English Class 11
Snapshot - Chapters (Literature)

Read the extract and answer the following questions.

Extract:

Account of customary choice. 

If His Majesty rejoice

 In being a melon, that’s OK

 With us, for who are we to say

 What he should be as long as he

 Leaves us in Peace and Liberty?’ 

The principles of laissez faire

 Seem to be well-established there.

(The tale of the Melon city)

The Tale of the Melon city - Extract based questions (5) - Teachoo.png

Question (i)

 What does the word "laissez faire" mean in this context?

  1. Let it be
  2. Let it go
  3. Let it happen
  4. Let it grow

Answer:

Answer as written by the student:

The correct answer is (a) Let it be.

 Step-by-step explanation of the answer:

  • To answer this question, we need to understand what the word "laissez faire" means and how it is used in this context. Laissez faire is a French phrase that literally means "let (people) do (as they choose)". It is often used to describe a policy or an attitude of letting things take their own course, without interfering or controlling them.
  •  In this context, the word "laissez faire" is used to describe the principles or the philosophy of the people in the kingdom, who do not care about who their king is or what he does, as long as he leaves them alone and does not disturb their peace and liberty. They are willing to let the king be whatever he wants to be, even if he is a melon, and they do not question or challenge his authority or legitimacy.
  • Therefore, the word "laissez faire" in this context means "let it be", which is option A.

Question (ii)

Complete the sentence with an appropriate word or phrase.

The phrase "who are we to say" shows that the people are ___________.

Answer:

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CA Maninder Singh is a Chartered Accountant for the past 14 years and a teacher from the past 18 years. He teaches Science, Economics, Accounting and English at Teachoo