ThinkCBSE

From The Diary of Anne Frank

2025-05-26T03:08:00.001+05:30

Summary

Anne Frank was a young Jewish girl who documented her life in hiding during the Nazi occupation. Her diary, written as letters to an imaginary friend named Kitty, describes her emotional world and daily life. Her insightful writing shows maturity, humor, and a deep yearning for friendship and freedom.

Reading Comprehension Questions and Answers

Oral Comprehension Check – Part 1

What makes writing in a diary a strange experience for Anne?
➤ She had never written anything before, and she thought no one would be interested in the thoughts of a thirteen-year-old girl.
Why does Anne want to keep a diary?
➤ She feels lonely and doesn't have a real friend she can confide in, so she writes to her diary as a friend.
Why did Anne think she could confide more in her diary than in people?
➤ She believed that "paper has more patience than people" and found it easier to express her feelings to a diary.

Oral Comprehension Check – Part 2

Why does Anne provide a brief sketch of her life?
➤ To help readers understand her background before reading her diary entries.
What tells you that Anne loved her grandmother?
➤ She mentioned that she thinks of her often and lit a candle in her memory on her birthday.

Oral Comprehension Check – Part 3

Why was Mr. Keesing annoyed with Anne?
➤ Because she talked too much in class.
How did Anne justify her being a chatterbox in her essay?
➤ She argued that talking is a student’s trait and an inherited one from her mother.
Do you think Mr. Keesing was a strict teacher?
➤ He seemed strict at first but had a sense of humor and eventually appreciated Anne’s wit.

What made Mr. Keesing allow Anne to talk in class?

➤ He was amused by the poem she wrote and took the joke in good spirit.

Vocabulary Activity – Compound Words

Compound Word	Meaning	Sentence
Heartbreaking	Producing great sadness	The ending of the movie was heartbreaking.
Homesick	Missing home deeply	She felt homesick on her first night at the hostel.
Blockhead	A very stupid person (informal)	Don’t be such a blockhead!
Law-abiding	Obeying the law	He is a law-abiding citizen.
Daydream	Think pleasantly, forgetting present	She often daydreams during class.
Overdo	Do something to an excessive degree	Don’t overdo the exercise.
Breakdown	A mechanical or emotional failure	The bus had a breakdown.
Output	Result or product	The factory increased its output.

Grammar – Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal Verb	Meaning	Sentence from the Text
plunge in	go straight to the topic	“...if I were to plunge right in…”
kept back	not promoted	“...teachers decide who’ll move up and who’ll be kept back.”
move up	go to the next grade	Same as above
ramble on	talk aimlessly	“Anyone could ramble on and leave big spaces…”
get along with	have good relationship	“I get along pretty well with all my teachers.”
calm down	become quiet	“...can’t calm them down.”
stay in	remain indoors	“...wondering whether to stay in or go out.”
make up for	compensate	“...celebration was to make up for the other.”
hand in	submit work	“I handed it in...”

Idioms and Meanings

Idiom	Meaning
quaking in its boots	very scared or nervous
lose heart	lose hope
had enough	reached the limit of patience
the joke was on him	someone else became the target of a joke
laugh ourselves silly	laugh a lot
caught my eye	attracted my attention

Examples:

The cat on the window sill caught my eye.

We laughed ourselves silly during the comedy show.

Reflection & Higher-Order Thinking Questions (with Sample Answers)

Was Anne right to think the world wouldn’t be interested in her diary?
➤ No, her diary became one of the most famous accounts of WWII. It touched millions and became a historical document.
What makes Anne’s diary different from a regular log or journal?
➤ It's personal, emotional, reflective, and written in a unique narrative style. She named her diary “Kitty” and treated it as a friend.
Why does she describe her teachers and classmates so vividly?
➤ It reflects her observational skills, humor, and the importance of school life in a teenager’s world.
What do her essays for Mr. Keesing reveal about Anne?
➤ She’s witty, creative, persuasive, and able to use humor even in strict situations.

The Ball Poem by John Berryman

2025-05-25T07:15:00.004+05:30

Summary

A boy loses his ball and feels deep grief. Though the ball was inexpensive, it symbolized his youth and innocence. Through this loss, he begins to understand the nature of responsibility and emotional resilience.

Themes

Loss and growing up
Material vs. emotional value
Life lessons through experience

Vocabulary

Epistemology – study of knowledge
Grief – deep sorrow
Desperate – feeling hopeless

Comprehension Questions with Answers

Why does the poet say, “I would not intrude on him”?
The poet respects the boy’s moment of loss and realization. He knows this is a personal learning moment.
Do you think the boy had the ball for a long time?
Yes. The line “All his young days into the harbour” shows that the ball represents his childhood memories.
What does “in the world of possessions” mean?
It refers to the material world where people own things and feel sorrow when they lose them.
Do you think the boy has lost anything earlier?
Probably not. The intensity of his grief suggests this might be his first real experience of loss.
What does the poet say the boy is learning from the loss of the ball?
He is learning the harsh truth of life - that things are lost, and we must accept and move on. This is part of growing up.

Poem – How to Tell Wild Animals by Carolyn Wells

2025-05-25T07:00:00.002+05:30

Summary

A humorous poem that describes how to “identify” wild animals based on funny and exaggerated actions - like being eaten by a tiger or hugged by a bear. It plays with language and absurd logic.

Themes

Wordplay and humor
Imagination vs. reality
Wild animals and exaggeration

Comprehension Questions with Answers

Does ‘dyin’ really rhyme with ‘lion’?
Not exactly, but the poet uses a humorous forced rhyme to match the rhythm and playful tone of the poem.
How does the poet suggest you identify the lion and the tiger?
If a roaring, tawny beast kills you, it’s a lion. If a striped animal eats you,
it’s a tiger.
Why are the words ‘lept‘ and ‘lep’ spelt like this?
The poet intentionally misspells them for comic effect and to maintain rhyme and rhythm. It adds to the poem’s light-hearted tone.
What is a ‘bearhug’?
A strong, tight embrace. In the poem, it humorously refers to the deadly hug of a bear.
How would you rewrite “A novice might nonplus”? Why is the poet’s version better?
Correct: “A novice might be nonplussed.”

But the poem’s version fits the rhyme and meter better, making it funnier and more memorable.

Two Stories About Flying - The Black Aeroplane (Part II)

2025-05-20T16:23:00.002+05:30

Part II: The Black Aeroplane by Frederick Forsyth

Summary

A pilot flies his Dakota aircraft through a clear night sky toward England. Suddenly, he encounters a storm, and all his instruments fail. In the darkness, a mysterious black aeroplane appears and guides him to safety. After landing, the control tower informs him that no other plane was visible on radar.

Themes

Mystery and the unknown
Trust and survival
Supernatural intervention

Vocabulary

Compass – an instrument for direction
Obedient – willing to follow
Radar – a system to detect aircraft

Comprehension Questions with Answers

“I’ll take the risk.” What is the risk? Why does the narrator take it?
The risk was flying into storm clouds without enough fuel to go around them. He took the risk because he wanted to get home and have breakfast with his family.
Describe the narrator’s experience as he flew the aeroplane into the storm.
Inside the storm, everything was black. His instruments and radio stopped working, and he couldn’t see. He was completely lost and frightened.
Why does the narrator say, “I landed and was not sorry to walk away from the old Dakota…”?
After such a dangerous and frightening experience, he was relieved and grateful to be safe. Walking away from the plane was a sign of survival.
What made the woman in the control centre look at the narrator strangely?
She was confused because the narrator mentioned another plane helping him, but she saw no other aircraft on the radar that night.
Who do you think helped the narrator to reach safely?
The story suggests a mysterious or supernatural helper. It could have been a guardian angel, a hallucination, or a symbolic figure guiding him through fear and danger.

Two Stories About Flying - His First Flight (Part I)

2025-05-20T16:16:00.001+05:30

His First Flight by Liam O’Flaherty

Summary

A young seagull is afraid to fly. Despite encouragement and scolding from his family, he hesitates until hunger drives him to leap off the ledge for food. In that moment of desperation, he discovers his ability to fly. His fear vanishes, and he soars through the sky, finally joining his family on the sea.

