Summary of the Tale of Melon City

The Tale of Melon City summary, a Vikram Seth poem, is a witty jab at powerful people. The poet has mocked the notion that it makes no difference to people who their ruler, king, or head of state is, as long as he allows them to live in peace, freedom, and, most importantly, in their minds.

Summary of The Tale of Melon City

The summary of Chapter 11 The Tale of Melon City tells the story of Melon City's generous but foolish king, who once ordered the public to build an arch in the city. The King's crown fell while passing through that arch, and he decided to hang the person responsible for the incorrect arch's design.

Summary of The Tale of Melon City in English

Long ago, the land was ruled by a righteous and gentle king. The king had publicly declared that an arch should be built to cross a public highway in a win-win situation for spiritual observers.

The workers went there and built an arch, as per the king's orders. The king rode down the highway, lighting up the audience. Because the arch was so low, the king lost his crown beneath it. The gentle king's brows were intertwined. He referred to it as a disgrace and declared that the builder would be hanged.

The master of the builders was thrown out and a rope was hung around his neck. "My lord, it was the workers' fault," he yelled as he passed the king. The king ordered that the proceedings be halted and that all workers be hanged instead. The workers were astounded, and the king claimed that he had not noticed that the bricks were the wrong size. The king directed that stonemasons be summoned. The cutters were delivered there. The architect was blamed by stonemasons for the faulty design, and the king ordered that he be hanged. When the architect showed the king the plans, he told him that he had made significant progress. When he heard this, the king became enraged and was unable to act peacefully

As a good and gentle king, he recognised that it was a difficult decision and sought advice. He directed that the most intelligent man be brought into the royal court. The wisest man had reached the age where he could no longer walk or see. As a result, he had to be transported there. In a trembling voice, the wise man said that the arch should be punished because it was an arch that removed the crown, so it had to be hung. The scales were then used to weigh the arch. The counselor then saw how they could hang something that had come into contact with the king's head.

The king deliberated for a long time. The crowd, on the other hand, was not at ease this time. The king was acutely aware of their emotions. He urged those gathered to postpone the discussion of good points as an example. The people want someone to be hanged, and they want it now.

The noose was set to a certain height. Each man tried to fit the noose. Only one man was tall enough to fit it. That man was the king. So he was suspended by the royal law. Ministers felt satisfied that they had found someone hanged. Otherwise, the unruly city might rebel against the king. They cried out: “Long live the king!”

Since the king was dead, ministers with enlightened minds sent messengers to announce in the name of his (former) emperor that the next one to pass through the City Gate would elect a ruler for their country. It was their custom and their rites were kept with due respect. A fool passed by the gate of the city. The guards asked him to decide: “Who will be the King?” The fool answered “melon” because it was his usual answer to all the questions.

So the Melon was crowned king, and the city became known as 'Melon City' ever since. When asked how their master had turned into a melon, the people said it was by customary choice. It was appropriate for them if the king was pleased with himself for being a watermelon. They would not ask him to take any business as long as he left them in peace and freedom, allowing them to continue their private businesses without government interference. This is the story that the people of this city tell those who inquire about the meaning of their city's name.

Conclusion

Finally, here is a synopsis of The Tale of the Melon City. It is included in the Snapshots English book for Class 11. The Tale of the Melon City summary demonstrates that to rule a city, a king must be intelligent and human enough to understand his people's needs and emotions; otherwise, his subjects will not obey him. Even after having Melon as their king, the people of Melon City were happy because their King did not disturb their peace and happiness, which is what a proper king should do instead of issuing foolish orders to maintain the city's law.