CBSE Class 11 English Tale Of Melon City Questions Answers Worksheet Set 02

Introduction

The poem ‘The Tale of Melon City’ narrates how the city found its new king, a melon. The story unfolds as their King orders to have an arch built which turned out to be too low. It hit the King’s head resulting in the falling off of his crown. The King considers it a disgrace and orders for the chief of builders to be hanged. It is then followed by a series of events where they blame each other. Finally, a noose is built to determine the guilty and the only one to fit the noose, is the just and placid King. The new King is then elected by the first person to pass that arch.

THEME

‘The Tale of Melon City’ by Vikram Seth is a satire about a king, his ministers, and the kingdom. The king has been ironically called lawful. But in reality, he stretches justice too far. Due to this quality of his character, one day he himself is hanged. The ministers also are a group of fools who decide an odd way to choose the next king. An idiot announces that a melon should be the king and the people unhesitatingly crown a melon as their king. They do not bother about who their king is as long as they enjoy their freedom.

Characters

The King
He has been mockingly portrayed as just and quiet. But in reality, he was not an intelligent person, and did not have any decision taking ability. Because of his foolishness he had to lose his life.

The Architect
He was a smart person who is able to frustrate the king. When his turn came to be hanged, he pointed out something which put the king in a tricky situation and made him angry.

The Wisest Man
He is very old. He can neither walk properly nor see well. He is picked up by the council of ministers to give a wise decision to the king. But unfortunately, the decision given by him was not wise at all.

The Idiot
He is a man of low intelligence and does not act rationally. His advice is asked for choosing the king. Without thinking, he says that a melon should be made the king, as he was very fond of melons.

Summary

This poem is about a city whose king was lawful and gentle. He orders an arch (curved structure) to be built which would become a symbol of his triumphs and accomplishments. The arch would be constructed on the main road and it would inspire and motivate the people who would see it. As per the orders of the king, the arch was built. The king rode down the main road to inspire others.

The arch was built too low and the king’s crown fell down when it struck the arch. It was a disgrace for him. He ordered that the chief of builders should be hanged for this mistake. The arrangements for the hanging were made. The chief of builders was called. He pleaded that it was not his mistake; it was rather the workmen’s fault. So the king stopped the hanging of the chief of builders. He ordered that all the workmen must be hanged instead. The workmen claimed that the bricks used were not of the right size. So the masons were called. They were trembling in fear. The masons in turn blamed the architect for a wrong design.

The architect was called. The king ordered that the architect must be hanged. The architect reminded the king that he himself had changed the original plan of the arch when it was shown to him sometime back. The king realised that the blame had shifted onto him. It was a tricky situation. The king withdrew for consulting some wise people. He asked for the wisest man in the country. The wisest man was chosen on the criteria that he should be very old. The person chosen could not walk or see properly and he was carried there by other people. The wisest man said in a shaking voice that the culprit should be punished. He announced that it was the arch which banged against the crown, so it should be hanged.

The arch was being taken for the hanging when one of the councillors said that the arch actually touched the royal head with respect. The king agreed, but the crowd was getting restless and wanted a hanging. Perceiving the situation, the king ordered that someone must be hanged, guilty or not. A loop of rope was set up quite high and each man was measured to its height. Only one was tall enough to reach it and that was the king himself. So the king was hanged. The ministers heaved a sigh of relief that someone was hanged or else the crowd might have turned against them.

The ministers now faced a dilemma as the country had no king. They followed their old custom and sent out messengers to proclaim that the next person who would pass the city gate would choose the next king. After some time, an idiot passed the gate and the guards stopped him. When they asked him to name the king, the idiot said ‘a melon’. This was his standard answer to all the questions as he was very fond of melons.

After the answer was given by the idiot, a melon was made the king of the city. The ministers respectfully carried the melon to the throne and set it down on the king’s throne. This happened long ago. If you now ask the people why their king appears to be a melon, they reply that it is a customary choice. It makes no difference to them if their king is a melon or not. They are happy because the king doesn’t interfere in their lives. They live in peace and harmony.

Vikram Seth is an Indian novelist and poet. He was born on 20 June, 1952 in Kolkata. He has written several novels and poetry books. He has received several awards such as Padma Shri, Sahitya Academy Award, Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, WH Smith Literary Award and Crossword Book Award.