Themes

Courage and self-discovery
Nature and instinct
Family encouragement and independence

Vocabulary

Ledge – a narrow horizontal shelf
Upbraiding – scolding
Derisively – mockingly
Skim – to move lightly over a surface

Comprehension Questions with Answers

Why was the young seagull afraid to fly?
He was afraid his wings would not support him, and he feared falling from the high ledge into the vast sea below.
How did his family react to his fear?
His parents scolded and threatened him with starvation. They also tried to encourage him by demonstrating flight and food gathering.
What finally motivated him to make his first flight?
Extreme hunger pushed him to dive for a piece of fish that his mother dangled in front of him. This instinctual action led to his first flight.
Describe his emotions once he started flying.
At first, he felt terrified and dizzy. But once he realized he wasn’t falling, he felt the joy and thrill of flying, and soon forgot his fear.
What lesson do we learn from the young seagull's experience?
Sometimes, we must confront our fears to grow. The seagull’s courage and instinct helped him discover his ability to fly—just like we learn new skills when we challenge ourselves.

Nelson Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom

2025-05-02T07:40:00.002+05:30

This excerpt from Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela is a powerful and emotional reflection on South Africa’s transition from apartheid to democracy, capturing both the personal and national significance of that transformation.

Summary

This excerpt is a profound meditation on freedom, sacrifice, unity, and moral strength. It’s a deeply personal and philosophical statement from a man who became the face of one of the most successful struggles against institutionalized racism in modern history. It explores themes of personal and collective struggle, the nature of courage and humanity, the idea of freedom, and forgiveness and reconciliation. It also paints the inauguration as a historical turning point for justice and human dignity.

Questions

1. Where did the ceremonies take place?

The ceremonies took place in the sandstone amphitheatre formed by the Union Buildings in Pretoria, South Africa. This location had historically been a symbol of white supremacy but became the site of the first democratic, non-racial government inauguration.

“The ceremonies took place in the lovely sandstone amphitheatre formed by the Union Buildings in Pretoria.”

2. Can you name any public buildings in India that are made of sandstone?

Yes, several iconic public buildings in India are constructed using sandstone, especially red and pink sandstone. Here are a few:

Red Fort, Delhi – Made primarily of red sandstone, built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.
Rashtrapati Bhavan, Delhi – The official residence of the President of India, built using cream and red sandstone.
India Gate, Delhi – A war memorial also constructed with red sandstone and granite.
Hawa Mahal, Jaipur – Famous for its pink sandstone latticework.
Jantar Mantar, Jaipur – Historical astronomical observatory made with sandstone.
Fatehpur Sikri, near Agra – A whole city complex constructed in red sandstone during the Mughal era.

3. Can you say how 10 May is an ‘autumn day’ in South Africa?

Yes, 10 May is an ‘autumn day’ in South Africa because South Africa is located in the Southern Hemisphere, where the seasons are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere.

In the Southern Hemisphere:
- Autumn (fall) typically occurs from March to May.
- Winter follows from June to August.

Therefore, 10 May falls in the late autumn season in South Africa.

Mandela describes the day as “a lovely autumn day,” which is accurate for the time and place.

4. At the beginning of his speech, Mandela mentions “an extraordinary human disaster”. What does he mean by this? What is the “glorious … human achievement” he speaks of at the end?

At the beginning of his speech, Nelson Mandela refers to apartheid as “an extraordinary human disaster.” By this, he means the long and painful period of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination in South Africa. For decades, the non-white population was denied basic human rights and lived under a system of oppression that deeply wounded the nation. This "disaster" was not just political but also moral and emotional, affecting every aspect of life for millions. Toward the end of the speech, Mandela speaks of “so glorious a human achievement,” which refers to the peaceful transition from apartheid to a democratic government. It marks the triumph of justice, equality, and human dignity over decades of injustice. The successful establishment of a non-racial democracy is seen not only as a national victory but also as a symbol of hope and unity for the entire world.

5. What does Mandela thank the international leaders for?

Nelson Mandela thanks the international leaders for attending his inauguration and standing in solidarity with the people of South Africa. He expresses his deep gratitude for their presence, which he sees as a powerful recognition of the country’s journey from oppression to freedom. Mandela refers to the end of apartheid and the birth of democracy as a “common victory” not just for South Africans, but for the entire world—a triumph of justice, peace, and human dignity. By acknowledging the support of the international community, he emphasizes the global significance of South Africa’s democratic transformation and the importance of unity in the face of injustice.

6. What ideals does he set out for the future of South Africa?

In his speech, Nelson Mandela sets out a vision of a South Africa built on the ideals of equality, justice, and human dignity. He pledges to work toward liberating all South Africans from poverty, deprivation, suffering, and all forms of discrimination, including gender and racial inequality. Mandela imagines a society where freedom is shared by all, and where the oppression of one person by another will never happen again. He calls for national healing and unity, and believes that the foundation of the new South Africa must be based on reconciliation, mutual respect, and democratic values. These ideals reflect his commitment to building a better future for all citizens, regardless of race or background.

7. What do the military generals do? How has their attitude changed, and why?

During the inauguration ceremony, the military generals of South Africa salute Nelson Mandela and pledge their loyalty to the new democratic government. This is a powerful and symbolic moment, as Mandela points out that not so long ago, these same generals would have arrested him instead of honoring him. Their change in attitude reflects the dramatic political shift in the country—from a regime of apartheid to a democracy that recognizes and respects all citizens equally. The generals’ actions demonstrate that the armed forces, once instruments of oppression, are now committed to serving and protecting a free, united South Africa. Their salute symbolizes the acceptance of a new order and loyalty to the will of the people.

8. Why were two national anthems sung?

Two national anthems were sung during the inauguration to symbolize unity and reconciliation between South Africa’s different racial and cultural groups. “Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika”, the anthem of the black liberation movement, and “Die Stem”, the old anthem of the apartheid-era government, were both performed. This act showed a willingness to honor the past of all South Africans—both black and white—and to bring them together in a shared future. Although, as Mandela notes, neither group knew the words to the other’s anthem at the time, the gesture marked the beginning of a new, inclusive national identity. It reflected Mandela’s vision of healing, mutual respect, and national unity.

9. How does Mandela describe the systems of government in his country (i) in the first decade, and (ii) in the final decade, of the twentieth century?

Nelson Mandela contrasts the systems of government in South Africa during two key periods of the twentieth century. In the first decade, shortly after the Anglo-Boer War, white South Africans came together to form a government that established a system of racial domination, excluding black South Africans and creating one of the harshest and most inhumane societies in the world. This system laid the foundation for apartheid. In the final decade of the twentieth century, after years of struggle and sacrifice, that oppressive system was overturned and replaced with a democratic government that recognized the rights and freedoms of all people, regardless of race. Mandela emphasizes that this transformation marked a historic and moral victory for justice and equality in South Africa.

10. What does courage mean to Mandela?

To Nelson Mandela, courage does not mean the absence of fear, but rather the ability to overcome fear in the face of danger or hardship. He learned this through his experiences during the struggle against apartheid and while imprisoned. Mandela observed that true bravery lies in standing up for one’s beliefs and continuing to fight for justice, even when one is afraid. He saw many men and women endure torture, risk their lives, and remain unbroken in their commitment to freedom. Mandela believes that the brave person is not someone who feels no fear, but someone who chooses to act in spite of it. His definition of courage is rooted in resilience, sacrifice, and moral strength.

11. Which does he think is natural, to love or to hate?

Nelson Mandela believes that it is natural for people to love, not to hate. He explains that no one is born hating another person because of their skin color, background, or religion. Hatred, he says, is something that people learn. Therefore, if people can be taught to hate, they can also be taught to love, because love comes more naturally to the human heart. This belief reflects Mandela’s deep faith in the goodness and potential of human beings, even in the face of cruelty and injustice. His words highlight his commitment to forgiveness, reconciliation, and unity, rather than resentment or revenge.

