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.

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.

Class 11 English Snapshot Chapter 4 – Birth (A. J. Cronin) Long Question Answers

 

NCERT Solutions For Class 11 English

Snapshot

Chapter 4 – Birth (A. J. Cronin)

Long Question Answers

Question 1:

“I have done something; oh, God! I’ve done something real at last.” Why does Andrew say this? What does it mean?

Answer:

The young doctor, Andrew Manson, had accomplished commendable work, and his exclamation was well-justified. Not only did he assist the middle-aged lady in the safe delivery of a baby boy, but he also restored both mother and child to perfect health. Susan Morgan's strength was waning after delivery, almost pulseless, prompting Andrew to administer an injection and diligently work to strengthen her heart.

 

Andrew's significant achievement lay in resuscitating the initially stillborn child. Initially laying the child on a blanket, he initiated a specialized respiration method. Trying the hot and cold water treatment by alternately dipping the baby, he labored in vain for half an hour. Undeterred, he made a final effort, vigorously rubbing the child with a rough towel and pressing and releasing the baby's tiny chest with both hands. Finally, the baby responded—its chest heaved, and Andrew redoubled his efforts. The child began gasping, a bubble of mucus emerged from its tiny nostril, its pale skin turned pink, and its limbs became rigid. Finally, the child let out a cry.

 

Andrew, in awe of the miracle he had performed, called upon God as a witness. It was not mere theoretical talk but a practical, real, and substantial accomplishment.

 

Question 2:

‘There lies a great difference between textbook medicine and the world of a practising physician.’ Discuss.

Answer:

Typically, physicians rely on the medicines prescribed in textbooks in their practice. However, in extreme emergency cases, the physician's practical experience, resourcefulness, and hands-on approach become more crucial than theoretical knowledge. For instance, individuals suffering from burn injuries, snakebites, or suffocation due to drowning require immediate assistance. The nearest available doctor might not have all the necessary facilities for such cases. In these circumstances, providing first aid is essential to save the patient's life before transporting them to the hospital for proper care. Faced with limited resources, the practicing physician utilizes their practical experience to minimize damage and prevent the victim's condition from worsening. In such cases, timely practical assistance proves invaluable, emphasizing the significance of proactive intervention.

 

Question 3:

Do you know of any incident when someone has been brought back to life from the brink of death through medical help? Discuss medical procedures such as organ transplant and organ regeneration that are used to save human life.

Answer:

Certainly, I am aware of and have knowledge of instances where individuals have been revived from the brink of death with the assistance of medical interventions. Modern medical science relies heavily on surgical procedures, life-saving drugs, and organ transplants. Leading hospitals in advanced nations are equipped with facilities for advanced medical procedures, including organ transplantation and regeneration. Blood banks and eye banks are commonplace, and today, many people willingly donate various organs for posthumous use in hospitals. Techniques for organ regeneration contribute to their preservation for a specified period, facilitating transplantation into patients with defective organs. Presently, organs such as eyes, hearts, kidneys, and livers are successfully transplanted. The prospect of creating artificial human organs in laboratories using non-human sources is on the horizon.

 

 

 

 

Question 4:

 

Why was Andrew Manson called in? How did he react to the call of duty?

 

Answer:

 

Andrew Manson commenced his medical practice in the small Welsh mining town of Blaenelly, and he was summoned to attend to Susan Morgan, who, after nearly two decades of marriage, was expecting her first child. Joe Morgan, her husband, had been waiting outside the closed surgery for an hour. Despite the late hour, around midnight, Andrew responded promptly to the call of duty. As Joe briefed him on his wife's condition, Andrew, disregarding his own affairs, fetched his medical bag from home and hastened to the Morgans' residence.

Since immediate assistance was not required for the expectant mother, Andrew decided to wait downstairs. He re-evaluated her condition after an hour and was finally summoned by the nurse at 3:30 am. Andrew struggled for an hour during the childbirth and then tirelessly worked to revive both the weak mother and the initially stillborn child. In fulfilling his duty, he remained focused, ignoring his physical exhaustion and mental strain, displaying unwavering dedication.