Explanation of the Poem

In the city of which I sing
There was a just and placid King.
The King proclaimed an arch should be
Constructed, that triumphally
Would span the major thoroughfare
To edify spectators there.
The workmen went and built the thing.
They did so since he was the King.
The King rode down the thoroughfare
To edify spectators there.

The poet says that he is going to talk about a justice-loving and peace-loving king who ordered to build an arch (a curved structure) that would cover a part of the road, so as to impress the spectators (who pass through). The workers built the arch. But when the king rode through the arch (in order to impress the people there) something happened.

Under the arch he lost his crown.
The arch was built too low. A frown
Appeared upon his placid face,
The King said, ‘This is a disgrace.
The chief of builders will be hanged.’
The rope and gallows were arranged.
The chief of builders was led out.
He passed the King. He gave a shout,
‘O King, it was the workmen’s fault’
‘Oh! said the King, and called a halt

According to the poet, the arch was a little short which made the crown of the king fall down. The face of the king grows red and he orders that the chief of builders should be hanged for his mistake. Note that the king was described as just and placid in the beginning. However, it was sarcastic because the king becomes angry at such a petty matter. The rope and gallows are arranged for hanging him and the chief of builders is taken to that place. However, he pleads to the king that it was the mistake of the workers. The hanging is stopped.

To the proceedings. Being just
(And placider now) he said, ‘I must
Have all the workmen hanged instead.’
The workmen looked surprised, and said,
‘O King, you do not realise
The bricks were made of the wrong size.’
‘Summon the masons!’ said the King.
The masons stood there quivering.
‘It was the architect...’, they said,
The architect was summoned.

Hearing the chief of builders, the king orders the hanging of the workers instead. However, the workers look surprised over the decision and tell the king that it was the mistake of the masons as they made the bricks of wrong size. The masons are summoned for hanging. However, the masons tell the king that it was the mistake of the architect. Now the architect is summoned.

‘Well, architect,’ said His Majesty.
‘I do ordain that you shall be
Hanged.’ Said the architect, ‘O King,
You have forgotten one small thing.
You made certain amendments to
The plans when I showed them to you.’
The King heard this. The King saw red.
In fact he nearly lost his head;
But being a just and placid King
He said, ‘This is a tricky thing.

The king tells the architect that he is going to hang him (the architect) for his grave mistake. At this, the architect says that the king himself made changes to the plans made by the architect. The king grows red with anger but is unable to reach a conclusion. He sighs, saying that it is a tricky situation.

I need some counsel. Bring to me
The wisest man in this country.’
The wisest man was found and brought,
Nay, carried, to the Royal Court.
He could not walk and could not see,
So old (and therefore wise) was he —
But in a quavering voice he said,
‘The culprit must be punished.
Truly, the arch it was that banged
The crown off, and it must be hanged’.

The king summons the wisest man in his country. The orders are followed and the wisest man who can neither walk nor see is taken to the Royal Court. He is old and shivering. He says that it was the mistake of the arch so the arch should be hanged.

To the scaffold the arch was led
When suddenly a Councillor said —
‘How can we hang so shamefully
What touched your head, Your Majesty?’
‘True,’ mused the King. By now the crowd,
Restless, was muttering aloud.
The King perceived their mood and trembled
And said to all who were assembled —
‘Let us postpone consideration
Of finer points like guilt.

The king agrees and the arch is taken for hanging. But soon, a counselor says that this arch has touched the head of the king, so it cannot be hanged. The king agrees. At this the crowd becomes eager. The king, seeing the mood of the public, announces that the matter should be postponed.

The nation
Wants a hanging. Hanged must be
Someone, and that immediately.’
The noose was set up somewhat high.
Each man was measured by and by.
But only one man was so tall
He fitted. One man. That was all.
He was the King. His Majesty
Was therefore hanged by Royal Decree.
‘Thank Goodness we found someone,’ said
The Ministers, ‘for if instead

However, now that the crowd wants to hang someone, the king has to reach a conclusion. The noose (the rope for hanging) is set up in height. Every man is taken to the noose but nobody’s height matches it except the king. Thus the king is hanged. The public finally feels relieved as someone is hung at last.

