NCERT Solutions For Class 11 English
Snapshot
Chapter 5 – The Tale
of Melon City (Vikram Seth)
Short Question Answers
Question
1:
What
type of king governed the state, and what proclamation did he make?
Answer:
The
king was fair and gentle, expressing concern for the welfare of the masses. He
proclaimed the construction of an arch extending across the main thoroughfare,
hoping it would uplift the people's minds.
Question
2:
Why
did the king ride down the thoroughfare, and what was the outcome?
Answer:
The
king rode down the thoroughfare to edify spectators. However, due to the low
construction of the arch, he lost his crown during the ride, considering it a
disgrace.
Question
3:
Who
was deemed responsible for the disgrace, and how did he/they react? What does
this reveal about the king?
Answer:
The
chief of builders was held responsible and ordered to be hanged. Blaming the
workmen, the chief suggested having all of them hanged. The workmen, in turn,
blamed the wrong size of bricks. This showcases the king's fickle-mindedness.
Question
4:
What
argument did the architect present in self-defense? How did the king respond?
Answer:
The
architect reminded the king of the amendments made to the original plans,
suggesting the king's fault. The king, angered and losing composure, nearly
lost his ability to act sensibly.
Question
5:
Why
did the king seek counsel, and from whom? Was the man truly the wisest?
Explain.
Answer:
Confused
by the architect's clever defense, the king sought advice from the wisest man
in the country. However, the selected man, old and unable to walk or see, was
not necessarily the wisest, as wisdom does not exclusively come with age,
rendering his advice worthless.
Question
6:
Comment
on the criteria for selecting the wisest man and the quality of counsel he
provided.
Answer:
The
criteria were based on the belief that wisdom comes with grey hair. However,
the selected old man, unable to walk or see, provided absurd advice that
lifeless objects cannot be deprived of life by hanging.
Question
7:
What
does the councillor's comment about the arch reveal about himself and the king?
Answer:
The
councillor's sycophancy and the king's capriciousness are evident. The councillor,
skilled in flattery, prevented the king from taking absurd action using a
seemingly logical argument. The thoughtless king pondered over the counsel.
Question
8:
Why
did the king succumb to public demand?
Answer:
Observing
the restless crowd and sensing mutterings, the king feared the consequences if
they were deprived of the amusement of watching a hanging. To save himself, he
ordered someone to be hanged immediately.
Question
9:
What
was the result of the King's thoughtless order?
Answer:
The
king's order led to the setting up of the noose at a height only he could fit.
Measuring each man, only the king met the criteria, and he was hanged by his
own royal decree, paying with his life for the impulsive order.
Question
10:
Why
did the Ministers feel relieved? Was their elation justified?
Answer:
The
Ministers felt relieved that the public's desire to witness a hanging had been
fulfilled. They expressed pleasure, believing that if they had failed, the
unruly town might have turned against the king. However, their elation is
misplaced, as the king lost his life to appease the public.
Question
11:
What
opinion do you form of the King's Ministers based on their actions after the
King's death?
Answer:
The
Ministers were practical-minded individuals who believed in tradition and
ceremonies. Shouting in one breath, "Long live the king! The king is
dead," they understood the necessity of crowning someone to occupy the
throne.
Question
12:
What
'custom' of the citizens is referred to in the tale? How did the Ministers
decide to observe it?
Answer:
The
citizens' custom is choosing a new ruler by having the person passing the City
Gate name the king. The Ministers decided to observe this custom with proper
formality.
Question
13:
How
was the new ruler of the state selected?
Answer:
Messengers
were sent by the Ministers to announce that the next person passing the City
Gate would choose the ruler. An idiot passed through and, when asked to decide,
replied, "A melon." This answer led the Ministers to declare a melon
as the new ruler.
Question
14:
What
does the selection process of the new ruler of the state reveal about the
ministers and the people?
OR
How
did the people and ministers react to the selection of 'a melon' as the new
ruler?
Answer:
The
selection process appears ridiculous and exposes the ignorant masses adhering
to traditions, while clever ministers continue to deceive them. The people, more
concerned about their peace, freedom, and business affairs than the ruler,
display selfishness, self-centeredness, and ego-centric behavior.
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