Important Questions: The Tale of Melon City | English Class 11 PDF Download

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Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: What was a disgrace for the king? 
Ans: The king's crown had fallen to the ground and had been lost, which was a humiliation.

Q2: Why the king ordered an arch to be built over the public road? 
Ans: To morally enlighten and uplift the bystanders, the righteous and peaceful king had an arch gate built above the public route.

Q3: Word- Meaning 
(i) Placid 
Ans: Calm, Gentle

(ii) Proclaimed 
Ans: Made a public announcement

(iii) Triumphantly 
Ans: Victoriously, Successfully

(iv) Edify 
Ans: Improve morally

Q4: Why the king was annoyed when he rode thoroughfare? 
Ans: Since the arch was so low, as the king rode through the highway, his arch collided with it, and the crown was lost. This infuriated the king.

Q5: Write the qualities of the king and tell about his proclamation. 
Ans: The monarch was a great giver. He was dedicated to the people's well-being. As a result, he stated that he would construct an arch that would span the main thoroughfare.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q6: How was the architect able to turn the tables towards the king? 
Ans: The king requested that the architect be presented in order to obtain a conviction. The architect, on the other hand, reminded the king of the king's own alterations to the architectural plan. This made the king anxious, so he stated he'd talk to the state's wisest man about it.

Q7: What are your thoughts about the king from the story? 
Ans: The chapter elucidates the folly of a supposedly calm and just ruler. His concept of justice was much beyond anyone's comprehension. He lost his life as a result of his folly.

Q8: How is king in the poem just and placid? What makes him lose his temper? 
Ans: The king was known for his cool demeanor and serene demeanor. That was a complete fabrication. King was about to lose his cool. As a just judge, he ordered the guilty person or thing to be hanged. His idea of justice had no bounds. As a result, he has hanged himself.

Q9: What circumstances lead to the execution of the king? 
Ans: After consulting the wisest man, the monarch ordered the architect's execution. The architect was defended by a councilor. The people demanded action, and the noose was only big enough for the towering ruler. As a result, the king had to be hanged himself.

Q10: Why the author has described the ministers of the king as practical-minded men? How is it an irony? 
Ans: As they were in a hurry to select a new ruler, the author describes the king's ministers as practical men. They lacked practical insight, however, when they followed the traditional custom of choosing the new monarch by the first person to pass through the gate. The first to pass was a fool, who was held by the ministers until the next monarch was named.

Q11: On the basis of the behavior and action of the ministers, what opinion will you form for them? 
Ans: The king's ministers were pragmatic individuals. They were staunch believers in the importance of traditional rituals. They cried, "Long live the king!" when he died. They were well aware that the throne would not be vacant for long. Someday, someone will ascend to the throne and rule them. They recognized the crown as a powerful symbol.

Q12: How was the new king selected? 
Ans: The state ministers sent a word to the people of the state through a messenger, saying that whoever crossed the City Gate first would get to choose their new king or ruler. The next day, an idiot occurs to be the first to pass through the City Gate. When asked who should be the future king of the state, he responded immediately with A melon. Our future monarch, according to the ministers, will be a melon.

Q13: Why were the ministers relieved and elated? 
Ans: The ministers were delighted and elated since the public's desire to see a hanging had been met. The public was ecstatic to see them hanging. The public was ecstatic that they had finally found someone to hang and that they could see it with their own eyes. The ministers feared that if they did not succeed, the people would revolt against the monarch.

Q14: Discuss about the custom of the citizens. 
Ans: Citizens can elect a representative to serve as the state's ruler or king. The mechanism for selecting the ruler was that whoever passed through the City Gate first the next day would be the next king or ruler. This technique of selecting a new ruler precluded hereditary rule and any conspiracy involving the king's selection or concerning the king. The ministers have to adhere to the rules with the utmost rigor.

Q15: What is your opinion for the selection process practiced by the ministers and people of the state? 
Ans: The process of choosing a king or ruler for a country is foolish and idiotic. Choosing a ruler based on a single man's vote is never a good idea. The idea of appointing a monarch of the state made the state extremely unhappy and vulnerable. A king is the guardian of his subjects. The king should be capable of dealing with any situation. Giving a person the power to choose a ruler on behalf of all citizens is both humiliating and ridiculous.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q16: Do you think the lesson “The Tale of Melon City” is interesting and edifying? 

