Chapter 5, Vikram Seth’s ‘The Tale of Melon City’ Summary, Vocabulary, Theme, Character Sketch, Questions Answers and Extract-Based Questions.

Snapshots Poem- The Tale of Melon City by Vikram Seth 

More from Hornbill: Class 11- PROSE, Class 11- POETRY

Vocabulary/ Word Meanings:

Summary ‘The Tale of Melon City’ by Vikram Seth:

In Vikram Seth’s poem The Tale of Melon City (from the collection Mappings, published in 1981), a just and peaceful King orders the construction of an arch. The King blames the builders when the arch is too low, causing him to lose his crown. The blame shifts from the workers to the architect and finally to the arch. 

In the end, the King is accidentally hanged because of his height, which matches the noose. The Ministers, in fear of rebellion, declare that the next person to pass through the city gate will be the new ruler. 

An idiot passes by and chooses a melon as the new King. The people accept the melon as their ruler, believing that as long as they have peace, it doesn’t matter who rules.

Theme ‘The Tale of Melon City’ by Vikram Seth:

1. The Absurdity of Power and Justice:

The poem The Tale of Melon City explores the absurdity and randomness of authority and justice. The King, who starts as a just ruler, ends up blaming everyone but himself for a simple mistake. His decision-making process becomes increasingly irrational, culminating in his accidental hanging. 

The poem satirises the tendency of those in power to shift blame and make arbitrary/random decisions. Ultimately, the absurdity is further emphasised when a melon is crowned king, showing that leadership is reduced to a meaningless tradition as long as peace is maintained. The poem critiques the idea of justice and leadership, suggesting that power often leads to chaos and foolishness.

2. The Folly of Authority and Responsibility:

Another critical theme in The Tale of Melon City is the folly of authority and the failure of leaders to take responsibility for their actions. The King’s quick shift in blame—from the builders to the architect—reflects the inability of those in power to accept their own mistakes. 

His desire to maintain control leads him to make irrational decisions, and in the end, the situation’s absurdity is revealed when a melon becomes the ruler. This theme highlights the irresponsibility of leadership and how leaders often prioritise their image over the well-being of their people, leading to chaos and a breakdown in authority.

Humour, Satire and Irony in ‘The Tale of Melon City’: 

In The Tale of Melon City, Vikram Seth uses humour, satire, and irony to make a serious point funnily.

Humour: The poem is filled with silly, funny situations, like when the King blames everyone for the arch is too low, and eventually, a melon becomes the new King. These absurd events make the poem humorous while still telling a story about authority.

Satire: Seth mocks how leaders often shift blame and make foolish decisions. The King’s actions show how authority can be misused, and the idea of crowning a melon as king satirises the ridiculousness of leadership.

Irony: The most ironic part is that the King, who is supposed to be wise and just, is accidentally hanged. Irony also comes from the fact that the melon, something utterly unrelated to leadership, becomes the ruler, showing how meaningless the whole process has become.

Note on The Passive Subjects of the Kingdom: 

The kingdom’s subjects/ citizens/ denizens in The Tale of Melon City are portrayed as passive and compliant individuals who follow the king’s decisions without questioning them. They are depicted as a typical crowd, swayed/persuaded by the whims of authority rather than actively participating in governance or decision-making.

When the King orders the hanging of various individuals, including the workmen and the architect, the subjects do not protest but instead accept the outcomes without objection. This reflects their submissiveness and reliance on the King’s decisions. They are more concerned with maintaining peace and stability than questioning the absurdity of the King’s actions.

In the final part of the poem, when a melon is chosen as the new King, the subjects again show no resistance. They accept the melon as their ruler, demonstrating their tendency to follow tradition, even when illogical. The subjects’ passive acceptance highlights the poem’s critique of blindly following authority, no matter how foolish or unreasonable it may be.

Character Sketch of the King in ‘The Tale of Melon City’:

1. Just but Gullible: The King is initially portrayed as a fair and just ruler, but his lack of insight makes him easily swayed by external opinions and leads to misguided decisions.

2. Impulsive and Reactive: Instead of calmly assessing the situation, he quickly blames others for the arch’s failure, shifting responsibility without considering his mistakes.

