Explain the meaning of "semi-barbaric" and why it's a perfect adjective to describe both the King and the Princess. How can someone be half cruel, brutal and uncivilized, and half not?

Stockton makes sure that he describes the King as "semi-barbaric". The King satisfies his self-serving desires and "exuberant fancy" for public spectacles of cruelty (barbarism). On the other hand, he has a "civilized" side in his commitment to administer justice in an impartial and incorruptible manner by chance, and "develop the mental energies of the people.” The Princess is merely complicit in what the King does.