The Tale of Melon City
NCERT Class 11 English Chapter 5: The Tale of Melon City (Pages 39–44)
Summary of The Tale of Melon City
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The Tale of Melon City Summary
In this poem, we journey to a city governed by a just and placid King. He orders the construction of an arch to enhance the beauty of the thoroughfare. However, when the arch proves too low and knocks off his crown, the King seeks justice and decides that the chief builder should be hanged. But, as the blame shifts from the builder to the workmen, then to the masons, and finally to the architect, the poem humorously illustrates the absurdity of the King’s rigid sense of justice. Each party involved points fingers at the other, showcasing how responsibility is evaded. The King, determined to uphold justice, calls upon the wisest man in the land for advice. This old, feeble man suggests that the arch itself should be punished, leading to a comical situation where the King contemplates hanging the arch. However, a clever councillor points out that it wouldn’t be fitting to hang something that touched the King's head. Thus, the King finds himself in a dilemma, as he needs to pacify the crowd demanding punishment. In a twist of fate, the King realizes that the only one tall enough to fit the noose is himself, which leads to a moment of dark humor where he is hanged by royal decree. The ministers breathe a sigh of relief as they avert the crowd's anger and ponder who will rule the city next. They decide that whoever passes by the City Gate will be crowned as the new ruler. An unintelligent man strolls by and, when asked who should be King, responds, 'A melon.' The ministers, in a comedic turn of events, accept this answer and crown a melon as their new ruler. The poem concludes by reflecting on how the citizens accept this strange situation. They believe that as long as the melon does not interfere with their peace and liberty, it may reign as their King. Overall, the poem presents a satirical take on governance and the complexities of justice. It encourages readers to think critically about the absurdities that can arise in leadership and the importance of humor in the face of ridiculous situations. The theme of laissez-faire shines through, where the people simply wish for harmony rather than a traditional ruler, embracing their unusual King as long as their peace remains intact.
The Tale of Melon City learning objectives
- In this poem, we journey to a city governed by a just and placid King.
- He orders the construction of an arch to enhance the beauty of the thoroughfare.
- However, when the arch proves too low and knocks off his crown, the King seeks justice and decides that the chief builder should be hanged.
- But, as the blame shifts from the builder to the workmen, then to the masons, and finally to the architect, the poem humorously illustrates the absurdity of the King’s rigid sense of justice.
The Tale of Melon City key concepts
- In the poem 'The Tale of Melon City,' Vikram Seth narrates the story of a king who believes in ultimate justice and fairness.
- The king orders the construction of an arch, which ultimately leads to his own comical downfall when he loses his crown as he rides beneath it.
- In his pursuit of blame, the king whimsically shifts responsibility through a series of absurd conclusions, ultimately leading to his own hanging due to the absurdity of the situation.
- This sets the stage for the elevation of a melon to the throne, signifying the ironic acceptance of governance without tyranny, just peace and liberty.
- The poem highlights themes of justice, irony, and the folly within governance.
Important topics in The Tale of Melon City
- 1.Explore the whimsical and ironic tale of a 'just and placid' king in Vikram Seth's poem, 'The Tale of Melon City.' Delve into the absurdities of justice and governance that lead to an unexpected royal outcome.
- 2.In this poem, we journey to a city governed by a just and placid King.
- 3.He orders the construction of an arch to enhance the beauty of the thoroughfare.
- 4.However, when the arch proves too low and knocks off his crown, the King seeks justice and decides that the chief builder should be hanged.
- 5.But, as the blame shifts from the builder to the workmen, then to the masons, and finally to the architect, the poem humorously illustrates the absurdity of the King’s rigid sense of justice.
- 6.Each party involved points fingers at the other, showcasing how responsibility is evaded.
