question_answer 2)

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

Answer:

The poem is a satire. It satirizes how a 'just and placid' king rules the state and passes it on to a melon. The king lives in a world of his own. He lacks the will and the discretion to rule his kingdom. He is incapable of taking independent decisions. This kind of whimsical and fickle minded king can bring the entire state to a halt. Everyone should be ready to meet the unexpected. When the low arch bangs the crown, the king gets angry and blames chief of the builders and sentences him to death. Then, the blame game starts. The king being a just and placid king keeps changing his decision till the onus falls on him and he is hanged. Ultimately, the king has to pay to a very heavy price for being just.