Class XII - Vistas - The Tiger King by Kalki - NCERT Solution

Class XII - Vistas - The Tiger King by Kalki - NCERT Solution

Introduction of the Story - The Tiger King

The story is a satire on the wealthy and influential kings of the past. To disprove the predictions of a fortune teller, the king of Pratibandapuram recklessly slaughters ninety-nine tigers. However, the hundredth tiger, which ultimately causes the king's death, escapes unharmed. Ironically, the prophecy comes true, despite the king's attempts to disprove it. Additionally, the king is killed by a lifeless wooden tiger, adding to the satire of the story.

Summary of the Story - The Tiger King

"The Tiger King" tells the story of King Jung Jung Bahadur of Pratibandapuram, a valiant warrior who was destined to die at the hands of a tiger according to the prophecy made by the chief astrologer when he was born. Being born in the hour of the bull, the tiger was predicted to be his enemy. To ward off the danger, the brave prince declared himself as the "Tiger King" and warned all tigers to be cautious of him.

When he ascended to the throne at the age of twenty, the king believed that killing a cow in self-defense was lawful and hence embarked on a tiger-killing spree. Despite being warned about the danger from the hundredth tiger, he continued to hunt them relentlessly. With no more tigers left in his kingdom, he married into a state with a high tiger population to fulfill his urge to hunt.

As he neared his goal of killing the hundredth tiger, his minister planted an old tiger in the forest for him to hunt. However, the tiger escaped the bullet miraculously, and the royal hunters killed it in secret to prevent the king's wrath.

Thinking he had cheated death, the king celebrated his son's third birthday and gifted him a poorly crafted wooden toy tiger, which he had bought at a high price due to the emergency rule. As the king and his son were playing with the toy, one of the sharp, protruding wooden pieces pierced the king's right hand, causing an infection that spread through his arm and eventually led to his death during surgery.

Ironically, it was the hundredth tiger, in the form of the wooden toy, that took revenge and killed the king.

Read and Find Out

Question 1. Who is the Tiger King? Why does he get that name?

ANSWER:

The ruler of Pratibandapuram was known as the Tiger King, as he had gained fame for hunting down 99 tigers. Interestingly, it was foretold by royal astrologers at the time of his birth that he would ultimately meet his demise at the hands of a tiger.

Question 2. What did the royal infant grow up to be?

As he matured, the royal child became the ruler of Pratibandapuram and became fixated on a single goal: to hunt down one hundred tigers. He was driven by a desire to challenge a prophecy which claimed that his life would end at the hands of the hundredth tiger. To achieve his ambition, he ordered the extermination of all the tigers in Pratibandapuram and even married for this purpose. As a result of his relentless pursuit, he became famously known as the Tiger King.

Question 3. What will the Maharaja do to find the required number of tigers to kill?

ANSWER:

The Maharaja will request his dewan to find a suitable bride for him to marry in order to obtain the necessary number of tigers to hunt. The ideal bride for a matrimonial alliance would come from a royal family and belong to a state with a significant tiger population. Since Pratibandapuram has no more tigers, the province of his father-in-law would provide him with an opportunity to hunt more tigers and achieve his goal of killing one hundred tigers.

Question 4. How will the Maharaja prepare himself for the hundredth tiger which was supposed to decide his fate?

ANSWER:

The Maharaja will approach the hunting of the hundredth tiger with extreme caution, as it is said to be the cause of his death. When he encounters the hundredth tiger, he will take careful aim and shoot it. After the tiger falls to the ground, he will feel a sense of joy and quickly leave the area.

Question 5. What will now happen to the astrologer? Do you think the prophecy was indisputably disproved?

ANSWER:

The astrologer passed away before the King of Pratibandapuram could fulfill his goal of killing one hundred tigers, which had become the sole purpose of his existence. Despite this, the prophecy could not be definitively disproven, as the king was ultimately killed by a tiger, although not by a real one or the hundredth one. The hundredth tiger, weak and almost lifeless, surprised everyone by fainting at the sound of the bullet whizzing past and thus escaping the king's bullet. Ironically, it was a "tiny little wooden tiger" from a toy shop that led to the demise of the Tiger King. While the king was obsessed with killing one hundred tigers, all other aspects of his life took a back seat.

