The Tale of Melon City
"The Tale of Melon City"
It is a satirical poem by Vikram Seth that humorously explores themes of absurdity, authority, and the consequences of blind adherence to tradition. The poem is written in a whimsical and light-hearted tone, using a fictional city and its peculiar events to convey deeper insights about human behaviour and governance. Here's a poetic analysis of the key themes and literary techniques employed in the poem:
- Satire and Absurdity:
The poem employs satire to mock the irrationality of authority figures and the bureaucratic system. The initial scenario of the king losing his crown due to an arch being too low sets the tone for absurdity. The poem exaggerates the king's reactions and decisions, highlighting the ridiculousness of blaming others and escalating punishments. The satirical elements emphasize the folly of unchecked power and decision-making.
- Irony and Contradictions:
The poem is rich in irony and contradictions, which add to its humour. Despite being described as a "just and placid King," the king's actions are anything but just. He contradicts himself by demanding the hanging of various individuals, showing how he loses sight of fairness in his pursuit of maintaining his authority. The ironies in the poem serve to emphasize the incongruity between the king's intentions and his actions.
- Characterization:
The characters in the poem, including the king, the architects, the workmen, and the wise man, are presented in exaggerated and larger-than-life ways. This amplification of their traits contributes to the humorous and farcical nature of the poem. The king's placidity contrasts with his swift and severe judgments, while the foolishness of the people in the city is exemplified by the melon's ascent to power.
- Symbolism and Allegory:
The use of the melon as a symbol of power is a central allegorical element in the poem. The melon represents the arbitrary nature of authority and how easily people accept and adapt to unconventional leaders as long as their daily lives remain relatively unaffected. This symbolism underscores the idea that people often follow tradition without questioning its logic or relevance.
- Social Commentary:
Through its playful narrative, the poem comments on the nature of governance, the dynamics of power, and the tendency of societies to conform to established norms and customs. It underscores the absurdity of mindless adherence to rules and traditions, even when they lead to counterintuitive and nonsensical outcomes.
- Repetition and Rhythm:
The use of repetitive phrases and rhythmic patterns in the poem contributes to its playful and sing-song quality. This rhythmic flow helps reinforce the absurdity of the situations and the characters' reactions. The repetition of phrases like "O King" and "The arch was built too low" adds a humorous and rhythmic cadence to the narrative.
- Resolution and Message:
The poem concludes with a blend of resignation and acceptance among the citizens. The phrase "The principles of laissez faire / Seem to be well-established there" encapsulates the idea that people are willing to accept unusual or even nonsensical leadership as long as they are left in peace. This final message underscores the inertia of tradition and the willingness to maintain the status quo.
In conclusion, "The Tale of Melon City" is a satirical and whimsical poem that cleverly addresses themes of authority, absurdity, and the consequences of following tradition blindly. Through its imaginative narrative, the poem highlights the potential dangers of unchecked power, the irrationality of human behaviour, and the tendency to conform to established norms. It serves as a light-hearted yet thought-provoking commentary on the complexities of governance and societal dynamics.
The Tale of Melon City [poem]
By Vikram Seth
The following poem is taken from Mappings which was published in 1981 and is included in the Collected Poems by Vikram Seth. The king, in this poem, is ‘just and placid.’ Does he carry his notion of justice a bit too far?
(After Idries Shah)
In the city of which I sing
There was a just and placid King.
The King proclaimed an arch should be
Constructed, that triumphally
Would span the major thoroughfare
To edify spectators there.
The workmen went and built the thing.
They did so since he was the King.
The King rode down the thoroughfare
To edify spectators there.
Under the arch he lost his crown.
The arch was built too low. A frown
Appeared upon his placid face.
The King said, ‘This is a disgrace.
The chief of builders will be hanged.’
The rope and gallows were arranged.
The chief of builders was led out.
He passed the King. He gave a shout,
‘O King, it was the workmen’s fault’
‘Oh!’ said the King, and called a halt
To the proceedings. Being just
(And placider now) he said, ‘I must
Have all the workmen hanged instead.’