12. What “twin obligations” does Mandela mention?

Nelson Mandela speaks about the “twin obligations” that every person has in life. The first is an obligation to one’s family—to parents, spouse, and children. The second is an obligation to one’s people, community, and country. In a free and fair society, a person should be able to fulfill both of these duties. However, Mandela explains that under apartheid in South Africa, it was almost impossible for a black person to meet both obligations. If a black man tried to live a normal life and support his family, he was oppressed. If he tried to serve his people and fight for justice, he was persecuted, imprisoned, or forced to live apart from his loved ones. Mandela himself had to choose his people’s freedom over his personal life, showing the great sacrifices made by those who resisted apartheid.

13. What did being free mean to Mandela as a boy, and as a student? How does he contrast these “transitory freedoms” with “the basic and honourable freedoms”?

As a boy, Nelson Mandela saw freedom in a simple and joyful way. To him, being free meant running in the fields near his mother’s hut, swimming in the stream, and enjoying nature without restriction. These were the innocent freedoms of childhood. As a student, his idea of freedom expanded slightly—he wanted the freedom to stay out late, read what he liked, and go where he pleased. He refers to these as “transitory freedoms”—temporary and personal desires. However, as he matured, Mandela realized that true freedom was much deeper. He began to long for the “basic and honourable freedoms”: the freedom to live with dignity, to earn a living, to marry and raise a family without interference. He contrasts these two types of freedom to show how his understanding evolved from personal wants to a broader commitment to justice and human rights for all people.

14. Does Mandela think the oppressor is free? Why/Why not?

Nelson Mandela does not believe that the oppressor is truly free. He explains that a person who takes away another’s freedom becomes a “prisoner of hatred”, trapped behind the “bars of prejudice and narrow-mindedness.” Just as the oppressed are denied their human rights, the oppressor loses his humanity and moral freedom. Mandela believes that true freedom includes the ability to live without hatred, fear, or the need to dominate others. Therefore, both the oppressed and the oppressor must be liberated, because injustice harms everyone involved. This powerful idea reflects Mandela’s belief in reconciliation and in the shared humanity of all people.

Fire and Ice

2025-05-01T12:55:00.000+05:30

Some say the world will end in fire
Some say in ice.
From what I’ve tasted of desire
I hold with those who favour fire.

But if it had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice
Is also great
And would suffice.

Robert Frost

Summary

In “Fire and Ice”, Robert Frost reflects on how the world might end: either through fire or ice. Symbolically, fire stands for desire, passion, and greed, while ice stands for hatred, coldness, and indifference. The poet leans toward fire as the more likely cause, based on personal experience with intense desire. However, he acknowledges that ice, representing hate, is just as powerful and destructive. The poem suggests that both strong desire and deep hatred can lead to devastation—personally and globally.

Line-by-Line Analysis

1. "Some say the world will end in fire"

This sets up the idea that passion or desire (symbolized by fire) might be the cause of the world’s end.
“Fire” immediately evokes an image of rapid, consuming destruction.

2. "Some say in ice."

A contrasting opinion: the world could also end through ice, symbolizing hatred, coldness, or emotional numbness.
The abruptness of this line gives it weight, suggesting ice’s subtle but dangerous power.

3. "From what I’ve tasted of desire"

Frost gets personal—he speaks from experience, indicating he knows what desire feels like.
“Tasted” is a sensual word, reinforcing the idea of fire as a passionate force.

4. "I hold with those who favour fire."

He agrees with those who think desire (fire) will lead to destruction.
Passion is powerful, and unchecked, it can lead to ruin.

5. "But if it had to perish twice,"

A hypothetical twist: what if the world could end again?

This line transitions to consider another form of destruction.

6. "I think I know enough of hate"

Another personal insight—he has felt or witnessed enough hatred to understand its power.

7. "To say that for destruction ice"

Ice (hatred) is now seen as a viable agent of destruction.

8. "Is also great"

“Great” here doesn’t mean good—it means powerful or effective.

9. "And would suffice."

In other words, ice is enough to destroy the world on its own.
This quiet, chilling end reinforces the lethal potential of hatred and coldness.

Themes in the Poem

1. Destruction Through Emotion

Both desire (fire) and hate (ice) are shown as emotional forces capable of ending the world.
It reflects how human emotions, when taken to extremes, can be catastrophic.

2. Duality and Balance

The poem contrasts two opposing elements—fire and ice, heat and cold, desire and hate.
This duality mirrors the conflict within human nature and in the world: both extremes are harmful.

3. Power of Human Feelings

Frost subtly warns us about the intensity of our feelings.
Whether it’s passion that burns or hatred that freezes, unchecked emotions can destroy relationships, societies, and possibly the world.

4. Simplicity and Depth

The poem’s simple language masks a deep philosophical message about human nature and the end of the world—not necessarily literal, but metaphorical too.

Questions

1. What do ‘fire’ and ‘ice’ stand for?

Fire represents desire, passion, greed, and intense emotions. It’s the kind of emotion that consumes quickly and burns everything in its path.
Ice represents hatred, coldness, indifference, and cruelty. Unlike fire, it’s slow and numbing, but equally capable of causing destruction.
So, both are symbols of powerful human emotions—but they destroy in different ways.

2. What is the rhyme scheme of the poem? How does it help to bring out the contrasting ideas in the poem?

The rhyme scheme is: ABAABCBCB.
The pattern alternates and intertwines, much like the themes of fire and ice, desire and hate. This mixed structure mirrors the internal conflict and the coexistence of opposing forces.
The short lines and tight rhyme scheme also add to the intensity and sharpness of the message—it’s quick, like destruction can be.

3. What is the message of the poem?

The poem explores how both desire and hate can lead to destruction—on a personal level and even a global scale.
Frost says the world could end in either fire (desire) or ice (hate)—both are equally capable of causing an end.
The deeper message is a warning: Unchecked emotions, whether fiery or cold, can be catastrophic.
It’s also about balance—how too much of any extreme emotion can be dangerous.

Dust of Snow

2025-04-24T17:13:00.000+05:30

Dust of Snow is a short poem by Robert Frost.

The way a crow
Shook down on me
The dust of snow
From a hemlock tree

Has given my heart
A change of mood
And saved some part
Of a day I had rued.

Summary:

The speaker describes a seemingly simple moment—when a crow shakes snow off a hemlock tree and it falls on them. This small event lifts their mood and salvages what had been a bad day.

Line-by-Line Analysis:

Stanza 1:

“The way a crow / Shook down on me / The dust of snow / From a hemlock tree”

The crow and the hemlock tree both carry traditional negative symbolism (death, darkness, poison).
Yet, this interaction is surprisingly positive—dust of snow falls gently, perhaps unexpectedly, on the speaker.
“Dust of snow” implies lightness and purity—like a gentle touch from nature.

Stanza 2:

“Has given my heart / A change of mood / And saved some part / Of a day I had rued.”

The light snowfall causes a shift in the speaker’s emotional state.
“A day I had rued” means a day they had regretted—until this small, natural moment changed their perspective.
The poem suggests that even dark or unimportant things (a crow, a hemlock) can spark beauty or healing.

Themes:

Nature as a Healer: Nature can influence our emotions, even unexpectedly.
Hope in Small Things: Tiny events can have a significant impact—changing the course of a whole day.
Irony and Contrast: The crow and hemlock (symbols of gloom) deliver a positive experience. Frost plays with expectations.

Style and Structure:

Simple language, yet deep in meaning.
ABAB rhyme scheme in both stanzas, creating a rhythmic, song-like quality.
Very visual and sensory—you can imagine the snow falling, feel the cold, and sense the change in mood.

1. What is a “dust of snow”? What does the poet say has changed his mood? How has the poet’s mood changed?

“Dust of snow” refers to the light, delicate flakes of snow that fall from a tree, almost like a sprinkle or fine powder. It suggests something small but pure and gentle.
The poet says that this small, accidental moment—when the crow shakes snow off a hemlock tree and it lands on him—has changed his mood.
He was having a day filled with regret (“a day I had rued”), but this seemingly insignificant act lifted his spirits and brought a moment of peace or joy.
It shows how even tiny things in nature can have a big emotional impact.

2. How does Frost present nature in this poem?

(i) What are the birds that are usually named in poems? Do you think a crow is often mentioned in poems? What images come to your mind when you think of a crow?

