The Tale of Melon City
Class 11 English · Snapshots · Chapter 5
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The story in short
Vikram Seth's narrative poem is a witty, ironic fable about a kingdom whose ruler is "just and placid." The just king orders a triumphal arch built across the main road so spectators may be edified. When he rides under it, the arch — built too low — knocks off his crown. Annoyed, the king orders the chief builder hanged, but the builder blames the workmen, who blame the bricks, who blame the masons, who blame the architect, who reminds the king that he himself altered the plans. Wishing to be just, the king summons the wisest man, who declares that the arch itself must be hanged. A councillor objects that it is shameful to hang what touched the royal head. The restless crowd now demands a hanging, so the king decrees that someone must be hanged immediately. The noose is set high, and each man is measured; only the king himself is tall enough to fit it, so he is hanged "by Royal Decree." The relieved ministers proclaim the old custom that the next person to pass the city gate shall choose the new ruler. An idiot passes and, asked who should be king, replies "a melon," so a melon is crowned king. The people accept this so long as the melon leaves them in peace and liberty. The poem satirises blind obedience, the misuse of "justice," and weak, absurd governance.
The Tale of Melon City
Characters & key ideas
Just and placid Kingthe ruler whose rigid, literal "justice" leads to absurd outcomes.
Triumphal archthe too-low arch that knocks off the king's crown and starts the chain of blame.
Chain of blameeach accused person passes the blame to another, exposing the system's folly.
Ironythe king is hanged by his own decree, the height of the poem's satire.
Laissez fairethe people's indifferent acceptance of whoever rules, so long as they are left in peace.
Melon Kingthe absurd monarch crowned on an idiot's whim, satirising blind custom.
Extra questions & answers (board-style)
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Who wrote "The Tale of Melon City"?