3. Inconsistent and Easily Manipulated: His decisions change repeatedly throughout the poem, revealing his inability to make firm, rational judgments. He follows the crowd’s demands rather than standing by his reasoning.

4. Ironically Foolish: The King, despite his self-perception as a wise ruler, ends up being the victim of his unreasonable actions, culminating in his accidental hanging, which highlights the futility of his authority.

5. A Symbol of Absurd Leadership: Seth critiques the randomness of power through his behaviour. The King’s chaotic decisions and ultimate fate show how easily authority can become absurd when it lacks genuine wisdom.

6. Detached from Reality: Throughout the poem, the King remains placid and untroubled, even in the face of ridiculous circumstances, suggesting that he is more concerned with maintaining his image than understanding his errors.

7. Satirical Representation of Authority: Seth uses the King to satirise the foolishness of absolute power. The King’s downfall reflects how authority can lead to chaos when detached from reason and justice.

Line by Line Explanation ‘The Tale of Melon City’:

Couplet 1:  In the city of which I sing / There was a just and placid King.

• The speaker tells us about a city where a calm and fair King ruled.

Couplet 2: The King proclaimed an arch should be / Constructed, that triumphally

• The King ordered an arch (a large curved structure) to be built, which would look impressive.

Couplet 3: Would span the major thoroughfare / To edify spectators there.

• The arch was to be built across the main road (thoroughfare) to impress or teach the people who saw it.

Couplet 4: The workmen went and built the thing. / They did so since he was the King.

• The workers built the arch because the King told them to, and they had to obey him.

Couplet 5: The King rode down the thoroughfare / To edify spectators there.

• The King went down the main street, hoping to impress the people with the arch.

Couplet 6: Under the arch he lost his crown. / The arch was built too low. A frown

• When the King rode under the arch, his crown fell off because the arch was too low for him. He was unhappy and frowned.

Couplet 7: Appeared upon his placid face. / The King said, ‘This is a disgrace.

• The King’s peaceful face showed he was upset and called the situation shameful.

Couplet 8: The chief of builders will be hanged.’ / The rope and gallows were arranged.

• The King decided that the leader of the building project would be punished by hanging. They prepared the rope and gallows for him.

Couplet 9: The chief of builders was led out. / He passed the King. He gave a shout,

• The leader of the builders was brought to the King. As he passed, he shouted something to the King.

Couplet 10: ‘O King, it was the workmen’s fault’ / ‘Oh!’ said the King, and called a halt

• The chief of builders blamed the workers for the mistake. The King stopped the punishment after hearing this.

Couplet 11: To the proceedings. Being just / (And placider now) he said, ‘I must

• The King, wanting to be fair, decided to stop the punishment and think more carefully about what to do next.

Couplet 12: Have all the workmen hanged instead.’ / The workmen looked surprised, and said,

• The King decided that the workers should be punished instead. The workers were shocked and spoke up.

Couplet 13: ‘O King, you do not realise / The bricks were made of the wrong size.’

• The workers explained that the problem was the bricks were the wrong size.

Couplet 14: ‘Summon the masons!’ said the King. / The masons stood there quivering.

• The King called for the masons (the people who make the bricks), but they were nervous and afraid.

Couplet 15: ‘It was the architect…’, they said, / The architect was summoned.

• The masons said the problem was with the architect who designed the arch, so the architect was called in.

Couplet 16: ‘Well, architect,’ said His Majesty. / ‘I do ordain that you shall be

• The King told the architect that he had decided he should be punished.

Couplet 17: Hanged.’ Said the architect, ‘O King, / You have forgotten one small thing.

• The architect responded, telling the King that he had forgotten something important.

Couplet 18: You made certain amendments to / The plans when I showed them to you.’

• The architect reminded the King that the King had changed the original plans.

Couplet 19: The King heard this. The King saw red. / In fact he nearly lost his head;

• The King became furious when he heard this and was about to make another decision.

Couplet 20: But being a just and placid King / He said, ‘This is a tricky thing.

• However, the King decided to stay calm and fair, thinking carefully about what to do.

