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The Tale Of Melon City - Vikram Seth — Flashcards

CBSE · Class 11 · English

30 flashcards for The Tale Of Melon City - Vikram Seth (CBSE Class 11 English) to test yourself on key terms and facts.

67 questions30 flashcards5 concepts

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30 Flashcards·
Central ideaCharacterisationPlot eventThemeCharactersBlame shifting
Card 1Central idea

What is the central idea of The Tale of Melon City?

Answer

The poem presents a humorous and satirical story about a king, his kingdom, and a strange chain of events that ends with a melon becoming king. It criticises blind justice, careless authority, and mea…

Card 2Characterisation

Why is the king called 'just and placid'?

Answer

The king is called 'just and placid' because he appears fair and calm, but the poem shows irony in this description. His idea of justice becomes absurd when he keeps searching for someone to punish in…

Card 3Plot event

What did the king order to be built, and why?

Answer

The king ordered an arch to be built across the main road. He wanted it to impress people and look grand to spectators.

Card 4Plot event

What happened when the king rode under the arch?

Answer

The arch was built too low, so the king lost his crown when he passed under it. This caused him to become angry and begin a chain of punishment.

Card 5Theme

What does the poem show through the king's reaction to losing his crown?

Answer

It shows irony and weak justice. Instead of fixing the mistake, the king wants to punish someone immediately, even though the real problem is the low arch.

Card 6Characters

Who was the first person the king ordered to be hanged?

Answer

The chief of builders was the first person ordered to be hanged because the king blamed him for the low arch.

Card 7Blame shifting

How did the chief of builders avoid blame?

Answer

He blamed the workmen and said it was their fault. This begins the chain of blame-shifting in the poem.

Card 8Blame shifting

What excuse did the workmen give?

Answer

The workmen said the bricks were made of the wrong size. They shifted blame away from themselves and towards the masons.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in The Tale Of Melon City - Vikram Seth for CBSE Class 11 English?
Key topics in The Tale Of Melon City - Vikram Seth include Overview of the Poem, Storyline and Plot Development, Characters and Their Roles, Themes and Central Ideas. Study these first, then practise questions on each for Class 11 exams.
How many flashcards are available for The Tale Of Melon City - Vikram Seth?
There are 30 flashcards for The Tale Of Melon City - Vikram Seth covering key definitions, facts and ideas. A few sample cards are shown on this page.
How should I revise The Tale Of Melon City - Vikram Seth for Class 11 exams?
Learn the core ideas first, then work through the 67 practice questions on The Tale Of Melon City - Vikram Seth. Revise definitions regularly and use flashcards for quick recall before the exam.

Sources & Official References

Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.

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