James’s parents were killed by a rhinoceros in the story. The rhino is also used as a symbol of James’s fear and loss, which is why it keeps appearing as a dark, storm-like presence in his life.

Quick Scoop

  • In the book, James becomes an orphan after his parents are eaten by a runaway rhinoceros.
  • The aunts then raise him cruelly, which adds to the sense of loneliness and danger around him.

If you want, I can also explain what the rhinoceros symbolizes in the story in a super simple way.