- Identify and describe the main themes of 'The Tale of Melon City'.
- Analyze the character of the King and his decisions throughout the poem.
- Discuss the role of humor and irony in the narrative.
- Evaluate the significance of the poem's unique verse form.
- Explore the implications of the King's actions on the state and its citizens.
The Tale of Melon City
Learning Objectives
TopRevision Notes & Summary
TopThe 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
- Narrate The Tale of Melon City in your own words.
- What impression would you form of a state where the King was just and placid?
- How, according to you, can peace and liberty be maintained in a state?
- Suggest a few instances in the poem which highlight humour and irony.
- The poem is narrated in verse form, lending charm to the tale. Find similar examples in your language.
Exam Tips & Common Mistakes
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Practice Test – MCQs, True/False
TopMultiple Choice Questions
A.
It shows his commitment to justice
B.
It highlights his inability to make decisions
C.
It demonstrates his fear of the crowd
D.
It reflects his desire for martyrdom
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
The King's decision to be hanged by Royal Decree shows his commitment to justice, as he follows the law even when it leads to his own execution.
A.
The importance of architectural precision
B.
The absurdity of absolute justice
C.
The need for strong leadership
D.
The benefits of a democratic society
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The story illustrates the absurdity of absolute justice, as shown by the King's decision to hang himself.
A.
The arch was too low and hit the King's crown.
B.
The arch was not built according to the King's design.
C.
The arch was too high for the King's liking.
D.
The arch was not completed on time.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
The King was dissatisfied because the arch was too low and hit his crown.
A.
They revolted against it.
B.
They accepted it as a customary choice.
C.
They ignored the decision.
D.
They were confused and upset.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The people accepted the melon as their King because they valued peace and liberty over the nature of their ruler.
A.
They accepted the blame and apologized.
B.
They blamed the masons for the error.
C.
They were surprised and blamed the bricks.
D.
They fled the city in fear.
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
The workmen were surprised and mentioned that the bricks were made of the wrong size, indicating it was not their fault.
A.
The arch was built too low and knocked off the King's crown.
B.
The workmen refused to work.
C.
The architect demanded more money.
D.
The masons used the wrong materials.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
The King became angry because the arch was built too low, causing his crown to be knocked off, which initiated the blame game.
A.
He suggests the true culprit should be punished.
B.
He proposes a new architectural design.
C.
He advises the King to abdicate.
D.
He leads a rebellion against the King.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
The 'wisest man' suggests that the arch, which knocked off the King's crown, should be punished, highlighting the absurdity in the narrative.
A.
The architect
B.
The King
C.
The wisest man
D.
The arch
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The King was ultimately hanged by Royal Decree because he was the only one tall enough.
A.
They believed in the principle of laissez faire.
B.
They were afraid of the King.
C.
They wanted to avoid conflict.
D.
They had no other choice.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
The people accepted a melon as their King because they believed in the principle of laissez faire.
A.
By allowing the King to make decisions without interference
B.
By letting the people choose their ruler based on personal preference
C.
By demonstrating a lack of government intervention in economic matters
D.
By showing the King's reluctance to enforce strict laws
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The poem reflects laissez-faire principles by showing that the people are indifferent to the King's identity as long as they are left in peace, indicating a lack of interference in their personal preferences.
A.
He ordered the workmen to be hanged.
B.
He laughed it off as a joke.
C.
He decided to demolish the arch.
D.
He ignored the incident.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
The King initially decided to have the workmen hanged for the faulty arch.
A.
The architect made amendments to the plans.
B.
The architect was responsible for the wrong-sized bricks.
C.
The architect was the wisest man in the country.
D.
The architect was the only one who could be hanged.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
The King decided to hang the architect because he made amendments to the plans.
A.
The architect
B.
The workmen
C.
The masons
D.
The wisest man
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The King initially decided that the workmen should be punished.
A.
They were satisfied.
B.
They protested against it.
C.
They were indifferent.
D.
They suggested hanging someone else.
Correct Answer: D
Solution:
A Councillor pointed out the absurdity of hanging the arch, leading the King to decide someone must be hanged.
A.
Laissez faire
B.
Meritocracy
C.
Democracy
D.
Autocracy
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
The poem humorously highlights the principle of 'laissez faire', where the citizens are indifferent to the King's choice as long as they have peace and liberty.
A.
It symbolizes the King's desire for architectural innovation.
B.
It represents the King's attempt to assert control over the city.
C.
It serves as a catalyst for the events leading to the King's downfall.
D.
It highlights the King's interest in public entertainment.
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
The construction of the arch serves as a catalyst for the events that lead to the King's downfall, as it sets off a chain of absurd events.
A.
To find a solution to the arch problem
B.
To determine who should be punished
C.
To change the design of the arch
D.
To seek advice on ruling the city
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The King consulted the wisest man to determine who should be punished for the arch hitting his crown.
A.
To commemorate a victory
B.
To edify spectators
C.
To demonstrate his architectural skills
D.
