The Tiger King rejected the British Officer’s requesta)for fifty diam...
The Tiger King rejected the British Officer’s request of getting photographed with a tiger.
The Tiger King, a short story by Kalki Krishnamurthy, revolves around the life of Maharaja of Pratibandapuram, who is obsessed with hunting tigers. The story highlights the absurdity of the Maharaja's desire to kill 100 tigers in order to overcome a supposed curse.
One day, a British officer visits the kingdom and expresses his desire to be photographed with a tiger. The officer is intrigued by the Maharaja's reputation as a skilled hunter and wishes to capture this moment as a memento. However, the Tiger King flatly rejects the officer's request, surprising both the officer and his subjects.
Reasons why the Tiger King rejected the British Officer's request:
1. Symbol of Power and Authority: The Tiger King views tigers as a symbol of his power and authority. By denying the officer's request, he maintains control over the narrative and ensures that his reputation as a fearless hunter remains intact.
2. Ego and Insecurity: The Tiger King is deeply insecure about losing his status and fears that being photographed with a tiger might undermine his image. He believes that capturing such a moment might lead people to question his hunting skills or perceive him as weak.
3. Protecting the Tiger: The Tiger King's refusal to allow the officer to photograph him with a tiger may also stem from a hidden desire to protect the animal. Despite his obsession with hunting tigers, he may have a sense of responsibility towards preserving their species and habitat.
4. Maintaining Control: The Tiger King is known for his autocratic rule and desire to control everything within his kingdom. By rejecting the officer's request, he asserts his authority and demonstrates that he can deny even the most influential individuals.
5. Unpredictability and Eccentricity: The Tiger King's actions throughout the story are characterized by unpredictability and eccentricity. Rejecting the officer's request aligns with his unpredictable nature and reinforces the notion that he cannot be easily understood or predicted.
In conclusion, the Tiger King rejected the British Officer's request to be photographed with a tiger due to his desire to maintain power, protect his image, preserve the tiger, and assert control over his kingdom. This decision showcases the Tiger King's complex personality and his obsession with maintaining his reputation as a fearless and powerful ruler.