Couplet 21: I need some counsel. Bring to me / The wisest man in this country.’

• The King asked for advice from the wisest person in the land.

Couplet 22: The wisest man was found and brought, / Nay, carried, to the Royal Court.

• The wisest man was so old that he had to be carried to the King.

Couplet 23: He could not walk and could not see, / So old (and therefore wise) was he —

• The wise man was so old that he couldn’t walk or see, but he was considered wise because of his age.

Couplet 24: But in a quavering voice he said, / ‘The culprit must be punished.

• The wise man spoke in a shaky voice and said that someone should be punished for the mistake.

Couplet 25: Truly, the arch it was that banged / The crown off, and it must be hanged.’

• The wise man suggested that the arch itself should be punished because it caused the crown to fall off.

Couplet 26: To the scaffold the arch was led / When suddenly a Councillor said —

• The arch was brought to the scaffold (place of execution), but one of the King’s advisors stopped the process.

Couplet 27: ‘How can we hang so shamefully / What touched your head, Your Majesty?’

• The advisor pointed out that hanging something that had touched the King’s head (the arch) would be wrong.

Couplet 28: ‘True,’ mused the King. By now the crowd, / Restless, was muttering aloud.

• The King agreed and noticed that the crowd was getting restless, whispering to each other.

Couplet 29: The King perceived their mood and trembled / And said to all who were assembled —

• The King felt worried about the crowd’s mood and decided to speak to everyone gathered.

Couplet 30: ‘Let us postpone consideration / Of finer points like guilt. The nation

• The King suggested delaying the decision about who was at fault and not worrying about details.

Couplet 31: Wants a hanging. Hanged must be / Someone, and that immediately.’

• The King said the people just wanted someone to be punished immediately.

Couplet 32: The noose was set up somewhat high. / Each man was measured by and by.

• The hanging rope was prepared, and they measured each person to see who would fit.

Couplet 33: But only one man was so tall / He fitted. One man. That was all.

• Only one person was tall enough to fit the rope: the King himself.

Couplet 34: He was the King. His Majesty / Was therefore hanged by Royal Decree.

• Since the King was the only one who fit, he was hanged by his own order.

Couplet 35: ‘Thank Goodness we found someone,’ said / The Ministers, ‘for if instead

• The King’s ministers were relieved they had found someone to hang; otherwise, the people might have turned against the King.

Couplet 36: We had not, the unruly town / Might well have turned against the Crown.’

• They were glad they could avoid trouble, as the people might have rebelled.

Couplet 37: ‘Long live the King!’ the Ministers said. / ‘Long live the King! The King is dead.’

• In a strange twist, the ministers said, “Long live the King!” even after the King died.

Couplet 38: They pondered the dilemma; then, / Being practical-minded men,

• The ministers thought about what to do next, knowing they needed a new ruler.

Couplet 39: Sent out the heralds to proclaim / (In His [former] Majesty’s name):

• They sent messengers to announce the decision, still using the late King’s name.

Couplet 40: ‘The next to pass the City Gate / Will choose the ruler of our state,

• The heralds declared that whoever passed the city gate would decide the new ruler.

Couplet 41: As is our custom. This will be / Enforced with due ceremony.’

• This was a tradition in the kingdom that would be carried out properly.

Couplet 42: A man passed by the City Gate. / An idiot. The guards cried, ‘Wait!

• An unintelligent man walked by, and the guards stopped him.

Couplet 43: ‘You’re the one, for we have found / That you are the one who will be crowned.’

• The guards decided that this man would be the new ruler because he was the one to pass the gate.

Couplet 44: The idiot, for his part, did not care. / He stood there with an empty stare.

• The man did not care about becoming the King and stood there without understanding what was happening.

Couplet 45: They placed a crown upon his head, / And thus the idiot was made King instead.

• They put a crown on the man’s head, making him the King, even though he did not fit the role.

Couplet 46: But things went on as they had been. / The city was just the same again.

• Even though the idiot was now the King, life in the city continued as before, with no significant changes.

Couplet 47: The people went on with their lives, / Unaware that a new King strives.

• The people continued with their daily activities, not realising that the new King, though foolish, was now in charge.