We had not, the unruly town
Might well have turned against the Crown’.
‘Long live the King!’ the Ministers said.
‘Long live the King! The King is dead.’
They pondered the dilemma; then,
Being practical-minded men,
Sent out the heralds to proclaim

(In His [former] Majesty’s name):
‘The next to pass the City Gate
Will choose the ruler of our state,

The crowd says that it would be a bad omen if the hanging had not been done. They praise the king (who is no more). Now, they have to choose their new king. So, it is decided that the one who will pass through the City Gate first will choose the ruler of their country.

As is our custom. This will be
Enforced with due ceremony.’
A man passed by the City Gate.
An idiot. The guards cried, ‘Wait!
Who is to be the King? Decide!’
‘A melon,’ the idiot replied.
This was his standard answer to
All questions. (He liked melons.) ‘You
Are now our King,’ the Ministers said,
Crowning a melon. Then they led

This is their custom to choose the king and hence it is decided that the new king will be chosen the same way with full ceremony. Soon, an idiot passes by the City Gate. The guards ask him who their new king should be. He answers, ‘a melon’, because he loves melons. The ministers agree.

(Carried) the Melon to the throne
And reverently set it down.
This happened years and years ago.
When now you ask the people, ‘So —
Your King appears to be a melon.
How did this happen?’, they say, ‘Well, on
Account of customary choice.
If His Majesty rejoice
In being a melon, that’s OK
With us, for who are we to say
What he should be as long as he
Leaves us in Peace and Liberty?’
The principles of laissez faire
Seem to be well-established there.

So, a melon is made the king. It is taken to the throne and crowned. According to the poet, it happened many years ago. Now the people often ask how a melon can become a king. The poet answers them that it was their customary choice. If the throne wants a melon to become a king then only a melon would become the king, as long as it lets the people live in peace and liberty. The poet further says that the principles of laissez-faire (minimal interference of government) were well established in Melon City.

Questions

READING WITH INSIGHT

Question. Narrate ‘The Tale of Melon City’ in your own words.
Answer: The poem ‘The Tale of Melon City’ is about how the city found it’s new King, a melon. The story unfolds as their King orders to have an arch built, which would be a thoroughfare to edify the spectators there. While he went there after it was completed, the arch hit the King’s head and his crown fell down. The King thought it was dishonourable and thus, commanded the chief of builders to be hanged. From here on, the blame game started. The chief of builders lay the blame on the workmen who in turn, blamed the bricks. The King ordered the execution of the mason who put the blame on the architect. The architect was brought to the Royal Court and indirectly blamed the King for being the person who had made changes to the design of the arch. The placid King now grows angry and demands for the wisest man in the country to be brought to the Royal Court. They brought the wisest man, who was so old that he could neither see nor walk. According to him, the arch must be hanged. When the arch is to be executed, one of the councillors argues that it would be a shame to punish something that had touched their mighty King’s head. Everyone, along with the King, agreed. The crowd grew restless and the King promised them a hanging. Therefore, a noose was set-up and the one to fit it would be hanged. Everyone in the kingdom were measured one by one. But as fate would have it, the only one to fit the noose was the King. The foolish ministers heave a sigh of relief upon finding someone to execute, completely unconcerned about the fact that it was their king who was to be hanged. Thereafter, as part of yet another foolish custom of the kingdom, they sent out a proclamation that the next person to pass the city gate, would choose the successor to the dead king. Unfortunately, the first person to pass the gate was an idiot who, when asked about who the next king should be, uttered, ‘A melon’. This was the only word he would say to any question put to him. The melon was then placed on the throne as the new king. The foolish kingdom continued to function following the laissez faire principles and the people were left to live in peace and liberty.

Question. What impression would you form of a state where the King was ‘just and placid’?
Answer: Being ‘just’ means to treat everyone equally and to be fair in one’s dealings, whereas being ‘placid’ means portraying a calm and composed behaviour or not losing one’s cool easily. A state ruled by a ‘just and placid’ King must offer a safe space to its people. The people would have complete confidence in their King and the evil would get what they deserve. There would be equality and no one would be looked at with the sense of superiority. People of the state would be happy and no one would go to bed on an empty stomach. Therefore, a ‘just and placid’ King would ensure quality living for all. The only condition being, that justice and placidness should not be under the facade of foolishness.

