The Tiger Who Would Be King

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Mr. Smith Honors English Period 6 19 January 2013 Ambiguity and caustic remark in the Tiger Who Would Be King James Thurber weaves ambiguity and raillery into The Tiger Who Would Be King and whollyows them to influence the readers understanding and perception of the characters, themes, and plots in various ways. For example, ambiguity, a lack of clarity, presents itself when the brash and volatile tiger arrogantly declares Ill be king of beasts by the time the moon rises (312). This presents us with the central plot and conflict of the bill as easily as some insight into his character and personality.The situation that he declares war against social lion the Lion leaves us with some ambiguity as we do non know if he will triumph and only know that an big battle lies in store. Another example of this is evident when the tiger defiantly states We need a change, said the tiger. The creatures are crying for a change. (312). The fact that his mate notes that the only crying she can hear is that of her cubs, leaves the reader with ambiguity as to why he really wants change. The reader must critically approach the schoolbook and derive the unclear meaning from his faulty ending and decide and discover what it really means.Ambiguity in this story as well as in all literature is what captivates readers and teaches them to critically analyze the text and takes reading to a whole new level. Dramatic, verbal and situational raillery all appear in this story and provide it with a kind of wag that keeps readers entertained. For example The tigress listened but she could hear no crying, except that of her cubs (312). This is an example of situational raillery because readers expect thither to be a serious problem, however the tigress ceremonial occasion proves that the conflict the tiger created may not actually be there.Situational irony occurred here because what happened is the opposite of what as expected. Another instance of irony in t he story this time comes verbally when the lioness wakes Leo the Lion and tells him The king is here to see you (312). The fact that Leo is the king is what is so ironic nigh the statement. This instance of verbal irony in the story is what sets the wheels in trend and gets the blood boiling for the fight of the king of beasts. Irony in this story is used often and is supports the main ideas, plot, theme and characters and helps the story move along.