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Class 11 English Snapshots Chapter 8 The Tale of Melon City
Also, you can read the SCERT Class 11 English Snapshots Chapter 8 The Tale of Melon City All Be Together” book Notes online in these sections Solutions by Expert Teachers as per AHSEC (SCERT) Book guidelines. Class 11 English Snapshots Chapter 8 The Tale of Melon City Notes are part of SCERT All Subject Solutions. Here we have given Assam Board Class 11 English Snapshots Chapter 8 The Tale of Melon City Solutions for All Subjects, You can practice these here.
The Tale of Melon City
Chapter: 8
SNAPSHOTS (SUPPLEMENTARY)
1. Narrate ‘The Tale of Melon City’ in your own words.
Ans: The Tale of Melon City’ unfolds like a folk tale, narrating an unusual sequence of events that led to a peculiar ruler. The city earned its name because its ruler was a melon, chosen under bizarre circumstances. Once, a fair and just king governed the state. He ordered an arch to be built over the main road. However, as he passed beneath it, the arch was too low, knocking off his crown. Considering this a disgrace, he ordered the chief builder to be executed. The builder, in his defense, blamed the workmen, who, in turn, accused the masons for using wrongly sized bricks. The masons then shifted the responsibility to the architect, who ultimately placed the blame on the king himself for modifying the original design.
Seeking wisdom, the king consulted a learned man, who surprisingly declared the arch guilty and sentenced it to be hanged. A councillor protested, arguing that since the arch had touched the king’s head, it was honorable. The people, however, were growing restless and demanded an execution. As per tradition, only a head that fit the noose could be hanged and that head was the king’s. Thus, he was executed.
To select a new ruler, it was decided that the first person to pass the city gate would make the choice. Coincidentally, an idiot walked by and, when asked who should be the king, he randomly suggested, “A melon.” His word was taken seriously, and a melon was ceremoniously placed on the throne. From that day on, the city came to be known as Melon City, ruled by a silent and opinionated king, much to the satisfaction of its peace-loving people.
2. What impression would you form of a state where the King was ‘just and placid’?
Ans: The King in Vikram Seth’s ‘The Tale of Melon City’ has a unique personality. What drives him is his whimsical nature rather than reason and logic. He is introduced ironically as ‘placid’ and ‘just’. He has his own limitations and can’t provide justice. He does not acquire a firm mind and lacks sound judgement. Rather he can easily be convinced and influenced. He asks to construct a monument in the shape of an arch to depict his victory and glory.
The King is portrayed as a regal figure. He carries an air of authority and power, with a commanding presence. He believes himself to be exceptionally wise and expects others to obey his commands without question. He is also shown to be gullible, easily swayed by flattery, and lacks critical thinking skills.
3. How, according to you, can peace and liberty be maintained in a state?
Ans: The government must consistently uphold law and order, ensuring the safety and security of its citizens. It is responsible for preventing, detecting, registering, and investigating crimes, as well as prosecuting offenders. In today’s world, the role of government machinery, including administrative and executive bodies, is crucial in maintaining peace and justice.
At the same time, individuals must strive to uphold moral values, as a society built on ethical principles naturally fosters harmony. Citizens play a vital role in supporting law enforcement agencies, and by assisting the police, they contribute to safeguarding the rights and freedoms of others. Ultimately, maintaining law and order is a shared responsibility between the government and the people.
4. Suggest a few instances in the poem which highlight humour and irony.
Ans: Vikram Seth’s poem is rich in humor and irony, making readers reflect on the absurd fate of a state if such events were to unfold in reality. In the king’s court, the blame is passed from the contractor to the laborers, then to the brick manufacturers, and finally to the engineer-until, in a bizarre twist, the king himself is found guilty. This entire sequence is nothing short of comical.
The poem keeps readers engaged with its unexpected turns, constantly making them wonder what will happen next. The irony deepens when the so-called wisest man in the state declares that the arch should be hanged for its poor construction and for knocking off the king’s crown. To add to the absurdity, the ministers devise a ridiculous method to choose the next ruler. In the end, the citizens are perfectly content with a Melon as their king simply because it does not interfere in their lives. This satirical portrayal highlights the irrationality of governance based on meaningless customs and blind acceptance.
5. ‘The Tale of Melon City’ has been narrated in 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.
Ans: Students, do it yourself.
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