18 Questions
What did the King proclaim should be constructed in the city?
A grand arch
What is the reason given by the people for the King appearing to be a melon in 'The Tale of Melon City'?
A customary choice
How do the people in 'The Tale of Melon City' react to the King being a melon?
They support the King's choice and value peace and liberty
What principle appears to be well-established in the state where the King is 'just and placid'?
Principle of laissez-faire
Which literary device is prominently used in 'The Tale of Melon City' to make the story humorous?
Irony
What extra charm does the verse form bring to 'The Tale of Melon City' according to the text?
Lends antiquity to the tale
Why was the King hanged according to the text?
The crowd demanded immediate punishment.
What was the King's initial reaction when he learned about the issue with the bricks?
He ordered to hang the workmen.
What did the guards ask the man who passed by the City Gate?
To choose the new ruler.
Why were the masons quivering when they were summoned by the King?
They were worried about being blamed for the issue.
Why did the guards stop the man passing by the City Gate?
To inquire about the King.
What was the idiot's response when asked who should be King?
A melon.
Why did the architect point out that the King had forgotten something?
To highlight an important detail in the construction plans.
How did the King's Ministers ensure the selection of the next ruler?
By choosing a random passerby.
Who did the King request to bring to court for counsel?
The wisest man in the country
What happened to the melon after being crowned as King?
It was placed on the throne.
Why did the wisest man suggest that the arch should be hanged?
It was responsible for bringing down the crown.
Why did the Councillor object to hanging the arch?
Because he thought it would be a shameful act.
Study Notes
The Tale of Melon City
- The story is about a just and placid King who wants to build an arch to edify spectators in the city.
- The King orders the workmen to build the arch, but it is constructed too low, and the King loses his crown when riding underneath it.
- The King initially orders the workmen to be hanged, but then changes his mind and summons the masons, architect, and the wisest man in the country to investigate the matter.
The Investigation
- The workmen blame the masons, who blame the architect, who blames the King for making amendments to the original plans.
- The wisest man in the country is summoned and suggests that the arch should be punished, but the King realizes that the arch cannot be punished.
- The King becomes frustrated and decides to punish someone, so the tallest man is chosen to be hanged.
The Punishment
- However, the tallest man turns out to be the King himself, and he is hanged by Royal Decree.
- The Ministers are relieved that someone was punished, as they feared the unruly town would turn against the Crown.
The New King
- The Ministers send out heralds to proclaim that the next person to pass through the City Gate will become the new ruler of the state.
- An idiot passes through the gate and is asked to decide who should be the King; he responds that a melon should be the King.
- The Ministers crown a melon, and it becomes the new ruler of the state.
The City's Philosophy
- The people of the city seem to accept the melon as their ruler, saying that as long as the King (or melon) leaves them in peace and liberty, it is okay with them.
- The city appears to operate on the principles of laissez-faire, allowing the people to live as they choose as long as they are left in peace.
This quiz is based on the poem 'The Tale of Melon City' by Vikram Seth. The poem recounts a story of a just and placid King who commands the construction of an arch that leads to unforeseen consequences. Test your knowledge on this thought-provoking piece of literature.
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