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

 

NCERT Solutions For Class 11 English

Snapshot

Chapter 5 – The Tale of Melon City (Vikram Seth)

Long Question Answers

Question 1:

Summarize 'The Tale of Melon City' in your own words.

Answer:

 

'The Tale of Melon City' unfolds like a folk tale centered around a city named Melon City, ruled by a melon. The story originates from a fair and gentle king who, after losing his crown due to an arch he had built, blames and punishes various individuals involved in its construction. Ultimately, the blame reaches the architect who, in self-defense, accuses the king of amending the original plan. Seeking wise counsel, the king orders the arch to be hanged. When the public demands someone to be hanged, the king is chosen, and a bizarre process results in a melon being crowned as the new king.

 

Question 2:

What impression do you form of a state where the king was just and placid?

Answer:

 

The state where the king was "just and placid" appears to be a backward region with ignorant and foolish inhabitants. The king, while considering himself the spiritual guide, implements impractical projects like building an arch for the spiritual upliftment of the people. The judicial system is portrayed as a mockery, with ministers and councillors appearing selfish and flattery-driven. The common people seem uneducated and seek amusement, crossing limits if deprived of fun. The state lacks educated citizens and has an unruly mob that values personal freedom, free business, and peaceful lives over the nature of the ruler, whether human or melon.

 

Question 3:

How, in your opinion, can peace and liberty be maintained in a state?

Answer:

 

To maintain peace and liberty in a state, effective governance is crucial. Well-administered states foster peace and liberty for both citizens and rulers. A strong state, with dedicated rulers, enlightened citizens, and efficient law enforcement, can establish harmony. Divisive considerations based on region, religion, or caste should be discouraged, as they threaten internal security by fueling dissension. Freedom of expression should be protected, but respect for law and order must be observed. Citizens should be conscious of their rights, privileges, duties, and responsibilities to ensure lasting peace and liberty.

 

Question 4:

Identify a few instances in the poem that highlight humor and irony.

Answer:

 

'The Tale of Melon City' is rich in instances of humor and irony. The king's effort to edify the spectators by building an arch is ironic, as it leads to his own humiliation. The blame-shifting among the accused creates humor, particularly the architect blaming the king for amending the plan. The king's unstable behavior and the criteria for selecting the wisest man contribute to the humor. The irony intensifies when the blind wise man's advice leads to the arch being taken to the gallows. The king's decision to keep the crowd in good humor by ordering a hanging, only to be hanged himself, adds to the irony. The suggestion of naming the next king by an idiot passing by the City Gate, proposing "melon," is equally ridiculous and ironic.

 

Question 5:

How did the accused attempt to shift the blame onto others? To what extent did they succeed?

Answer:

 

The chief of builders, initially held guilty, blamed the workmen. The workmen, however, defended themselves by pointing out that the bricks were of the wrong size, leading the blame to the masons. Trembling with fear, the masons shifted the blame to the architect who was responsible for planning and erecting the arch. The clever architect, in self-defense, reminded the king that he had amended the plans, ultimately holding the king responsible. This tactic angered the king, causing him to lose clear judgment. Seeking advice from the wisest man, the king ordered the arch to be hanged, resulting in each accused successfully shifting blame onto others.

 

Question 6:

What impression do you gather about the king from 'The Tale of Melon City'?

Answer:

 

The just and placid king appears quite ruthless as he becomes 'placider' and decides to have all the workmen hanged instead of just the chief of builders. His wobbling mind and capricious nature are evident through frequent changes in decisions. Easily swayed by arguments, he seems fickle-minded and eager about public welfare, initiating the construction of an arch to edify them. The whimsical king is outwitted by the clever architect, loses his composure in anger, and seeks advice from the wisest man. While trying to keep the public in good humor, his lack of foresight leads to his own downfall, as the height of the noose fits only his neck.

 

Question 7:

What do you think makes 'The Tale of Melon City' interesting and edifying?

Answer:

 

'The Tale of Melon City' is both interesting and edifying due to its narrative about how the country ended up with a melon as its ruler, based on a customary choice. The story of a just and placid king who meets a peculiar fate is amusing. The clever arguments presented by the accused to save their lives add to the intrigue. The king's ability to gauge the public's mood and the ironic situation where only the king fits the noose height are interesting. The poem is instructive about avoiding the company of fools, as depicted by the behavior of ministers and people in the narrative.

 

Question 8:

"The poem mocks the process of fair trial and proper judgment." To what extent do you agree with the statement?

Answer:

 

The poem strongly criticizes the age-old custom of justice delivery through the word of kings. In a time when the king's word was considered law, the poem satirizes the process of fair trials and considered awards. The accused manipulate the process, shifting blame successfully, while the king's capriciousness and inability to see through their arguments turn justice into a mockery. Thus, the statement holds true, and the poem serves as an indictment of the flawed justice system.

 

Question 9:

Comment on the title of the poem 'The Tale of Melon City'.

Answer:

 

The title 'The Tale of Melon City' gains significance from the poem's ending, revealing that the incidents took place long ago. The ending sheds light on the old custom of choosing a new ruler, where the person passing the City Gate, in this case, an idiot, named the king. The melon becomes the king, and the people, showing no shame, accept him as long as he allows them peace, freedom, and free trade. The title reflects the narrative's focus on the peculiar events in Melon City and the consequences of its unique customs.