The King's Search for Happiness

The poem 'The Enchanted Shirt' by John Hay tells the story of a king who believes he is ill. Despite consulting numerous doctors, no cure is found. A wise doctor suggests the king will be cured if he sleeps in the shirt of a happy man. Couriers search the kingdom but find no truly happy man with a shirt. Eventually, the king realizes his own unhappiness stems from his lifestyle. He changes his ways, becomes active in his kingdom, and finds happiness, thus curing himself.

What was the king's initial condition despite his claims of illness?

• He was energetic and healthy.

• He was coughing and feverish.

• He was bedridden and weak.

• He was unable to eat or sleep.

How did the king react to the doctors who failed to cure him?

• He imprisoned them.

• He executed them.

• He sent them away with gifts.

• He rewarded them generously.

What was the unique prescription given by the second doctor?

• A week of fasting and meditation.

• A magical potion.

• A rare herbal remedy.

• A night in the shirt of a happy man.

What did the couriers discover during their search for a happy man?

• Many people were content and happy.

• No one was truly happy.

• The rich were happier than the poor.

• Everyone was willing to lend their shirt.

What was the reaction of the man who was found to be truly happy?

• He was eager to help the king.

• He demanded a high price for his shirt.

• He refused to speak to the couriers.

• He laughed and revealed he had no shirt.

What realization did the king come to after hearing the reports from his spies?

• He was the cause of his own unhappiness.

• He should abdicate the throne.

• He should seek happiness in wealth.

• He needed to find a new doctor.

How did the king change after his realization?

• He became a tyrant.

• He sought happiness in material wealth.

• He engaged with his people and worked hard.

• He continued to live in isolation.

What was the outcome for the kingdom after the king's transformation?

• The land prospered and the people were content.

• The people were unhappy with the king.

• The kingdom fell into chaos.

• The king was overthrown.