Snapshots: The Tale of Melon City

Topics in this chapter

• Political Satire and Governance
• Foolish Justice and Scapegoating
• Rulers and Authority
• Plot and Anticlimactic Ending
• Citizens and Public Spectacle
• Mock-Epic Style and Tone
• Themes and Title Significance

Cheat sheet

Practice questions

1. Question 1Q-D3417E

   Why did the king order that the chief builder be punished in The Tale of Melon City?

   1. A.The builder had stolen the royal treasury.
   2. B.The arch was built too low and knocked the king's crown off.
   3. C.The builder had refused to build a city gate.
   4. D.The builder had insulted the citizens.
   See the answer and solution
2. Question 2Q-3AA9DF

   Which feature of the investigation into the low arch best exposes the poem's criticism of foolish justice?

   1. A.Every person involved shifts the blame to someone else, and the king accepts the changing explanations without rational examination.
   2. B.The citizens carefully examine the construction and identify the true technical fault.
   3. C.The architect voluntarily accepts punishment to protect the king.
   4. D.The king postpones the punishment until a fair trial can be held.
   See the answer and solution
3. Question 3Q-FBD2EA

   What is most strongly suggested by the citizens' acceptance of a melon as their new ruler?

   1. A.They believe that melons possess greater wisdom than human rulers.
   2. B.They are politically passive and care more about preserving their customary system than about the quality of leadership.
   3. C.They secretly planned the king's death as a democratic revolution.
   4. D.They are rewarding the gardener who grew the finest melon.
   See the answer and solution
4. Question 4Q-5AAEEC

   How does The Tale of Melon City satirise both rulers and the people they govern?

   See the answer and solution
5. Question 5Q-058C45

   In The Tale of Melon City, what immediate event causes the king to demand an investigation?

   1. A.The low arch knocks the king's crown off as he rides beneath it.
   2. B.The citizens refuse to obey the king's orders.
   3. C.The royal architect secretly leaves the kingdom.
   4. D.The king loses a battle against a neighbouring ruler.
   See the answer and solution