The workmen looked surprised, and said,
‘O King, you do not realise
The bricks were made of the wrong size.’
‘Summon the masons!’ said the King.
The masons stood there quivering.
‘It was the architect...’, they said,
The architect was summoned.
‘Well, architect,’ said His Majesty.
‘I do ordain that you shall be
Hanged.’ Said the architect, ‘O King,
You have forgotten one small thing.
You made certain amendments to
The plans when I showed them to you.’
The King heard this. The King saw red.
In fact he nearly lost his head;
But being a just and placid King
He said, ‘This is a tricky thing.
I need some counsel. Bring to me
The wisest man in this country.’
The wisest man was found and brought,
Nay, carried, to the Royal Court.
He could not walk and could not see,
So old (and therefore wise) was he —
But in a quavering1
voice he said,
‘The culprit must be punished.
Truly, the arch it was that banged
The crown off, and it must be hanged’.
To the scaffold the arch was led
When suddenly a Councillor said —
‘How can we hang so shamefully
What touched your head, Your Majesty?’
‘True,’ mused the King. By now the crowd,
Restless, was muttering aloud.
The King perceived their mood and trembled
And said to all who were assembled —
‘Let us postpone consideration
Of finer points like guilt. The nation
Wants a hanging. Hanged must be
Someone, and that immediately.’
The noose was set up somewhat high.
Each man was measured by and by.
But only one man was so tall
He fitted. One man. That was all.
He was the King. His Majesty
Was therefore hanged by Royal Decree.
‘Thank Goodness we found someone,’ said
The Ministers, ‘for if instead
We had not, the unruly town
Might well have turned against the Crown.’
‘Long live the King!’ the Ministers said.
‘Long live the King! The King is dead.’
They pondered the dilemma; then,
Being practical-minded men,
Sent out the heralds to proclaim
(In His [former] Majesty’s name):
‘The next to pass the City Gate
Will choose the ruler of our state,
As is our custom. This will be
Enforced with due ceremony.’
A man passed by the City Gate.
An idiot. The guards cried, ‘Wait!
Who is to be the King? Decide!’
‘A melon,’ the idiot replied.
This was his standard answer to
All questions. (He liked melons.) ‘You
Are now our King,’ the Ministers said,
Crowning a melon. Then they led
(Carried) the Melon to the throne
And reverently set it down.
This happened years and years ago.
When now you ask the people, ‘So —
Your King appears to be a melon.
How did this happen?’, they say, ‘Well, on
Account of customary choice.
If His Majesty rejoice
In being a melon, that’s OK
With us, for who are we to say
What he should be as long as he
Leaves us in Peace and Liberty?’
The principles of laissez faire
Seem to be well-established there.
Word Meanings:
placid: calm and peaceful, not easily excited or disturbed.
triumphally: in a victorious and exultant manner, often associated with achieving success or winning.
edify: to instruct or improve someone morally or intellectually through education or guidance.
thoroughfare: a main road or highway, typically one that leads through a town or city.
builders: those who engage in construction work, such as building houses or structures.
architect: a person who designs buildings and oversees their construction.
quavering: shaking or trembling in one's voice, typically due to fear, nervousness, or old age.
scaffold: a raised platform or structure used for the execution of a criminal by hanging.
councillor: a member of a council or advisory body, typically involved in making decisions or providing guidance.
wisest: possessing the greatest knowledge, experience, or sound judgment.
culprit: a person responsible for a crime or wrongdoing.
decree: an official order or proclamation issued by a person in authority.
ministers: high-ranking officials or advisers in a government.
unruly: disorderly or difficult to control, often used to describe individuals or groups who do not obey rules or authority.
proclaim: to announce or declare officially and publicly.
melon: a type of juicy fruit with a hard rind, typically sweet and refreshing.
customary: usual or traditional within a particular society or group.
rejoice: to feel or express great joy or happiness.
laissez-faire: a French term that means "let do" or "leave alone," often used to describe a policy of minimal government intervention in economic or social matters.
edifice: a large and imposing building, often used metaphorically to refer to a complex or impressive structure.
rope: a length of strong cord made by twisting or braiding fibers or strands together.
gallows: a structure typically used for the execution of a person by hanging.
crown: a symbol of royal authority, often a headpiece worn by a monarch.
herald: an official messenger or announcer, often associated with making public proclamations.
dilemma: a situation in which a difficult choice must be made between two or more alternatives, each of which has potential drawbacks.
ruler: a person who has authority or control over others, often used to refer to a monarch or leader.
guilt: a feeling of responsibility or remorse for a wrongdoing or offense.
reverently: in a manner that shows deep respect and awe.