Question. How, according to you, can peace and liberty be maintained in a state?
Answer: The poet here describes a picture of how peace and liberty cannot be maintained. The poet has shown various instances where the King kept ordering useless executions just for his ego. It did not matter to him if his order was justified or not. The poet wanted to suggest that to have peace and liberty in a state, the leader of the state needs to have a fair sense of justice. He also wants to suggest that a leader needs to have a great deal of intelligence, unlike the King of this poem who gets easily manipulated by other people.

Question. Suggest a few instances in the poem which highlight humour and irony.
Answer: ‘The Tale of Melon City’ is completely written in a satirical sense where the author has used irony to mean the opposite. The poet started his poem by mentioning the King as just and placid. However, later it is shown that he was the exact opposite. His crown fell off his head while he was passing under the arch and he felt embarrassed about it. He simply decided to execute the chief of builders, then the workmen, then the architect and finally the arch. An arch is an object, and nobody could execute it, but the way the author used this line created humour. The next humour that came in the poem was when the king was hung because of his stupid law. It showed that, although the head of any state needed to have a great deal of intelligence, he was a stupid King. The stupidity of the King was complimented by the stupidity of the man who chose a melon to be the next King. The poet here created the final humour with this incident. He portrayed that it did not matter to the common people who the King was as they crowned the melon as their new King.

Question. ‘The Tale of Melon City’ has been narrated in a verse form. This is a unique style which lends extra charm to an ancient tale. Find similar examples in your language. Share them in the class.
Answer: The poet Vikram Seth has written a narrative poem of an ancient tale by writing ‘The Tale of Melon City’. It is written in verse form where every second line rhymes with the first line, which is known as rhyming couplets. This writing style gives the poem the impression of prose in a form of narrative style story-telling. The name of the poem is ‘The Tale of Melon City’, which in a literal sense means the story of Melon City. The poet here purposefully used the word ‘tale’ in the title, to make it similar to the verse-like structure of the poem.

Additional Questions

Extract-based Questions

Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.

Under the arch he lost his crown.
The arch was built too low. A frown
Appeared upon his placid face.
The King said, ‘This is a disgrace.
The chief of builders will be hanged.’
The rope and gallows were arranged.
The chief of builders was led out.
He passed the King. He gave a shout,

Question. What does the term ‘gave a shout’ indicate about the chief of builder’s emotion?
Answer: The term ‘gave a shout’ indicates that the chief of builder’s emotion was surprise or fear.

Question. What does the phrase ‘placid face’ imply about the king’s personality?
(a) He was calm and peaceful.
(b) He was angry and violent.
(c) He was sad and depressed.
(d) He was happy and cheerful.
Answer: (b) He was angry and violent.

Question. Complete the sentence appropriately.
The word ‘disgrace’ means _______________________________________.
Answer: loss of reputation or respect; or shame or dishonour.

Question. What happened when the king was going to edify the spectators?
(a) He had a tussle with his ministers.
(b) His car’s wheel got punctured.
(c) His head collided with his chariot.
(d) His head collided with an arch.
Answer: (d) His head collided with an arch.

‘O King, you do not realise
The bricks were made of the wrong size.’
‘Summon the masons!’ said the King.
The masons stood there quivering.
‘It was the architect...’, they said,
The architect was summoned.
‘Well, architect,’ said His Majesty.

Question. Why did the king summon the masons?
Answer: When the King learned that the bricks were of the wrong size, he summoned the masons.

Question. What were the masons’ emotions?
(a) They were excited and eager.
(b) They were scared and nervous.
(c) They were angry and defiant.
(d) They were bored and indifferent.
Answer: (b) They were scared and nervous.

Question. Complete the sentence appropriately.
The word ‘quivering’ means _______________________________________.
Answer: trembling or shaking with a slight rapid motion

Question. Which of the following sums up the central idea of the extract?
(a) A King’s Ignorance and Arrogance
(b) A King’s Curiosity and Intelligence
(c) A King’s Forgiveness and Kindness
(d) A King’s Humour and Wit
Answer: (a) A King’s Ignorance and Arrogance

He could not walk and could not see,
So old (and therefore wise) was he —
But in a quavering voice he said,
‘The culprit must be punished.
Truly, the arch it was that banged
The crown off, and it must be hanged’.

