The Tiger King Class 12 Important Questions: CBSE English (Vistas) Chapter 2

1. Describe the character of the Tiger King. How does his obsession with tigers shape the story?

The Tiger King, or the Maharaja of Pratibandapuram, is portrayed as a ruler consumed by pride and an obsession with proving his dominance. His fixation on hunting tigers stems from a prophecy that he will die by the tiger’s claws. His arrogance leads him to hunt all the tigers in his kingdom, believing that by killing them, he can avoid his fate. This obsession drives the plot and illustrates the consequences of hubris and the futility of defying fate.

2. What is the significance of the prophecy in the story?

The prophecy foretells that the Tiger King will die at the hands of a tiger. This prediction haunts the king throughout his life, causing him to seek control over his destiny by hunting and killing tigers. The irony of the prophecy lies in the fact that while he avoids the literal interpretation of the prophecy, he is ultimately killed by a toy tiger, highlighting the inescapability of fate.

3. How does the Tiger King’s quest for dominance over tigers reflect his personality?

The Tiger King’s relentless pursuit of killing tigers reflects his arrogance, desire for control, and need to prove his power. His behaviour demonstrates excessive pride (hubris) as he believes he can outsmart fate and nature. His actions also reveal a lack of regard for the balance of nature and the welfare of his people and kingdom.

4. What role do the hunters play in the story?

The hunters in the story are instrumental in assisting the Tiger King in his quest to kill all the tigers. However, their efforts are often depicted humorously, as their hunts are either unsuccessful or comically exaggerated. The hunters symbolise the absurdity and futility of the Maharaja’s mission, reflecting how blind obedience and sycophantic behaviour can lead to tragedy.

5. Discuss the theme of fate in “The Tiger King.”

Fate is a central theme in the story. Despite all of Maharaja’s attempts to control his destiny by killing tigers, he is ultimately brought to his end not by the claws of a tiger, but by a toy tiger. The story explores the idea that humans cannot control fate, no matter how much they try, and that destiny has a way of asserting itself in the most unexpected ways.

6. How does the story use irony to convey its message?

The story employs dramatic irony, where the readers know the truth while the characters do not. The most significant irony is that the Maharaja spends his life hunting tigers to escape the prophecy, only to die from a toy tiger. The irony underscores the futility of his actions and the inescapable nature of fate.

7. How does the humour in “The Tiger King” contribute to the story’s message?

The humour in the story is used to highlight the absurdity of the Maharaja’s actions and his blind obsession with tigers. The over-the-top hunts and the comical depiction of his ministers and hunters add a satirical layer to the narrative. This humour not only entertains but also critiques the Maharaja’s arrogance and the folly of absolute power.

8. Explain the significance of the Tiger King’s childhood in shaping his obsession with tigers.

The prophecy given at the time of the Tiger King’s birth predicted his death by a tiger, instilling in him a deep fear and fascination with the animal. This childhood prophecy becomes the driving force behind his obsession to hunt and kill tigers in order to avoid his fate, shaping his actions throughout the story.

9. How does the story reflect the theme of power and authority?

The story critiques the Maharaja’s authoritarian rule, demonstrating how power can be misused when a leader becomes disconnected from reality. His obsession with killing tigers and his tyrannical control over his subjects show how absolute power can lead to absurd and destructive decisions.

10. What role does symbolism play in “The Tiger King”?

The tiger in the story symbolises both power and danger. It represents the Maharaja’s struggle against fate and nature. The toy tiger at the end symbolises the ironic twist of fate, where something so trivial becomes the cause of his death. The tiger’s symbolism enriches the story, emphasising themes of destiny, power, and irony.

11. How does the Tiger King’s reign end, and what is the irony in his death?

The Tiger King dies not by the tiger, as predicted, but by a wooden toy tiger that hits him on the forehead. This ironic twist reveals the futility of his efforts to escape his fate and underscores the story’s message about the unpredictability of life and the inevitability of destiny.

12. What does the story say about the relationship between man and nature?

The story depicts a conflict between man and nature, with the Maharaja trying to dominate and control nature by hunting down the tigers. His obsession reflects the human tendency to assert control over nature, often leading to destructive consequences. The story suggests that nature cannot be controlled and that attempting to do so leads to absurdity.

13. Discuss the role of the astrologer in “The Tiger King.”

The astrologer’s prophecy sets the stage for the Maharaja’s obsession with tigers. It is the driving force behind his actions and also provides a sense of foreboding throughout the story. The astrologer’s prediction, though seemingly trivial, holds the key to Maharaja’s actions and ultimately his downfall.

14. What message does the story convey about leadership and arrogance?

The story critiques the Tiger King’s arrogance, showing how his excessive pride leads to his downfall. His refusal to acknowledge the inevitability of fate and his belief that he could control it reflects how arrogance can cloud a leader’s judgment, leading to irrational decisions and eventual ruin.

15. How does the narrative style of the story contribute to its impact?

The narrative style of "The Tiger King" blends humour, irony, and satire to create a lighthearted yet impactful story. The storytelling is engaging, with its witty tone and comedic situations, but it also carries a deep critique of power and pride, making the narrative both entertaining and thought-provoking.

