Character Sketch: The Tale of Melon City | English Class 11 PDF Download

Character Sketch of the King

• Whimsical – Driven by whims rather than logic and reason.
• Inconsistent – Lacks a firm mind and is easily influenced.
• Ironic – Introduced as 'just' and 'placid,' but is neither.
• Impulsive – Orders severe punishments without sound judgment.
• Weak – Bends under pressure and lacks strong leadership.
• Tragic – Falls into his own trap, leading to his own execution.

The king in Vikram Seth's "The Tale of Melon City" is a ruler whose personality can be described as whimsical, inconsistent, and impulsive. He often acts based on whims rather than logic or reason, making decisions that seem random and irrational. Though he is introduced as a "just" and "placid" king, his actions reveal that he is neither fair nor calm. Instead, he is quick to anger and makes hasty decisions without careful thought.

The king’s impulsiveness is evident when he orders severe punishments, such as the hanging of various people, all to find someone to blame for the mishap with the low arch. His decisions are not based on justice but on momentary frustration, revealing a lack of sound judgment.

Moreover, the king is weak and easily influenced, lacking the firmness and strength needed for effective leadership. His inability to stay calm under pressure leads him to follow an absurd course of action. Ultimately, his weakness is shown when he is tricked into his own downfall, being hanged as the only person tall enough to fit the noose he had set up for someone else.

In the end, the king becomes a tragic figure. His inconsistent leadership and poor judgment cause his downfall, and he falls victim to the very trap he set. His reign, marked by foolishness and irony, highlights the dangers of impulsive decisions and the failure to lead with wisdom.