The Tale of Melon City Class 11 Chapter-5 Book-Snapshot Theory Notes

1. Main Theme of the Poem:

• Satire on foolish governance – The poem mocks illogical rulers and justice systems.

• Irony and Absurdity – Decisions are made without logic, leading to a melon becoming King.

• Public Indifference – The people do not care who rules them as long as they have peace and freedom.

2. Key Events in Simple Steps:

• The King orders an arch to be built to beautify the city.

• The arch is built too low, and when the King passes under it, his crown falls off.

• The King becomes angry and orders the Chief of Builders to be hanged.

• Blame is passed around:

• Chief of Builders → Workmen → Masons → Architect → King himself.

• The King consults the wisest man, who absurdly suggests hanging the arch.

• A Councillor objects, saying the arch touched the King’s head.

• The restless crowd demands a hanging, so the King orders an execution immediately.

• The King is the only one tall enough for the noose and is hanged by royal decree.

• The Ministers must choose a new King. By tradition, the first person to pass the City Gate must decide.

• An idiot passes by and, when asked, randomly says "melon".

• A melon is crowned as the new King and placed on the throne.

• The people are happy, saying:

• "If the King wants to be a melon, that’s fine as long as we have peace and liberty."

3. Important Characters:

• The King – Foolish ruler who blindly follows laws and is eventually hanged by his own decree.

• The Ministers – Care more about keeping order than choosing a good ruler.

• The Wisest Man – Suggests the absurd idea of punishing the arch.

• The Idiot – Randomly chooses a melon as King, showing irrational decision-making.

• The Melon – Becomes the King, and people accept it without question.

4. Important Messages and Lessons:

• Foolish leadership leads to chaos.

• Decisions should be made logically, not blindly.

• People often accept rulers without questioning their authority.

• The absurdity of traditions and customs in governance.

• Satire on monarchy and democracy – Rulers are sometimes chosen without reason.

5. Ending Interpretation:

• The people do not care who rules them as long as they are left alone.

• They accept a melon as King, symbolizing their blind acceptance of authority.

• The poem ends with a satirical note on "laissez-faire" (non-interference in governance).