Reading with Insight(Q&A)

Q1. 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?

ANSWER:

The story "The Tiger King" is a great example of something called dramatic irony. This is when the audience knows something important that a character in the story does not. In the story, the Tiger King kills many tigers and thinks he is very powerful. However, an astrologer tells him to be careful when he tries to kill the hundredth tiger. The Tiger King ignores this warning and keeps hunting. Finally, he thinks he has killed the hundredth tiger, but it turns out to be very old and weak, and only faints. Everyone else can see this, but the Tiger King cannot. Then, in a very ironic twist, the Tiger King dies because of a little wooden tiger. This shows that the astrologer's prediction was right after all.

Q2. What is the author’s indirect comment on subjecting innocent animals to the willfulness of human beings?

ANSWER:

The author of this story uses satire to show how people have been cruel to animals, just to satisfy their own desires. In the story, the maharaja kills tigers without thinking about the consequences. He does this to prove the astrologer wrong and to show that he is powerful. He thinks that killing tigers will make him superior to the animals, but he does not realize that his actions are causing the extinction of tigers in some places. The maharaja kills one hundred tigers to prove his point, without considering the pain and suffering that these animals go through. This story highlights the cruel treatment of animals and the selfish nature of some human beings.

Q3. 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?

ANSWER:

The Maharaja had minions who were obedient and flattering. They were afraid of him and followed his orders to keep him happy. They didn't want to disobey him because it could lead to them losing their jobs or even their lives. The astrologer was scared of predicting the king's death, but he spoke up when the king asked him to do so. The Dewan, who should have advised the king not to kill tigers, didn't go against his wishes and even helped him marry a princess from a kingdom with many tigers. He gave the king an old tiger instead of advising him not to kill. The hunters were also afraid of losing their jobs, so they didn't tell the king that the hundredth tiger had survived. They killed it themselves. The shopkeeper sold the king a cheap wooden toy tiger but charged a higher price because of the emergency rules. The king's minions were motivated by fear, not loyalty or sincerity towards their ruler. This situation is similar to the current political scenario where people in power often don't deserve their positions and others pander to them for their own selfish gains rather than for the benefit of the country.

Q4. 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?

ANSWER:
There have been recent incidents of hunting where even the wealthy have displayed a disregard for wildlife. One such example is the Black Buck poaching case involving Bollywood celebrity Salman Khan, who has a fondness for game hunting. He illegally killed three Chinkaras in two separate incidents, despite the fact that Black Buck is an endangered species. Though he was charged with the offense, he was ultimately acquitted. Another example is that of Nawab Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, a renowned cricketer, who was also involved in killing a rare species of antelope.

Class XII - English - VIstas - The Third Level by Jack Finney - Summary, Explanation and FAQs

About the Author

Jack Finney, a renowned American author, was born on October 2, 1911 in the vibrant city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Despite losing his father at the tender age of three, Finney persevered and went on to attend Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois. He was originally named John Finney but was later renamed Walter Braden Finney in honor of his father, though he remained known as Jack throughout his life.

Finney was a prolific writer, best known for his captivating science fiction and thriller novels. Two of his most famous works, "The Body Snatchers" and "Good Neighbor Sam," were adapted into popular films that captivated audiences worldwide.

Throughout his life, Finney received numerous accolades for his contributions to literature. He passed away on November 16, 1995 in Greenbrae, California, leaving behind a rich legacy. In recognition of his exceptional achievements, Finney was posthumously awarded the World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement.

It's worth noting that Finney's novels "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" and "The Invasion" were also adapted into movies, making him one of the few authors to have multiple works brought to the big screen. His enduring legacy continues to captivate readers and moviegoers alike, cementing his place as one of the most celebrated authors of the 20th century.

Summary of The Third Level

Jack Finney's "The Third Level" is a mesmerizing tale that seamlessly blends fact and fiction, ultimately exploring a man's desire to escape from the harsh realities of the present day. Charley, the protagonist, is unhappy with his life and his wife, yearning for a simpler time without the constant stress of war and societal pressures. His psychiatrist friend, Sam, believes that Charley's passion for stamp collecting is a form of escape into the past.

