The Tale of Melon City: Text Explanation | NCERT Solution | CB Questions
Word-Meanings, Paraphrase, Background Info, CBQs
Background Information
Author:
Vikram Seth is an acclaimed Indian poet, novelist, and essayist known for his versatile writing style and ability to blend humor with serious themes. He has received numerous awards, including the Sahitya Akademi Award and the Padma Shri.
Publication:
"The Tale of Melon City" is a poem from Seth's collection titled The Frog and the Nightingale, published in 1994. The collection is known for its witty and satirical portrayal of human nature and societal issues.
Setting:
The poem is set in an imaginary kingdom, which allows for a fantastical exploration of governance and justice. This fictional backdrop enables the author to comment on real-world political issues without directly referencing specific locations or historical contexts.
Themes:
Absurdity of Justice:
The poem humorously critiques how justice can become absurd and disconnected from fairness. The narrative illustrates how rulers may prioritize public opinion over true justice.
Public Opinion vs. Authority:
The conflict between the desires of the people and the authority of the king highlights the complexities of governance. It demonstrates how leaders can become prisoners of public sentiment.
Irony and Satire:
The poem employs irony to expose the foolishness of political decisions, suggesting that those in power can often make ludicrous choices that lead to comical outcomes.
Narrative Style:
The poem employs a narrative style that blends humor and moral lessons. It is written in a light-hearted tone but carries a deeper message about the nature of power and justice.
Cultural Context:
While it addresses universal themes, the poem can also be viewed as a commentary on the political climate in India, particularly regarding the absurdities that can arise within bureaucratic systems.
Significance:
"The Tale of Melon City" stands out as a satirical work that encourages readers to reflect on the nature of justice and the dynamics of power. Its enduring relevance and humour continue to resonate with audiences today.
Explanation of the Poem
Text (Line 1-10)
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.
Difficult Words:
Placid: Calm and peaceful.
Proclaimed: Announced officially.
Arch: A curved structure that spans an opening.
Thoroughfare: A main road or public highway.
Edify: To instruct or improve someone morally or intellectually.
Explanation: The poem begins with the narrator introducing a city ruled by a king who is described as just and calm. The king decides that a grand arch should be built across the main street to celebrate something important.
Lines 11-20 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 passed the King.
He gave a shout, ‘O King, it was the workmen’s fault’
‘Oh!’ said the King, and called a halt
Difficult Words:
Workmen: Labourers or builders.
Disgrace: A state of dishonour or shame.
Frown: A facial expression showing disapproval or worry.
Hanged: Executed by being suspended by the neck.
Gallows: A structure used for hanging people.
Halt: To stop.
Explanation: The workers build the arch as ordered by the king because he is their ruler. When the king rides beneath the arch to see it, he loses his crown because the arch is too low.
Seeing the arch’s low height is a disgrace to the king. He angrily decides that the chief builder should be punished by hanging. Preparations for the execution are made.
The chief builder protests as he is taken out for punishment, claiming that it was the workmen’s fault. The king pauses to consider this new information.
Lines 21- 30
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.’
‘Summon the masons!’ said the King.
The masons stood there quivering.
‘It was the architect...’, they said,
The architect was summoned.
Difficult Words:
proceedings: The process of carrying out an action or series of actions.
masons: Workers skilled in building with stone or brick.
quivering Trembling or shaking with fear.
architect : the person responsible for designing the arch that caused the king's crown to fall.
Explanation
The king, feeling just, decides to hold off on the execution because he wants to find out the truth. He then orders the workmen to be punished instead. The workmen are surprised and explain that the bricks they received were of the wrong size. The king then decides to summon the masons (stone workers). The masons, feeling frightened, admit that the fault lies with the architect, who designed the arch. The king then summons the architect to answer for the mistake.
Lines 31- 40
‘Well, architect,’ said His Majesty.
‘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.
Difficult Words:
ordain To order or decree something officially.
amendments: Changes or modifications.
saw red: became furious.
placid: the king as calm, composed, and undisturbed, even in situations that would normally provoke anger or frustration.
tricky thing: The king is in a dilemma because, as the ruler, he cannot easily admit his own mistake, but he still needs to assign blame and maintain his image as a just king. This makes the situation "tricky" for him.
Despite the absurdity of the events around him (like the falling crown), the king remains tranquil, reflecting his laid-back or passive approach to governance.
Explanation
When the architect is brought in, he points out that the king himself made changes to the original plans that he had approved. The king realizes his mistake and gets very angry. The king is furious and almost loses his temper, but remembering his duty as a just ruler, he decides to seek advice from the wisest man in the kingdom.
Lines 41- 50
I need some counsel.
Bring to me
The wisest man in this country.’
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’.
Difficult Words:
counsel: Advice or guidance.
Nay, carried, to the Royal Court.
The wisest man, despite being too weak to walk, is still relied upon for important advice, highlighting the absurdity of the situation & satirical tone of the poem. The phrase 'Royal court' is ironical here.
So old (and therefore wise) was he:
The irony in "So old (and therefore wise) was he" lies in the assumption that just because the man is old, he is automatically wise. This highlights the absurd belief that age alone guarantees wisdom, even though his advice proves to be absurd and unhelpful.
Explanation :
The wisest man is brought to the king's court, but he is very old and cannot see or walk properly. In a shaky voice, he suggests punishing the arch since it caused the crown to fall. As the king agrees to this idea, a councillor points out the absurdity of punishing the arch, as it is an object and cannot be hanged. The king realizes the crowd is becoming restless.
To be continued
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