Birds like nightingales, doves, skylarks, or swans are often used in poetry—they’re symbols of beauty, love, peace, or inspiration.
A crow, in contrast, is rarely used positively. It often symbolizes darkness, misfortune, or even death.
But here, Frost uses the crow not as a negative symbol, but as a bringer of unexpected joy, turning traditional symbolism on its head.

(ii) What is a hemlock tree? Why doesn’t the poet write about a more ‘beautiful’ tree such as a maple, or an oak, or a pine?

A hemlock tree is a conifer, but more importantly, it’s associated with poison and death (remember Socrates drank hemlock as a poison).
Frost could have chosen a more ‘pleasant’ tree, but by using a hemlock, he emphasizes the contrast: even dark or gloomy elements in life can give us moments of beauty or healing.

(iii) What do the ‘crow’ and ‘hemlock’ represent — joy or sorrow? What does the dust of snow that the crow shakes off a hemlock tree stand for?

The crow and hemlock usually symbolize sorrow, gloom, or death.
But in this poem, they become symbols of unexpected positivity.
The dust of snow stands for the small, beautiful moments that can lift our spirits, even if they come from dark or unlikely sources.

A Letter To God

2025-04-24T12:15:00.000+05:30

A Letter To God is Chapter 1 from First Flight, A textbook by NCERT for Class X.

Summary

In a remote valley, a poor farmer named Lencho eagerly awaits rain to nourish his crops. When it finally rains, his joy turns to despair as a severe hailstorm destroys everything, leaving his family facing hunger. Deeply faithful, Lencho writes a letter to God, asking for 100 pesos to replant his fields and survive until the next harvest.

A postmaster, moved by Lencho’s unwavering faith, decides to help. He collects money from colleagues and friends, managing to gather 70 pesos. He sends it anonymously to Lencho, signing the letter as "God."

Lencho receives the letter and the money without surprise, but becomes angry at the missing amount. Certain that God would not shortchange him, he writes another letter—this time asking God not to send the money through the post office, accusing the employees of being thieves.

Questions and Answers

What did Lencho hope for?
Lencho hoped for rain so that his crops would grow and yield a good harvest.
Why did Lencho say the raindrops were like ‘new coins’?
Lencho compared the raindrops to coins because he believed the rain would bring prosperity by ensuring a good crop, which would mean money for his family.
How did the rain change? What happened to Lencho’s fields?
The rain turned into a hailstorm with large hailstones. It destroyed Lencho’s crops completely, leaving his fields barren and covered in ice like salt.
What were Lencho’s feelings when the hail stopped?
Lencho was filled with sadness and despair. He realized that his entire harvest was lost and his family would go hungry.
Who or what did Lencho have faith in? What did he do?
Lencho had complete faith in God. He wrote a letter to God asking for 100 pesos to replant his crops and survive the year.
Who read the letter?
A postman read the letter first, then showed it to the postmaster.
What did the postmaster do then?
The postmaster, touched by Lencho’s faith, collected money from his employees, friends, and gave from his own salary to send Lencho as much as he could—70 pesos—along with a letter signed “God.”
Was Lencho surprised to find a letter for him with money in it?
No, Lencho was not surprised. He had absolute confidence that God would respond to his request.
What made him angry?
Lencho was angry because he received only 70 pesos instead of the 100 he had asked for. He believed someone had stolen the rest.
Who does Lencho have complete faith in? Which sentences in the story tell you this?
Lencho has complete faith in God. Sentences like “It was during the meal that, just as Lencho had predicted, big drops of rain began to fall” and “God: Of the money that I asked for, only seventy pesos reached me…” show his deep trust. Also, “It made him angry... God: send me the rest... don’t send it through the mail... the post office employees are a bunch of crooks.”
Why does the postmaster send money to Lencho? Why does he sign the letter ‘God’?
The postmaster is moved by Lencho’s faith and doesn’t want to disappoint him. He signs the letter ‘God’ to preserve Lencho’s belief that God had helped him directly.
Did Lencho try to find out who had sent the money to him? Why/Why not?
No, he did not. He fully believed it came from God and didn’t question it because of his deep faith.
Who does Lencho think has taken the rest of the money? What is the irony in the situation?
Lencho believes the post office employees stole the missing 30 pesos.
Irony: The same people he accuses of theft are the ones who generously helped him. It's ironic because he mistrusts those who actually cared enough to help.
Are there people like Lencho in the real world? What kind of a person would you say he is?
Yes, there are people like Lencho—unquestioning, naive, and faithful. He isn’t greedy or selfish, but his blind faith makes him misinterpret kindness.
There are two kinds of conflict in the story: between humans and nature, and between humans themselves. How are these conflicts illustrated?
- Human vs. Nature: Lencho’s crops are destroyed by a natural disaster (hailstorm), which threatens his family's survival.
- Human vs. Human: Lencho wrongly accuses the post office workers—the very people who helped him—of theft, creating a conflict based on misunderstanding and misplaced mistrust.

The Bishop's Candlesticks

2009-07-27T19:38:00.000+05:30

Summary

The Bishop is a very noble person, who is always ready to help anyone in distress. The doors of his house are always open. But his sister Persona is materialistic. She feels that the simplicity and nobility of the bishop is misused by the people. He is often cheated and taken undue advantage of. Mere Gringoire, the old women who lives on the top of the hill and does no work made such a fool of the bishop by making him sell his silver salt cellars to pay her rent.

One day, past midnight a convict enters the bishop’s house and asks for food at the point of a knife. The convict is rude, hard hearted, rough and suspicious and full of fear. The bishop treats him with kindness and provides him food and shelter.

The convict is tempted to steal the bishops silver candlesticks. But he gets caught and is arrested and brought before the bishop. This candlestick was very dear to the bishop as it was the parting gift presented to him by his mother. But the bishop called the convict his friend. Later he gives the candlesticks to the convict, blesses him and tells him a secret way to Paris. The convict is deeply touched and filled with remorse.

The bishop succeeds in reforming the hardened convict and tells him that the human heart is the abode of God.

Sample Questions And Answers

1. Who are Marie and Persome?
Marie is a young girl who comes to help in the housework. Persome is the Bishop's sister.

2. Where had the Bishop gone? Why was he late for supper?

The Bishop had gone to Marie's house to look up her mother as she was unwell.

3. What had happened to the salt cellars?

Mere Gringoire was an old lady who was unable to pay the house rent. The Bishop asked Marie to sell the salt cellar for him. He used the money to pay off the poor woman's house rent.

4. What did the convict first ask for?
He asked for some food.

5. What does the convict tell him about his life before imprisonment?
He had a cottage with vines growing. He had a wife but she was ill. They had a bad year and there was no food to eat. He had to steal some food for her.

6. What treatment did the convict receive in prison?
Answer: The convict received inhuman treatment. They whipped him, fed him with unhealthy food, made him sleep on cold hard boards.

7. What effect did such inhuman treatment have on the convict?
The convict felt hurt and afraid. Soon they broke down his spirit. He became just a number and forgot his earlier life. He even lost the ability to pray, for he says, he lost his soul.

8. What happened to him after his escape from jail?
Answer: The wardens were looking for him. He had nowhere to go, no food to eat. He even had to steal the clothes that he was wearing.

9. How does the Bishop and Persome react when they learn that the candlesticks are stolen?
Persome reacts violently. She shouts and is very upset. The Bishop is also upset but he blames himself for exposing the convict to the temptation.

10. What does the Bishop tell the sergeant?
The sergeant sees the convict moving stealthily and arrests him. He brings the convict along with the stolen candlesticks to the Bishop's house. But the Bishop tells him that the convict is his friend and the silver candlesticks were a gift from him.

11. What significant role did the Bishop's Candlesticks play?
The candle sticks were a dying gift from the Bishop's mother. They reminded him of her. But when the convict received them as a gift, they become symbols of hope and life. The convict would now believe in the goodness of life and lead a steady life

Mirabai - English Literature

2009-07-27T19:35:00.000+05:30

Summary

The play 'Mirabai’ portrays the deep devotion of Mirabai, who is the central character in this play, towards Lord Krishna.

