Question

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

Answer 1

A model answer has been provided for students' reference. It is strongly recommended that students prepare the answer on their own.
A state where the king was Just and placid enjoyed peace, liberty and justice. The king was titular and symbolic. The citizens enjoyed freedom of all kind. The real governance of the country was in the hands of the citizens. In the poem 'The Tale of a Melon City' the king had to be hanged as the citizens ultimately wanted someone to be hanged. The king could not defend himself. Even though the wisest man gave the verdict that the arch was the real culprit but the citizens wanted someone to be hanged. Ultimately, the king was hanged.This shows that in such a state where the king was just and placid the citizens influenced the fate of a king.

Answer 2

The poem is making fun of a king who isn't fit to rule. He's described as "just and placid," but he's clueless about running the kingdom. He can't make decisions and acts unpredictably. This kind of king can cause chaos in the state. When something goes wrong, he blames others and even sentences them to death. But eventually, the blame falls on him, and he gets punished, showing that being "just" comes with consequences.