Class 11 English Notes Chapter 8 (The Tale of Melon City) – Snapshots Suppl. Reader English Book

Alright class, let's delve into Vikram Seth's wonderfully satirical poem, 'The Tale of Melon City' from your Snapshots book. This poem, while seemingly light-hearted, offers sharp commentary, making it important for your exams. Pay close attention to the details and the underlying message.

'The Tale of Melon City' by Vikram Seth - Detailed Notes

1. Introduction:

• Author: Vikram Seth (renowned Indian novelist and poet).
• Source: Part of his collection 'Mappings' (1980).
• Form: A narrative poem told in verse, using simple language and a regular rhyme scheme (mostly AABB).
• Tone: Humorous, ironic, satirical, and fable-like.

2. Setting:

• An unnamed city ruled by a 'just and placid' King. The name 'Melon City' is acquired after the main events.

3. Central Theme:

• Satire on Governance and Justice: The poem mocks incompetent rulers, flawed systems of justice, bureaucratic procedures, and the absurdity that can arise from rigid adherence to rules and customs without applying common sense.
• Mob Mentality: It highlights how easily public opinion can be swayed and how the demand for spectacle (like a hanging) can override reason.
• Blind Adherence to Custom: The poem criticizes the practice of following traditions unquestioningly, even when they lead to ridiculous outcomes.
• Laissez-faire Principle: The ending ironically comments on the principle of non-interference, suggesting that people become indifferent to the quality of governance as long as their daily lives are undisturbed.

4. Summary of Events:

• The King's Proclamation: The 'just and placid' King decides to build an arch across the main thoroughfare to 'edify' (instruct or improve morally/intellectually) spectators.
• The Faulty Arch: The arch is built, but when the King rides under it, his crown is knocked off because the arch is too low.
• The King's Anger: The King, usually calm ('placid'), becomes furious at this insult and orders the chief of builders to be hanged.
• The Chain of Blame:
  • The chief of builders blames the workmen.
  • The workmen (terrified) claim the bricks were the wrong size.
  • The masons are summoned; they blame the architect.
• The Architect's Defense: The architect cleverly turns the blame back onto the King, stating that the King himself had made certain amendments to the plans when they were shown to him.
• The King's Dilemma: The King, described as 'just', is now confused. He needs advice to avoid making a wrong decision. He calls for the 'wisest man' in the kingdom.
• The 'Wisest' Man's Verdict: An old, nearly blind, and deaf man is brought. He declares that the culprit is the arch itself, as it struck the King's crown. He orders the arch to be hanged.
• The Arch's 'Defense': A councillor points out the absurdity, stating that hanging the arch, which touched the King's head (symbol of authority), would be disrespectful.
• The Crowd's Impatience: By now, the crowd is restless and demands a hanging. They are more interested in the spectacle than in justice.
• The King's Decree: Seeing the mood of the crowd and fearing rebellion, the King decrees that someone must be hanged immediately. The noose is set up, and it's decided that whoever fits the noose perfectly will be hanged.
• Finding the Victim: People are measured one by one. Ironically, the only person tall enough to fit the noose perfectly is the King himself.
• The King's Execution: By royal decree, the King is hanged.
• Choosing the Next Ruler: The Ministers face a practical problem: who will rule? They decide to follow their age-old custom.
• The Custom: The next person to pass the City Gate will choose the ruler.
• The Idiot's Choice: An idiot happens to pass by. When asked who should be King, he gives his standard answer to all questions: "A melon." (Because he likes melons).
• The Melon King: Following the custom literally, the ministers crown a melon and place it on the throne.
• The Aftermath: The people of the city accept this absurd situation. When asked how their state is run by a melon, they explain that their customs allow it, and they live by the principle of 'laissez-faire' (meaning non-interference, letting things take their own course). They don't mind who the King is, as long as they are left in peace and liberty.

