Class 11 English (Snapshots Suppl.Reader English) Chapter 5 The Tale Of Melon City

Key Concept: Reason for Punishment

b) It caused the crown to fall off.

[Solution Description]

The wisest man said that the arch should be punished because it caused the crown to fall off.

Key Concept: Humour and Irony

d) The execution of the King

[Solution Description]

The most ironic incident in the poem is when the King himself is hanged as he fits the noose perfectly. Despite being the one ordering the execution, he becomes the victim due to his own decree. This unexpected turn of events underscores the absurdity and irony in the tale.

Key Concept: The Tale of Melon City

c) The arch

[Solution Description] The old man, being wise and old, suggests that the arch which caused the crown to fall must be punished by hanging. This is because he believes the arch is the culprit.

Key Concept: Customary Choice

c) It was a matter of customary choice

[Solution Description] The people of the city accepted their King as a melon because it was a matter of customary choice. They believed that as long as the King left them in peace and liberty, his form or nature did not matter.

Key Concept: Character Analysis

c) To satisfy the restless crowd

[Solution Description]

The King perceived the crowd’s restlessness and muttering. He realized that the nation wanted a hanging, and to satisfy the crowd, he decided that someone must be hanged immediately without considering guilt.

Key Concept: Theme Exploration

c) Innocence and Corruption

[Solution Description] The central theme explored through Prince Myshkin is the conflict between innocence and corruption, as he represents pure goodness in a world filled with deceit and moral decay.

Key Concept: Concept: Fairness

b) To demonstrate fairness and equality.

[Solution Description] The King punishes himself because he believes in fairness and equality. By punishing himself, he ensures that justice is served equally to everyone.

Key Concept: Irony, Justice

c) The King himself was hanged by his own decree.

[Solution Description]

The central irony in the poem is that despite the King’s desire to administer justice and punish the culprit responsible for the low arch, he ends up being the one who is hanged. This highlights the absurdity and lack of true justice in the system.

Key Concept: Poem Analysis

c) To span the major thoroughfare and edify spectators

[Solution Description]

The purpose of building the arch was to span the major thoroughfare and edify the spectators. The poem mentions, “The King proclaimed an arch should be constructed, that triumphally would span the major thoroughfare to edify spectators there.” Therefore, the correct answer is “To span the major thoroughfare and edify spectators.”

Key Concept: Justice, Irony

b) His impulsive and unreasonable approach to justice

[Solution Description] The King in “The Tale of Melon City” is described as just and placid. However, when the arch is built too low and knocks off his crown, he immediately orders the chief of builders to be hanged without further investigation. This action reveals that his sense of justice is impulsive and lacks proper reasoning. He does not consider the possibility that others might be responsible for the error. His decision reflects a shallow understanding of justice, where punishment is delivered hastily without fair judgment.

Key Concept: About Vikram Seth

c) Collected Poems

[Solution Description]

The poem from “Mappings” is included in the “Collected Poems” by Vikram Seth, as mentioned in the syllabus.

Key Concept: Customs and Traditions

c) By the next person to pass the City Gate.

[Solution Description]

According to the custom, the next person to pass the City Gate would choose the ruler. An idiot, who liked melons, was asked to decide and he chose a melon, which was then crowned as the new King.

Key Concept: Satire

a) Satire

[Solution Description]

The poem ‘The Tale of Melon City’ uses satire to criticize the absurdity of the justice system and the blind adherence to tradition. Satire is a literary device that uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to expose and criticize people’s stupidity or vices.

Key Concept: The Tale of Melon City

c) The oldest man

[Solution Description]

In the poem, the oldest man who could not walk and see was considered the wisest. He suggested that the arch must be hanged for causing the crown to fall off.

Key Concept: Laissez-faire Governance

c) Laissez-faire governance

[Solution Description]

The acceptance of a melon as the king in “The Tale of Melon City” symbolizes the principles of laissez-faire governance, where the government is passive and allows individuals to live in peace and liberty without interference.

Key Concept: Rhyming and Narrative Style

b) It was part of their customary choice.

[Solution Description] The people of Melon City accept a melon as their king because it is part of their customary choice. They believe in the principles of laissez-faire, meaning they accept whatever the king chooses to be, as long as it brings peace and liberty to the city.

