Class 11 English Snapshot Chapter 5 – The Tale of Melon City (Vikram Seth) Word Meaning

 

NCERT Solutions For Class 11 English

Snapshot

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

Word Meaning

1. Against the Crown- questioning the power, integrity and honesty of the state
2. Arch- a curved symmetrical structure spanning an opening and typically supporting the weight of a bridge, roof, or wall above it.
3. Counsel- advice, especially that given formally
4. Decree- an official order that has the force of law
5. Edify- instruct or improve (someone) morally or intellectually
6. Frown- a facial expression indicating disapproval, displeasure, or concentration, characterized by a furrowing of one’s brows.
7. Gallows- a structure, typically of two uprights and a crosspiece, for the hanging of criminals
8. Just- based on or behaving according to what is morally right and fair
9. Laissez faire- the policy of leaving things to take their own course, without interfering
10. Masons- a person skilled in cutting, dressing, and laying stone in buildings
11. Mused- say to oneself in a thoughtful manner
12. Noose- a loop with a running knot, tightening as the rope or wire is pulled and used to trap animals or hang people 
13. Ordain- order (something) officially
14. Placid- calm
15. Proclaim- announce officially or publicly
16. Quivering- trembling or shaking with a slight rapid motion
17. Rejoice- feel or show great joy or delight
18. Reverently- with deep and solemn respect 
19. Saw red- became angry
20. Scaffold- a raised wooden platform used formerly for the public execution of criminals. 
21. Span- Celebrating or commemorating a victory
22. Thoroughfare- a main road in a town
23. Triumphally- Celebrating or commemorating a victory
24. Unruly- disorderly and disruptive and not amenable to discipline or control

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

 

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, the King promises an execution, and a noose is set up. During the measurements, only the King fits the noose, providing relief to the ministers who needed someone to execute. Consequently, following the customary choice, an idiot passing through the City gate suggests a melon as the new King. The melon ascends the throne through a ceremonial process, bringing uninterrupted happiness to the town.

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

 

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.

Class 11 English Snapshot Chapter 4 – Birth (A. J. Cronin) Word Meaning

 

NCERT Solutions For Class 11 English

Snapshot

Chapter 4 – Birth (A. J. Cronin)

Word Meaning

1. Asphyxia- a condition arising when the body is deprived of oxygen, causing unconsciousness or death; suffocation
2. Awful – very 
3. Blind- a screen for a window, especially one on a roller or made of slats
4. Broodingly- preoccupied with depressing, morbid, or painful memories or thoughts
5. Burly- (a person) large and strong; heavily built
6. Consternation- a feeling of anxiety or dismay, typically at something unexcited
7. Convulsive- violent; uncontrollable
8. Dismal- causing a mood of gloom or depression
9. Draggled- dirty or wet, typically from being trailed through mud or water
10. Ebbing- (of an emotion or quality) gradually decrease
11. Ether- used as an anaesthetic
12. Ewer- a large jug with a wide mouth, formerly used for carrying water
13. Faltered- lose strength or momentum
14. Flaccid- lifeless
15. Frantic- conducted in a hurried, excited, and disorganized way
16. Fret- be constantly or visibly anxious; worry
17. Haggard- looking exhausted and unwell, especially from fatigue, worry, or suffering
18. Heave- produce a sigh
19. Hypodermic- relating to the region immediately beneath the skin
20. Idyllic- like an idyll; extremely happy, peaceful, or picturesque
21. Iridescent- showing luminous colours that seem to change when seen from different angles
22. Lethargy- lack of energy and enthusiasm
23. Lolled- hang loosely
24. Midwife- a person, typically a woman, who is trained to assist women in childbirth
25. Morbidly- (with reference to a disturbing or unpleasant interest or activity) in an abnormal and unhealthy manner
26. Muddled- not arranged in order; untidy
27. Overwrought- in a state of anxiety; tired
28. Pallid- (of a person’s face) pale, typically because of poor health
29. Pigmy- little
30. Plunging- falling steeply
31. Probing- inquiring closely 
32. Queer- strange; odd
33. Resuscitate- revive someone from the unconsciousness 
34. Rustle- make a soft, muffled crackling sound 
35. Scullery- a small kitchen or room at the back of a house used for washing dishes and other dirty household work
36. Shrewish- (of a woman) bad-tempered or aggressively assertive
37. Slashed- slit
38. Smiled faintly- smiling with less energy or a smile that lacks spirit 
39. Sodden- saturated with liquid, especially water; soaked through 
40. Sopping- saturated with liquid; wet through
41. Sordidly- meanly selfish, self-seeking
42. Stout- (of a person) rather fat or heavy build
43. Stumbling- tripping or losing balance while walking; moving with difficulty
44. Surgery- a place where a doctor, dentist or other medical practitioner treats or advises patients
45. Tallow- the hard fat of animals melted and used to make soap, candles etc.
46. Unavailing- achieving little
47. Unsparingly- generous
48. Whimpered- say something in a low, feeble voice that expresses fear, pain, or unhappiness
49. Wince- make a slight involuntary grimace or shrinking movement of the body out of pain or distress