Supp. Unit 8 English - FL - Supp. Unit 8

‘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.

Suggest a few instances in the poem which highlight humour and irony.

How according to you, can peace and liberty be maintained in a state?

What impression would you form of a state where king was ‘just and placid’?

Narrate ‘The Tale of Melon City’ in your own words.

To the proceedings. Being just
(And placider now) he said, 'I must
Have all the workmen hanged instead.'
The workmen looked surprised, and said,
'O King, you do not realise
The bricks were made of the wrong size.
'Summon the masons!' said the King.
The masons stood there quivering.
'It was the architect..., they said,
The architect was summoned.
'Well, architect,' said His Majesty.
'I do ordain that you shall be
Hanged. Said the architect, 'O King,
You have forgotten one small thing.

Q.1. Why did the King decide to hang the workmen?
Q.2. What reason did the workmen give for their mistake?
Q.3. Who did the architect remind the King about at the end of the passage?

In the city of which I sing
There was a just and placid King.
The King proclaimed an arch should be
Constructed, that triumphally
Would span the major thoroughfare
To edify spectators there.
The workmen went and built the thing.
They did so since he was the King.
The King rode down the thoroughfare
To edify spectators there.

Q.1. What did the King proclaim to be constructed in the city?
Q.2. Why did the workmen build the arch?