Couplet 48: The city was calm. The King, though weak, / Reigned quietly. The people seek

• The city remained peaceful, and the weak King ruled quietly. The people were not concerned.

Couplet 49: No more than the arch, a foolish thing, / That fell once from the King’s own swing.

• The arch, which started all the trouble, was no more important than the king’s foolish actions. It had fallen because of his own decisions.

Couplet 50: The people got what they deserved — / A King who truly was reserved.

• The people got a King who did not interfere much, a reserved and quiet leader, though not a very wise one.

Couplet 51: And thus the tale has reached its end. / May it teach us all to comprehend:

• The speaker concludes the story and hopes it teaches us something important.

Couplet 52: That those who rule must have some sense, / Or else the kingdom’s recompense

• The lesson is that rulers must have wisdom, or their kingdom will face consequences.

Couplet 53: Will be a King of foolish choice, / Whose reign is guided by no voice.

• If the ruler is foolish, the country will suffer, and their reign will lack wisdom and direction.

Questions Answers ‘The Tale of Melon City’:

Q1: Narrate ‘The Tale of Melon City’ in your own words.

A1: In The Tale of Melon City, a just and peaceful King orders the construction of an arch. He blames the builders when the arch is built too low, causing him to lose his crown. The blame shifts to the architect, then to the arch itself. 

Ultimately, the King is accidentally hanged because his height fits the noose. The Ministers, fearing rebellion, decide that the next person to pass through the city gate will be the new ruler. An idiot passing by chooses a melon as the new King. 

The people accept the melon, saying it doesn’t matter who the ruler is as long as they live peacefully. The poem humorously highlights the absurdity of authority and justice.

Q2: What impression would you form of a state where the King was ‘just and placid’?

A2: A state where the King is “just and placid” would initially seem peaceful and fair. The King’s calm and reasonable nature suggests he would make decisions based on justice, without anger or harsh punishment. 

People might feel safe and treated fairly because a “just” ruler would try to solve problems fairly. However, in the poem, the King’s placid/calm nature also makes him easily influenced by others and quick to blame others without considering his own mistakes. 

The poem highlights that being too calm and not thinking carefully can lead to foolish decisions. So, while the state may seem peaceful, it can also be full of confusion and poor choices if the King doesn’t make wise and thoughtful decisions.

Q3: How, according to you, can peace and liberty be maintained in a state?

A3: Peace and liberty in a state can be maintained when the government treats all citizens fairly and respects their rights. Leaders should make decisions based on justice, considering everyone’s needs and opinions. Laws should protect people’s freedom, allowing them to express themselves without fear. 

People should be encouraged to participate in decisions that affect them, promoting a sense of responsibility and cooperation. Resolving conflicts peacefully through dialogue rather than force helps avoid violence. 

Education about rights and duties also plays a vital role in maintaining peace. When citizens feel heard and protected, they are more likely to live peacefully and enjoy their liberty without fear of unfair treatment or oppression.

Q4: Suggest a few instances in the poem which highlight humour and irony.

A4: In The Tale of Melon City, several instances highlight both humour and irony:

Humour:

• The Hanging of the King: The King orders the hanging of various people, but in the end, he is hanged himself—ironically, because his height matches the noose. It is funny because the King, who wanted to punish others, becomes the victim of his own law. It also shows that his sense of justice is misguided.

• Crowning the Melon: After the King’s death, the Ministers crown a melon as the new King. It is humorous because it’s absurd for a fruit to rule a kingdom.

• The King’s Just Actions: The King believes he is just to punish others, but his actions keep getting more ridiculous. The humour comes from his inability to see the absurdity of his own decisions.

Irony: Irony is highlighted when the wise man, who is old and blind, suggests hanging the arch, even though the real problem is the King’s decisions. These ironic situations show how things don’t turn out as expected.

Q5: ‘The Tale of Melon City’ has been narrated in verse form. This is a unique style which lends extra charm to an ancient tale. Find similar examples in your language. 

A5: In many languages, ancient stories are often told in verse to make them more exciting and memorable. For example, in Hindi, The Ramayana and Mahabharata are ancient epics traditionally recited in verse form, with rhymes and rhythm to make the stories easier to remember and enjoy. 

