The Tale of Melon City - Snapshots - Class 11 - CBSE English

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Extra Questions - The Tale of Melon City | Snapshots | Class 11 Literature | CBSE English

What proclamation did the king make?

The King issued a declaration calling for the erection of an arch over the city's main thoroughfare. This arch was designed not only to be an architectural marvel but also to serve as a spectacle that would 'edify' and awe the onlookers.

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What bitter experience did the king have after the arch was constructed? How did he react?

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Why has the King been described as 'just and placid'?

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Back Questions - The Tale of Melon City | Snapshots | Class 11 Literature | CBSE English

Narrate ‘The Tale of Melon City’ in your own words.

"The Tale of Melon City" is a witty narrative about a king who had an arch built in the city from where he intended to deliver moral sermons to his subjects. He specifically demanded that the arch be constructed low. Unfortunately, as he passed under the arch, it knocked off his crown. Enraged by this mishap, the king demanded the guilty party be executed. However, the builder, workmen, mason, and architect all passed the blame onto each other, refusing to accept responsibility.

In a quest for fair judgment, the king consulted the city's wisest man. Surprisingly, the sage pointed to the arch itself as the culprit. However, this decision was challenged by a councillor. Amidst the confusion, the crowd grew restless and demanded a spectacle. To appease them, the king decided to hang the individual who fit the noose - ironically, this turned out to be the king himself.

According to the city's law, the next passerby through the city gate had the privilege to choose the succeeding king. A simple-minded individual who loved melons happened to pass by and hence, a melon was declared the king. The inhabitants of Melon City, surprisingly, accepted this extraordinary development without question.

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What impression do you form of the state where the king was just and placid?

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How according to you can peace and liberty be maintained in a state?

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Suggest a few instances in the poem which highlight humour and irony.

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Quiz - The Tale of Melon City | Snapshots | Class 11 Literature | CBSE English

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About the Author - The Tale of Melon City | Snapshots | Class 11 Literature | CBSE English

Vikram Seth is a renowned Indian novelist and poet widely recognized for his eloquence and versatility across a broad range of genres and styles. He was born on June 20, 1952, in Kolkata, India, and was educated at prestigious institutions like Doon School in Dehradun, India, Corpus Christi College, Oxford, in the UK, and Stanford University in the USA.

Seth's literary career is marked by notable works in both fiction and poetry. One of his most renowned works is "A Suitable Boy" (1993), one of the longest novels ever published in a single volume in the English language. It is a sprawling family saga set in post-independence India and is widely celebrated for its rich detail and diverse character portrayal .

Summary - The Tale of Melon City | Snapshots | Class 11 Literature | CBSE English

"The Tale of Melon City" by Vikram Seth is a [satirical ] poem that playfully critiques [arbitrary ] systems of power and justice. The poem is set in a fictional city ruled by a seemingly just and [placid ] king.

The king decides to build an arch on the city's main street for public admiration. However, while passing through the arch on his ride, his crown gets knocked off as the arch is too low. Enraged, he declares that the chief builder should be hanged for this [blunder ]. The builder blames....

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Themes - The Tale of Melon City | Snapshots | Class 11 Literature | CBSE English

  1. Arbitrariness of Power and Justice:
    One of the key themes of "The Tale of Melon City" is the arbitrariness of power and justice. The King's actions in the poem are shown to be whimsical and inconsistent. He changes his decisions on a whim, without any systematic logic, and this arbitrary rule ...

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Symbols - The Tale of Melon City | Snapshots | Class 11 Literature | CBSE English

"The Tale of Melon City" is rich in symbolism, each symbol providing a unique perspective on power, authority, and society. Here are some of the symbols used in the poem:

  1. The Arch: The arch symbolizes vanity and the superficial actions of those in power. The king builds the arch not for practical reasons but for mere spectacle. It also serves as a symbol of the King's faulty governance, as its low height results in the removal of his crown and sets the chaotic chain of events in motion.
  2. The Crown: The crown represents.....

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Poetic Devices - The Tale of Melon City | Snapshots | Class 11 Literature | CBSE English

"The Tale of Melon City" by Vikram Seth is filled with various poetic devices that contribute to its rhythm, humour, and satirical commentary. Here are some of the devices used:

  1. Rhyme: The poem employs a consistent rhyme scheme (AABB), which adds musicality and a sense of unity to the verses. This light, almost sing-song style contrasts with and thereby highlights the absurdity of the events being narrated.
  2. satire : The poem extensively.....

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