Ans: Yes, the lesson "The Tale of Melon City" is both interesting and edifying. The story is a satirical commentary on the absurdities of leadership and justice, and it gives readers valuable lessons on governance and decision-making. The king, who is initially portrayed as just and peaceful, ends up making decisions that reveal his flaws, showing how easily a ruler can be swayed by external pressures. The ministers, in their practical approach, also fall victim to the whimsical process of selecting a new ruler, which ultimately leads to chaos. This story challenges the conventional wisdom that rulers are wise or omnipotent. It teaches that even those in power can be easily manipulated, and it encourages us to carefully analyze situations before taking action. The lesson reminds us of the importance of consulting knowledgeable individuals and considering the consequences of our decisions. Poor choices can result in not only personal failure but also harm to those around us. "The Tale of Melon City" is edifying because it highlights the pitfalls of unchecked power and the importance of fairness, responsibility, and wisdom in leadership. The story forces us to reflect on how we, as individuals and a society, should approach leadership and justice.

Q17: Does the title of the poem “The Tale of Melon City” satisfy it? 
Ans: Yes, the title "The Tale of Melon City" perfectly captures the essence of the poem. The title is ironic and reflects the absurdity that unfolds in the story. The poem, which begins with a seemingly just and peaceful king, takes the reader through a series of ridiculous events that culminate in a melon being crowned as the new king. The city’s name, reflecting the king’s title, further emphasizes the farcical nature of the ruler's selection and the entire process of governance. Throughout the story, the people’s decision-making process, from the king’s rash orders to the ministers' actions, highlights the flaws in their judgments. The title encapsulates the ultimate irony: that a melon, an object with no capacity for leadership, becomes the symbol of authority. The selection of the melon as the king is an absurd reflection of the randomness and irrationality in the process of choosing a ruler, which contrasts sharply with the expected gravity of leadership. The poem mocks the idea of governance and justice being based on chance or foolish customs. The title, therefore, accurately reflects the underlying message of the story, which critiques how arbitrary systems of power can lead to chaos and ridicule.

Q18: Describe the king of the state from the lesson „The tale of Melon City‟. 
Ans: The king in "The Tale of Melon City" is initially portrayed as a just and peaceful ruler, admired for his calm and composed demeanor. However, his character flaws gradually emerge throughout the story. While he is seen as a fair leader, his erratic decision-making and impulsive actions demonstrate that his judgment is not as sound as it seems. He orders the execution of all the builders in response to the arch’s faulty design, despite the fact that only the architect was at fault. This is an example of his lack of consistency and the influence of external pressures on his actions. His tendency to change his mind, swayed by those around him, further reveals his inability to make rational decisions. The king is also easily manipulated by the cunning architect, who uses the king’s own words against him. Despite being considered a sharp observer, the king’s inability to see through the deceit leads to his downfall. The king’s greatest flaw is his lack of foresight and his fixation on trivial matters, such as the low arch, which eventually leads to his tragic end. His crown, knocked off by the arch, symbolizes the loss of his authority and his demise, emphasizing the dangers of rash leadership and the unpredictability of fate.

Q19: Does the poem mocks the process of proper judgment and fair trial? Write your opinion. 
Ans: Yes, the poem "The Tale of Melon City" mocks the process of proper judgment and fair trials. Through its satirical portrayal of the king’s reign, the poem exposes the absurdity of justice in a society where decisions are made based on whim and public pressure rather than reason and fairness. The king, who is meant to embody justice, constantly changes his mind and makes irrational decisions, such as ordering the execution of all builders rather than holding the architect accountable. His inability to make sound judgments and his susceptibility to manipulation reflect a deeper critique of the judicial system, where the ruler’s word becomes law without question. The poem also critiques the role of the people and ministers in perpetuating such an unjust system. The ministers, though seemingly practical, follow ridiculous customs, such as choosing a new ruler based on the first person who walks through the gate, which leads to the crowning of a melon. This arbitrary process mocks the very idea of a fair trial or a just system of governance. By showing how the king and his ministers are easily swayed by external influences, the poem highlights the flaws in systems where justice is not based on evidence, logic, or moral principles, but on impulse and manipulation.

Q20: How can a state maintain peace and liberty? 
Ans: A state can maintain peace and liberty through wise, fair, and effective governance. The key to peace lies in having a ruler who is not only determined but also just, wise, and impartial in decision-making. A ruler should prioritize the well-being of all citizens and ensure that decisions are made with the greater good in mind, rather than personal interests or biases. Whether the state practices democracy, monarchy, or another form of governance, the foundation of peace and liberty is rooted in fairness, equality, and the rule of law. It is essential that laws are applied equally to all individuals, without discrimination based on caste, creed, or status. In addition, citizens must be informed about their rights and responsibilities, as awareness of these can help maintain harmony and prevent conflict. Good governance also involves listening to the needs and concerns of the people and being open to reform when necessary. In a well-governed state, justice is not arbitrary or influenced by public opinion, as it was in "The Tale of Melon City", but is based on rational, thoughtful decision-making. Therefore, a state can achieve peace and liberty through transparent governance, impartial justice, and an active, aware citizenry that participates in upholding the values of equality and fairness.