In Tamil, works like Thirukkural by Thiruvalluvar use verse to teach moral lessons, making it poetic and instructional. These examples, like The Tale of Melon City, show how storytelling in verse adds a unique charm and helps pass down stories from generation to generation.

Extra Questions ‘The Tale of Melon City’:

Short Answer Type Questions: 

Q1: What caused the King to lose his crown in the poem?

A1: The King lost his crown because the arch he ordered to be built was too low. As he rode under it to impress the spectators, the low height knocked his crown off, leading to a chain of absurd blame and punishment decisions that reflect the poem’s satire on justice.

Q2: How did the King react when he lost his crown?

A2: The King was initially displeased and called the incident a disgrace. He ordered the chief of builders to be hanged but later shifted the blame to others, showing his attempt to maintain justice. His reaction highlights the absurdity and arbitrariness of his decisions, adding humour to the poem’s satire.

Q3: Why did the King decide to hang the workers?

A3: The King hung the workers after the builders’ chief blamed them for the faulty arch. Seeking justice, he shifted the punishment to the workers, demonstrating his arbitrary decision-making. The absurd blame game emphasises the poem’s satirical tone, highlighting the flaws in the King’s justice system.

Q4: What role did the “wisest man” play in the King’s decision?

A4: The “wisest man,” too old to walk or see, advised that the arch was at fault and should be punished. The ridiculous suggestion, meant to resolve the blame, highlights the satire of misplaced wisdom and justice. It influenced the King’s decision, further showcasing the situation’s absurdity.

Q5: How did the King end up being hanged?

A5: The King ended up being hanged because he declared that someone must be punished for the crowd’s satisfaction. When measured for the noose, only the King’s height fit. Sticking to his decree, he accepted his fate, emphasising the poem’s satire on blind justice and absurd leadership.

Q6: Why was a melon chosen as the new King?

A6: A melon was chosen as the new King because an idiot passing by the city gate was asked to decide who would be the next ruler. His default answer, “a melon,” was accepted per custom. The absurdity of the decision highlights the satire on governance and the people’s preference for peace over an active ruler.

Q7: What is the main message conveyed by the poem’s ending?

A7: The poem’s ending conveys a satirical message about governance and people’s indifference to their rulers. The citizens are content with a melon as King as long as they enjoy peace and liberty, reflecting a critique of passive acceptance and the absurdity of political customs.

Q8: How does the poem reflect the themes of justice and authority?

A8: The poem humorously critiques justice and authority by portraying the King’s arbitrary and absurd decisions. Blame is shifted repeatedly, and justice serves appearances rather than fairness. The execution of the King himself and the crowning of a melon mock traditional authority, highlighting the flaws in governance and leadership.

Q9: How does the King’s decision-making process evolve throughout the poem?

A9: The King’s decision-making evolves from blaming individuals for the arch’s fault to seeking advice from the “wisest man” and finally succumbing to public pressure. His choices become increasingly absurd, reflecting a satirical take on flawed leadership where decisions are driven by appearances and appeasement rather than logic or fairness.

Q10: What does the poem suggest about the nature of power and leadership?

A10: The poem suggests power and leadership can be arbitrary, absurd, and disconnected from justice. The King’s irrational decisions and the eventual crowning of a melon satirise authority highlighting how governance often prioritises appearances and public satisfaction over genuine responsibility or wisdom. Leadership becomes an absurd, symbolic role.

Q11: How do the Ministers react to the King’s death?

A11: The Ministers react to the King’s death with relief, fearing the unruly crowd might turn against them. They quickly crown a melon as the new King, seeing it as a practical solution to maintain order. Their response highlights their focus on stability over genuine leadership or justice.

Q12: What is the significance of the King’s final decree?

A12: The King’s final decree, which demands a hanging to satisfy the crowd, highlights his failure as a ruler. It symbolises his blind adherence to authority and the absurdity of his decisions. The decree emphasises the poem’s critique of leadership, where actions are based on appearance and maintaining power, not justice.

Q13: What does the crowd’s reaction to the King’s punishment reveal about their loyalty?