At Grand Central Station, where there were only two levels, Charley stumbles upon a third level by chance. He is constantly discovering new doorways, corridors, and tunnels, leading him to believe that the station is continually expanding like the roots of a giant tree. On this mysterious third level, Charley finds himself transported to a bygone era, complete with locomotives, brass spittoons, and naked gaslights. He longs to escape to Galesburg, a town he has only dreamt of, but his journey is nearly thwarted when he is mistaken for a cheater due to the old-fashioned currency he uses to pay his fare. Charley is forced to run back into the present day and never finds the third level again.

However, Sam, the skeptic, manages to locate the third level and successfully escapes to Galesburg of 1894. This gripping story highlights the power of the human imagination and the desire for escapism in the face of overwhelming reality. With its vivid imagery and clever plot twists, "The Third Level" is a timeless classic that continues to captivate readers.

Theme of The Third Level

The captivating tale of 'The Third Level' delves into the exciting genre of time travel. Jack Finney, a distinguished author who received the World Fantasy Award, skillfully merges fantasy and reality to paint a vivid picture of time travel. The story follows Charley, the protagonist, who yearns to journey to the third level - a serene and joyful world set in Galesburg, Illinois in 1894.

Aside from time travel, the story also explores the theme of escapism, a psychological refuge from the harsh realities of modern life. Charley's wife, Louisa, does not object to his desire to stay in the past, and Sam is equally content having left his previous profession behind.

At its core, 'The Third Level' exposes the vulnerable side of humanity. When faced with countless challenges, we humans often crave a respite from the chaos and search for possible avenues of escape. This captivating story highlights the intersection of time - an illusionary and dream-like experience that is not confined to the realm of sleep.

Charactersketch of Charley - The Third Level

Charley, a 31-year-old man who favored tan gabardine suits and straw hats, was in a hurry one night after work and decided to take the subway at Grand Central Station. As he navigated the station's two levels, he stumbled upon an unfamiliar exit that led him to a third level through a long, winding corridor.

On this third level, Charley observed fewer ticket windows, gas lights flickering in the darkness, and women dressed in old-fashioned, fully-covered attire. He picked up a newspaper from June 11, 1894, and discovered he could travel to any location in the United States in 1984 from this third level at Grand Central. Excitedly, Charley purchased two tickets for himself and his wife, Louisa, to Galesburg, Illinois, a peaceful destination far from the worries and insecurities of modern times.

Despite his enthusiasm, the clerk refused the currency Charley offered, and he left, planning to return with older currency. Unfortunately, he never found the corridor that led to the third level again.

When Charley confided in his psychiatrist friend, Sam Weiner, about his experience, Sam called it a "waking dream wish fulfillment." Sam believed Charley sought an escape from the present day's troubles and anxieties, which made him unhappy.

Charley was an intriguing character who often daydreamed and sought to escape the world's harsh realities. He was a romantic at heart, preferring the charm and simplicity of the past to the complexities and stresses of modern life. His adventures in the third level highlighted his deep longing for peace and serenity, which he found difficult to attain in the present.

Chractersketch of Sam - The Third Level

Sam Weiner is a character in the story "The Third Level", and he is Charley's friend and psychiatrist. He plays a significant role in the story as he is the one who concludes that the third level is a product of Charley's imagination, a way to escape the pressures of modern living.

Sam disappears from Charley's life, but his influence remains. Charley discovers a first-day cover in his collection, signed by Sam and from Galesburg, Illinois, dated July 18, 1894. It is revealed that Sam had moved to Galesburg, Illinois, in 1894 and set up a hay, feed and grain business, which was something he always wanted to do.

Sam's decision to leave his profession as a psychiatrist and start a new life in a different time and place shows that he was also seeking an escape, just like Charley. It adds another layer of complexity to the story and highlights the theme of escapism. Despite his disappearance, Sam's presence is felt in the story, and his actions have a significant impact on the plot.

