NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English Snapshots Chapter 8 The Tale of Melon City

NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English Snapshots Chapter 8 The Tale of Melon City

Reading with Insight

Question:- 1. Narrate ‘The Tale of Melon City’ in your own words.

Answer:- ‘The Tale of Melon City’ is told in the style of a folk tale. Melon City gets its name from the fact that its king is a melon. There’s a strange storey about it. Once upon a time, a state was ruled by a just and gentle monarch. He had an arch erected across the street. As he passed beneath the low arch, it collided with his head, causing him to lose his crown. It was an embarrassment to him, therefore he ordered the head of builders to be executed. The workers were to responsible, according to the chief. The workers were taken aback. They claimed that the bricks were of the incorrect size. As a result, the masons were blamed. The masons put the architect on the spot. Because he had changed his initial idea, the architect blamed the monarch.

The king sought advice from a knowledgeable man. He found the arch guilty and sentenced it to death. It was protested to by a counsellor because it had touched the king’s head. The crowd grew agitated. They were hoping to see someone hanged. The noose could only fit the king’s head. As a result, he was hung. It was now stated that the king would be chosen by the next guy who went through the City Gate. An moron showed up. ‘A melon,’ he offered. As a result, melon was crowned king. He was ushered into the throne room. Melon King was his nickname.

Question:- 2. What impression would you form of a state where the King was ‘just and placid’?

Answer:- It is impossible to be safe in a state where the king is just and placid. ​It is the same in the state mentioned  in this poem. The king was so foolish that he sentenced himself to death for no apparent reason. He was confused about his decisions, therefore he kept modifying them. There is no way to make the appropriate judgement or manage a problem effectively in such a condition

Question:- 3. How, according to you, can peace and liberty be maintained in a state?

Answer:- Various people argue for various methods of safeguarding a state’s peace and freedoms. Some people support dictatorship, while others support democracy. I believe that good governance is the best course of action. Whatever is well-managed is most beneficial to both the people and the rulers. It guarantees the average man’s peace and liberty. In and of itself, a powerful state is safe from external threats. Peace and harmony in the state may be established by dedicated rulers, intelligent citizenry, and effective law enforcement organisations. Narrow considerations based on area, religion, caste, and other factors should be discouraged since they pose a serious danger to internal security because they exacerbate social divisions. Free expression of ideas must be permitted, but law and order must be upheld. People should be aware of their rights and responsibilities as well as their advantages and rights. The only way to keep peace and liberty is to do so.

Question:- 4. Suggest a few instances in the poem which highlight humour and irony.

Answer:- Throughout the poem, there are a few times where humour and irony are highlighted. They are as follows: –

1) The king kept changing his mind after hearing each criminal he suspected.

2) The wise man’s recommendate to hung the arch.

3) Last but not least, the madman gave idea and they declare a melon their king.

Question:- 5. ‘The Tale of Melon City’ has been narrated in a verse form. This is a unique style which lends extra charm to an ancient tale. Find similar examples in your language. Share them in the class.

Answer:- Write your own answer.