When she refuses to honor Goddess Durga, the goddess of the royal house, she faces opposition from the Royal family. The Rani does not approve of Mirabai’s steadfast and firm faith in Lord Krishna. She also accuses Mirabai of defying her orders and neglecting her wedded duties. The Rana summons her and tells her to worship goddess Durga, the family deity and divert her mind by taking more interest in household affairs and womanly diversions.

The Rani is prejudous about Mirabai and puts her maid on secret duty to spy on Mirabai. But Mirabai remains unmoved in her devotion to lord Krishna. Finally a cup of poison is sent to her as Charanamrit (holy water). Though she was warned by her companion Sanjogta not to drink it, Mirabai drinks it. But she miraculously escapes death. Her soul is pure. Her devotion to Lord Krishna is strong and sacred. Even poison couldn’t harm her.

Sample Questions and Answers

1. Compare and contrast Bhojraj and Jaimall.

Bhojraj was the son of the Rana of Mewar. He belonged to an illustrious family of warriors. However, Bhojraj was quite different. He was a weak-willed man. He let his mother dominate his life. He was married to Mirabai, who spent her time worshipping Krishna. It was his mother who objected to her practices. Bhojraj had little say in the matter. He was unwilling to face Mirabai in the company of his father, nor was he able to defend her when his mother spoke against her.

Jaimall was Mirabai's cousin and belonged to the royal family of Merta. He was a courageous young man who was greatly appreciated by the Rana. He carried himself with dignity. When the Rani insulted Mirabai, Jaimall was quick to come to her defence. He was proud of his family's honour. He believed that his cousin had done no wrong and had the courage to say so in the presence of Rana Sanga and the Rani. It seems evident in the play that the Rana respected Jaimall more than his son Bhojraj.

2. Read the following extract and answer the questions:

"The women of that house are all the same, contrary creatures always wanting something that this world of ours does not provide.

a. Who is the speaker? Who is being spoken about?

b. Why is Mirabai a 'contrary creature'?

c. What aspect of Mirabai's character is seen here?

Answer:

a. The Rani is the speaker. She says this about Mirabai.

b. Mirabai worshipped Lord Krishna instead of Goddess Durga, the family deity of Mewar. This angers the Rani because she feels that she does the opposite of what is told to her.

c. Mirabai is a girl who was independent in thought. Her faith in Lord Krishna does not diminish in any way, despite the Rani's orders.

3. Read the following extract and answer the questions:

"So long as she does not shirk her wedded duty, or bring reproach upon the noble name she bears."

a. Who says this and about whom?

b. Why does the speaker say this?

c. What kind of a man was Rana Sanga?

Answer:

a.This is said by Rana Sanga about Mirabai.

b. The Rani has complained to the Rana about Mirabai's devotions, accusing her of praying too much. But the Rana is just, and says that her devotion is no fault as long as she is a good wife and her actions live up to the honour her name bears. It is evident that the Rana sympathises with and respects Mirabai.

c. Rana Sangha was just. He was fair in judging people. He believed that Mirabai's act of prayer was not to be found fault with. This shows his broadmindedness.

Question (4): Read the following extract and answer the questions:

"His birth excuses pride. He is the bravest of the brave race of Marwar; his place is on my right hand.

a. Who is 'he'?

b. Who is the speaker?

c. In what context is this said?

Answer: a. He is Jaimall.

b. Rana Sanga says this of Jaimall.

c. The Rani had complained to the Rana about Mirabai's 'arrogant behaviour'. Bhojraj and Jaimall were also present. Jaimall defended Mirabai. The Rani was even more furious and asked Jaimall to withdraw, which he did with dignity and pride. Needless to say the Rani was infuriated further and spoke harshly of Jaimall.

Question (5): Read the following extract and answer the questions:

"And yet no one could say that you lack spirit, or are quite crushed by what she made you suffer.

a. Who is the speaker? Who is he speaking to?

b. Who is 'she'?

c. Why does the Rana say this?

Answer: a. Rana Sangha is speaking to the Rani.

b. 'She' is the Rani's mother-in-law.

c. The Rani expressed her concern at Mirabai's attitude to her. She added that when, she the Rani was young; she had suffered greatly at the hands of her mother-in-law. The Rana makes this humourous reply.

Question (6): Read the following extract and answer the questions:

"My faith is my own.

a. Who says this? Who is she addressing?

b. What had the Rana told her?

c. What does this show of the speaker?

Answer: a. This is said by Mirabai to Rana Sanga.

b. The Rana had asked her to worship their family deity Goddess Durga instead of Lord Krishna.

c. This shows that Mirabai was an independent minded girl.

Question (7): Read the following extract and answer the questions:

"That's true enough, inside the palace and out.

a. Who speaks this and to whom?

b. Why does she say this?

Answer: a. Mirabai's old nurse says this to Sanjogta.

b. Sanjogta speaks of dark thunder that she can see. The nurse feels that there is darkness and thunder inside the palace also. Since Mirabai is confined to her room and everyone seemed to be plotting against her, the atmosphere within the palace seemed to be full of fear and tension.

Question (8): Read the following extract and answer the questions:

"My wretched child, she whom I nursed from birth.. how thorny is the path her little feet have trod to Mewar.

a. Who is the wretched child?

b. Why does the nurse call her so?

c. Why does she call the road to Mewar especially 'thorny'?

Answer: a. Mirabai is the 'wretched child'.

b. Mirabai had no peace at all. She was constantly reprimanded for her unflinching devotion to Lord Krishna.

c. This is so because Mirabai is friendless in the huge palace. The Rani had plotted against her and all the attendants wanted to please the Rani. The old nurse and Sanjogta were the only ones who could be trusted.

Question (9): Read the following extract and answer the questions:

"I paid in full, weighed to the utmost grain,
My love, my life, myself, my soul, my all.

a. To whom are these lines addressed?

b. What does she mean?

Answer: a. These lines are addressed to Lord Krishna by Mirabai.

b. She has gone through the test of drinking the 'Charnamrit' for disobeying the Rana's orders of worshipping Goddess Durga. She tells her Lord that she has paid by giving up herself, body and soul for her dear Lord.

I Cannot Remember My Mother - English Literature

2009-07-27T19:32:00.000+05:30

Summary
I Cannot Remember my Mother' is a gentle nostalgic poem written by 'Guru' Rabindranath Tagore. Tagore is one of the greatest poets of modern India (1861 - 1941). The national anthem of India was composed by him. His song 'Amaar Sonar Bangla' is the national anthem of Bangladesh. He has composed more than 2000 songs and a collection of his stories poems and essays etc comes to 26 volumes. He wrote in Bengali. His works have now been translated into many languages. He started the experimental school in Shantiniketan. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in literature for his collection of poems 'Gitanjali'.

The parents of Rabindranath were very wealthy and had an active social life. Rabindranath had many brothers and sisters to take care of him. His mother passed away when he was still young. In this poem, he expresses his inability to actually recall the face or the features of his mother. But often a smell or a tune triggered off in him happy moments that he shared with his mother.

When he looks at his playthings he seems to be able to hear a tune. Perhaps his mother often sang the same song as she rocked him to sleep in the cradle. He recalls this tune as he touches his old toys.

In autumn, the Shiuli tree in Bengal blossoms into fragrant tiny flowers which are used for worship. His mother would string the flowers for the morning service at the temple. So the powerful fragrance of the Shiuli flowers would trigger off happy memories of his mother.

He can recall the quiet serene gaze of his mother when he looks at the vast expanse of the clear blue sky.

The simple lines of the poem eloquently reveal the deep seated emotional bonding that the poet had with his mother. It makes us realise the great impact her quiet dignity had on the poet even at that tender age, for the poet recalls experiences of his infancy and pre - school days.

Sample Q's and A's

Question (1): What did the mother usually do while rocking his cradle?

Answer: Sing a particular song.

Question (2): What did his playthings remind him of?

Answer: The tune of a song that his mother often sang.

Question (3): What memories does autumn bring on?

Answer: The Shiuli flowers bloom and spread their fragrance in autumn. This reminds him of his mothers visits to the temple with the flowers.

Question (4): Why does the sky remind him of his mother?

Answer: Perhaps as a child he was told that his mother was above in the heavens. The calmness of the blue sky reminds him of his mother's serene gaze.

