The year is 1862. Anna Leonowens is an English woman living in India whose husband, a captain in the British Army, has recently died. To support herself and her young son Louis, she accepts a position as tutor to the son of the King of Siam. She arrives in Bangkok with Louis and two Indian servants, knowing no one. Although she has been promised a house of her own, she finds that she has been assigned quarters in the palace; she asks to see the king, but the Prime Minister, known as the Kralahome, tells her that she must wait until the king is ready to see her. He addresses Anna as Sir because women are not allowed to stand in the king's presence, and Anna refuses to kneel.
The Kralahome escorts Anna and Louis to the Hall of Audience. There, ranged on a deep red carpet is a throng of prostrate1 noblemen and courtiers facing a raised dais; on it, the imposing figure of Siam's ruler, King Mongkut, sits on a golden throne. Just off the dais stands Alak, his Majesty's highly decorated Consul-General. A French emissary advances to present His Majesty with a jewel-encrusted sword.
LOUIS (whispering): Look at the sword!
ANNA: It's a gift from the French. (King Mongkut delivers a clapped command to the interpreter, who accepts the sword. The entire assemblage begins a series of bows.)
KRALAHOME: It appears Sir must wait to meet His Majesty another day.
ANNA: I do not think so. (She takes her son's hand and hurries down the stairs toward the throne as musicians play the king's exit. Kralahome, caught off-guard, hurries to catch up with her. She curtsies deeply as she approaches the king.) Your Majesty, my name is Anna Leonowens. (King Mongkut turns, shocked. His bodyguards draw swords, blocking Anna's path.) I am the schoolteach—
MONGKUT: STOP!!! (Startled, Anna does just that. King Mongkut strides toward her.)
WHO?!?
KRALAHOME (prostrating himself): Your Majesty, Mme2 Anna Leonowens and son, Louis.
ANNA: Your Majesty, I have waited nearly three weeks.
MONGKUT: SILENCE! (He gazes at Anna, intrigued.) YOU are teacher?
ANNA (flustered): Yes, I am.
MONGKUT: You do not look sufficient of age. How many years have you?
ANNA: Enough to know that age and wisdom do not necessarily go hand in hand, Your Majesty. (King Mongkut nods. Then he abruptly heads off.)
KRALAHOME: His Majesty has not dismissed you. Follow him! (Anna and Louis run to keep up with the king.)
MONGKUT: You articulate logical answer under pressure, Mme Leonowens—
ANNA: That is very kind of—
MONGKUT: —but irritating superior attitude King find most unbeautiful. However, it will serve you well given decision I now make. (They reach a pair of massive double doors.) Along with Prince Chulalongkorn, you shall teach my children. (Guards push open the doors and the trio step into the gardens of the children's park. Scores of princes and princesses, none older than eleven, play around pools and pavilions. Peacocks stroll the grounds. A gong announces the king's presence. Everyone turns, sees the king, and drops to the ground.) Attention, my most blessed and royal family, we have company. (King Mongkut motions Anna and Louis to follow him. He stops before a teenage boy, and nods his head. This is Prince Chulalongkorn, King Mongkut's oldest son.) Presenting Heir Apparent, Prince Chulalongkorn. And this, my son, is your new teacher.
PRINCE (astonished): Why do you punish me with imperialist schoolteacher? (King Mongkut, understanding his son's distress, turns to the crowd.)
MONGKUT: Dearest family, I desire you all to be educated in English language, science, and literature. You must never forget to honor your renowned teacher, Mme Anna Leonowens.
ANNA: Your Majesty, the opportunity to begin a school is exciting. Such devotion to progress is to be commended.
MONGKUT: As father, I understand.
ANNA: Then Your Majesty appreciates why having a home outside the palace is of such importance to me.
MONGKUT (firmly): It is my pleasure that you live in the palace.
ANNA (equally firmly): But it is not mine, Your Majesty.
MONGKUT (eyes flashing): You do not set conditions, and you shall OBEY!
ANNA: May I respectfully remind His Majesty that I am not his servant, but his guest.
MONGKUT (after a tense moment): A guest who is paid. (He heads for the gates.)
ANNA: And what of our house?
MONGKUT (without turning): Everything has its own time. (He is gone. The entire crowd stares at Anna in awe. A woman has just argued with their king.)
“Anna and The King” from Literary Cavalcade, January 2000, copyright © 2000 by Scholastic Inc. Reprinted by permission of Scholastic Inc.