NCERT Class 11 English Snapshots Suppl.Reader English: Chapter 5 — The Tale of Melon City
This chapter, 'The Tale of Melon City' from Vikram Seth's 'Mappings', presents a humorous narrative poem about a king who is 'just and placid' but carries his sense of justice to an absurd extreme. The king orders an arch to be built over the main road. When he rides under it and his crown falls off because the arch is too low, he declares it a disgrace and orders the chief of builders to be hanged. However, the chief blames the workmen. The poem humorously explores the arbitrary nature of power and justice, highlighting how easily blame can be shifted. It serves as a light-hearted commentary on governance and the consequences of flawed decisions, offering students a unique perspective on narrative poetry and satire within the CBSE English curriculum.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | Snapshots Suppl.Reader English |
| Chapter | Chapter 5 — The Tale of Melon City |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 1 minute |
| Word count | 185 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the narrative and satirical elements of the poem.
- Analyze the concept of justice as portrayed by the king.
- Identify and appreciate Vikram Seth's use of humor and irony.
- Expand vocabulary related to governance and construction.
- Develop critical thinking skills by evaluating the king's actions.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Placid | Not easily upset or excited; calm and peaceful. |
| Thoroughfare | A main road or public highway. |
| Edify | Instruct or improve (someone) morally or intellectually. |
| Spectators | People who watch at a show, game, or other event. |
| Gallows | A structure, typically of two posts and a crossbeam, for hanging criminals. |
| Halt | An abrupt stop. |
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Practice questions
- What was the king's initial proclamation regarding the arch? Answer: The king proclaimed that an arch should be constructed to span the major thoroughfare to edify spectators.
- Why did the king lose his crown? Answer: The king lost his crown because the arch was built too low.
- Whom did the king order to be hanged initially? Answer: The king ordered the chief of builders to be hanged.
- Who was blamed by the chief of builders for the arch being too low? Answer: The chief of builders blamed the workmen.
Frequently asked questions
What is the source of the poem 'The Tale of Melon City'?
The poem is taken from Vikram Seth's collection 'Mappings', published in 1981, and is included in his 'Collected Poems'.
What kind of ruler was the king in the poem?
The king is described as 'just and placid', meaning he was calm and generally fair, but his sense of justice was taken to an extreme.
What was the purpose of constructing the arch?
The arch was built to span the major thoroughfare and 'edify' (impress or instruct) the spectators.
Why was the chief of builders initially sentenced to be hanged?
He was to be hanged because the arch he oversaw was built too low, causing the king to lose his crown.
What does the poem satirize?
The poem satirizes the arbitrary nature of power, the flawed application of justice, and the tendency to shift blame.
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NCERT Class 11 English — Snapshots Suppl.Reader English — Chapter 5 — The Tale of Melon City. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.