Question. Who is ‘he’ here?
(a) The king
(b) The chief of builders
(c) The architect
(d) The wise man
Answer: (d) The wise man

Question. What does the phrase ‘could not walk and could not see’ imply about his physical condition?
(a) He was disabled and blind.
(b) He was injured and sick.
(c) He was tired and sleepy.
(d) He was lazy and careless.
Answer: (a) He was disabled and blind.

Question. Complete the sentence appropriately.
The word ‘culprit’ means _______________________________________.
Answer: a person who is responsible for a crime or other misdeed

Question. What does the term ‘banged’ indicate?
Answer: The term ‘banged’ indicates that the impact of the arch on the crown was strong and loud.

‘Long live the King!’ the Ministers said.
‘Long live the King! The King is dead.’
They pondered the dilemma; then,
Being practical-minded men,
Sent out the heralds to proclaim
(In His [former] Majesty’s name):

Question. What was the dilemma that the ministers faced?
(a) About the King’s death
(b) About the King’s crown
(c) About the King’s successor
(d) About the King’s law
Answer: (c) About the King’s successor

Question. What does the phrase ‘practical-minded men’ imply about the ministers’ attitude?
(a) They were realistic and sensible.
(b) They were idealistic and creative.
(c) They were pessimistic and cynical.
(d) They were optimistic and enthusiastic.
Answer: (a) They were realistic and sensible.

Question. Complete the sentence appropriately.
The word ‘herald’ means _______________________________________.
Answer: offical messengers bringing news; or signs that something is about to happen

Question. What does the term ‘proclaim’ indicate about the ministers’ intention?
Answer: The term ‘proclaim’ indicates that the ministers’ intention was to announce something publicly or officially.

Account of customary choice.
If His Majesty rejoice
In being a melon, that’s OK
With us, for who are we to say
What he should be as long as he
Leaves us in Peace and Liberty?’
The principles of laissez faire
Seem to be well-established there.

Question. What does the word ‘laissez faire’ mean in this context?
(a) Let it be
(b) Let it go
(c) Let it happen
(d) Let it grow
Answer: (a) Let it be

Question. What is the tone of the extract?
(a) Critical
(b) Respectful
(c) Amused
(d) Worried
Answer: (c) Amused

Question. Fill in the blank with an appropriate word or phrase.
The phrase ‘who are we to say’ shows that the people are ______________.
Answer: submissive

Question. Identify the line from the extract that shows that the people are happy with their new king.
Answer: The line from the extract that shows that the people are happy with their new king is “If His Majesty rejoice in being a melon, that’s OK with us.”

Short Answer Questions

Question. What do the words ‘just and placid’ imply?
Answer: The words ‘just and placid’ imply that the king was fair and mild, and a great believer of justice. He ensured that justice was meted out to his subjects. He was also mild mannered and rarely showed any displeasure. Even if he did frown, he quickly wiped it off his face.

Question. What was the intention behind the building of an arch?
Answer: The king wanted an arch to be erected, that would extend over the main road. He felt the arch would edify the spectators and would improve the morals and knowledge of the onlookers there.

Question. What angered the King?
Answer: After the arch was built, the king rode through the street. He wanted to edify the spectators there. But as he was crossing the arch, his crown fell off, as the arch was built too low. This angered the king.

Question. What order did the king give when his crown was knocked off his head?
Answer: The king was angry that his crown had fallen off while he rode under the arch. A frown came over his face because the arch was built too low. The king said that it was disgraceful that this happened. In his anger, he ordered that the chief of the builders, responsible for building the arch, will be hanged.

Question. How did the chief of builders escape the gallows?
Answer: When the chief of builders was led away to the gallows, he pleaded innocent. He claimed that it was the fault of the workers that the arch was built so low. He escaped the hanging as the king who was just and placid, spared the innocent man.

Question. Were the workmen put to death?
Answer: The next to be blamed were the workmen. They were held responsible for building the low arch, by the chief of builders. The king had now ordered that they be hanged. The workmen shifted the blame onto the masons who had made bricks of the wrong size. Hearing their justification, the king pardoned them.