To provide shade on the thoroughfare
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The King wanted the arch to be constructed to edify spectators as they passed through the major thoroughfare.
A.
He ignores the crowd and makes his own decision
B.
He follows the crowd's desires to maintain peace
C.
He punishes the crowd for dissent
D.
He abdicates the throne to avoid conflict
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The King decides to satisfy the crowd's demand for a hanging, illustrating his desire to maintain peace by appeasing public sentiment.
A.
He was celebrated by his people.
B.
He was hanged by Royal Decree.
C.
He abdicated the throne.
D.
He built another arch.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The King was hanged by Royal Decree because he was the only one tall enough to fit the noose.
A.
It shows his commitment to justice, albeit in a humorous way.
B.
It demonstrates his lack of confidence.
C.
It reveals his desire to abdicate the throne.
D.
It indicates his intention to expand the city.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
The King's decision to consult the 'wisest man' reflects his commitment to justice, albeit the situation is handled humorously and leads to an absurd conclusion.
A.
The society values individual responsibility.
B.
The society is characterized by a strict hierarchy.
C.
The society is prone to passing blame.
D.
The society is focused on innovation and progress.
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
The reaction of the workmen, who blame the masons, reveals that the society is prone to passing blame rather than taking responsibility.
A.
He decided to hang the arch.
B.
He summoned the workmen.
C.
He ordered a celebration.
D.
He ignored the incident.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The King initially summoned the workmen when the arch knocked off his crown.
A.
He was a decisive ruler.
B.
He valued justice above all.
C.
He was influenced by the crowd.
D.
He was a wise and fair King.
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
The King's decision to hang someone immediately illustrates that he was influenced by the crowd's mood.
A.
By allowing the people to decide the outcome of the situation
B.
By strictly enforcing his own rules without consulting others
C.
By consulting the wisest man and following his advice
D.
By ignoring the situation completely and leaving it unresolved
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
The King's decision to let the people decide reflects a laissez-faire approach, where he refrains from interfering in the people's choice.
A.
Laissez faire
B.
Democracy
C.
Monarchy
D.
Anarchy
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
The people accepted the melon as their King due to the principle of laissez faire, as they valued peace and liberty.
A.
He was hanged by Royal Decree.
B.
He pardoned all involved.
C.
He abdicated the throne.
D.
He left the city in disguise.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
The King was hanged by Royal Decree because he was the only one tall enough to fit the noose set up for the execution.
A.
The wisest man blames the King for the incident.
B.
The wisest man suggests punishing the arch.
C.
The wisest man is unable to speak.
D.
The wisest man suggests abolishing the monarchy.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The ironic twist is that the wisest man suggests punishing the arch, which is an inanimate object, highlighting the absurdity of the situation.
A.
He was praised for his justice.
B.
He was hanged by Royal Decree.
C.
He abdicated the throne.
D.
He ordered a new arch to be built.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
In a turn of events, the King was the only one tall enough to fit the noose and was hanged by Royal Decree.
A.
The absurdity of justice
B.
The wisdom of old age
C.
The importance of architecture
D.
The value of public opinion
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
The principle highlighted is the absurdity of justice, as the King himself ends up being hanged due to a literal interpretation of justice.
A.
He summoned the architect.
B.
He ordered the masons to be punished.
C.
He decided to forgive everyone.
D.
He rebuilt the arch himself.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
The King summoned the architect after the masons blamed him.
A.
The architect
B.
The arch
C.
The King himself
D.
The masons
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
The King himself was hanged because he was the only one tall enough to fit the noose.
True or False
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The King made impulsive decisions, such as ordering the hanging of the workmen and later himself, without thorough consideration.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The noose was set high, and the King was the only one tall enough to fit, leading to his hanging by Royal Decree.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The excerpts describe the King as 'just and placid'.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
The wisest man was so old that he could not walk and could not see.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
The crowd was restless and muttering, indicating disapproval of the decision to hang the arch.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
The King initially considered hanging the architect but sought counsel from the wisest man instead.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
The people were content with their King being a melon as long as they had peace and liberty.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
The people of Melon City accepted having a melon as their King because it left them in peace and liberty, as per the principles of laissez faire.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The King was hanged because, after measuring everyone, he was the only one tall enough to fit the noose.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The noose was set high, and only the King was tall enough to fit it, leading to his hanging.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
The King was described as just and placid, not impulsive and unjust.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The King was hanged by Royal Decree because he was the only one tall enough to fit the noose, as described in the poem.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The poem uses humor and irony to depict the absurdity of the situation, such as the King's decision-making process and the eventual outcome.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The King is described as just and placid in the poem, which is a recurring theme throughout the narrative.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
The King was described as just and placid, not aggressive or tyrannical.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
The wisest man was so old that he could not walk and could not see.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Although the architect was initially blamed, the King himself ended up being hanged due to the circumstances described in the poem.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
The arch was not punished; instead, the King was hanged by Royal Decree.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The people of Melon City were content with their King being a melon as long as they were left in peace and liberty, reflecting a laissez-faire attitude.