Cheat sheet · Class 11 · CBSE · Commerce English
Snapshots: The Tale of Melon City cheat sheet
The whole chapter on one page: key formulas, facts and the points to remember, for quick revision before a test.
CBSE Class 11 · English
Cheat sheet
Chapter 16The Tale of Melon City
A low arch → a chain of blame → a noose that fits the king → a melon on the throne.
1. About
Poet: Vikram Seth. A humorous narrative poem about a foolish king and justice.
2. Summary
- A just and placid king orders an arch built; it's too low and knocks off his crown.
- He wants the guilty hanged; blame passes from the builders to workmen, masons, architect and others.
- A wise man says the arch itself is guilty, but it touched the king's head, so it can't be hanged.
- Since the noose fits only the king, the king himself is hanged.
- By custom the next person to pass the city gate chooses the new king; an idiot says ‘a melon’, and the melon is crowned.
3. Themes
- satire on rulers
- foolish justice
- public indifference
4. Key Points
- The people don't mind who rules if they are left in peace.
- Humour, irony and satire.
- Ballad-like rhyme.
- Melon City's citizens are content.
Remember: Low arch | blame chain | king hanged | melon crowned
Snapshots: The Tale of Melon City: questions and notes
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Practise Snapshots: The Tale of Melon City
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