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  NCERT Solutions For Class 11 English Snapshot Chapter 5 – The Tale of Melon City (Vikram Seth) Word Meaning Against the Crown- questioning the power, integrity and honesty of the state Arch- a curved symmetrical structure spanning an opening and typically supporting the weight of a bridge, roof, or wall above it. Counsel- advice, especially that given formally Decree- an official order that has the force of law Edify- instruct or improve (someone) morally or intellectually Frown- a facial expression indicating disapproval, displeasure, or concentration, characterized by a furrowing of one’s brows. Gallows- a structure, typically of two uprights and a crosspiece, for the hanging of criminals Just- based on or behaving according to what is morally right and fair Laissez faire- the policy of leaving things to take their own course, without interfering Masons- a person skilled in cutting, dressing, a...

  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" appea...

  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...

  NCERT Solutions For Class 11 English Snapshot Chapter 5 – The Tale of Melon City (Vikram Seth) Summary The poem commences by portraying the King's directive to construct an arch. When the King rode under the arch, it struck his head, causing his crown to fall due to its low construction. Deeming it dishonorable, the King orders the chief of builders to be executed. The chief shifts the blame to the workmen, who, in turn, attribute the issue to the bricks. The mason, facing execution, accuses the architect. The architect, brought to the Royal Court, indirectly implicates the King in the arch's faulty construction. The initially placid King becomes angry and summons the wisest man in the country, an elderly individual unable to see or walk. According to him, the arch must be hanged. However, a minister protests, arguing that punishing something that touched the King's head would be shameful. The crowd, along with the King, concurs. To appease the restless crowd, t...

  NCERT Solutions For Class 11 English Snapshot Chapter 5 – The Tale of Melon City (Vikram Seth) Theme The poem "The Tale of Melon" depicts a realm inhabited by individuals lacking wisdom. It narrates how a trivial incident results in the demise of the king, showcasing the foolishness of the kingdom's inhabitants. Despite being initially portrayed as placid and fair, the king ironically becomes irate over a minor issue and commands the execution of the offenders. The supposed wise men in the kingdom are also revealed to be fools, opting for a melon as the new ruler due to their lack of discernment. Overall, the poem appears to be crafted for sheer amusement, devoid of any apparent message or moral lesson.

  NCERT Solutions For Class 11 English Snapshot Chapter 4 – Birth (A. J. Cronin) Word Meaning Asphyxia- a condition arising when the body is deprived of oxygen, causing unconsciousness or death; suffocation Awful – very  Blind- a screen for a window, especially one on a roller or made of slats Broodingly- preoccupied with depressing, morbid, or painful memories or thoughts Burly- (a person) large and strong; heavily built Consternation- a feeling of anxiety or dismay, typically at something unexcited Convulsive- violent; uncontrollable Dismal- causing a mood of gloom or depression Draggled- dirty or wet, typically from being trailed through mud or water Ebbing- (of an emotion or quality) gradually decrease Ether- used as an anaesthetic Ewer- a large jug with a wide mouth, formerly used for carrying water Faltered- lose strength or momentum Flaccid- lifeless Frantic- conducted in a hurried, excited, and ...