Literary Devices:
In "The Tale of Melon City" by Vikram Seth, several literary devices are employed to enhance the poem's humour, irony, and satirical elements. Here are some of the literary devices used in the poem:
Irony: The poem is rich in irony, especially dramatic irony. The king is described as 'just and placid,' but his actions throughout the poem are anything but just, and his placidity leads to absurd decisions.
Satire: The entire poem is a satirical work, using humor and exaggeration to critique and mock the absurdity of bureaucracy, authority, and the blind adherence to tradition.
Repetition: The poem uses repetition for comedic effect. Phrases like "O King" and "The arch was built too low" are repeated throughout the poem, creating a rhythmic and humorous cadence.
Alliteration: Alliteration, the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words, can be found in lines like "The King proclaimed an arch should be" and "The noose was set up somewhat high."
Symbolism: The use of the melon as a symbol of power is central to the poem. The melon represents the arbitrary nature of authority and how easily people accept unconventional leaders.
Hyperbole: Hyperbole, or exaggeration for emphasis, is present in descriptions like "The arch was built too low" and "The King nearly lost his head," emphasizing the absurdity of the situations.
Allegory: The poem can be seen as an allegory for the consequences of blind adherence to tradition and authority, with the melon symbolizing an unconventional but accepted ruler.
Paradox: The poem contains paradoxes, like the juxtaposition of a 'just and placid' king making unjust and irrational decisions.
Mood: The poem's mood shifts from comedic and absurd to reflective and thought-provoking, using the changing tone to convey its messages.
Personification: The poem personifies the melon, treating it as if it were a human king. This personification adds to the humour and absurdity of the narrative.
Metaphor: Metaphorical language is used to describe the king as "just and placid," creating an image of a ruler who is calm and fair, even though the reality is different.
Conflict: There is a conflict between the king's desire for justice and his inability to deliver it effectively, which drives the narrative's humor and irony.
These literary devices collectively contribute to the poem's humorous and satirical tone, making it an effective commentary on the absurdities of bureaucracy and unchecked authority.
Reading with insight:
1. Narrate ‘The Tale of Melon City’ in your own words.
2. What impression would you form of a state where the King was ‘just and placid’?
3. How, according to you, can peace and liberty be maintained in a state?
4. Suggest a few instances in the poem which highlight humour and irony.
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.
Answers to the questions:
Narration of 'The Tale of Melon City': "The Tale of Melon City" is a whimsical and satirical poem by Vikram Seth that tells the story of a city with a just and placid king. The king, in his quest to have an arch built to impress the citizens, ends up losing his crown because the arch is constructed too low. He reacts by blaming and sentencing various individuals involved in the construction, but each time, he is presented with a reason why it wasn't their fault. This chain of events culminates in a dilemma where the city is in need of a new ruler. An idiotic passerby suggests a melon as the new king, and the ministers crown it as such. Surprisingly, the citizens accept this unconventional choice and are content as long as they are left in peace and liberty.
Impression of a 'Just and Placid' King: A state with a 'just and placid' king might initially seem promising. However, as the poem humorously illustrates, a king who is excessively placid can be ineffective in maintaining order and justice. The king's passivity leads to absurd decisions and a lack of accountability, which ultimately results in chaos and the need for a new ruler. So, the impression of a 'just and placid' king might be one of ineffectiveness and a tendency to avoid confrontation even when necessary.
