral and active member of the rats' community, ensuring his enduring presence and contribution to their ongoing adventures. This creative decision provides a more hopeful and continued future for the beloved character within the expanded narrative.
The varying outcomes illustrate how a character's story can evolve and be interpreted across different authors and literary works, offering distinct conclusions to his significant role among the Rats of NIMH.
