# King Cole explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by George MacDonald.

## What happens

King Cole, a gluttonous and drunken ruler, loses all joy and falls into despair. His wise fool brings in a starving man, and the king discovers the joy of feeding the hungry. This transforms him into a generous, healthy, and beloved monarch who serves his people.

## Themes in this chapter

### Redemption and Grace

King Cole's transformation from a gluttonous ruler to a generous king illustrates redemption through acts of kindness.

### Love as Ultimate Strength

The king's newfound love for his people and his joy in serving them becomes the source of his strength and happiness.

## Character check-ins

### King Cole

The titular king who transforms from a self-indulgent ruler to a generous and beloved monarch.

### Unknown

The narrator who tells the story of King Cole's transformation.

## Key lines

> It is quite as good to feed as to eat! It is better, I do begin to think, To give to the thirsty than to drink!

The king realizes that providing for others brings more satisfaction than indulging oneself.

_This marks the turning point in King Cole's moral awakening._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se/chapters/king-cole
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se/chapters