Class 11 English (Snapshots) Chapter 8

The Tale of Melon City

By: Vikram Seth
Introduction
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 considers it a disgrace and orders for the chief of builders to be hanged. It is
then followed by a series of events where they blame each other. Finally, a noose is built to determine the
guilty and the only one to fit the noose, is the just and placid King. The new King is then elected by the first
person to pass that arch.

 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.

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Lesson and Explanation

The following poem is taken from Mappings which was published in 1981 and is included in the Collected Poems
by Vikram Seth.

1. 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.

Just- based on or behaving according to what is morally right and fair

Placid- calm
Proclaimed- announce officially or publicly.
Arch- a curved symmetrical structure spanning an opening and typically supporting the weight of a bridge,
roof, or wall above it.
Triumphally- Celebrating or commemorating a victory
Span- Celebrating or commemorating a victory
Thoroughfare- a main road in a town
Edify- instruct or improve (someone) morally or intellectually
Spectators- onlookers

EXPLANATION:
The city which the poet is talking about was ruled by a ‘just and placid’ King. He is known to be fair and calm in his
proceedings. One day, he ordered for an arch to be built on the main road of the town. He felt that it would be a
good sight to look at that would motivate the onlookers.

2. 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.
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.

Frown- a facial expression indicating disapproval, displeasure, or concentration, characterized by a

furrowing of one’s brows.
Gallows- a structure, typically of two uprights and a crosspiece, for the hanging of criminals

EXPLANATION:
Since it was the King who ordered for it to be built, the workmen followed his orders and constructed the arch. To
mark its inauguration and indulge the onlookers, the King went to the thoroughfare. There, the arch hit his head
and his crown fell down. It happened because the arch was formed too low. His calm expressions were instantly
changed, indicating extreme displeasure. He considered it a moment of dishonour and ordered for the chief of
builders to be executed by hanging. To fulfill King’s orders, ropes and gallows were put in order.

3. The chief of builders was led out.

He passed the King. He gave a shout,
‘O King, it was the workmen’s fault’
‘Oh!’ said the King, and called a halt
To the proceedings. Being just
(And placider now) he said, ‘I must
Have all the workmen hanged instead.’
The workmen looked surprised, and said,
‘O King, you do not realise
The bricks were made of the wrong size.’

Halt- bring or come to an abrupt stop

EXPLANATION:
The chief of builders was found and brought to be executed. He was being taken to the King. On seeing the King,
the chief of builders immediately shouted and exclaimed that it was the workmen who were at fault. The King
immediately called it off and declared that the workmen must be hanged. This hit the workmen with surprise. They
pointed out that it was not their fault but the bricks were not of the right size.

4. ‘Summon the masons!’ said the King.

The masons stood there quivering
‘It was the architect…’, they said,
The architect was summoned.

Summon- order someone to be present

Masons- a person skilled in cutting, dressing, and laying stone in buildings
Quivering- trembling or shaking with a slight rapid motion
Architect- a person who designs buildings and in many cases also supervises their construction

EXPLANATION:
On hearing that it was the bricks that were of the wrong signs, the King called for the masons. The masons were
trembling in front of the King. They put the blame on the architect and thus, the architect was called for.
‘Well, architect,’ said His Majesty.

5. ‘I do ordain that you shall be

Hanged.’ Said the architect, ‘O King,
You have forgotten one small thing.
You made certain amendments to
The plans when I showed them to you.’
The King heard this. The King saw red.
In fact he nearly lost his head;
 But being a just and placid King
He said, ‘This is a tricky thing.
I need some counsel. Bring to me
The wisest man in this country.’

Ordain- order (something) officially

Amendments- a minor change or addition designed to improve something
Saw red- became angry
Counsel- advice, especially that given formally

EXPLANATION:
The King tells the architect that he considers him the one at fault and he must be executed. Instantly, the architect
mentions that it was the King who made minute changes to the architect’s initial plan. This indirectly indicated that it
was the King who was responsible for the wrongly built arch. The King grew angry but since he was ‘just and
placid’, he thought it would be best to consult someone in such a confusing situation. Thus, he ordered them to get
the wisest person alive.

6. The wisest man was found and brought,

Nay, carried, to the Royal Court.
He could not walk and could not see,
So old (and therefore wise) was he —
But in a quavering voice he said,
‘The culprit must be punished.
Truly, the arch it was that banged
The crown off, and it must be hanged’.

Quavering- (of a person’s voice) shake or tremble in speaking, typically through nervousness or emotion.

EXPLANATION:
They found the wisest man but he had to be carried to the Royal court for he was so old that he could neither walk
nor see properly. With his age, came his wisdom. He finally spoke in his extremely shaky voice that the one at fault
must be executed and it is the arch that striked off the King’s crown. Thus, the arch must be hanged.

