The Eight Chained Ourang-Outangs Character Analysis

The character Hop Frog in “The Eight Chained Ourang-Outangs” is justified in the murdering of the King and his seven ministers. The first reason is that Hop Frog is not there voluntarily. He is captured, along with a dancer named Trippetta, by a general and is presented as a gift to the King. This is another joke the King laughed at. The two dwarfs are used as entertainment for the King throughout the story. The King describes Hop Frog’s value as a “trebled” since he is a jester, a dwarf, and a cripple. He is made fun of the way he walks, even though he cannot help it. The King goes to the extreme by making fun of his disability: “In fact, Hop-Frog could only get along by a sort of interjectional gait-something between a leap and a wriggle-a
movement that afforded illimitable amusement…” (Poe 1). Hop Frog was born with a disablement he cannot help and the King acknowledges it as humor. Since the King is merciless, he deserves the retaliation that Hop Frog performs. Another reason the King should receive this punishment is because no human being should be treated in such a degrading way. Although the King technically has authority over Hop Frog, he should not be allowed to force him to do anything. For example, the King forces Hop Frog to drink wine because it makes him “crazy.” The size of his small body makes the effects of alcohol more intense: “His large eyes gleamed, rather than shone; for the effect of wine on his excitable brain was not more powerful than instantaneous” (Poe 2). Even though the dwarf hated drinking wine, the King pressures him to for the amusement of the King and his guests. Not only does the King force the dwarf to do unwanted tasks, he also calls him ruthless names. He refers to Hop Frog as crippled, half-insane, and fat. All of these qualities point out his disability he is unable to control, proving the King’s actions to be wrong. The King is also disrespectful to Hop Frogs close friend: “...[the King] threw the contents of the brimming goblet in her face” (Poe 2). She does not deserve this punishment because she is just trying to stand up for her friend. By using the text, the reader can infer that the King treats others poorly as well. Once again, the King proves to deserve the treatment Hop Frog gave him. In conclusion, Hop Frog is justified in the killing of the King.