If I ordered a general to fly from one flower to another like a butterfly, or to write a tragic drama, or to change himself into a sea bird, and if the general did not carry out the order that he had received, which one of us would be in the wrong?' the king demanded. 'The general, or myself?
In "The Little Prince," the king questions the nature of authority and responsibility through a thought-provoking scenario. He asks whether it is he or the general who would be at fault if the general failed to fulfill seemingly impossible orders like transforming into a bird or writing a drama. This highlights the complexities of leadership and the expectations placed on those in positions of power.
The king's inquiry reflects a broader commentary on the relationship between rulers and their subjects. It suggests that responsibility does not solely lie with those who are commanded but also with those who issue the commands. This prompts readers to consider accountability and the nature of authority in their lives.
