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The Tale of Melon City
Do you justify the act of the hanging of the king? Did the ‘just’ king meet the needs of justice?
The ‘just’ king overstretched the limits of justice. His exaggerated and ridiculous notion of justice cost him his own life. Someone was to be hanged immediately. There was only one man whose neck fitted the noose perfectly. And he was the king himself. So, the whimsical king fell into his own trap.
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What impression would you form of a state where the king was ‘just and placid’?
How, according to you, can peace and liberty be maintained in a state?
Suggest a few instances in the poem which highlight humour and irony.
‘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.
The king was a ‘just’ and ‘placid’ king, says the poet. Was he so?
Why did he proclaim an arch to be constructed?
Describe the mishap that took place as the king rode under the roof.
How did the incident affect the ‘placid’ king?
How did the chief of builders save himself ?
How did the workmen convince the king of their innocence? On who did they shift the responsibility?
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