A13: The crowd’s reaction reveals their loyalty is shallow and focused on maintaining peace rather than genuine respect for the King. They seem indifferent to the absurdity of his punishment, showing that their allegiance is more about avoiding chaos than any real attachment to leadership or justice.

Q14: How does the King’s placid nature influence his actions in the poem?

A14: The King’s placid nature contributes to his passive decision-making, where he avoids confronting the deeper issues. His calm demeanour leads him to make arbitrary, illogical decisions without questioning their fairness. Rather than ensuring wise leadership, this placidity results in absurd consequences and highlights the flaws in his rule.

Q15: Why is the idea of a melon as king significant in the context of the poem?

A15: The idea of a melon as king is significant because it satirises the absurdity of leadership and governance. The melon, chosen by an idiot, symbolises the randomness of power and the people’s passive acceptance of whatever ruler they are given, mocking the importance placed on authority and leadership.

Q16: What does the phrase “customary choice” suggest about the people’s attitude toward leadership?

A16: The phrase “customary choice” suggests that the people are indifferent to the qualities of their leader, following tradition without questioning it. Their passive attitude reflects a complacency towards leadership, where choosing a ruler becomes a ritual rather than a meaningful decision, highlighting a lack of critical engagement.

Q17: How does the poem use humour to critique the system of monarchy and justice?

A17: The poem uses humour through absurd situations, such as the King’s irrational decisions and the crowning of a melon, to mock the incompetence of monarchy and justice. The exaggerated responses and the ridiculous outcome highlight the flaws in authority, showing how power can be arbitrary and disconnected from fairness.

Q18: What is the significance of the King’s interaction with the architect?

A18: The King’s interaction with the architect highlights his tendency to shift blame without taking responsibility. The architect reveals that the King changed the plans, which the King had forgotten. The interaction highlights the King’s lack of self-awareness and inability to recognise his role in the problem.

Long Answer Type Questions: 

Q1: Describe the events that led to the King’s execution.

A1: The city’s King wanted an arch to honour the people. When the arch was completed, he rode under it but lost his crown because the arch was too low. Angry, he blamed the chief of builders and ordered him to be hanged. 

The builder shifted the blame to the workers, who blamed the masons. The masons pointed to the architect, who reminded the King that he had changed the design. Confused, the King called a wise man, who blamed the arch. 

Before the arch could be hanged, a Councillor stopped the King, suggesting someone else should be punished. The crowd demanded a hanging, and since only the King fit the noose, he was executed.

Q2: Explain the role of the people and the Ministers in choosing the next King.

A2: After the King was executed, the Ministers realised the people might rebel if a new King was not chosen quickly. They followed their custom: the next person to pass the City Gate would choose the new ruler. When an idiot passed by, they asked him to decide who the King should be. 

The idiot, whose usual answer to any question was “a melon,” replied the same. The Ministers respected the decision and declared a melon as the new King. They crowned the melon and placed it on the throne. 

The people accepted the unusual choice because they valued peace and freedom over the ruler’s identity, showing their preference for a leader who would not interfere in their lives.

Q3: Why did a melon ultimately rule the city, and how did the citizens react?

A3: A melon became the city’s ruler because of a custom followed by the Ministers. After the King was executed, the Ministers decided that the next person to pass the City Gate would choose the new King. 

An idiot passed by, and when asked, he replied, “A melon,” as that was his usual answer. The Ministers crowned a melon as the new King and placed it on the throne. The citizens did not protest this decision. 

They believed in peace and liberty and did not care if their King was a melon as long as they were left alone. The poem shows how the people valued freedom and preferred a ruler who would not interfere in their daily lives.

Q4: Discuss how the poem uses irony to critique authority and governance.

A4: The poem uses irony to show the foolishness of authority and governance. The King is described as “just and placid,” but his decisions are unfair and unreasonable. He blames and punishes others for his mistakes, even ordering the hanging of an arch. 

It shows how leaders can misuse their power. It is ironic that the King, who seeks justice, ends up being executed because he fits the noose. The Ministers follow a strange custom, allowing an idiot to choose the next King. When the idiot picks a melon, they obey without question. 