Question (5): Read the given extract and answer the questions.

'A tune seems to hover over my playthings'.

a) What does 'hover' mean?

b) What tune does he recall?

Answer: a) The fly around in the same place.

b) The tune of the song that his mother used to hum while rocking his cradle.

Question (6): Read the given extract and answer the questions.

"I cannot remember my mother".

a) Why can he not remember her?

b) He says this line repeatedly, but often remembers her. Explain.

Answer: a) She died at a young age.

b) It is clear that certain smells, sounds and associations make him often think of her but he cannot actually recall her face.

Question (7): Read the given extract and answer the questions.

"Shiuli flowers floats in the air".

a) Mention any 3 aspects of the Shiuli flowers.

Answer: a) it has a powerful fragrance

b) it blossoms in August

c) it is used in worship

Question (8): Read the following extracts and answer the questions that follow:

I cannot remember my mother
Only sometimes in the midst of my play
A tune seems to hover over my playthings
The tune of some song that she used to
hum while rocking my cradle

a) What is the poet doing when he remembers his mother?

b) What is it that reminds the poet of his mother?

c) When did the poet's mother hum the song?

Answer: a) The poet remembers his mother when he is playing with his playthings.

b) When the poet plays with his toys, he can hear a tune hovering over his playthings, a tune that his mother used to hum when she used to rock his cradle.

c) The poet's mother hummed that song when he was an infant in the cradle and she need to rock his cradle probably trying to put him to sleep.

Question (9): I cannot remember my mother
But when in the early autumn morning
The smell of shiuli flowers floats in the air
The scent of the morning service in the temple come to me as the scent of my mother.

a) What is it that occurs in autumn that reminds the poet of his mother?

b) What did the mother do with the Shiuli flowers?

Answer: a) The smell of Shiuli flowers floats in the air in the autumn.

b) In autumn, when the Shiuli flowers were abundant, the poet's mother offered them at the temple where she used to go to pray.

Question (10): I Cannot remember my mother
Only when from my bedroom window I send
My eyes into the blue of the distant sky,
I feel that the stillness of my mother's gaze on my face
has spread all over the sky.

a) Why do you think the poet looks out into the distant sky?

b) Explain "I feel that the stillness of my mother's gaze on my face has spread all over the sky"

Answer: a) The poet remembers his mother. He looks out into the distant sky to find her there. It is said that humans - after death go up to heaven - after death and heaven, it is believed is up in the sky. So he looks up to the sky to see if she is there.

b) The memory of the gaze of the mother gets reflected in the blue sky above. When the poet looks up into the sky, he feels his mother's gaze gets reflected into it, looking at him.

Question (11): How does the poet bring out the tender feelings of the child towards his mother who is now no more?

Answer: "I cannot remember my mother" in an emotional expression of a child's memory of his mother who is dead. The child misses his mother and starts reminiscing about her as he play with his toys. He recollects the tune she used to hum when she used to rock his cradle. The sweet smell of the Shiuli flowers which she used to offer in the temple during the Autumn season and which now pomades the air also brings back tender feelings and thoughts of his mother. When he looks up in the sky, he feels he can see her gaze spreading across the entire sky which means that she is up in heaven and has become an integral part of this universe.

Thus, when the child looks at things, his heart is filled with tenderness at the memory of his mother.

The Road Not Taken

2009-07-27T19:29:00.000+05:30

Summary
Line 1

In this line Frost introduces the elements of his primary metaphor, the diverging roads.

Lines 2-3

Here the speaker expresses his regret at his human limitations, that he must make a choice. Yet, the choice is not easy, since “long I stood” before coming to a decision.

Lines 4-5

He examines the path as best he can, but his vision is limited because the path bends and is covered over. These lines indicate that although the speaker would like to acquire more information, he is prevented from doing so because of the nature of his environment.

Lines 6-8

In these lines, the speaker seems to indicate that the second path is a more attractive choice because no one has taken it lately. However, he seems to feel ambivalent, since he also describes the path as “just as fair” as the first rather than more fair.

Lines 9-12

Although the poet breaks the stanza after line 10, the central idea continues into the third stanza, creating a structural link between these parts of the poem. Here, the speaker states that the paths are “really about the same.” Neither path has been traveled lately. Although he’s searching for a clear logical reason to decide on one path over another, that reason is unavailable.

Lines 13-15

The speaker makes his decision, trying to persuade himself that he will eventually satisfy his desire to travel both paths, but simultaneously admitting that such a hope is unrealistic. Notice the exclamation mark after line 13; such a punctuation mark conveys excitement, but that excitement is quickly undercut by his admission in the following lines.

Lines 16-20

In this stanza, the tone clearly shifts. This is the only stanza which also begins with a new sentence, indicating a stronger break from the previous ideas. The speaker imagines himself in the future, discussing his life. What he suggests, here, though, appears to contradict what he has said earlier. At the end of the poem, in the future, he will claim that the paths were different from each other and that he courageously did not choose the conventional route. Perhaps he will actually believe this in the future; perhaps he only wishes that he could choose “the one less traveled by.”

Sample Q's And A's

Question (1): What is a wood?

Answer: A cluster of trees growing wild, a mini forest.

Question (2): What did the poet see in the yellow wood?

Answer: The poet saw two paths diverging in different directions.

Question (3): How was one path different from the other?

Answer: One was greener; it had more grass and seemed less used.

Question (4): Which path had been walked on that morning before the poet travelled on one?

Answer: None of them had been used.

Question (5): When the poet chose one of the paths what did he hope to do?

Answer: Come back and fry the other path.

Question (6): I shall be telling this With a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I --
I took the one less travelled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Stanza 4 relates a simple experience in a wood to real life experiences. Elucidate.

Answer: This stanza compares the path to life itself. In life we have to take decisions that will decide the whole future or the course our life will take.

Question (7): Does the poet regret his decision.

Answer: The poem does not have the mood of regret but mere stating of a fact of life. He uses the word 'sigh' to convey deep thoughts.

Question (8): The poet has compared life to a fork in the path to show the decisions we need to take in life. What would a comparison of life to the following depict?

a) Life is a seesaw
b) Life is a celebration
c) Life is an adventure
d) Life is a journey

Answer: a) Ups and Downs

b) Many happy moments

c) So many goals to achieve, hardships to overcome

d) We meet people, experience incidents, ultimately reaching the destination of God.

Question (9): Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow:

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry, I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far I could;
To where it bent in the undergrowth,

a) Where did the poet stand? What did he see?

b) Why did the poet stand there for "long"?

c) Why does the poet describe the woods as yellow?

Answer: a) The poet stood at a point where two road diverged in a forest. It was Autumn and the leaves of the trees had turned yellow and were falling.

b) The poet stood there for "long" as he was thinking which road he should choose. The poet here is using 'roads' as symbols of choices in life one makes.

c) It is Autumn time and the leaves have turned from green to brown to yellow and the entire forest looks like this so he has described it as yellow.

Question (10): Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear,
Though as for that the passing these
Had worn them really about the same.

a) Which road did the poet take?

b) Why did the poet take the "other" road?

Answer: a) The poet took the other road; meaning the road that was not taken by most of the travellers.

b) The poet took the road less travelled by - which is the other road, because it looked equally attractive, and it 'looked grassy and needed people to walk on it so it would look as worn out or travelled on as the one that he did not choose to go on.

Question (11): And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

a) How did both the roads look like that morning?

b) Explain: "Oh I kept the first for another day!"

c) What does the poet mean when the says "Way leads on to way"?

d) What did the poet doubt?

Answer: a) Both the roads were equally covered by leaves indicating that they had not be trampled or walked over by anyone that morning. They had freshly fallen and therefore did not look black.

b) The poet decided that he would walk on the first road some other day. Now he wanted to walk on the second road as it was grassy and wanted someone to make it worn out. So he exercise his choice in favour of the second road.

c) The poet says that one road leads to another and so as one goes ahead and further ahead, one can hardly retrace one's steps and go back to the beginning and start anew.

d) After making his choice of going on the second road, the poet feels he may not be able to retrace his steps and walk on the first road - that is begin all over again; even though he wishes he could do so. He realizes that as one goes ahead in life - one finds it difficult to go back - one only goes forward.