7. To the scaffold the arch was led

When suddenly a Councillor said —
‘How can we hang so shamefully
What touched your head, Your Majesty?’
‘True,’ mused the King. By now the crowd,
Restless, was muttering aloud.
The King perceived their mood and trembled
And said to all who were assembled —
‘Let us postpone consideration
Of finer points like guilt. The nation
Wants a hanging. Hanged must be
Someone, and that immediately.’

Scaffold- a raised wooden platform used formerly for the public execution of criminals.
Mused- say to oneself in a thoughtful manner

EXPLANATION:
After listening to the wise man’s opinion, the arch was being taken for public execution when suddenly one of the
ministers of the Royal Court raised an objection. According to him, it would be disgraceful to hang something that
touched the head of their mighty King. The King also found it appropriate. By this time, the crowd became
unsettled. They wanted execution of the one at fault. The King, being ‘just and placid’, recognised the temper of his
people and declared that they must postpone something as crucial as determining the guilty. He further added, that
if the nation wants a hanging, the guilty, once decided, would be hanged without further delay.

8. The noose was set up somewhat high.

Each man was measured by and by.
But only one man was so tall
He fitted. One man. That was all.
 He was the King. His Majesty
Was therefore hanged by Royal Decree.

Noose- a loop with a running knot, tightening as the rope or wire is pulled and used to trap animals or
hang people
Decree- an official order that has the force of law

EXPLANATION:
To ascertain the one to be executed, they set up a noose and the one to fit in it would be hanged. Each man was
called and measured one by one. The noose was set up at quite a high point and the only man tall enough to fit in
the noose was the one and only; the King. Finally, they had found someone to be executed and their King was
hanged by the official force of law.

9. ‘Thank Goodness we found someone,’ said

The Ministers, ‘for if instead
We had not, the unruly town
Might well have turned against the Crown.’
‘Long live the King!’ the Ministers said.
‘Long live the King! The King is dead.’

Unruly- disorderly and disruptive and not amenable to discipline or control

Against the Crown- questioning the power, integrity and honesty of the state

EXPLANATION:
The Ministers of the Royal Court heaved a sigh of relief as they found someone to be put to death for the faulty
arch. They feared that if they would have not found someone, the disorderly crowd would begin questioning the
power and integrity of the power vested in the Crown. “Long live the King”, everyone said. It brings out the irony
because the King they were hailing for, was no longer alive. They wanted their King to live a long life but on the
other hand, they were relieved to have found someone to execute even if it was their King.

10. They pondered the dilemma; then,

Being practical-minded men,
Sent out the heralds to proclaim
(In His [former] Majesty’s name):
‘The next to pass the City Gate
Will choose the ruler of our state,
As is our custom. This will
be Enforced with due ceremony.’

Pondered- think about (something) carefully, especially before making a decision or reaching a conclusion
Heralds- an official employed to oversee state ceremonial, precedence, and the use of armorial bearings,
and (historically) to make proclamations, carry official messages, and oversee tournaments
Proclaim- announce officially or publicly

EXPLANATION:
At first, the ministers were indecisive as to how to choose their new King. But reasonable as they were, they sent
out the official messengers to declare that their next ruler will be chosen by the one who passes the City Gate next.
The one chosen by him will be declared ‘King’ with due ceremony as was the custom.

11. A man passed by the City Gate.

An idiot. The guards cried, ‘Wait!
Who is to be the King? Decide!’
‘A melon,’ the idiot replied.
This was his standard answer to
All questions. (He liked melons.) ‘You
Are now our King,’ the Ministers said,
Crowning a melon. Then they led
(Carried) the Melon to the throne
And reverently set it down.

Reverently- with deep and solemn respect

EXPLANATION:
The next to pass the City Gate was a man, nay, an idiot. The guards stopped him and asked him to name their next
King. An idiot as he was, he answered, ‘a melon’. Not to call it his mistake or anyone else’s, this was his fixed reply
to all the questions as the man was fond of melons. The ministers crowned a melon believing that it is now going to
rule over their city. They set the melon on the throne and declared him ‘King’.

12. This happened years and years ago.

When now you ask the people, ‘So —
Your King appears to be a melon.
How did this happen?’, they say, ‘Well, on
Account of customary choice.
If His Majesty rejoice
In being a melon, that’s OK
With us, for who are we to say
What he should be as long as he
Leaves us in Peace and Liberty?’
The principles of laissez faire

Seem to be well-established there.

Customary- according to the customs or usual practices associated with a particular society, place, or set
of circumstances
Rejoice- feel or show great joy or delight
Laissez faire- the policy of leaving things to take their own course, without interfering

EXPLANATION:
Now, the melon was declared the King many years ago and now when anyone asks the people of the city about
how it all happened, they simply call it a “customary choice”. It means that their regulations pushed them towards
making a melon their King. But now, they are more than happy with their King being a melon because the people
live in peace and enjoy freedom. They are flourishing with no interference by their King.

