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English (Core) · Class 11 Languages

Ch 16The Tale of Melon City — Class 11 English (Core), concept-first.

Vikram Seth (born 1952) is one of India's best-known writers in English, equally admired as a poet and a novelist. His works include the celebrated novel A Suitable Boy, the verse-novel The Golden Gate, and the poetry collection Mappings (1981).

19

Q&A

9

Concepts

31m

Section weightage

Section C · Literature Textbooks (Hornbill & Snapshots) · across all 16 lessons

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Key concepts

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Triumphal Arch Purpose

Imagine a victorious general returning to ancient Rome after conquering a distant land. The city erupts in celebration.

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Chapter contents

The NCERT structure, section by section. Open a section to see its questions, then read the concept-first solution.

About the Poet and the Poem

Vikram Seth (born 1952) is one of India's best-known writers in English, equally admired as a poet and a novelist.

1.1

Central Idea and Summary

The central idea of the poem is a comic yet biting attack on unthinking, arbitrary rule. A King who prides himself on being "just and placid" applies his justice so mechanically, and shifts blame so e…

1.2

Part-wise Explanation

The poem tells its story in a clear sequence of scenes, each moving the comedy forward. Below, the tale is walked through part by part.

1.3

Poetic Devices and Tone

The charm of the poem lies in how a serious point is made through a light, playful style. Its tone is comic, satirical and ironic throughout, and it uses several devices to keep the story amusing.

1.4

Theme and Message

The poem carries several linked themes, all delivered through comedy.

Summary

A quick revision recap of the poem.

Questions

+Questionsi5 questions
  1. Q1Narrate ‘The Tale of Melon City’ in your own words.Free
  2. Q2What impression would you form of a state where the King was ‘just and placid’?Free
  3. Q3How, according to you, can peace and liberty be maintained in a state?Preview
  4. Q4Suggest a few instances in the poem which highlight humour and irony.Preview
  5. Q5‘The Tale of Melon City’ has been narrated in a verse form. This is a unique style which lends extra charm to an ancient tale. Find similar…Preview

Additional Practice

Extra exam-style practice questions written by us on this lesson — beyond the NCERT textbook's own exercises — for more CBSE board-exam preparation.

+Additional Practicei14 questions
  1. Q1Why does the King order an arch to be built across the public thoroughfare? (Answer in 30–40 words.)Free
  2. Q2What mishap occurs when the King rides down the thoroughfare, and how does he react to it? (Answer in 30–40 words.)Free
  3. Q3How does the chain of blame pass from the chief of builders down to the architect? (Answer in 30–40 words.)Free
  4. Q4Why does the architect's defence leave the King flustered, and what does he decide to do next? (Answer in 30–40 words.)Preview
  5. Q5Describe the wisest man in the land and the verdict he delivers. (Answer in 30–40 words.)Preview
  6. Q6Why is the arch finally spared from being hanged? (Answer in 30–40 words.)Preview
  7. Q7How does the King come to be hanged under his own decree? (Answer in 30–40 words.)Preview
  8. Q8By what custom is the next ruler of the city chosen, and how does the crown pass to a melon? (Answer in 30–40 words.)Preview
  9. Q9How do the citizens, years later, explain their calm acceptance of a melon as their King? (Answer in 30–40 words.)Preview
  10. Q10Discuss the irony in the repeated description of the King as 'just and placid', citing instances of his actual conduct in the poem. (Answer…Preview
  11. Q11Explain in detail the closing movement of the poem, in which the citizens invoke the principle of laissez faire. What is the poet suggesting…Preview
  12. Q12Examine 'The Tale of Melon City' as a satire on arbitrary power, hollow justice and blind adherence to custom. (Answer in 120–150 words.)Preview
  13. Q13Identify the chief poetic devices Vikram Seth employs in the poem — rhyming couplets, repetition, anticlimax, caricature and deadpan underst…Preview
  14. Q14Justify the title 'The Tale of Melon City' and bring out the message of the poem. (Answer in 120–150 words.)Preview