Key Concept: Plot Understanding

c) He is pressured by the crowd’s demand for a hanging.

[Solution Description] The King perceives the restlessness of the crowd and fears a potential uprising. To appease the crowd and maintain order, he decides to hang someone immediately, prioritizing the nation’s desire for a hanging over the finer points of guilt.

Key Concept: Types of Governance

c) Autocracy

[Solution Description] Autocracy is a form of governance where a single individual holds all the power and makes decisions without the need for approval from others. This individual often has absolute authority over the state.

Key Concept: Blame and Responsibility

b) He is the only one who fits the noose height

[Solution Description]

After the blame shifts from person to person, the King realizes that no one else fits the criteria for the hanging. The only person tall enough to fit the noose is the King himself. Thus, he is hanged by Royal Decree, which highlights the absurdity of blindly assigning blame without proper consideration.

Key Concept: Customary Choice

b) Due to the customary choice and laissez-faire principles

[Solution Description]

The people accepted the melon as their king because it was chosen according to their customary practice. They believed that as long as the king left them in peace and liberty, it did not matter what the king was. This reflects their adherence to the principle of laissez-faire.

Key Concept: Poetic Interpretation

d) Because the King ordered it

[Solution Description] The workmen built the arch because it was ordered by the King. The poem clearly states, “They did so since he was the King.”

Key Concept: Royal Decree

c) He was the only one tall enough to fit the noose.

[Solution Description]

The King ordered a hanging but could not find a suitable person to execute. Eventually, the noose was set too high, and only the King was tall enough to fit it. As a result, he was hanged by his own decree.

Key Concept: Basic Concept

c) The King

[Solution Description] After a series of events and discussions, the noose was set up high, and only one person was tall enough to fit it—the King himself. Consequently, the King was hanged by Royal Decree.

Key Concept: Basic Concept

c) The wisest man in the country

[Solution Description]

In “The Tale of Melon City,” the King sought counsel on how to punish the architect. The wisest man in the country was found and brought to the Royal Court to decide the matter. This is explicitly mentioned in the text.

Key Concept: The Tale of Melon City

b) To satisfy the restless crowd

[Solution Description]

The King perceived the restless mood of the crowd and decided to postpone the consideration of finer points like guilt. He concluded that the nation wanted a hanging and someone must be hanged immediately to satisfy them.

Key Concept: Conceptual Understanding

c) On the throne

[Solution Description] After being crowned, the Melon was carried to the throne and reverently set down, as stated in the syllabus.

Key Concept: Basic Concept

d) The old man

[Solution Description]

In the story, the old man, who was wise and could not walk or see well, suggested that the arch be hanged because it was responsible for knocking off the King’s crown.

Key Concept: The Tale of Melon City

b) To satisfy the restless crowd.

[Solution Description]

The King decided to hang someone immediately because the crowd was restless and muttering aloud, and he wanted to appease them. As stated in the poem: “The King perceived their mood and trembled And said to all who were assembled — ‘Let us postpone consideration Of finer points like guilt. The nation Wants a hanging. Hanged must be Someone, and that immediately.’”

Key Concept: Creative Thinking

b) To generate new and innovative ideas

[Solution Description]

Creative thinking aims to generate new and innovative ideas or solutions to problems. It involves thinking outside the box and exploring unconventional approaches.

Key Concept: Sequence of Events

c) The architect was at fault

[Solution Description]

When the masons are summoned by the King, they blame the architect for the mistake, stating that it was the architect’s fault.

Key Concept: Passive Acceptance

c) They believed in the principle of laissez-faire.

[Solution Description]

The citizens accepted a melon as their king because they believed in the principle of laissez-faire, which means letting things take their own course without interference. They were content as long as the king left them in peace and liberty.

Key Concept: The King’s strict adherence to justice

c) The arch was built too low.

[Solution Description] The King lost his crown because the arch built in the city was too low, and when he passed under it, his crown got knocked off.

Key Concept: Ruler’s Identity

b) A melon

[Solution Description] When the first person passing the City Gate was asked to choose the ruler, he replied with “A melon,” which became the ruler according to the custom.