 

Question 5:

 

Give a brief account of the efforts made by Andrew to revive the stillborn baby.

 

Answer:

 

Upon witnessing the lifeless form of the newborn baby, Andrew was overcome with horror. Although the baby was perfectly formed, its limp and warm body displayed a troubling whiteness, indicating suffocation due to oxygen deprivation. Drawing on his experience, Andrew initiated resuscitation efforts, first laying the child on a blanket and administering artificial respiration. He then alternately dipped the baby in hot and cold water, followed by vigorous rubbing with a rough towel. Andrew continued pressing and releasing the baby's chest until signs of life emerged – gasping, the release of mucus, a change in skin color, firm limbs, and, finally, the baby's cry. Through these determined efforts, Andrew successfully revived the stillborn child.

 

Question 6:

 

Compare and contrast Andrew’s emotional, mental, and physical state at the beginning of the story and at the end.

 

Answer:

 

At the story's outset, Andrew is physically fatigued and emotionally distressed. Having just returned from a disappointing evening with his love interest, Christine, his thoughts are clouded with a sense of disappointment. The memory of a sorrowful incident at Cardiff station lingers in his mind, and although he idealizes marriage, he cannot ignore the numerous failed marriages he has encountered.

 

By the story's conclusion, Andrew remains physically drained but emotionally uplifted and mentally sharp. Despite physical exhaustion, he experiences joy and self-satisfaction, having accomplished what he considers a miraculous feat. Andrew's sense of duty towards his patients overshadows personal fatigue, showcasing his commitment to medical responsibilities.

 

Question 7:

 

What impression do you form of Andrew Manson on the basis of the story ‘Birth’?

 

Answer:

 

Andrew Manson emerges as a recently qualified doctor who begins his medical practice in the Welsh mining town of Blaenelly. While harboring romantic feelings for Christine, he views marriage through an idealistic lens but is mindful of the potential pitfalls observed in many marriages.

 

Dedicated to his profession, Andrew maintains a clear distinction between his personal and professional lives. When faced with responsibility, he fulfills his duties with utmost dedication, demonstrating a pragmatic and practical approach. With a tender heart, polite manners, and a reassuring tone, Andrew empathizes with others, understanding Susan's deep love for her unborn child. Overall, Andrew impresses as a devoted and capable doctor.

Class 11 English Snapshot Chapter 4 – Birth (A. J. Cronin) Short Question Answers

 

NCERT Solutions For Class 11 English

Snapshot

Chapter 4 – Birth (A. J. Cronin)

Short Question Answers

Question 1:

 

Who was Joe Morgan? Why had he been waiting for Dr. Andrew Manson?

 

Answer:

 

Joe Morgan, a strong and hefty middle-aged driller from the mining town of Blaenelly, was expecting his first child with his wife, Susan, after almost twenty years of marriage. Joe had been waiting for Dr. Andrew Manson to assist Susan in the childbirth.

 

Question 2:

 

Where did Joe lead Andrew? Why did he not go in with the doctor?

 

Answer:

 

Joe Morgan led Andrew to his residence at 12 Blaina Terrace, where Susan was about to deliver their first child. Overwhelmed with tension, Joe refused to enter the house, and even his voice betrayed signs of strain.

 

Question 3:

 

“Don’t fret, mother, I’ll not run away.” Why do you think Andrew says so?

 

Answer:

 

When Mrs. Morgan’s mother offered to make tea for the doctor, Andrew reassured her, assuring that he wouldn't leave and that there might be a waiting period. He sensed the possibility that the doctor might postpone the case if he left and returned later.

 

Question 4:

 

Why did Andrew decide to remain there until everything was over?

 

Answer:

 

Arriving at Bryngower around midnight, Andrew, feeling weary and upset, recognized his need for rest and sleep. Knowing he wouldn't be able to sleep at home due to the impending case, he chose to stay and fulfill his responsibilities, even though he felt lethargic.

 

Question 5:

 

What had Andrew been thinking about? How would you like to describe the state of his thoughts?

