NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English - The Tale of Melon City

Q1: Narrate ‘The Tale of Melon City’ in your own words.
Ans: Once upon a time, there was a kingdom ruled by a king who had a strange accident. The king’s crown got stuck in a low arch built in the city. The king, furious, demanded that someone be punished for this mistake. He ordered the chief builder to be hanged. But the chief builder blamed the workers, who blamed the wrong size of bricks, and this chain of blame went on until it reached the architect, who revealed that the king himself had made changes to the plans.

The king, wanting to be just, consulted the wisest man in the kingdom. The old man suggested hanging the arch itself, but the crowd laughed, saying it was impossible to hang something that touched the king's head. The crowd grew more restless, and in an attempt to please them, the king himself was hanged as he was tall enough to fit the noose.

The people, now without a king, decided that the next person to pass through the City Gate would become their new ruler. The first person who came along was an idiot who suggested they crown a melon as king. The ministers agreed, and a melon was crowned as the new king.

Over time, the people grew used to their melon king and found peace, valuing their liberty more than their ruler’s identity. The tale is a satirical look at the absurdities of power, blame, and governance.

Q2: What impression would you form of a state where the king was 'just and placid'?
Ans: In the poem, the king is described as "just and placid," which initially gives the impression of a fair and calm ruler. Such a king would seem to maintain peace and fairness in the state, fostering a sense of security among the people. However, as the story unfolds, we see that the king's justice is flawed, and his placidity leads to indecisiveness. His attempts to find someone to blame for the mishap with the arch become ridiculous, and ultimately, he sacrifices his own life to satisfy the crowd.

Thus, while the king is described as just and placid, the story suggests that true governance requires more than just calmness and fairness. A ruler must be capable of wise decision-making, and a state governed by a "just and placid" ruler might face chaos due to ineffective leadership.

Q3: How according to you, can peace and liberty be maintained in a state?
Ans: There are many views on how peace and liberty can be maintained in a state. Some people advocate dictatorship, while others support democracy. I believe that the key to peace and liberty lies in good governance. A well-administered state is beneficial for both citizens and rulers. It ensures safety, peace, and liberty for everyone.

A strong, organized government can protect the state from external threats. Dedicated leaders, law enforcement agencies, and informed citizens contribute to a harmonious society. It's also important to discourage divisions based on region, religion, or caste, as they create tensions. Free expression of opinions should be allowed, but it must respect the law and order. People should understand their rights and responsibilities to ensure peace and liberty for all.

Q4: Suggest a few instances in the poem which highlight humour and irony?
Ans: The poem contains several moments of humour and irony:

1. Blame Game:
   The absurdity begins when the blame for the low arch is passed around from the chief builder to the workers, masons, and architect. The situation becomes increasingly ridiculous, showing the absurdity of trying to find someone to blame for a mistake that might have been beyond anyone's control.

2. The King's Hanging:
   The ultimate irony is that the king, who demanded justice and punishment, ends up being hanged himself, fulfilling his own decree. This twist is both tragic and darkly humorous.

3. The Idiot's Choice:
   When asked to choose the next ruler, an idiot simply suggests a "melon." The ministers, instead of questioning the absurdity, accept it and crown the melon as king, making the situation even more comical.

4. Acceptance of the Melon King:
   The people, despite the absurdity of having a melon as king, accept it because they are satisfied with their peace and liberty. This highlights how, sometimes, people are willing to follow traditions or rulers without questioning their logic.

Q5: The Tale of Melon City has been narrated in a verse form. This is a unique style which lends extra charm to an ancient tale. Find similar examples in your language.
Ans: One example of a poem that narrates an interesting story is "A Legend of the Northland," which tells the tale of an old woman who angered Saint Peter because of her greed. Here's a summary of the poem:

The story is set in the North, where the nights are long and cold. Saint Peter, while traveling, visits the home of a woman who is baking cakes. He asks her for some food, but she is too selfish to share. She bakes several cakes, but none are small enough for her to give away. Saint Peter, angry at her greed, curses her, turning her into a woodpecker. The woman, now a bird, spends her days boring into trees for food. The story ends with a lesson about greed and selfishness.

Just like "The Tale of Melon City," this poem uses verse to tell a story with a deeper moral lesson.