Question

How does the story satirize the pride and arrogance of those in power?

Hint:

When answering satire-based questions, identify exaggeration, irony, and the final outcome of the character. These elements usually highlight the author’s criticism.

Answer 1

Concept: In the chapter "The Tiger King" by Kalki, satire is used as a literary device to criticize the foolishness, pride, and arrogance of rulers. Satire exposes the weaknesses of people in authority by presenting them in a humorous yet critical manner.
Explanation: The story satirizes the pride and arrogance of those in power through the character of the Tiger King, the Maharaja of Pratibandapuram. From his birth, astrologers predict that he will die because of a tiger. Instead of accepting fate, the king arrogantly challenges it and decides to kill all the tigers in his kingdom.
His excessive pride is shown in his obsession with hunting. He believes that by killing a hundred tigers, he can defeat destiny itself. This exaggeration mocks the foolish belief of powerful rulers that they can control everything, even fate.
The king’s arrogance also leads him to misuse his authority. He threatens officials, marries for political advantage to gain access to more tigers, and prioritizes his personal ambition over the welfare of his people. The ministers and courtiers blindly support him, highlighting how those in power are often surrounded by flatterers who encourage their foolish decisions.
Ironically, despite killing ninety-nine tigers, the king is eventually killed by a wooden toy tiger. This humorous and unexpected ending intensifies the satire, showing that pride and overconfidence ultimately lead to downfall.
Thus, the story cleverly criticizes the vanity, superstition, and misuse of authority by those in power, using humour and irony to convey a deeper message.