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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-
1. Who is to be the King? Decide!’ ‘A melon,’ the idiot replied.
2. ‘You Are now our King,’ the Ministers said, Crowning a melon.
Irony
1. A frown appeared upon his placid face.
2. ‘Long live the King!’ the Ministers said. ‘Long live the King! The King is dead.’
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Extra Questions and Answers Short Answer Type
Question 1.
What do the words ‘just and placid’ imply?
Answer
The phrase implied that the king was fair and mild. The king, ‘a great believer injustice’ ensured justice was
meted out to his subjects. He was also mild mannered and rarely showed any displeasure and even if he did
frown, he quickly wiped the frown off his face.

Question 2.
Where did the king want the arch constructed? Why?
Answer
The king wanted an arch to be erected which extended over the major main road. He felt, the road would edify
the spectators it would improve the morals and knowledge of the onlookers there.

Question 3.
What happened to the king as he rode down the road?
Answer
After the arch was built, the king rode through the street. He wanted to edify the spectators there. But as he
was crossing below the arch, his crown fell off as the arch was built too low. This angered the king.

Question 4.
What order did the king give when his crown was knocked off his head?
Answer
The king was angry because his crown was knocked off his head as he tried to ride under the arch. He
ordered the chief of the builders, responsible for building the arch, to be hanged.

Question 5.
How did the chief of the builders escape hanging?
Answer
When the chief of the builders was led away to be hanged, he pleaded innocence. He claimed that it was the
fault of the workers that the arch was built so low. He escaped hanging as the ‘just and placid’ king could not
bear to punish an innocent man.

Question 6.
Why were the workmen to be hanged? How did they escape hanging?
Answer
The king ordered the workmen to be put to death as they were painted responsible, for building the low arch,
by the chief of the builders. The workmen protested that they were not the ones at fault and blamed the
masons who had made bricks of the wrong size. They, too, escaped death by hanging.

Question 7.
Whom did the architect lay the blame on?
Answer
The masons blamed the architect for the poor design of the arch. The architect, in turn, passed on the blame
to the king who had made certain changes in the architectural plans of the arch.

Question 8.
How did the king react to the architect’s accusation? Why did he react that way?
Answer
When the king heard the architect’s accusation, he was so angry that he almost lost his ability to reason.
Since, he was righteous and tolerant, he admitted that this was a difficult situation. The king solicited advice
and called for the wisest man in the country for counsel.

Question 9.

How was the wise man brought to court? What advice did he offer?
Answer
The wisest man was found and carried to the royal court, as he could neither walk nor see. He was an old and
experienced man. He said in a trembling, feeble voice that the offender must be penalized. He condemned
the arch, guilty, for throwing the crown off the king’s head.

Question 10.
The arch was not punished in the end. Why?
Answer
The wise man declared that it was the arch that had thrown the crown off, and it must be hanged. A councillor
objected to the arch being hanged; he called it a disgrace to hang something that had touched the honourable
head of the king. The king agreed with the councillor and the arch was spared.

Question 11.
What circumstances led to the execution of the king?

Answer
The crowd grew restless, tired to see the offenders escape death, by hanging. The king grew fearful of their
agitation and decided that someone must be hanged. All the people were measured, one by one, along the
noose, to see who fit it. They found that only the king reached the noose, leading to his execution.

Question 12.
What was the result of the king’s execution? How was the problem resolved?
Answer
After the king’s execution, the ministers realized they had to find a new king. They perplexed over the problem
and sent out messengers to make known that the next person to cross the city gate would decide the ruler of
the kingdom.

Question 13.
How did the melon become king?
Answer
The next man who crossed the city gate, entrusted to choose a ruler for the kingdom, was a fool. He liked
melons and named a melon as the king. The ministers crowned a melon and accepted it as their king. They
carried the melon to the throne and respectfully placed it on it.

Question 14.
How did the people of the kingdom react to their melon king?
Answer
The people of the kingdom were content with their melon king. They found no reason to criticize him as long
as he left them in ‘Peace and Liberty’. In that kingdom, the philosophy of Taissez faire’ (refusal to interfere)
seemed to be well established.

Long Answer Type

Question 1.
How did the ‘just and placid king’ get executed?
Answer
The arch, commissioned by the king, was built low that knocked off the king’s crown as he was crossing below
the arch. He sentenced the chief of builders to death for causing him the dishonour, who passed on the blame
to the workers. The workmen blamed the masons and the masons, in turn, blamed the architect. The architect
reminded the king that he had made certain changes in the plans himself when they were shown to him.

The king was infuriated to hear that. Being righteous and tolerant, he called for the wisest man in the country,
for counsel, who advised the king to hang the arch as it was the real offender who had thrown the crown off. A
councillor objected to this ruling and declared it a disgrace to hang something that touched the honourable
head.
The crowd, gathered for the hanging, became restless. The king apprehended their mood and ruled for
someone to be hanged immediately. The noose, hung high, fitted the king alone and he was hung as per the
royal ruling.