Vedashree Vyas

Abstract Fantasy

3  

Vedashree Vyas

Abstract Fantasy

The Tale Of Melon City

The Tale Of Melon City

3 mins
171


Vikram Seth through this poem, satire on people in power. He has amusingly presented the idea that it does not matter to people who king, ruler or head of state is with the understanding that he let them live in peace, liberty, and leniently.

Long ago, there was a city that people call Melon City. Where a peace-loving and just king rules. The king announces the construction of an arch across the street for the enlightenment of people. After the arch was complete the king passed below it and his crown fell down. Moreover, he became angry and wanted to punish the chief builder for making the arch so low by hanging them.

So, they set up the gallows and the soldiers bring in the builder for hanging. Builder fell on his keens and plead for mercy. Further, he said it was the workmen’s fault. So, the kin pardons the builder and orders hanging of workmen. The minute workmen were hanged, they plead with the king and said that it was mason's fault because he supplies the wrong size brick.

The mason said it was the architect's fault. In this way, everyone passes the blame to someone else. However, the architect said it was the king who made modifications to the plan.

As to whom should be hanged become very tricky and the king was very confused. Hence, he calls himself the wisest man of the kingdom. Subsequently, a man who was on his death bed was taken to the king. The wise man advised the king to hang the arch as it was the criminal. Consequently, huge gallows were set up to hang the arch. But, the councillor said that we cannot hang the arch as it has become pure by touching the king's head.


By this moment the crowd became restless and impatient for a hanging. By fear of rebellion, the king ordered the instant hanging of anyone to soothe the crowd. Hence, everyone who was present tried to fit the high set noose But only the king fitted it perfectly. And as per his order executioner hanged him.

In addition, the city had a bizarre custom of electing a new king. The custom was that anyone who passes through the streets the next day will choose the king. Hence, the next morning, when the guard asks a passer-by who must be the king, he replied, “Melon.” Because the pedestrian was an idiot who answers all the questions with just one word “Melon.”

Therefore, they crown the melon as their king. And from that day onwards, they pronounce the city as “Melon City.” And the locals tell this story to anyone who asks them the reason behind the name of the city.

Conclusion of the Tale of Melon City Summary

Through this poem, the poet serves the message that the rule of the monarchy is effective or not.


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