Summary of 'The Tale of Melon City'

• The poem is about a just and placid King who orders the construction of an arch.
• The arch is built too low, causing the King to lose his crown when he rides under it.
• The King blames the chief builder, who shifts the blame to the workmen.
• The workmen then blame the masons, leading to the architect being summoned.
• The architect points out that the King had made amendments to the plans.
• The King seeks counsel from the wisest man, who is brought to the court.
• The ministers decide to let the next person to pass the city gate choose the new ruler.
• An idiot passes by and declares a melon as the new King.
• The melon is crowned and placed on the throne, highlighting the absurdity of the situation.

The Tale of Melon City

Overview

• Author: Vikram Seth
• Published: 1981 in Mappings

Summary of Events

• The poem narrates the story of a just and placid King who orders the construction of an arch.
• The arch is built too low, causing the King to lose his crown.
• The King blames the chief builder, who shifts the blame to the workmen.
• The workmen then blame the architect, leading to a series of accusations.
• Ultimately, the King seeks counsel and ends up being hanged due to the absurdity of the situation.

Themes

• Justice and Absurdity: The poem highlights the absurdity of justice when the King himself becomes the victim of his own decree.
• Laissez-faire Principles: The citizens accept the King's decisions as long as they are left in peace and liberty.

Key Characters

• The King: A just and placid ruler who becomes a victim of his own laws.
• The Chief Builder: Blamed for the arch's failure.
• The Workmen: Shift blame to the architect.
• The Architect: Ultimately blamed for the amendments to the plans.
• The Wisest Man: Provides counsel to the King.

Important Quotes

• “If His Majesty rejoice in being a melon, that's OK with us.”
• “Let us postpone consideration of finer points like guilt.”

Questions for Reflection

1. Narrate The Tale of Melon City in your own words.
2. What impression would you form of a state where the King was just and placid?
3. How, according to you, can peace and liberty be maintained in a state?
4. Suggest a few instances in the poem which highlight humour and irony.
5. The poem is narrated in verse form, lending charm to the tale. Find similar examples in your language.