Q1. Narrate ‘The Tale of Melon City’ in your own words.
Answer: The tale is about a fair but overly literal king. He built an arch, but when it knocked off his crown, he grew angry and blamed the builders. Each shifted blame until the architect revealed the king had altered the plan himself. Determined to be just, the king called for judgment, and a wise man absurdly declared the arch guilty. When the crowd demanded a hanging, the king decided someone must die, and ironically he himself was chosen and executed. By custom, the people selected the next king by asking the first passerby at the city gate. That man, a simpleton, said he preferred a “melon.” So, a melon was crowned king. The people were content because the new ruler did not interfere in their lives, allowing them to live freely and peacefully.

Q2. What impression would you form of a state where the King was ‘just and placid’?
Answer: A state under a king who is “just and placid” might appear fair at first, but in reality, it becomes unstable and absurd. The king’s sense of justice is too literal and mechanical, lacking wisdom and practicality. He is easily swayed by others’ opinions, even to the extent of agreeing to his own execution. Such leadership shows weakness and incompetence, leaving the state vulnerable to confusion and disorder. Instead of providing stability, his calm detachment makes him incapable of strong decisions. In this way, justice turns meaningless, as it serves formality rather than true fairness. The result is a society ruled not by logic but by blind rituals and chance, leading to a government that fails to guide its people effectively or maintain respect and order.

Q3. How, according to you, can peace and liberty be maintained in a state?
Answer: Peace and liberty can only be ensured when a state has wise and accountable leadership along with active participation from its people. A government should be guided by reason, not by whims, and it must stand firm in taking fair and rational decisions. Clear and equal laws are essential so that justice is not arbitrary or absurd, as it was in the tale. True liberty also depends on citizens being informed and engaged, rather than passive and indifferent. If people accept any ruler, even a melon, as long as they are left alone, then liberty becomes shallow. Real freedom comes when citizens hold leaders responsible and work together with the government to build a just and secure society where peace is maintained through fairness and responsibility.

Q4. Suggest a few instances in the poem which highlight humour and irony.
Answer: The poem is filled with humorous and ironic moments. The greatest irony is that the king, obsessed with punishing someone, ends up being hanged himself. Another comic instance is the “wisest man,” who, though old and nearly blind, declares the lifeless arch guilty, making a mockery of wisdom. Finally, the people crown a melon as king, a hilarious and absurd outcome that underlines the passivity of the citizens. The humor lies in how everyone accepts this strange situation without question, and the irony is that they are happier under a melon ruler than under a human one. These moments not only entertain but also highlight the foolishness of rigid justice and the indifference of society when it comes to governance and leadership.

Q5. ‘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: Verse form adds rhythm, humor, and memorability to a story, making it engaging for both children and adults. In many languages, traditional folktales and fables are often told in verse for easy recall. For example, in Assamese and Hindi, there are rhyming folk songs and moral tales passed down orally, where rhythm helps preserve them across generations. Similarly, satirical verses are used in poetry to criticize politics and society in a witty way. Such examples show how verse form turns even serious themes into light, enjoyable narratives. It makes lessons easier to remember and share in groups, just like “The Tale of Melon City.” This style combines entertainment with meaning, ensuring stories remain popular and impactful for years.