Maintaining Peace and Liberty in a State: According to me, maintaining peace and liberty in a state requires a balance of power, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law. It's essential for leaders to be just and fair, not excessively placid or overly aggressive. Additionally, a system of checks and balances, along with an engaged and informed citizenry, can help ensure that those in power act responsibly. Open dialogue, respect for individual rights, and a commitment to justice are key factors in maintaining a peaceful and free society.
Instances of Humour and Irony:
Irony: The king is described as 'just and placid,' but his actions throughout the poem are anything but just, and his placidity leads to absurd decisions.
Humour: The repeated blame-shifting and absurd justifications for the crown's loss, as well as the eventual crowning of a melon as the king, are humorous elements that highlight the absurdity of the situations.
Similar Examples in Other Languages: Many cultures have their own unique styles of storytelling that blend humour and satire. For instance, in Indian literature, there are traditional folk tales and fables, like those in the Panchatantra or the Jataka tales, which often use animals as characters to convey moral lessons through humour and irony. These tales are typically narrated in a verse or poetic form and have been passed down through generations. In Western literature, you can find similar elements of humour and satire in works like Aesop's Fables or the plays of Molière, which use wit and humour to critique societal norms and human behaviour.
Extra Questions:
Who is the author of the poem "The Tale of Melon City"?
What kind of king is described in the poem's opening lines?
Why does the king want to construct an arch in the city?
What goes wrong when the king rides under the newly constructed arch?
How does the king initially react to losing his crown?
Who is blamed and sentenced to hang for the loss of the king's crown?
What is a "kangaroo court," and how is it portrayed in the poem?
Who ultimately suggests that the melon should be the new king?
How do the ministers react to the melon being chosen as the king?
What message does the poem convey about the acceptance of unconventional leaders?
How does the poem highlight the absurdity of bureaucracy and authority?
What does the poem suggest about the consequences of evading responsibility and accountability?
What role does tradition play in the citizens' acceptance of the melon as their king?
How does the poem explore the balance between respecting tradition and using rationality in decision-making?
What is the significance of the citizens prioritizing peace and liberty over the qualifications of their ruler?
What is the overall tone of the poem, and how does it contribute to its message?
What literary device is used when the king's placidity is contrasted with his actions?
Give an example of hyperbole in the poem that emphasizes the absurdity of the situation.
How does the poem use repetition for comedic effect?
What does the poem's ending message about laissez-faire principles suggest about governance and society?
Answer to the extra questions:
Who is the author of the poem "The Tale of Melon City"?
The author of the poem is Vikram Seth.
What kind of king is described in the poem's opening lines?
In the poem's opening lines, the king is described as 'just and placid.'
Why does the king want to construct an arch in the city?
The king wants to construct an arch in the city to edify spectators and impress them.
What goes wrong when the king rides under the newly constructed arch?
When the king rides under the newly constructed arch, he loses his crown because the arch is built too low.
How does the king initially react to losing his crown?
Initially, the king reacts with anger and declares that the chief of builders should be hanged for the incident.
Who is blamed and sentenced to hang for the loss of the king's crown?
The chief of builders is blamed and sentenced to hang for the loss of the king's crown.
What is a "kangaroo court," and how is it portrayed in the poem?
A "kangaroo court" is a mock or unauthorized court that lacks proper legal procedures and is often biased or unfair. In the poem, the king conducts a kangaroo court where unjust punishments are handed out arbitrarily.
Who ultimately suggests that the melon should be the new king?
An idiotic passerby suggests that the melon should be the new king.
How do the ministers react to the melon being chosen as the king?
The ministers crown the melon as the new king and seem to accept the choice without question.
What message does the poem convey about the acceptance of unconventional leaders?
The poem suggests that people may accept unconventional leaders if it brings them peace and liberty, even if the choice appears absurd.
How does the poem highlight the absurdity of bureaucracy and authority?
The poem uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to portray the absurdity of bureaucracy and authority, especially through the king's irrational decisions and the citizens' blind acceptance of the melon as their ruler.
What does the poem suggest about the consequences of evading responsibility and accountability?
The poem suggests that evading responsibility and accountability can lead to chaos and unjust outcomes, as seen when the king shifts blame onto others, resulting in absurd punishments.
