Class 11 English - ODISHA
Supplementary: The Tale of Melon City
Supplementary: The Tale of Melon City by Vikram Seth is a satirical poem included in the Class 11 English curriculum for Odisha BSE students. It humorously critiques the absurdity of the judicial and political systems through the story of a fair-minded king who orders an arch to be built, only to be ultimately executed and replaced by a melon. The chapter matters for board exams as it tests students' understanding of satire, irony, and critical thinking, frequently featuring in both short-answer questions and long-form analytical questions.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Satire and Irony
The poem uses biting humor to mock the foolishness of absolute rulers and the blind adherence to laws without common sense.
The Just and Placid King
The king is described as peaceful and fair, yet his obsession with absolute justice leads to a ridiculous series of events resulting in his own execution.
The Construction of the Arch
An arch is built too low, striking the king's crown off, which sets off a comical chain of blaming everyone from the chief builder to the architect and finally the king himself.
The Customary Rule of Succession
According to state tradition, the very next person to pass the city gate will choose the new ruler, and the choice falls on a melon.
Concept of Laissez-faire
The citizens care little about who rules them as long as peace, freedom, and business are maintained, symbolizing a humorous acceptance of passive governance.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Odisha (BSE) Class 11 English board examinations, this supplementary chapter typically carries around 4 to 8 marks. Questions usually include short-answer questions about the plot sequence and long-answer analytical questions focusing on the satirical themes, the character of the king, and the significance of the melon becoming the ruler.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the king executed in 'The Tale of Melon City'?
The king was executed because, following his own foolish logic of finding someone to blame for the arch hitting his crown, the noose fit only his neck.
How did the melon become the king?
According to local tradition, the first person to pass the city gate after the king's death would choose the next ruler. An idiot passed by and simply said 'A melon' because he loved melons.
What is the central theme of the poem?
The central theme is the mockery of poor governance, blind justice, and the foolishness of people who accept absurd leadership as long as their daily lives are undisturbed.
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