The Short Reign of Pippin Iv

The Short Reign of Pippin IV- A Review

The story revolves around an amateur Astronomer, Mr. Pippin Amulf Heristal, who lives in Number one, Avenue De Marigny, Paris. His family consists of his wife Marie and daughter Clotilde.

Pippin, who is so much interested in Astronomy, sets his telescope at balcony in order to conduct research on the shower of Meteors. His wife, who is dedicated to household work, is very strict about not wasting money on unwanted things. On the contrary, Pippin’s daughter Clotilde took fancy to the American culture, does different acts like writing stories, acting etc. deviating from the regular teenagers of France. Further, she is madly in love with an American youth called Tod Johnson.

While Pippin was leading his life peacefully, a sudden change occurs in his life due to the political instability in France. The Nobles and various party leaders, who can’t arrive at a consensus decides to bring back Monarch in France by appointing Pippin as King of France naming him Pippin IV

Consequently, Pippin moves to Elysee Palace in Versailles along with his wife Marie and daughter Clotilde. His innocent wife who is verily attached to the household work becomes the Queen of France overnight.

Pippin, now with the vested responsibility as a King becomes very busy as he is always surrounded by Nobles and other officials of the Palace. Now he starts thinking whether he is really fit for Kingship. The much worried King visits his uncle Charles Martel, the Proprietor of a small but prosperous art gallery and antique store in Rue De Seine. When he asks for suggestion from his uncle, he only says that the Royals has nothing to do except to remain a powerless King.

The Pippin IV soon finds that the Country has no opportunity for the poor and downtrodden. On the other hand, it only supports rich and famous. In order to change this scenario, the King starts giving a sort of electrifying speech at the Convention of Nobles and political leaders, but in vain. They only mock at him.

History repeats as the politicians of various Parties creates a riot in France and there becomes political unrest all over the country. It is decided to out law and desist the King. What happens to the King and his family? Is he safe or his life is in danger?

John Steinbeck the great author, who is also a Nobel Prize winner, has set his hand to give a political satire comedy, and ultimately has succeeded in his mission. Even though the author is a sort of emotional and serious writer, he has given the clear account of the flaws of Kingdom through his own style of writing in a humorous way. ‘The grapes of wrath’ is the work of masterpiece by John Steinbeck, who also contributed to the literary world many other novels.