Class 11 English — Chapter 5: The Tale of Melon City

What you'll learn

• ▸The 'Just and Placid' King's Character
• ▸Satire on Governance and Justice
• ▸The Cascade of Blame
• ▸The Absurdity of Custom and Tradition
• ▸Humour and Irony in the Narrative
• ▸The Principle of Laissez-Faire and Public Apathy
• ▸The Role of the Ministers
• ▸Poetic Style and Form

Chapter Summary

--- PAGE 1 --- 11073CH08 5 The Tale of Melon City Vikram Seth The following poem is taken from Mappings which was published in 1981 and is included in the Collected Poems by Vikram Seth. The king, in this poem, is 'just and placid.' Does he carry his notion of justice a bit too far? (After Idries Shah) In the city of which I sing There was a just and placid King. The King proclaimed an arch should be Constructed, that triumphally Would span the major thoroughfare To edify spectators there. The workmen went and built the thing. They did so since he was the King. The King rode down the thoroughfare To edify spectators there. Reprint 2025-26 --- PAGE 2 --- 40 Snapshots Under the arch he lost his crown. The arch was built too low. A frown Appeared upon his placid face. The King said, 'This is a disgrace. The chief of builders will be hanged.' The rope and gallows were arranged. The chief of builders was led out. He pas…

Practice Questions from this Chapter

Tap "Get Solution" on any question to ask our AI tutor.

1. Explain "rule of law" simply. Get Solution →
2. Describe common types of melons. Get Solution →
3. Discuss funny historical laws. Get Solution →
4. According to the first stanza, what were the two main characteristics of the King? Get Solution →
5. What did the King proclaim should be constructed over the major thoroughfare? Get Solution →
6. What happened to the King's crown as he rode under the newly built arch? Get Solution →
7. Who was the first person the King ordered to be hanged for the faulty arch? Get Solution →
8. Who did the chief of builders blame for the arch being too low? Get Solution →

Did you know?

• 💡 The oldest written laws were created almost 4,000 years ago in ancient Mesopotamia.
• 💡 In medieval times, animals could sometimes be put on trial for crimes.
• 💡 Some watermelons can grow to weigh over 200 pounds, heavier than many people.
• 💡 The country of San Marino is the world's oldest surviving republic, founded in 301 AD.
• 💡 A melon is botanically considered a type of berry, specifically a pepo.

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