CBSE Class 11 English Snapshots: The Tale of Melon City NCERT Solutions

'The Tale of Melon City' is a humorous narrative poem by Vikram Seth, written in rhyming couplets. It recounts a series of absurd events in a city long ago, focusing on a king, a poorly constructed arch, and the subsequent, illogical administration of justice.

The poem begins with the king's desire to build an arch across the main road to morally and mentally uplift his subjects. The construction is completed, but when the king inspects it, his crown strikes the arch because it is too low. Feeling dishonored, the king orders the chief of builders to be hanged. The chief shifts blame to the laborers, who blame the masons, who blame the architect. The architect, in turn, subtly blames the king by mentioning his own amendments to the plan.

Confused, the king consults his wisest man, who declares the arch itself the culprit. The arch is brought to the scaffold, but a councilor points out the shame in hanging an inanimate object that touched the king's crown. The crowd grows restless, demanding a hanging. The king declares someone must be hanged. A noose is set up, but it is too high for anyone except the king. Consequently, the king is hanged.

Following the king's execution, the ministers, relieved that the crowd is appeased, decide to choose a new king. Following tradition, they proclaim that the next person to pass the city gate will become king. An idiot happens to pass by, and when asked, he suggests a melon, as it is his favorite fruit. The ministers crown a melon and place it on the throne.

The citizens, under their melon king, enjoy a period of 'laissez-faire' governance, where the king does not interfere in their lives, and they are content with this non-interventionist rule.

A state ruled by a king described as 'just and placid' would likely be one characterized by peace, order, and a degree of freedom for its citizens. A 'just' king implies fairness and adherence to principles, while 'placid' suggests a calm, untroubled demeanor, perhaps indicating a ruler who is not prone to rash decisions or tyranny.

However, 'The Tale of Melon City' presents a satirical take on such a state. While the king is initially described as just and peace-loving, the events reveal that his justice is ultimately subservient to the whims of the crowd and the demands of the situation. The citizens' desire for a hanging, regardless of the actual culprit, overrides the king's own sense of justice or the wisest man's verdict. The king's placidity might also be interpreted as a lack of strong leadership, allowing the situation to escalate to the point where he himself becomes the victim of his own decree.

Therefore, the impression formed is complex: on the surface, it appears to be a peaceful state, but beneath lies a potential for chaos and a system where true justice can be subverted by popular demand or administrative incompetence, ultimately leading to the king's downfall.

Maintaining peace and liberty in a state requires a careful balance between governance and individual freedoms. Several factors contribute to this:

1. Rule of Law: A strong legal framework that applies equally to all citizens, including the rulers, is essential. Laws should be just, clear, and consistently enforced.
2. Accountability of Rulers: Leaders must be accountable for their actions. Mechanisms should exist to check their power and ensure they act in the best interest of the people, not for personal gain.
3. Citizen Participation: Allowing citizens a voice in governance, whether through voting, representation, or public discourse, fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility.
4. Protection of Rights: Fundamental rights and freedoms, such as freedom of speech, assembly, and religion, must be guaranteed and protected.
5. Independent Judiciary: An impartial judicial system is crucial to resolve disputes fairly and uphold the law without external influence.
6. Social Harmony: Promoting tolerance, understanding, and respect among different groups within society helps prevent conflict and maintain peace.

The poem 'The Tale of Melon City' suggests that a purely 'laissez-faire' approach, where the government completely refrains from interfering, can lead to anarchy if law and order are not maintained. Conversely, excessive interference can stifle liberty. Therefore, a healthy state finds a middle ground, ensuring peace through order and protecting liberty through just governance and respect for citizens' rights.