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?

Explanation

On the surface level, ‘The Tiger King’ seems to be a simple story about a royal prince, his growth, and his exploits as a king. The prophecies at his birth about the manner of his death make the story interesting by introducing the element of surprise and suspense. On a deeper level, the story is a satire on the conceit of those in power. It is usually seen that those in power have too much pride in themselves and what they do. Two such specimens in the story are the Tiger King and the British officer. The author employs dramatic irony and humour to show their faults and weaknesses. The words of these characters carry extra meaning. They do not know what is going to happen. The Tiger King resolves to hunt a hundred tigers to disprove the prediction of the astrologer. In his stubbornness, he falls prey to a wooden tiger. The high-ranking British officer is equally vain. He is more interested in a photograph with a carcass than hunting itself. The Tiger King offers to organise any other hunt except tiger-hunt. It may be a boar-hunt, mouse-hunt, or a mosquito hunt. He has to lose three lakh of rupees for his refusal. The ego of the British officer is satisfied when his wife is pleased to get diamond rings sent by the Maharaja.