Question. How did the blame eventually fall upon the King?
Answer: The masons blamed the architect for the poor design of the arch. Subsequently, the architect, who seemed to be in trouble at this stage, clarified his position by stating that he had acted on the instructions of the king. He thus, passed on the blame to the king who had made certain changes in the architectural plans of the arch.

Question. What was the King’s reaction to the architect’s accusation?
Answer: When the king heard the architect’s accusation, he was so angry that he almost lost his ability to reason. But as he was righteous and tolerant, he accepted that this was a difficult situation. The king now solicited the presence of the wisest man in the country as he was in need of some counsel.

Question. What was the advice of the wise old man?
Answer: The wisest man was found and carried to the royal court, as he could neither walk nor see. He was an old and experienced man. He said in a trembling, feeble voice that the offender must be punished. He condemned the arch and declared it guilty of throwing the crown off the king’s head. Thus, he said that the arch should be hanged.

Question. Was the arch the one who reached the gallows?
Answer: The wise man declared that it was the arch that had thrown the crown off, and it must be hanged. A councillor objected to the arch being hanged; he called it a disgrace to hang something that had touched the honourable head of the king. The king agreed with the councillor and the arch was spared.

Question. ‘But only one man was so tall, he fitted. One man. That was all’. Who was this man?
Answer: The crowd grew restless and tired. They did not appreciate the fact that the offenders were escaping death, and they were not able to see a hanging. The king grew fearful of their agitation and decided that someone must be hanged. To satiate the wishes of his people, he decided that the person who would fit the measurement of the noose set up on the gallows would be hung. For this purpose, all the people in the kingdom were measured one by one. Unfortunately, the only man who was tall enough and met the requirement for the hanging was the king himself.

Question. How was the successor to the king decided?
Answer: After the king’s execution, the ministers realised that they had to find a new king. They were in a dilemma as to what was to be done. They pondered upon the issue, and being practical-minded men, sent out announcements to proclaim that the next person who crosses the city gate would decide who the successor to the dead king would be.

Question. Who proclaimed that a melon would be the heir to the throne?
Answer: The next man who crossed the city gate was entrusted with the task of choosing a successor to the throne of the kingdom. However, the man who came was ‘an idiot’. The only reply he made to questions asked of him was, ‘A melon’. Therefore, the word that came out of his mouth regarding the choice of a successor was melon. The ministers accepted the verdict and a melon was coronated as the king. They carried the melon respectfully and placed it on the throne.

Question. How did the people of the kingdom react to their melon king?
Answer: The people of the kingdom were content with their melon king. They found no reason to criticize him as long as he lets them live in ‘Peace and Liberty’. In that kingdom, the philosophy of ‘laissez faire’ (refusal to interfere) seemed to be well established.

Question. The king was just and placid. Did he carry his notion of justice a bit too far?
Answer: The king was known to be cool-headed, fair and just. But he was, in fact, a fool with a wavering mind. He foolishly thought that an arch would improve the people morally and mentally. He lost his temper when his crown fell off his head due to the arch that was low in height. He at once ordered the hanging of the chief of builders, the workers, the masons and the architect. He carried his sense of justice a bit too far, and foolishly agreed to hang the arch itself. When this was opposed, to appease his people he himself was hanged. The story is humorous, satirical and ironical.

Question. Which part of the poem do you find the most humorous?
Answer: In my opinion, the most humorous part is the selection of a new king. The incident where the ministers decide that the next person to pass the city gate would decide their future king, is hilarious. As luck would have it, the man who passed the gate was an idiot who answered every question posed to him with the word ‘melon’. Thus, on asking who should be the king, he said, ‘A melon’. So, it was! The ministers promptly put the melon on the throne and accepted it as their king. The ‘Melon’ becomes crucial to the story as the city was hitherto known as the ‘Melon City.’