What role does tradition play in the citizens' acceptance of the melon as their king?
Tradition plays a significant role as the citizens adhere to the tradition of selecting a ruler without critically evaluating the choice. They prioritize tradition over rationality.
How does the poem explore the balance between respecting tradition and using rationality in decision-making?
The poem explores this balance by showing the negative consequences of blindly following tradition without rational consideration, highlighting the need for a blend of tradition and reason.
What is the significance of the citizens prioritizing peace and liberty over the qualifications of their ruler?
It suggests that fundamental values like peace and liberty should guide choices in leaders and governance, even if the leader is unconventional.
What is the overall tone of the poem, and how does it contribute to its message?
The overall tone of the poem is satirical and humorous, which contributes to its message by making the absurdities of bureaucracy and authority more apparent and thought-provoking.
What literary device is used when the king's placidity is contrasted with his actions?
The literary device used is irony, as the king's placidity contradicts his irrational and unjust actions.
Give an example of hyperbole in the poem that emphasizes the absurdity of the situation.
An example of hyperbole is when the poem states, "The arch was built too low. A frown appeared upon his placid face." This exaggeration emphasizes the king's extreme reaction to a minor incident.
How does the poem use repetition for comedic effect?
The poem uses repetition of phrases like "O King" and "The arch was built too low" to create a rhythmic and humorous cadence, adding comedic effect to the narrative.
What does the poem's ending message about laissez-faire principles suggest about governance and society?
The ending message suggests that in some situations, people prioritize peace and liberty over the qualifications of their ruler, emphasizing the value of minimal government intervention and individual freedom in governance.
Value-Based Questions:
Ethical Decision-Making: What ethical principles should individuals in positions of power uphold to ensure just governance, and how does the poem highlight the consequences of unethical decision-making?
Questioning Authority: In the poem, citizens blindly accept the melon as their king without question. What does this reflect about the importance of critical thinking and questioning authority in society?
Responsibility and Accountability: How does the poem illustrate the importance of leaders taking responsibility for their decisions and actions, and what can we learn about the consequences of evading accountability?
Cultural Tradition vs. Rationality: The citizens in the poem adhere to the tradition of selecting a ruler without critically evaluating the choice. What does this say about the balance between respecting cultural traditions and applying rationality and reason in decision-making?
The Value of Peace and Liberty: In the end, the citizens of Melon City prioritize peace and liberty over the qualifications of their ruler. What does this suggest about the fundamental values that should guide the choices we make in our leaders and governance systems?
Answer to the value-based questions:
Ethical Decision-Making: Individuals in positions of power should uphold ethical principles such as fairness, justice, transparency, and accountability to ensure just governance. In the poem, the consequences of unethical decision-making are highlighted as the king's lack of fairness and accountability leads to chaos and the crowning of a melon as the ruler. This underscores the importance of ethical leadership in maintaining order and justice in society.
Questioning Authority: The poem reflects the importance of critical thinking and questioning authority in society. The citizens' blind acceptance of the melon as their king without questioning the choice illustrates the dangers of complacency and blind obedience. It emphasizes that a healthy society encourages its members to think critically and not blindly follow authority figures.
Responsibility and Accountability: The poem illustrates the importance of leaders taking responsibility for their decisions and actions. When the king evades accountability and shifts blame onto others, it leads to unjust punishments and chaos in the city. This highlights the negative consequences of leaders who do not take responsibility for their actions and decisions.
Cultural Tradition vs. Rationality: The citizens' adherence to the tradition of selecting a ruler without critically evaluating the choice reflects the conflict between respecting cultural traditions and applying rationality and reason in decision-making. It suggests that blindly following tradition, without considering the rationality of the choice, can lead to absurd outcomes. Balancing tradition with rationality is essential for making informed decisions.
The Value of Peace and Liberty: The citizens of Melon City prioritize peace and liberty over the qualifications of their ruler in the end. This suggests that fundamental values like peace, freedom, and stability should guide the choices we make in our leaders and governance systems. It highlights the idea that the well-being and harmony of the society should take precedence over rigid adherence to rules and traditions.