Key Concept: Customary Choice

b) Selection based on tradition

[Solution Description]

The phrase “customary choice” implies that the selection of the ruler is based on tradition or established practice rather than merit or capability. In the story, the king is chosen based on what is customary, even if it results in a melon being the ruler.

Key Concept: Laissez-faire Principles

c) The city practices laissez-faire governance.

[Solution Description]

The acceptance of the melon as the king suggests that the principles of laissez-faire are well-established in Melon City. The people are unconcerned about governance as long as they are left in peace and liberty, indicating a hands-off approach to ruling.

Key Concept: Laissez-Faire Governance

d) The citizens accept the ruler’s autonomy without interference

[Solution Description] The statement signifies the acceptance of the ruler’s autonomy by the citizens. It highlights the laissez-faire approach, where the citizens do not impose their opinions on the ruler’s identity or decisions, focusing instead on their own freedom and peace.

Key Concept: Basic Concept

b) Restatement of the thesis

[Solution Description] A strong conclusion typically includes a restatement of the thesis and a summary of the main points, ensuring the reader understands the key arguments presented.

Key Concept: Character Analysis

b) They accepted it peacefully.

[Solution Description]

The people accepted the melon as their king without any objection, believing in the principle of laissez-faire and valuing peace and liberty over everything else.

Key Concept: Irony in Leadership

b) To satisfy the crowd’s demand for a hanging

[Solution Description]

The King, perceiving the restless mood of the crowd and wanting to maintain order, decides that someone must be hanged immediately to satisfy the nation’s demand for justice. This decision is ironic because it highlights his lack of genuine concern for justice or fairness, as he prioritizes appeasing the crowd over finding the true culprit.

Key Concept: Contextual Understanding

c) The arch had touched the King’s head.

[Solution Description]

The Councillor argued that the arch should not be hanged because it had touched the King’s head, implying that it would be disrespectful to hang something that came into contact with the King.

Key Concept: Conceptual Understanding, Real-World Application

b) Active participation in governance

[Solution Description]

Citizens play a crucial role in democracy by holding the government accountable through various mechanisms such as voting, participating in public discourse, and monitoring government activities. This ensures transparency and reduces corruption. The most effective way to ensure transparency and accountability is through active participation in the democratic process, which includes voting, engaging with elected representatives, and demanding information through legal channels.

Key Concept: Analyzing the King’s Decision

c) He decided to hang himself

[Solution Description]

The King decided that someone had to be hanged immediately to satisfy the restless crowd. After measuring everyone, the only person who fit the noose was the King himself. Thus, he was hanged by Royal Decree.

Key Concept: Customary Choice

b) The next to pass the City Gate

[Solution Description]

The custom followed by the Ministers was that the next person to pass the City Gate would decide the ruler of the state. This custom was enforced with due ceremony.

Key Concept: Understanding the Tale

c) The arch caused the crown to fall.

[Solution Description]

The old man, who was very old and wise, suggested that the arch must be hanged because it was the arch that banged the crown off the King’s head. This was considered a crime, and thus he proposed its punishment.

Key Concept: Concepts: The King orders a random person to be hanged

b) To satisfy the nation’s demand for a hanging

[Solution Description]

The King ordered a hanging because the nation wanted a hanging immediately. The King was concerned about the mood of the people and decided that someone must be hanged without considering guilt.

Key Concept: Character Analysis

b) The chief of builders was responsible for the low arch, which caused the King to lose his crown.

[Solution Description] The King loses his crown because the arch is built too low. He considers this a disgrace and decides to hang the chief of builders as punishment for the low arch. This decision marks the beginning of the chain of blame.

Key Concept: Basic Comprehension

d) The King

[Solution Description] After measuring each man, it was found that only one man was tall enough to fit the noose. That man was the King himself. Therefore, the King was hanged by Royal Decree.

Key Concept: Character Analysis

c) Because the arch banged the crown off the King’s head

[Solution Description]

The old man in the story is very old and wise. He suggests that the arch should be punished because it was the arch that banged the crown off the King’s head. His reasoning is that the arch is the culprit and therefore must be hanged.

Key Concept: Understanding the plot

b) Because it was responsible for knocking off the king’s crown.

