According to the title, the poem tells a story about Melon City – a city named after its ruler. It is quite interesting and edifying to learn how the country got a melon as its ruler. In short it was on account of customary choice. The people relate the story of a just and placid…
The King found himself in a difficult situation after hearing the architect’s arguments. He said that it was an intricate matter and he needed someone’s advice. He ordered to bring him the wisest man in the country. The wisest man was found and brought to the Royal Court. He said that the arch was the…
The King of Melon City proclaimed to construct an arch, spanning the main thoroughfare. Soon, the arch was constructed. One day the King was riding down the thoroughfare. His, Crown struck against the arch and fell off. The King felt dishonoured and decided to hang the chief of builders. The chief of builders put the…
Yes, the people are happy with their Melon King because he follows the policy of non-interference. They don’t bother what he is as long as he leaves them in peace and liberty.
‘The Tale of Melon City’ by Vikram Seth is full of ironical instances. The poem begins with a ‘just and placid’ king ordering the construction of an arch. After the construction, the king went there and his crown struck the arch. He felt disgraced and ordered death sentence for the person responsible for it. The…
The ministers sent out messengers to declare that the next man to pass the City Gate would choose the ruler of their state. An idiot happened to pass the gate. When asked to decide who was to be the King, he replied, “A melon”. This was his standard answer to all questions. The minister declared…
After hanging of His Majesty, the ministers were confronted with the problem of finding a ruler for their state. To solve this problem they followed their old custom. The heralds were sent out to proclaim that the next person who passes the City Gate would choose the ruler of their state.
The crowd was getting restless as the hanging was being delayed. Sensing their mood, the King said that someone must be hanged immediately, as the nation wanted it. A noose was set up. It was somewhat high. Each man was measured turn by turn. There was only one man who was tall enough to fit…
As advised by the wisest man, the arch was held responsible for hitting the Crown and led to the scaffold. Suddenly, a councillor said that it would be a shameful act to hang the arch that touched his Majesty’s head. The King thought it was true and spared the arch.