Question (12): I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two road diverged in a wood, and I -
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

a) Why does the poet say he shall tell people 'this with a sigh'?

b) What does the poet mean by "I took the one less traveled by"?

c) What "difference" has been made by his choice?

Answer: a) The poet wishes to walk on the road that he has not chosen, but he has accepted the fact that once a choice is made it is difficult to go back on it. So if when explaining it people why he chose what he chose, he will justify his choice with a sigh- indicating that he could not choose both, he chose one and that is the fact of life.

b) "I took the one less traveled by' indicates that the poet made a choice not exercised by a majority of people.

c) The poet has made a decision to choose the road less traveled by - not many have taken the road that he has chosen. He is what he is today because of the choice he made several years ago. If he had chosen a different path, he would not be what he was today, he would have been a different pers

Question (13): What is the central theme of the poem "The Road Not Taken"?

Answer: Iin this poem "The Road Not Taken", Robert Frost beautifully describes the choices we make in life and its impact on our future.

What choice we make today has a great effect on who we become tomorrow. When we reach a point where choices have to be made by us how do we make our decisions - do we do what everyone else does and find a solution, or do we do what few people have done and find our own solution.

We cannot do both, however much we may want to as once we make a choice, it becomes difficult to retrace our steps. We thus end up becoming what we are due to the choice we have made earlier. Therefore, making the "right" choice is very important. We must make our choice based on what we want rather than what the others or the majority have done. The entire poem is a metaphor - the roads are being compared to the decisions we make in life.

Seven Ages - English Literature

2009-07-27T19:27:00.000+05:30

Summary
The poem commences with life being compared to a huge stage where all of us are only actors. Each person has an entry into the world at birth and exits it at death.

According to Shakespeare, every man plays several parts during his life time. On the stage of life every man has seven acts. The first act of man is infancy. At this time all that the baby does is cry and puke on his nurse's lap. After he goes through his infant life, he emerges as a school child who slings his bag over his shoulder and creeps most unwillingly to school.

At the next stage in life, the young man is a lover who is busy composing ballads for his beloved and sighing deeply for her attention. He graduates into a bearded soldier who promises solemnly to guard his country. He is filled with national pride, is quick to be insulted and is always ready to spring up in defence. At this point of time he is more concerned with status and reputation. From the agile soldier, he goes on to become a judge whose waistline grows as he becomes fatter and fatter. He wears a short, formal beard and his eyes become intense. He is full of wisdom, speaking to everyone in a just and wise manner.

After he has played this part, he goes into the sixth age. He becomes thin, wears spectacles, the skin around him hangs loosely. He is made fun of as being a funny old man. His youth has been left behind. His clothes hang loosely around him and his once manly voice turns into a high pitched, childish one. With this, man enters the last act where he experiences his second childhood as he becomes dependent on people once more. He is overcome by senility and forgetfulness, as he loses his faculties of sight, hearing, smell and taste, slowly but surely, and ultimately dies.

Sample Q's And A's

Question (1): What according to Shakespeare are the acts in man's life?

Answer: Shakespeare says that every man goes through seven acts in his life time from birth to death.

Question (2): What is Shakespeare's concept of life?

Answer: Shakespeare considers the world as one huge stage where all of us are actors who are enacting our clearly defined roles from time to time.

Question (3): Read the following and answer the questions:-

Sighing like a furnace, with a woeful ballad
Made to his mistress' eyebrows.

a. Name the stage in man's life.

b. What is 'woeful ballad'?

c. What is the figure of speech in the first line?

Answer: a. This is the lover's stage.

b. It refers to the sad, romantic verse or song written about his true love.

c. The figure of speech used is simile - 'sighing like a furnace'

Question (4): "Jealous in honour, sudden and quick in quarrel
seeking the bubble reputation
Even in the cannon's mouth.

a. Who is referred to here?

b. What are the distinguishing features of the soldier?

Answer: a. The soldier is referred to here.

b. The soldier is quickly drawn into a fight. He lays great importance on being honourable. He is always worried about his reputation and will do anything for it, even to the extent of being blown up by a cannon.

Question (5): "For his shrunk shank, and his big manly voice
Turning again toward childish treble.

a. In which act is man playing this part?

b. What features of old age are mentioned here?

Answer: a. He is playing this part in the sixth act when man has reached old age.

b. The man who was so strong is gradually losing his strength. His legs have shrunk considerably and his once manly voice is becoming quivery and high pitched.

Question (6): Read the following extracts and answer the questions that follow:

All the world's a stage
And all the men and women merely players.
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts,
This acts being seven ages.

a) What poetic device is used in the above lines?

b) To what in man's life does the poet compare the exists and entrances the stage to?

c) Explain the phrase "one man in his time"

Answer: a) The poet has used a metaphor- a comparison as he has compared the world to a "stage" with each individual playing parts.

b) The poet compares the exits and entrances of the stage to death and birth of man respectively.

c) The extended meaning of the phrase "one man in his time" is the in the entire course of a person's lifetime.

Question (7): Then the whining schoolboy, with his satchel
And shining morning face, creeping like a snail
Unwillingly to school.

a) Which stage of human life is described in the above lines?

b) What are the words or phrases which indicate that the boy is not willing to go to school?

Answer: a) The second stage of life, that is boyhood or children is described here.

b) The two phrases which indicate the boy's unwillingness to go to school are

i) Whining school boy

ii) Creeping like a snail unwillingly

Question (8): And then the lover,
Sighing like a furnace, with a woeful ballad
Made to his mistress's brow.

a) Why does the lover sigh?

b) Name the poetic device. Pick out the line that has it.

Answer: a) The lover sighs and this sounds like a furnace as he is probably disappointed or frustrated in love.

b) The poetic device is a Simile - sighing like a furnace.

Question (9): Full of strange oaths, and bearded like the pard,
Jealous in honour, sudden and quick in quarrel,
Seeking the bubble reputation
Even in the cannon's mouth.

a) Which stage of human life is described in the above lines. What are the main characteristics of this stage?

b) What is the "bubble reputation"? How is it linked with the cannon's mouth?

Answer: a) The fourth stage of human life- that is the soldier's stage - has been described here.

The main characteristics are
i) The solider make many promises.

ii) He is beared and looks like a leopard

iii) He is jealous in matters concerning honour.

iv) He is quick in quarrel.

b) Bubble reputation mean a short lived, transitory period of fame. A solider can risk danger or death to uphold his self-respect. Facing a cannon's mouth invites sure death, but it also provides honour and glory to the brave soldi

Question (10): And then the Justice,
In fair round belly with good capon lined,
With eyes, severe and beard of formal cut,
Full of wise saws and modern instances,
And so he plays his part.

a) How does a man look in this stage of life?

b) What does he do to show his wisdom? Why?

Answer: a) A man is well - dressed in this stage of life. He has severe eyes and a fashionable beard. This flat round belly indicates his love for food. It is filled with well cooked chicken.

b) He quotes many sayings and examples to show his wisdom. He is a judge and he cites these examples and sayings while hearing and deciding cases.

Question (11): How is a man's last stage of life described?

Answer: The last stage of man's life is described as "second childishness and mere oblivion". In this stage man has no teeth. He babbles like a child when he speaks. His memory becomes weak and he forgets things very quickly. His eye sight deteriorates and he looses his sense of taste. He behaves like a child who needs to be cared for and his internal organs begin to lose control. Therefore, it is described as second childishness.

Lord Ullin's Daughter - English Literature

2009-07-27T19:22:00.000+05:30

Summary
This poem depicts how a Scottish chieftain and his beloved
elope to run away from her father, Lord Ullin .But as if God was also not on their side, met with a tragic death. They were engulfed by the fury of the stormy sea. Lord Ullin’s and his men chased his daughter and the chieftain on that fateful night. They soon reached the shore and tried to escape on a boat. The boat man was unwilling to row as the weather was dark and stormy. But the lovers persistence made him row. But soon they were caught in the violent storm of the sea and met their death in the lap of the waves. When Lord Ullin reached the shore with his men, his wrath changed to grief. He found his lovely daughter drowning with one hand stretched out for help and the other around her lover. Lord Ullin repented his deeds and wanted to forgive his daughter .But it was too late now his cries went in vain. The stormy sea had already claimed his daughter and her lover.

