Story: Responsability

English Translation:

The prince lay on the floor, crying so deeply that he couldn’t even speak clearly to his father, who stood in front of him like an immovable mountain, awaiting answers from his son. The king, a robust man with a deep voice that could make even the bravest tremble, had an expression of flat affection that intimidated everyone in his reign, including his son. «Do you think I will stand here all day waiting for your answer? I am the busiest man in this entire kingdom. If you do not fulfill your responsibilities immediately, I will order your removal. But you must also understand that you will leave the palace, never have a penny again, live like any other citizen, and never see your mother and me again. Even though you are my son, I have a supreme duty above you, and that is to the people. You know I have no other heir; duties are duties.» Upon hearing this, the prince fell silent, wiped his tears slowly, stood up slowly, leaning on a piece of furniture. The young man, slim and fragile, with swollen and red eyes from crying, sighed and breathed, seeking his balance, and said, «Father, you are absolutely right. Duty is duty, and my only duty is to myself. From now on, I will be responsible for the only existence given to me. I will seek what I desire and long for. Dad, please respect my decision and free me from the yoke I do not desire and feel is not for me!» With a pleading voice, the king said firmly, «No! Alright, Dad, even if you send me to the dungeon or the guillotine, I will not be crowned as king. I have made the decision, and I want to be a painter. You can disinherit me.» That same day, the prince packed his belongings and went to another country, where he became a highly recognized painter. He never saw his father again, and he would secretly visit his mother every year. When the king died, there was no heir to succeed him. The queen also declined, and the people decided through popular vote to choose a new leader. This established a system where a leader was elected every four years, and the queen, along with her son, chose to live freely and responsibly together.

INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT:

What is responsibility? Define it first in your own words, and then look up the definition in the dictionary.

Do you think the king was right, and was he a responsible person?

What would you have done if you were the king’s son?

Do you think the king was irresponsible in abandoning his son? Or do you think the son was irresponsible in abandoning his parents and the kingdom? Justify your response.

If you were the mother of the prince, what would you have done?

Do you agree that the monarchy was abolished, and the leader is now chosen by popular vote?