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Chapter Analysis
Intermediate10 pages • EnglishQuick Summary
The chapter 'The Tiger King' by Kalki narrates the story of Maharaja Sir Jilani Jung Jung Bahadur, also known as the Tiger King, who is foretold by astrologers to meet his death from a tiger. Determined to defy the prophecy, he embarks on a mission to kill one hundred tigers. Despite the obstacles and dangers he faces, including political manipulations and scarcity of tigers, he persists until he inadvertently fulfills the prophecy, as his death is caused indirectly by a toy tiger.
Key Topics
- •Prophecy and Destiny
- •Satire on the Conceit of Power
- •Man versus Nature
- •Irony and Dramatic Irony
- •Political Maneuvering
- •Colonial Influence and Authority
- •Obsession and Tragic Flaws
- •Conservation and Ecology
Learning Objectives
- ✓Understand and identify the use of satire in literature.
- ✓Analyze the theme of fate versus free will.
- ✓Evaluate the impact of character flaws on personal outcomes.
- ✓Explore the influence of colonialism on local politics.
- ✓Reflect on the ethical implications of human interaction with nature.
- ✓Discuss how dramatic irony contributes to narrative effectiveness.
Questions in Chapter
The story is a satire on the conceit of those in power. How does the author employ the literary device of dramatic irony in the story?
Page 17
What is the author’s indirect comment on subjecting innocent animals to the willfulness of human beings?
Page 17
How would you describe the behaviour of the Maharaja’s minions towards him? Do you find them truly sincere towards him or are they driven by fear when they obey him? Do we find a similarity in today’s political order?
Page 17
Can you relate instances of game-hunting among the rich and the powerful in the present times that illustrate the callousness of human beings towards wildlife?
Page 17
We need a new system for the age of ecology — a system which is embedded in the care of all people and also in the care of the Earth and all life upon it. Discuss.
Page 17
Additional Practice Questions
Why did the Maharaja embark on a mission to kill a hundred tigers?
mediumAnswer: The Maharaja was determined to defy the prophecy made by the astrologers that he would meet his death from a tiger, so he vowed to kill one hundred tigers.
What role does the Dewan play in the Maharaja’s quest to kill a hundred tigers?
easyAnswer: The Dewan acts as an advisor and helper, although often quite comically, as he tries to ensure the Maharaja achieves his goal without realizing the consequences.
Analyze the use of satire in 'The Tiger King'.
hardAnswer: The story uses satire to criticize the vanity and recklessness of rulers, especially how they can be blind to consequences, as seen in the Maharaja’s careless pursuit of tigers that ultimately leads to his downfall.
Discuss the theme of destiny versus free will in the story.
hardAnswer: The story explores the struggle between destiny and free will, as the Maharaja attempts to alter his fate by killing tigers, yet ultimately falls victim to the prophecy, suggesting the power and inevitability of destiny.
How does the author highlight the Maharaja’s transformation throughout the narrative?
mediumAnswer: The Maharaja transforms from a determined young king dedicated to his task to a paranoid and obsessive ruler, whose desperation underscores his tragic flaw.
Evaluate the significance of the ending in 'The Tiger King'.
mediumAnswer: The ending serves as a culmination of dramatic irony where the Maharaja, despite his efforts, is killed by a mere wooden toy tiger, symbolizing the futility of trying to escape fate.
What societal commentaries does Kalki make through the story?
mediumAnswer: Kalki critiques societal issues such as the misuse of power, the superficiality of rulers, and the impact of blind obedience, highlighting the broader impact of such behaviours on society.
Why is the Maharaja concerned about the British officers' intentions in the story?
easyAnswer: The Maharaja is concerned about the British officers hunting in his state as it could lead to political repercussions and undermine his authority or disrupt his hunt.
Analyze the Maharaja’s relationship with his subjects in 'The Tiger King'.
hardAnswer: The Maharaja’s relationship with his subjects is marked by fear and authority, where his subjects’ actions are dictated by his whims, reflecting a detached and authoritative rule.