[Solution Description]

The old man, who was considered wise due to his age, suggested that the arch must be hanged because it was responsible for knocking off the king’s crown. This decision reflects the absurdity of blindly following customs without logical reasoning.

Key Concept: Satire on Political Systems

b) The arch knocked off the King’s crown.

[Solution Description] In the story, the arch was blamed for knocking off the King’s crown. The old and wise man suggested that the arch must be punished by hanging because it was the cause of the incident. This decision reflects the absurdity and irrationality of the political system.

Key Concept: Understanding the King’s Decision

b) The crowd demanded a hanging, and the King feared rebellion.

[Solution Description] The King was under pressure from the restless crowd, who wanted a hanging. To avoid rebellion and maintain order, the King decided that someone must be hanged immediately, regardless of guilt.

Key Concept: Justice and Placidity

b) He was executed by hanging

[Solution Description]

The King, in his pursuit of justice, ordered the execution of various individuals until it was revealed that he himself was responsible for the changes to the arch’s plans. Consequently, the King was hanged by Royal Decree.

Key Concept: Basic Concept

b) The arch was built too low.

[Solution Description]

The King lost his crown under the arch because it was built too low. Feeling disgraced, he blamed the chief of builders for this error and ordered him to be hanged.

Key Concept: Plot Comprehension

c) His height made him the only one who fit the noose.

[Solution Description] The King’s execution was a result of his own decree to hang someone immediately to satisfy the crowd. When the noose was set up high, only he was tall enough to fit it, leading to his ironic fate.

Key Concept: Basic Concept

d) The King

[Solution Description]

In the story, after a series of events and shifting blame, the King himself is found to be the only one tall enough to fit the noose. Therefore, he is hanged by Royal Decree.

Key Concept: Customary Choice

d) By who passes the City Gate

[Solution Description]

The traditional custom described in “The Tale of Melon City” was to choose the next ruler based on who happened to pass the City Gate. This custom was followed strictly, and the person who passed the gate would decide the ruler. In this case, an idiot passed by and chose a melon as the ruler.

Key Concept: Story Event

c) He sought counsel from the wisest man.

[Solution Description]

The King realized his mistake and sought counsel from the wisest man in the country to resolve the situation. This shows that he chose to seek advice rather than act impulsively.

Key Concept: Concept: Laissez-faire Governance

d) They accepted it as customary choice

[Solution Description]

The people accepted the melon as their King, stating that it was their custom to choose their ruler this way. They believed in laissez-faire and were fine with the melon ruling as long as they had peace and liberty.

Key Concept: Main Theme

b) The consequences of illogical decisions by rulers

[Solution Description] The poem criticizes the irrational and illogical decisions made by rulers, highlighting how their flawed sense of justice can lead to absurd outcomes. The King in the poem is described as ‘just and placid,’ but his decisions are far from logical, ultimately leading to his own execution.

Key Concept: Customary Choice

c) Due to the principle of customary choice

[Solution Description] The citizens of Melon City accept a melon as their king due to the principle of customary choice. They believe that as long as the king does not interfere in their lives and allows them to live in peace and liberty, it does not matter what form the king takes.

Key Concept: The Idiot’s Response

a) A melon

[Solution Description]

When the guards asked the idiot who should be the king, he replied with his standard answer, which was “A melon.”

Key Concept: Basic Concept

d) The chief of builders

[Solution Description]

The King ordered the chief of builders to be hanged because the arch was built too low, causing the King to lose his crown.

Key Concept: Leadership Failure

c) Because the crowd demanded justice and action.

[Solution Description]

In “The Tale of Melon City,” the King decides to hang someone immediately because the restless crowd demands it. He fears losing control and wants to appease the public, showing his failure in leadership and decision-making.

Key Concept: Laissez-faire Principle

b) Laissez-faire.

[Solution Description]

The citizens follow the principle of laissez-faire, which means they believe in minimal interference. As long as the King maintains peace and liberty, they do not question his form or nature.

Key Concept: Wisest Man’s Advice

c) The arch should be hanged

[Solution Description]

The wisest man advised that the arch, which had caused the King to lose his crown, should be punished by being hanged. This was his solution to the problem presented to him.