Class 11 English Snapshot Chapter 5 – The Tale of Melon City (Vikram Seth) Short Question Answers

 

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.