NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English Chapter 5 The Tale of Melon City
NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English Chapter 5 The Tale of Melon City
NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English Chapter 5 The Tale of Melon City
This worksheet provides NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English Chapter 5 The Tale of Melon City. The chapter presents a humorous and satirical poem that describes the strange system of justice in a fictional kingdom. Through a series of ironic events, the poem shows how rigid and thoughtless decisions by rulers and officials can lead to absurd outcomes.
This worksheet helps students understand the ideas, humour, and irony present in the poem in a clear and structured way. The poem tells the story of a king who orders the construction of an arch. When the arch knocks off his crown because it is built too low, he demands that someone be punished. As blame passes from one person to another, the situation becomes increasingly absurd. Eventually, the king himself is executed according to his own system of justice. This worksheet provides complete and accurate NCERT Solutions based on the questions included in the chapter.
Chapter summary: stories, poems & themes
This chapter is a narrative poem written by Vikram Seth. It tells the humorous story of a kingdom ruled by a king who prides himself on being “just and placid.” When the king’s crown is knocked off by an arch that was built too low, he orders that someone responsible must be punished.
The blame moves from the chief builder to the workmen, then to the masons, and finally to the architect. Each person shifts responsibility to someone else. The situation becomes even more absurd when the wisest man suggests that the arch itself should be punished. Eventually, the king insists that someone must be executed to satisfy the demands of justice, and because the noose fits only him, the king himself is hanged.
After his death, the ministers decide that the next person passing through the city gate will become the new ruler. When an idiot passes by and says “a melon,” the ministers crown a melon as the new king. The poem uses humour and irony to criticise foolish governance and blind obedience to authority.
What this NCERT chapter covers?
• Understanding satire and humour in poetry
• Exploring themes of justice, authority, and governance
• Learning how irony is used to criticise rigid systems
• Understanding narrative poetry and storytelling in verse
• Development of reading comprehension and interpretation skills
• Observing how exaggerated situations highlight social messages
How to use these NCERT solutions?
Students should first read the poem carefully and try to understand the sequence of events before checking the answers provided in this worksheet. Attempting the questions independently helps students recognise the humour and satire used in the poem.
Parents and teachers can use these NCERT Solutions to guide students in analysing the deeper meaning of the poem. The answers follow the same order and structure as the NCERT questions, which makes revision easier and supports effective exam preparation.
Student tips & learning tricks
Students should focus on understanding the satirical tone of the poem rather than memorising the lines. While answering questions, they should explain how the king’s rigid idea of justice leads to ridiculous decisions.
It is also useful to remember key moments such as the construction of the arch, the chain of blame among different people, the king’s execution, and the crowning of a melon as the ruler. Referring to these events will help students write clear and meaningful answers.
Why NCERT solutions are important?
NCERT Solutions are important because they help students understand chapters according to the NCERT curriculum and CBSE examination standards. Since most examination questions are based on NCERT textbooks, studying with accurate solutions helps students prepare effectively.
These solutions strengthen comprehension skills, improve answer-writing ability, and help students understand literary devices such as satire and irony. They also build confidence by providing clear explanations aligned with the NCERT chapter.
Complete answer key – NCERT solutions
Reading with Insight
1. Narrate ‘The Tale of Melon City’ in your own words.
Student-generated response
2. What impression would you form of a state where the King was ‘just and placid’?
Student-generated response
3. How, according to you, can peace and liberty be maintained in a state?
Student-generated response
4. Suggest a few instances in the poem which highlight humour and irony.
Student-generated response
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.
Student-generated activity
Explore more NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English chapters to strengthen understanding, improve exam preparation, and support confident learning.