The Tale of Melon City by Vikram Seth Summary

“The Tale of Melon City” by Vikram Seth is a humorous and satirical poem that tells the story of a peculiar series of events in a fictional city ruled by a “just and placid” king.

The story begins with the king’s decision to have a grand arch constructed over the main road of the city to inspire and impress the citizens. The workmen quickly complete the task, and the king rides through the arch to show it off to his subjects. However, as he passes under the arch, his crown is knocked off because the arch is built too low. This incident infuriates the king, who sees it as a disgrace and demands immediate justice.

The king orders the chief of builders to be hanged for the mistake. As the preparations for the execution proceed, the chief of builders shouts that it was actually the workmen’s fault. The king, being fair-minded, decides to halt the execution and orders the workmen to be hanged instead. The workmen, equally desperate to save themselves, claim that the real problem was with the size of the bricks, which were made by the masons.

The masons are summoned and, trembling with fear, shift the blame to the architect. The architect is called to the court and points out that the king himself had made amendments to the original design, which led to the flaw. This revelation puts the king in a difficult position. He realizes that punishing the architect would indirectly implicate his own decisions.

To resolve this dilemma, the king seeks the advice of the wisest man in the country. This ancient, blind, and frail man is brought to the court, and he declares that the arch itself, being the cause of the problem, should be punished. The king, attempting to follow through with this bizarre advice, orders the arch to be hanged. However, a councillor points out the absurdity of hanging an inanimate object, especially one that had touched the king’s head.

By now, the crowd gathered around is growing restless and demanding someone to be hanged. The king, sensing the public’s mood, decides to measure each man in the city to find someone who fits the noose. As fate would have it, the only person tall enough to fit was the king himself. Adhering to the decree, the king is hanged.

With the king now dead, the ministers are left with the task of selecting a new ruler. They decide to leave the decision to chance and announce that the next person to pass through the city gate will choose the new king. An idiot happens to pass by, and when asked who should be the new king, he replies, “A melon.” This is his standard response to all questions, as he has a fondness for melons.

Taking his word literally, the ministers crown a melon as the new king. The people accept this unusual ruler because the melon does not interfere with their lives, allowing them to live in peace and liberty. The city thus becomes known as Melon City, where the principles of laissez-faire governance prevail.

This story humorously critiques blind justice, bureaucratic inefficiency, and the absurdities of governance. It suggests that sometimes a non-interfering ruler, even if it is just a melon, may be better than a flawed human leader. The tale ends on a whimsical note, emphasizing the people’s contentment with their peaceful and untroubled lives under the rule of a melon.

The Tale of Melon City by Vikram Seth Analysis

“The Tale of Melon City” by Vikram Seth is a satirical poem that uses humor and irony to explore themes of justice, leadership, and the absurdity of bureaucratic systems.

Theme of Justice

The poem begins with a king who is described as “just and placid.” This king orders the construction of an arch, which ends up being too low and knocks off his crown. The king’s reaction to this mishap sets the stage for a series of absurd judgments. He immediately seeks to punish someone for the mistake, showcasing his rigid and literal interpretation of justice. His initial decision to hang the chief of builders, followed by shifting the blame to the workmen, masons, and architect, illustrates how justice can become a farce when applied without wisdom or understanding. The final irony is that the king, in his quest for justice, ends up being the one who is hanged.

Satire on Leadership and Governance

The poem satirizes the nature of leadership and the inefficiency of bureaucratic systems. The king’s inability to see the broader picture and his reliance on arbitrary decisions reflect poorly on his leadership. His approach to solving the problem is superficial and highlights a lack of genuine problem-solving skills. The king’s decision-making process, influenced by fear of public opinion and adherence to rigid rules, underscores the flaws in autocratic leadership. The absurdity peaks when the wisest man suggests hanging the arch itself, and the king seriously considers it.

Irony and Absurdity

Irony is a central device in the poem. The description of the king as “just and placid” contrasts sharply with his actions, which are neither fair nor calm. The process of blame-shifting among the builders, masons, and architect shows the absurdity of a system where everyone tries to evade responsibility. The most significant irony is the execution of the king due to his own decree, highlighting the ultimate absurdity of his rule.

Commentary on Public Opinion

The poem also comments on the role of public opinion in governance. The king changes his decisions based on the mood of the crowd, which demands a hanging to satisfy their sense of justice. This reflects the fickle and sometimes irrational nature of public opinion. The ministers’ decision to let the next person passing through the gate choose the new king demonstrates a whimsical approach to serious matters of state. The choice of a melon as the new king by an idiot, accepted by the people because it leaves them in peace, underscores the idea that sometimes non-interference is preferable to active but flawed governance.

Laissez-Faire Philosophy

The poem concludes with the city accepting a melon as their king, content as long as they are left in peace and liberty. This ending highlights the principles of laissez-faire, where minimal interference from the ruler leads to a happier and more peaceful society. The citizens’ acceptance of a melon as their king suggests that effective governance is not about active control but about allowing people to live freely without unnecessary interference.

Conclusion

“The Tale of Melon City” uses satire and irony to critique rigid justice, flawed leadership, and the absurdities of bureaucratic systems. It suggests that wise governance requires flexibility, understanding, and sometimes, non-interference. The poem’s humor and whimsical ending leave readers with a thought-provoking commentary on the nature of justice and leadership. Through the tale of a king who ends up being hanged by his own decree and a city that thrives under the rule of a melon, Vikram Seth offers a humorous yet profound reflection on the complexities of governance.