The Tale Of Melon City Class 11 English Snapshot

Key Points of the Story

• A just and placid king orders the construction of an arch to celebrate his reign.

• The arch is too low, and the king's crown is knocked off as he rides under it.

• The king attempts to punish those responsible, but each party blames the next.

• The blame-shifting leads to absurd consequences, with the king being hanged by mistake.

• An idiot is crowned in place of the king, symbolizing the absurdity of political systems.

• The people accept the melon king with indifference, reflecting a laissez-faire attitude towards leadership.

Detailed Summary

Introduction
The story begins with a just and placid king in a city who orders the construction of a triumphal arch to enhance the city's appearance. The arch is built by the workers, and the king rides under it, but his crown is knocked off because the arch is too low.

The King’s Reaction
The king is angered and orders the execution of the chief builder. However, the chief builder blames the workers, and the workers blame the masons for using the wrong bricks. The masons then blame the architect, who points out that the king had altered the original plans.

The King Seeks Counsel
In his frustration, the king seeks the advice of the wisest man in the country. The wise man, though frail, suggests that the arch itself should be hanged. The king, still unsure, faces a dilemma about who is to blame for the situation.

The King’s Fate
As the crowd grows restless, the king decides to act quickly. The noose is set, and the only person tall enough to be hanged is the king himself. In a tragic twist, the king is hanged by royal decree, and the ministers, eager to restore order, announce that the next person to pass through the city gate will become the new ruler.

The Melon King
An idiot passes by and answers the ministers’ question with “a melon,” which the ministers take literally. They crown the melon as the new king. The people, though bewildered, accept the melon king with indifference, believing that as long as the king leaves them in peace, they have no reason to object.

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Conclusion

The poem highlights the absurdity of power, the inefficiency of blame-shifting, and the unpredictable nature of political systems. The crowning of a melon symbolizes the disconnect between leadership and the people, and the citizens' acceptance of this shows their indifference and resignation to the system. The poem ultimately suggests that real leadership is often driven by chance and that people are frequently apathetic to the workings of authority, as long as peace and liberty are maintained.

Theme

The central theme of the story is the absurdity of leadership and the ironic consequences of royal decisions. It critiques the flawed political system and emphasizes the indifference of the common people towards their rulers. Additionally, it explores the foolishness of seeking to blame others instead of accepting responsibility.

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Message

The story conveys that political systems can be unpredictable, and sometimes leadership is as arbitrary as choosing a melon. It highlights the absurdity in holding onto power and the passivity of people towards those who rule over them. It also critiques the inefficiency of blame-shifting and the chaos it causes.

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Difficult Words

• Proclaimed: To announce something 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.
• Disgrace: A loss of reputation or respect due to a dishonorable action.
• Culprit: A person responsible for a crime or wrongdoing.
• Counsel: Advice or guidance, especially in difficult situations.
• Wisest: Having or showing experience, knowledge, and good judgment.
• Scaffold: A temporary structure used to support a work crew and materials.
• Proclaim: To declare something officially or publicly.
• Laissez faire: A policy of minimum governmental interference in economic affairs.
• Reverently: With deep respect or admiration.
• Customary: According to the customs or usual practices of a particular group or society.
• Dilemma: A situation in which a difficult choice has to be made.
• Absurdity: The quality or state of being ridiculous or unreasonable.