The Tale of Melon City Summary

The poem begins with a description about the King who ordered an arch to be built. When he rode down that arch, it hit his head and his crown fell down. It was because it was built too low. The King thought it was dishonorable and thus commanded the chief of builders to be hanged. The chief of builders put the blame on the workmen who in turn, blamed the bricks. The King orders for the execution of the mason who put the blame on the architect. The architect is brought to the Royal Court and indirectly blames the King for the wrongly constructed arch. The placid King now grows angry and demands for the wisest man in the country to be brought to the Royal Court. They brought the wisest man, who was so old that he could neither see nor walk. According to him, the arch must be hanged. When the arch is supposed to be executed, one of the ministers argue that it would be a shame to punish something that had touched their mighty King’s head. Everyone, along with the King, agreed. The crowd grew restless and the King promised them a hanging. Therefore, a noose was set-up and the one to fit it would be hanged. All were measured one by one but the only one to fit was the King. The ministers heaved a sigh of relief upon finding someone to execute. Thus, as a result of the customary choice, the next to pass the City gate would choose the new King and the next to pass it was an idiot who wanted a melon to be their King. The melon was given the throne with due ceremony and the town lived happily ever after without any interruption or interference.


The Tale of Melon City- Question and Answers

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

A. The poem “The Tale of a Melon City” narrates how the city found it’s new King, a melon. The story unfolds as their King orders to have an arch built which turned out to be too low. It hit the King’s head resulting in the falling off of his crown. The King thought it was dishonorable and thus, commands the chief of builders be hanged. The chief of builders lay the blame on the workmen who in turn, blamed the bricks. The King orders for the execution of the mason who put the blame on the architect. The architect is brought to the Royal Court and indirectly blames the King for the wrongly constructed arch. The placid King now grows angry and demands for the wisest man in the country to be brought to the Royal Court. They brought the wisest man, who was so old that he could neither see nor walk. According to him, the arch must be hanged. When the arch is supposed to be executed, one of the ministers argue that it would be a shame to punish something that had touched their mighty King’s head. Everyone, along with the King, agreed. The crowd grew restless and the King promised them a hanging. Therefore, a noose was set-up and the one to fit it would be hanged. All were measured one by one but the only one to fit was the King. The ministers heap a sigh of relief upon finding someone to execute. Thus, as a result of customary choice, the next to pass the City gate would choose the new King and the next to pass it was an idiot who wanted a melon to be their King. The melon was given the throne with due ceremony and the town lived happily ever after without any interruption or interference.


2. What impression would you form of a state where the King was ‘just and placid’?

A. Being ‘just’ means to treat everyone equally and to be fair in one’s dealings whereas being placid means portraying a calm and composed behaviour or not losing one’s cool easily. A state of monarch ruled by a ‘just and placid’ King must offer a safe space to its people. The people would have complete confidence in their King and that evil will get what they deserve. There would be equality and no one would be looked at with the sense of inferiority. People of the state would be happy and no one would go to bed empty-stomach. Therefore, a ‘just and placid’ King would ensure quality of living for all.


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

A. Humour-


Who is to be the King? Decide!’ ‘A melon,’ the idiot replied.

‘You Are now our King,’ the Ministers said, Crowning a melon.

Irony


A frown appeared upon his placid face.

‘Long live the King!’ the Ministers said. ‘Long live the King! The King is dead.’

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

HOW DO ORGANISM REPRODUCE CLASS 10 NOTES BY THE SIDDIQUI ACADEMY

Image
  Introduction All living organisms multiply or reproduce and produce offspring of a similar kind. Reproduction is an essential process for the existence of a species and the continuation of life. Here, in this chapter, we will learn about how different unicellular and multicellular organisms, such as bacteria, algae, plants, animals, and human beings, reproduce. Learn what the different reproductive structures are and about the modes of reproduction, such as cell division, vegetative reproduction, asexual reproduction, and sexual reproduction. Reproduction Reproduction is the process by which all organisms multiply in number and increase their population. Asexual Reproduction Asexual reproduction is a method of reproduction that involves only one organism. A single organism reproduces two or multiple organisms on its own. This is seen in all unicellular organisms, some multicellular organisms and a few plants. Sexual Reproduction The mode of reproduction involves two individuals; ...
Read more

ASSIGNMENT ON ISSUE OF SHARES

  THE SIDDIQUI ACADEMY: ASSIGNMENT ON ISSUE OF SHARES DATED : 13-10-2024 Shares issued at premium ASSIGNMENT QUESTION 1: X Ltd. was registered with a capital of 23,00,000 in shares of Rs. 10 each. It issued a prospectus inviting applications for 23,000 shares at 40% premium payable as follows:-  On application Rs. 5 (including Rs. 1 premium)  On allotment Rs. 4 (including Rs. 1 premium)  On first call Rs. 3 (including Rs. 1 premium)  On second call Rs. 2 (including Rs. 1 premium) Applications were received for 23,000 shares, all money was duly received. Pass the necessary journal entries. ASSIGNMENT QUESTION 2: A Ltd. issued to the public for subscription of 1000 shares of Rs. 10 each at a discount of 10% payable Rs. 4 on application Rs. 3 on allotment and Rs. 2 on first and final call. The issue was fully subscribed and all the money was duly received. Pass the journal entries for the following
Read more

The role of tribal uprisings in the freedom struggle

  The role of tribal uprisings in the freedom struggle of India cannot be undermined or overlooked. The tribes across the country played a significant role in challenging the British rule and fighting for the independence of their motherland. Their revolt against the colonial powers showcased a sense of unity and determination towards achieving freedom. The tribal uprisings were not only a response to the oppressive policies of the British, but they also represented a struggle for the preservation of their unique cultures, traditions, and way of life. The indigenous communities, with their deep-rooted connection to the land, felt a strong attachment to their territories, which were often subjected to exploitation by the British administration. Their resentment towards the encroachment on their lands and disrupting their traditional way of life fueled their desire to fight for independence. The Santhal rebellion of 1855-56, led by the Santhal tribe in eastern India, is one of the ...
Read more