The Tale of Melon City – by Vikram Seth

About the Author

• Vikram Seth (1952– ), Indian novelist and poet.
• Known for A Suitable Boy, Beastly Tales from Here and There, and other works.
• Famous for his humour, satire, and unique storytelling style.

Introduction

• The Tale of Melon City is a humorous narrative poem written in a ballad form.
• It satirises the principles of governance, justice, and people’s participation.
• It shows how the whims and preferences of rulers can decide the fate of citizens.
• The story has an ironic twist: a city where the king’s strange wish leads to a melon becoming the ruler!

Themes

1. Democracy and People’s Choice – The ruler reflects the will of the people.
2. Justice and Fairness – Even if strange, justice must follow the king’s principles.
3. Satire on Monarchy and Governance – How rulers’ personal quirks affect governance.
4. Irony – People want a ruler who “does not interfere,” so they end up with a melon!
5. Public Voice vs. Common Sense – Blindly following traditions may produce absurd results.

Detailed Summary / Notes

1. The King’s Philosophy

• The king believed in the principle: “The state should let people live in peace and freedom.”
• His guiding motto was: “The king shall rule by the will of the people.”
• He never interfered in their lives, as he valued liberty above all.

2. The Arch Construction

• Once, the king ordered an arch to be built to commemorate his reign.
• When completed, he inspected it but felt it was unsatisfactory.
• He declared the chief of builders guilty of failure.

3. The Blame Game

• The chief of builders passed the blame onto the workmen.
• The workmen blamed the masons.
• The masons, in turn, shifted the blame to the architect.
• Finally, the architect was summoned.

4. The Architect’s Defence

• The architect argued that the king himself had approved the design.
• On hearing this, the king felt guilty and declared: “I should be punished!”

5. King’s Execution

• The people were astonished, but the king insisted he must be punished.
• He ordered his own execution.
• The people, though shocked, carried out his command.
• The king was publicly executed.

6. Choosing the New Ruler

• According to tradition, the new ruler must be chosen by the people.
• The custom was: “The next ruler will be the one whom the people choose.”
• When asked, the people declared: “The one who pleases the people shall be king.”
• On being asked what they wanted, they replied: “A ruler who does not interfere.”

7. A Melon Becomes the Ruler

• As a result, they chose a melon to be their king!
• They placed the melon on the throne, according to tradition.
• Strangely, the people were not unhappy – they were content because their ruler allowed them to live freely.

Satire and Irony

• Satire: The poem mocks rigid traditions and blind adherence to customs.
• Irony: Instead of a king, the city ends up with a melon as ruler – and people are satisfied!
• It shows the absurdity of governance when rules are followed mechanically.

Character Sketch

The King

• Simple, just, but impractical.
• Valued freedom but was too rigid in applying principles.
• His obsession with justice led to his own downfall.

The People

• Preferred personal freedom over effective governance.
• They accepted even a melon as ruler, as long as they were not disturbed.

Title Significance

• The title is ironic – a city ruled by a melon sounds absurd.
• But it symbolises the principle that the people’s choice, however foolish, must be respected.
• Reflects the central theme of democracy and freedom.

Literary Devices

• Satire – Criticising monarchy and blind tradition.
• Irony – A melon as king.
• Humour – Light-hearted tone despite serious issues.
• Ballad form – Storytelling style with rhyme and rhythm.

Message

• True democracy lies in respecting people’s wishes, even if they seem illogical.
• Blind traditions can lead to foolish outcomes.
• Freedom often matters more to people than the nature of governance.

Key Points for Exams

• Story is both humorous and thought-provoking.
• Exposes flaws in governance and blind adherence to custom.
• Presents irony of a city being satisfied under a melon ruler.
• Conveys deeper truth about human nature and politics.