16. Explain the significance of the wooden toy tiger.

The wooden toy tiger symbolises the irony of the Maharaja’s death. After spending his life hunting real tigers, it is a toy tiger that causes his demise, emphasising the futility of his attempts to escape fate. The toy also reflects the absurdity of his obsessive quest.

17. What is the role of the ministers in the story?

The ministers serve to highlight the Maharaja’s tyrannical rule and blind obedience of his court. They participate in the hunts and carry out the king’s wishes without question, symbolising the sycophantic culture that surrounds absolute power.

18. How does the setting of Pratibandapuram contribute to the story?

The setting of Pratibandapuram, with its royal court and vast tiger-infested forests, serves as the backdrop for the Maharaja’s quest. The setting reinforces the themes of power and control, as well as the stark contrast between the kingdom’s grandeur and the absurdity of the Maharaja’s obsession.

19. Why does the Maharaja consider killing tigers to be a matter of prestige?

The Maharaja views the killing of tigers as a way to assert his power and control over his kingdom. It becomes a matter of personal prestige, as he believes that by eliminating the tigers, he can prove his superiority and defy the prophecy that foresees his death.

20. What role does the tiger hunt play in the story’s structure?

The tiger hunts drive the narrative forward, showcasing the Maharaja’s obsession and the humorous outcomes of his attempts to assert control. The hunts also serve as a vehicle for the story’s commentary on power, fate, and the human desire for control.

21. What does the story suggest about the dangers of unchecked power?

The story suggests that unchecked power leads to irrational decisions and ultimately to self-destruction. The Maharaja’s absolute power allows him to control the fate of his subjects and the tigers, but his arrogance leads to his downfall.

22. What is the significance of the relationship between the Tiger King and the common people?

The relationship between the Tiger King and the common people is marked by fear and awe. The people admire his power but are also fearful of his whims. This dynamic reflects the nature of authoritarian rule, where power is held by a few and the majority are subject to the whims of the ruler.

23. Discuss the theme of pride in “The Tiger King.”

The story underscores how the Maharaja’s pride leads him to defy natural laws and even fate. His relentless pursuit of killing tigers is a manifestation of his pride, which ultimately brings about his downfall. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of excessive pride and arrogance.

24. What does the ending of "The Tiger King" teach us?

The ending of the story teaches that no one can escape their fate, no matter how much they try. The Maharaja’s death at the hands of a toy tiger emphasises the unpredictability of life and the futility of trying to control destiny.

25. How does the use of satire enhance the story?

The satire in "The Tiger King" enhances the story by providing humour while critiquing the Maharaja’s obsession with power. It highlights the absurdity of the king’s actions and provides a critical commentary on the misuse of power and the blind pursuit of pride.

Points to Remember From Class 12 English Vistas Chapter 2: The Tiger King

• The story revolves around a king who is obsessed with tigers, as his fate is predicted to be sealed by one. He tries to defy this prophecy by hunting all the tigers in his kingdom.

• The astrologer predicts that the Maharaja will die at the hands of a tiger, but the king attempts to kill every tiger to prevent this fate, showcasing his arrogance and defiance of destiny.

• The story ends with the king’s death caused not by a tiger but by a wooden toy tiger. This irony emphasises the theme of fate and how human efforts cannot control it.

• The astrologer’s prediction sets the stage for the entire story. Though the king tries to alter his fate, the story illustrates how fate cannot be avoided, no matter the human effort.

• The tiger is symbolic of nature’s power and mankind’s futile attempts to control it. It reflects the king’s struggle with the prophecy and his arrogance in trying to alter his destiny.

• The story blends humour with satire, especially through the absurdities in the king's attempts to eliminate the tigers. The satire critiques authority and the human ego.

• The king’s obsession and efforts to control his fate ultimately backfire, highlighting the futility of challenging destiny. The theme of fate versus free will is central to the story.

Benefits of Important Questions for Class 12 English Vistas Chapter 2: The Tiger King

• By exploring the important questions, students gain a deeper understanding of the story's central themes, including fate, power, hubris, and the absurdity of human efforts to control destiny.

• The questions encourage students to critically analyse the characters, plot, and underlying messages, enhancing their ability to think analytically about literary texts.

• Important questions focus on key aspects of the chapter that are frequently tested in exams, helping students prioritise what to study and better prepare for their English exams.

• These questions cover various aspects of the chapter, such as character analysis, plot summary, literary devices, and themes, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of the text.

• The questions help clarify complex ideas and events in the story, making it easier for students to understand and retain important details, especially for the exam.

• By answering long-type questions, students practice constructing well-organised and thoughtful responses, which improves their writing and communication skills.

Conclusion

Vedantu’s English (Vistas) Important Questions for Chapter 2: The Tiger King Class 12 is an invaluable resource for students aiming to understand this story. By thoroughly exploring these important questions, students can deepen their understanding of the chapter's themes, characters, and symbols, while preparing effectively for their exams. The FREE PDF download offers easy access, helping you approach the chapter with confidence and clarity.

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