 

Answer:

 

Andrew had been contemplating the unsuccessful marriages of some individuals he knew, such as Bramwell's devotion to a deceptive woman and Denny's unhappy separation from his wife. His thoughts were muddled, reflecting a state of confusion and contemplation.

 

Question 6:

 

What was Andrew’s view of marriage? Why was he resentful and confused?

 

Answer:

 

Andrew idealized marriage as a peaceful and beautiful state, particularly in his love for Christine. However, the conflict between his steady mind and overflowing heart left him feeling resentful and confused about the complexities of matrimony.

 

Question 7:

 

Why did Andrew feel surprised while sitting by the kitchen fire?

 

Answer:

 

As Andrew sat by the kitchen fire, immersed in thoughts of Christine, the old woman sitting opposite him suddenly addressed him, catching him by surprise after he had been lost in contemplation for a long time.

 

Question 8:

 

Why did a shiver of horror pass over Andrew?

 

Answer:

 

A shiver of horror passed over Andrew as he gazed at the still form of the newborn baby, which was limp, warm, and displayed a troubling whiteness, indicating suffocation due to a lack of oxygen.

 

Question 9:

 

What dilemma did Andrew face?

 

Answer:

 

Andrew faced a dilemma regarding whether to prioritize resuscitating the stillborn child, prompting by his heart, or attending to the mother, who was in a seemingly hopeless state, guided by his logical mind.

 

Question 10:

 

What efforts did Andrew make to revive Susan Morgan?

 

Answer:

 

Andrew administered a medicine injection by smashing a glass ampule and, afterward, worked diligently to revive the weak Susan Morgan, putting in feverish effort until her heart strengthened after a few minutes.

 

Question 11:

 

In what state did Andrew find the newborn child? What did he conclude?

 

Answer:

 

Andrew found the newborn baby among wet newspapers under the bed, displaying a limp, warm, white, and boneless appearance, indicating suffocation due to a lack of oxygen. He concluded that immediate resuscitation was necessary.

 

Question 12:

 

How did Andrew’s practical experience come in handy?

 

Answer:

 

Drawing on a past experience at the Samaritan, Andrew remembered a similar case and the treatment used. This practical experience led him to decide to administer hot and cold water therapy to the stillborn child.

 

Question 13:

 

What efforts did Andrew make to revive the newborn baby?

 

Answer:

 

Andrew's efforts to revive the newborn baby included laying the child on a blanket for artificial respiration, alternating dips in hot and cold water, rubbing the slippery child with a rough towel, and pressing and releasing its chest until signs of life emerged.

 

Question 14:

 

How did Andrew react to the first glimpse of the success of his efforts to help the stillborn child come alive?

 

Answer:

 

Witnessing the small chest of the baby heaving up as a result of his persistent efforts, Andrew was overwhelmed with a sense of life, causing him to feel giddy. The success almost made him faint.

 

Question 15:

 

What was the result of Andrew’s feverish efforts after the child’s chest gave a short, convulsive heave?

 

Answer:

 

After the child's chest gave a short, convulsive heave, Andrew redoubled his efforts. The child began gasping deeper, a bubble of mucus came from a nostril, the limbs were no longer boneless, the pale skin turned pink, and, finally, the child cried, signifying it had come alive.

 

Question 16:

 

What was the state of the room after the resuscitation of mother and child?

 

Answer:

 

After the resuscitation of the mother and child, the room was in disarray with blankets, towels, basins, and soiled instruments scattered about. The hypodermic syringe was impaled in the linoleum, the ewer was knocked over, and the kettle lay on its side in a puddle of water.

 

Question 17:

 

Why did Andrew say, “Fill fetch my bag later, nurse.”?

 

Answer:

 

Exhausted and dazed after working tirelessly single-handedly, Andrew requested the nurse to fetch his bag later, expressing his need for a break as he felt weak and dry-throated.

 

Question 18:

 

How did Andrew assess that night’s work?

 

Answer:

 

As Andrew left the driller’s house, he felt tired but contemplated the work he had done that night. Realizing that he had accomplished something genuine, he felt a sense of achievement, marking a significant event in his medical practice.