The people accept a melon as their ruler because it does nothing to disturb their lives. The setting mocks how people often accept flawed systems without protest.

Q5: Analyze the concept of justice as portrayed in the poem.

A5: The poem portrays justice humorously and ironically. The King wants to appear fair, but his decisions are illogical. When the arch knocks off his crown, he blames and punishes others instead of taking responsibility. 

The King changes his mind repeatedly, blaming builders, masons, and even the arch itself. Justice becomes a joke when the wise man suggests hanging the arch, and the Ministers focus on pleasing the crowd instead of finding the real culprit. 

Finally, the King himself is hanged because he fits the noose, showing how absurd the system is. The poem highlights how, when handled by foolish leaders, justice can become unfair and ridiculous, showing the flaws in authority and decision-making.

Extract Based Questions ‘The Tale of Melon City’: 

1. “In the city of which I sing / There was a just and placid King. / The King proclaimed an arch should be / Constructed, that triumphally / Would span the major thoroughfare / To edify spectators there.”

Q1: Why did the King order the arch’s construction, and what does it reveal about his character?

A1: The King ordered the arch’s construction to inspire and honour the citizens by creating a triumphal structure. It shows that the King wanted to appear generous and thoughtful. He is described as “just and placid,” suggesting he aimed to maintain order and fairness while keeping peace in the kingdom. However, as the story unfolds, his decisions reveal a lack of responsibility and logical thinking.

2. “Under the arch he lost his crown. / The arch was built too low. A frown / Appeared upon his placid face. / The King said, ‘This is a disgrace.”

Q2: What happened under the arch, and how did the King react?

A2: When the King rode under the newly built arch, it knocked off his crown because it was constructed too low. The King became angry and called it a disgrace. His reaction reflects his pride, as he blamed others for the incident instead of recognising any flaws in his leadership. The lines mark the start of the chaotic blame-shifting that follows.

3. “O King, it was the workmen’s fault.’ / ‘Oh!’ said the King, and called a halt… / ‘The bricks were made of the wrong size.”

Q3: How did the blame shift among the people building the arch?

A3: The chief of builders started the blame game, accusing the workmen of being at fault. The workmen then blamed the bricks for being the wrong size, which shifted the blame to the masons. The continuous shifting of responsibility highlights the absurdity and lack of accountability within the leadership and workforce.

4. “But in a quavering voice he said, / ‘The culprit must be punished. / Truly, the arch it was that banged / The crown off, and it must be hanged.”

Q4: What judgment did the wise man give, and why is it ironic?

A4: The wise man declared that the arch was to blame for knocking off the King’s crown and should be punished by hanging. The judgment is ironic because blaming an inanimate object (the arch) for the incident is ridiculous. The statement ridicules the justice system and leadership by showing how absurd decisions can arise when logic is absent.

5. “But only one man was so tall / He fitted. One man. That was all. / He was the King. His Majesty / Was therefore hanged by Royal Decree.”

Q5: Why was the King executed, and what does this say about justice in the city?

A5: The King was executed because, during the search for someone tall enough to fit the noose, he was the only one. This absurd reason for execution reflects the flawed justice system in the city, where decisions are made without logic or fairness. It highlights the poem’s satire on power and governance.

6. “A man passed by the City Gate. / An idiot. The guards cried, ‘Wait! / Who is to be the King? Decide!’ / ‘A melon,’ the idiot replied.”

Q6: How was the melon chosen as the new King?

A6: The Ministers decided that the next person to pass the City Gate would choose the new King. An idiot, who always answered “a melon” to any question passed by, named a melon the King. The absurd or illogical selection process mocks the lack of thought and responsibility in leadership decisions.

7. “If His Majesty rejoice / In being a melon, that’s OK / With us, for who are we to say / What he should be as long as he / Leaves us in Peace and Liberty?”

Q7: Why did the citizens accept a melon as their King?

A7: The citizens accepted the melon as their King because they valued peace and freedom more than the identity of their ruler. They believed in a “laissez-faire” approach, allowing the King to be whatever he wanted as long as their lives were undisturbed. The acceptance reflects their indifference to governance as long as it does not interfere with their liberty.