Long Answer Questions

Question. How did the ‘just and placid king’ get executed?
Answer: The arch, commissioned by the king, was built low and it knocked off the king’s crown when he was passing below the arch. He sentenced the chief of builders to death for causing him the dishonour. With the blame game beginning, the chief of builders, to save himself, passed the blame on to the workers. The workmen blamed the masons and the masons in turn, blamed the architect. The architect reminded the king that he had made certain changes in the plans himself when they were shown to him. This was the reason the arch was not of the appropriate height. The king was infuriated to hear that. Being righteous and tolerant, he called for the wisest man in the country, for counsel, who advised the king to hang the arch as it was the real offender. The arch had committed the crime of having thrown of the king’s crown. A councillor objected to this ruling and declared it a disgrace to hang something that had touched the king’s honourable head. The crowd that had gathered to witness the hanging became restless. The king, apprehensive of their mood, ruled for someone to be hanged immediately. The noose was at a height, and a suitable person was to be selected to be hanged. Every citizen of the kingdom was measured. Finally, the noose that hung high, fitted the king alone and he was hung as per the royal ruling.

Question. How do the people fare under the melon king, in contrast to the human king?
Answer: The human king never applied his own brain and went by what others said. Instead of handling the issue with the arch in a sensible manner, he created a situation which embroiled him in a state of utter confusion. He declared that the person who wronged him would be hanged. The foolish country men gathered to see the ‘event of the hanging’. They turned out to be as foolish as their king. When the people became restless and demanded that somebody be hanged, the king himself was taken to the gallows. He had to pay a heavy price for his foolishness. According to the state custom, the new ruler was to be chosen by the first person who passed by the city gate. That day, an idiot happened to pass by the gate who said ‘melon’ to any question that people asked him. And the ministers followed the custom mindlessly. They brought a melon and crowned it as their new ruler. The people raised no objection. They only wanted to live in peace and liberty. They accepted the melon king who followed the policy of non-interference in whatever the people did. The poet concludes that the kingdom followed the laissez faire principles and life moved along at a comfortable pace.

Question. Discuss ‘The Tale of Melon City’ as a humorous as well as an ironical poem with the help of examples from the poem.
Answer: ‘The Tale of Melon City’ is truly a humorous and ironical poem. It is humorous that an arch was constructed to ‘edify’ the people. The oldest man of the city was considered to be the wisest, which is both ironical and humorous, because the solution he came up with was as foolish as the rest. The councillor’s retort to the wise man’s suggestion was equally ironical. The order that was passed by the king was funnier. It was ordered that whosoever fitted the gallows shall die. Then, it is highly funny and unbelievable that the king himself was hanged because the noose fit him. The selection of the new king, a melon, is extremely humorous. It is highly ironical how one can order a death sentence for a minor offence. The King himself was so indecisive. Then, the process of selection of the new king adds both to the humour and irony. Finally, it is seen that people were living happily under a king who did not govern. The whole poem is a satire that projects the idiosyncrasies of incapable leaders. The irony is that the people who live under such rulers also turn out to be as foolish as the ruler himself. And funnily, they are willing to be governed by a ‘melon’ too.

Question. Describe the events that led to the hanging of the king by his own order.
Answer: A king ordered an arch to be constructed to ‘edify’ the people. The arch was low and the king lost his crown when he passed under it. The king ordered the execution of the chief of builders, but the latter said that it was the fault of the workers. The workers laid the blame on the bricks because they were of the wrong size. So, the masons were called. They blamed the architect, but the architect said that the king himself had made some alterations. At this, the king sought the counsel of the wisest man in the country. The oldest man alive was brought and he advised that the arch should be hanged. The arch was not hanged because it had touched His Majesty’s head. The king said that because the nation wanted a hanging, they will hang whoever fitted the gallows. Unfortunately, the king himself fit best and was hanged.

Question. Do you think the poem echoes the misgovernance prevailing in the world at large? (Constructed Response Question)
Answer: People all over the world experience difficulties due to the misgovernance and incapabilities of the people at the helm of affairs. The evils of misgovernance are seen everywhere. Corruption, inflation, crime, sinking economy, exploitation of natural resources, etc. are the various faces of misgovernance and non-governance. This has to end sometime. People have had enough. Everyone wants a change. Every new face appears to bring hope, which is invariably belied. In a democracy, people get a chance to change their rulers and law makers every five years. A change is seen on the horizon. People with a record of clean service are now entering politics, as candidates from political families have proved to be failures. The honest public servant gets the support of the common people. The judiciary stands for the right and the correct. Most powerful of all is the media. It spreads awareness among people. It would not be the wish of any human being to be governed by a ‘Melon King’ any more.