Charactersketch of Luisa - The Third Level

At first, Charley's wife, Louisa, wasn't too happy about what Sam suggested regarding Charley's state of mind. This happened after Charley had shared his experience of visiting the third level of the Grand Central Station in New York. However, Sam went on to clarify that Charley wasn't unhappy in his marriage, but rather dissatisfied with the way things are in the modern world. He felt there was too much insecurity, fear, war, and worry, and to escape from it all, his mind had found solace in the utopian world of the third level.

Louisa didn't really believe in the existence of the third level until she saw a note sent by Sam himself from Galesburg, Illinois, dated July 18, 1894. This gave her the confirmation she needed, and she became actively involved in searching for the third level along with Charley.

Frequently Asked Questions - The Third Level

Q1. Why did Charley meet a psychiatrist?

ANSWER:

Charley met a psychiatrist, since he was in a dilemma. He felt sure that he had been on the third level of the Grand Central Station, which everyone knows has only two levels. Even the Presidents of the railroads would swear on a stack of timetables that there were only two levels.

Q2. What was the psychiatrist’s diagnosis?

ANSWER:

According to the psychiatrist, Charley's unhappiness stemmed from the pressures of modern-day living, which was characterized by insecurity, fear, war, and worry. The psychiatrist diagnosed Charley as someone who desired an escape from these negative aspects of the world.

Q3. What proof did the psychiatrist provide?

ANSWER:

The psychiatrist and Charley's friends claimed that his stamp-collecting and collection of first-day covers were signs that he sought a temporary escape from reality, without providing any specific proof to back up their assertion.

Q4. What was Charley’s argument when the psychiatrist told him that the stamp collection was a temporary refuge from reality?

ANSWER:

When the psychiatrist suggested that Charley's stamp collection was a temporary escape from reality, Charley countered by arguing that his grandfather lived in peaceful times yet was the one who started the collection. He believed that stamp collecting wasn't a mere temporary refuge from reality but a legitimate hobby, as evidenced by President Roosevelt's own collection.

Q5. How does Charley describe Galesburg, Illinois, 1894?

ANSWER:

Charley depicted it as a charming town with a relaxed way of life, characterized by grand old frame houses, vast lawns, towering trees, and a serene atmosphere. In the summertime, locals could be seen lounging on their lawns, with men puffing on cigars and women fanning themselves with palm-leaf fans. It was a time when the first World War was still two decades away, and the second World War was yet to happen, forty years into the future.

Q6. What is a first-day cover?

ANSWER:

A first-day cover is an envelope or postcard that is stamped on the first day that a new postage stamp is issued. It is usually cancelled with a special postmark indicating the date and location of the stamp's first day of issue. Collectors often keep first-day covers as a commemorative item or for their historical value.

Q7. What role does the first-day cover play in the story?

ANSWER:

One evening, while sorting through his stamp collection, Charley stumbled upon a first-day cover that seemed out of place. The cover was addressed to his grandfather at his home in Galesburg, dated July 18, 1894. Upon further inspection, Charley discovered that instead of a blank sheet of paper, the envelope contained a letter from Sam. In the letter, Sam urged Charley to return to the third level with Louisa and to continue their search until they found it.

Q8. What was the content of the note that Sam wrote to Charley?

ANSWER:

Sam claimed that he had discovered the third level and had already spent two weeks there. He described it as a place of peacefulness, tranquility, and serenity. Sam urged Charley and Louisa to continue their search for the third level until they found it, as he believed it was worth the effort.

Q9. How was Charley often lost on the Grand Central Station?

ANSWER:

Charley had visited the Grand Central Station countless times. However, he often found himself lost in new doorways and corridors that he had never seen before. On one occasion, he entered a tunnel and emerged in the lobby of a hotel. Another time, he found himself in an office building, completely disoriented.

Q10. How did Charley compare the Grand Central to a huge tree? Why?

ANSWER:
Charley had a knack for discovering new tunnels and staircases at the Grand Central Station. He started to suspect that the station was like a colossal tree, constantly growing and expanding by pushing out new corridors and tunnels like roots extending deeper into the ground.