5. Character Significance:

• The King: Represents rulers who may have good intentions ('just') but lack common sense and are easily swayed ('placid' until provoked, then rash). His adherence to his own decree leads to his downfall. Symbolizes flawed authority.
• The Ministers: Represent bureaucracy and sycophancy. They focus on procedure and custom rather than logic or the well-being of the state.
• The Architect: Represents cleverness used for self-preservation, shifting blame effectively.
• The 'Wisest Man': An ironic character. His wisdom is clearly impaired by age, symbolizing how reliance on tradition or supposed 'wise counsel' can be foolish.
• The Crowd: Represents the fickle, easily manipulated public, driven by emotion and desire for entertainment rather than justice.
• The Idiot: Represents pure chance and the absurdity of the situation. His random choice becomes the deciding factor.
• The Melon: The ultimate symbol of absurd leadership and the culmination of the city's foolish adherence to custom. It represents a figurehead ruler with no real power or intelligence.

6. Literary Style & Devices:

• Satire: The primary tool used to critique the state machinery, justice system, and public behaviour.
• Irony: Abundant throughout the poem. Examples: The 'just' King's unjust anger, the 'wisest' man's foolish advice, the King being hanged by his own decree, the crowning of a melon.
• Humour: Derived from the absurdity of the situations and the characters' reactions.
• Simple Narrative Style: Makes the poem accessible and fable-like, enhancing the satirical effect by presenting ridiculous events matter-of-factly.
• Rhyme and Rhythm: The consistent AABB rhyme scheme and regular rhythm give it a sing-song quality, ironically contrasting with the grim events (like the hanging).

7. Key Takeaways for Exams:

• Understand the sequence of blame-shifting.
• Recognize the satirical targets: King, ministers, justice, public, custom.
• Be able to explain the irony in various situations (King's justice, wisest man, ending).
• Understand the significance of the melon being crowned and the concept of 'laissez-faire' as presented in the poem.
• Note the contrast between the King's initial description ('just and placid') and his actions.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):

1. Why did the King want to construct an arch?
   a) To celebrate a victory
   b) To beautify the city
   c) To improve the spectators morally and intellectually
   d) To provide shelter from the rain

2. What was the initial reaction of the King when his crown was knocked off?
   a) He laughed it off.
   b) He became extremely angry and lost his calm.
   c) He blamed himself for riding carelessly.
   d) He immediately ordered the arch to be rebuilt higher.

3. Who did the architect ultimately blame for the arch being too low?
   a) The masons
   b) The workmen
   c) The King himself
   d) The chief of builders

4. What was the verdict of the 'wisest man' regarding the culprit?
   a) The King was the culprit.
   b) The architect was the culprit.
   c) The arch itself was the culprit.
   d) No one was the culprit.

5. Why did the King decree that someone must be hanged immediately?
   a) He firmly believed someone deserved punishment.
   b) The wisest man advised it.
   c) The crowd was becoming restless and demanding a hanging.
   d) The ministers insisted on it.

6. Who was finally hanged according to the King's decree?
   a) The architect
   b) The chief of builders
   c) The wisest man
   d) The King

7. How was the new ruler of Melon City chosen?
   a) By a vote among the ministers
   b) By following an old custom involving the next person passing the City Gate
   c) By drawing lots
   d) By asking the wisest man again

8. Who chose the melon to be the next King?
   a) The ministers
   b) The wisest man
   c) An idiot
   d) The crowd

9. The principle by which the people of Melon City seem to live peacefully under the Melon King is:
   a) Democracy
   b) Autocracy
   c) Laissez-faire
   d) Theocracy

10. The overall tone of 'The Tale of Melon City' can be best described as:
    a) Tragic and mournful
    b) Romantic and idealistic
    c) Satirical and humorous
    d) Serious and didactic

Answer Key for MCQs:

1. c
2. b
3. c
4. c
5. c
6. d
7. b
8. c
9. c
10. c

Study these notes carefully, focusing on the satire and the chain of events. Understanding the poem's commentary on governance and human behaviour is key. Good luck with your preparation!