Sample Q's And A's

Question (1): And I'll give thee a silver pound to row us over the ferry!

a) Who said this to whom?

b) Whom were they running away from?

Answer: a) The lover, the son of the chief of Ulva's said this to the boat man.

b) Lord Ullin

Question (2): By this the storm grew loud apace. The water wraith was shrieking.

a) Why was the storm terrifying?

b) What does the 2nd line mean?

Answer: a) They had to cross the loch and this was dangerous during a storm.

b) The water wraith is the water ghost or spectre. The poet is describing the loud noise made by the storm and the water.

Question (3): I'll meet the raging of the skies
But not an angry father

a) Why is the father angry?

b) How does she meet the raging of the skies?

Answer: a) She has chosen to marry the son of the Ulva isle's chief. Lord Ullin is unhappy with the choice.

b) She goes into the loch or lake in a boat during a terrible storm.

Question (4): The boat has left a stormy land
A stormy sea before her

a) Why is the land said to be stormy?

b) Why is the sea stormy?

Answer: a) Lord Ullin, has a bad temper. He is prepared to kill his daughter's lover. So the land is 'stormy'.

b) The weather has suddenly changed. There is a strong tempest.

Question (5): When O! too strong for human hand,
The tempest gathered around her

What do these lines mean?

Answer: The wind and rain was strong and soon overturned the boat. The humans in the boat could not save themselves.

Question (6): 'Twas vain: the loud waves lashed the shore
Return or aid preventing

a) What was in vain?

b) What does line 2 convey?

Answer: a) Lord Ulin called out to his daughter that he forgave her, and he accepted her lover. This was in vain.

b) It was not possible for the boat to return, nor was it possible for Lord Ullin's men to help those in the boat.

Question (7): What do you know about the boatman?

Answer: The boatman is a brave and loyal man. He offers to help his chief's son in times of danger. He is chivalrous as he offers to do it free for the lady.

Question (8): What kind of a man is Lord Ullin?

Answer: He is a strong and authoritative man. He has many soldiers and expects his daughter to listen to his orders. He cannot accept a poor chief's son as his daughter's lover. But he also loves his daughter dearly.

Question (9): Do you think the punishment received by Lord Ullin is justified?

Answer: Lord Ullin loved his daughter dearly. He was harsh and it was his love for her that made him not accept the chief's son. The death of the daughter is a harsh punishment for him.

Question (10): Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow:

A Chieftain, to the highlands bound,
Cries, 'Boatman, do not tarry!
And I'll give thee a silver pound,
To row is o'er the ferry!'

a) Who is the 'chieftain' here?

b) What does the Chieftain tell the boatman?

c) Why is the Chieftain is such a hurry?

Answer: a) The 'Chieftain' is the chief of Ulva's isle. He is with his beloved, Lord Ullin's daughter.

b) The Chieftain tells the boatman not to linger and waste time, to hurry and take them in his boat.

c) The Chieftain is in a tearing hurry because Lord Ullin along with his armed men, have been chasing them. Both have eloped and Lord Ullin does not like that fact and wants to get his daughter back.

Question (11): "Now, who be ye, would cross, Lochgyle,
This dark and stormy weather?"
"oh, I'm the chief of Ulva's isles,
And this, Lord Ullin's daughter.

a) What kind of weather is prevailing at that time?

b) Who speaks the first two lines of the stanza.

c) Why does the Chieftain want to cross Lochgyle?

Answer: a) The weather is dark and there is a rough storm and the sea is very dangerous too.

b) The boatman speaks the fist two lines of the stanza.

c) The Chieftain wants to cross Lochgyle as Lord Ullin with his armed men are chasing him and his beloved and they want to escape from them.

Question (12): "And fast before her father's men,
Three days we've fled together
For should he find us in the glen
My blood would stain the heather.

a) How long have the Chieftain and his beloved been on the run?

b) What are they fearful about?

Answer: a) The Chieftain and his beloved have been on the run for three days.

b) They are fearful that if caught by Lord Ullin and his men, the Chieftain will be brutally killed

Question (13): "His horsemen hard behind us ride,
Should they our steps discover,
Then who will cheer my bonny bride,
When they have slain her lover?"

a) Whose horsemen are referred to here?

b) What does the Chieftain worry about? What does this show about him?

Answer: a) Lord Ullin's men who are on horse back, are chasing the Chieftain and Lord Ullin's daughter.

b) If caught by Lord Ullin and his men, the Chieftain would be killed on the spot. His main worry then is about his beloved - as who will cheer her after his death. This shows that the Chieftain loves her dearly and his love for her is truly selfless.

Question (14): Out spoke the hardy highland Wight
"I'll go, my chief- I'm ready:
It's not for your silver bright
But for your winsome lady:

a) Who is the hardly Highland Wight?

b) How does he react to the Chieftain's request to take them across in his boat?

c) Why do you think the boatman is ready to take them across in-spite of the stormy weather?

Answer: a) The hardy Highland Wight is the brave boatman.

b) He reacts favorably to the Chieftain's request stating that he is ready and willing to comply with the Chieftain's request.

c) The boatman has great respect for the Chieftain and understands their plight. He does not do it for the money offered but because of the beautiful lady who would lose her beloved if caught by Lord Ullin and his men.

Question (15): "And by my word! the bonny bird
In danger shall not tarry;
So, though the waves are raging white.
I'll row you o'er the ferry.

a) Who is the speaker of the above lines?

b) What is the main obstacle in the completion of the mission?

c) What is the assurance given by the boatman?

Answer: a) The speaker of the above lines is the boatman.

b) The main obstacle in the completion of the mission is the stormy and wild weather. The waves are high and the sea is dangerous.

c) The boatman is assuring the Chieftain that without wasting anymore precious time he will try and row them to safety in-spite of the impeding danger.

Question (16): By this the storm grew loud apace,
The water - wraith was shrieking.
And in the scowl of heaven each face
Grew dark as they were speaking

a) How did the weather become?

b) What comparisons does the poet use to describe the weather?

c) How did the people in the above lines react?

Answer: a) The weather was terrible, dark, stormy and very violent.

b) The poet uses metaphor to describe the weather - water wraith shrieking and the 'scowl of heaven' are used to reinforce the violence of the storm.

c) As the storm grew fiercer, the Chieftain, his beloved and the boatman grew more worried and anxious.

Question (17): But still as wilder blew the wind,
And as the night grew drearer,
Adown the glen rode armed men,
Their trampling sounded nearer.

a) Who are the armed men? Why did they come nearer?

b) How do you think Lord Ullin's daughter feels on hearing the men get closer?

Answer: a) The armed men are Lord Ullin's men who are chasing Lord Ullin's daughter and the Chieftain who have eloped. They have been chasing the couple close on their heels and have almost caught up with them, so their horses galloping can be heard.

b) Lord Ullin's daughter is probably terrified and does not want them to catch up as they would be sure to kill the Chieftain and take her away if they caught up.

Question (18): "O haste thee haste!" the lady cries
"Though tempests round us gather;
I'll meet the raging of the skies,
But not an angry father".

a) Who is the "lady" here, why does she cry?

b) What does the lady mean in the last two lines?

Answer: a) The "lady" in the above lines in Lord Ullin's daughter. She cries because she is very afraid of being separated from her beloved if the armed men catch up and they are sure to kill the Chieftain too. So she cries and tells the boatman to hurry and row the boat faster.

b) The lady says she prefers to face the dangers of the storm than her angry father, because her father would surely kill her lover and separate them each other.

Question (19): The boat has left a stormy land
A stormy sea before her
When, O! too strong for human hand,
The tempest gathered o'er her.

a) What is the reference to 'stormy land'?

b) What is mean by "stormy sea"?

c) What is too strong for human hands?

Answer: a) 'Stormy land' here indicates that they have left the land where an angry Lord Ullin and his armed men who have been chasing them are. This is a figurative expression.

b) Here the reference is literal as the sea is very rough due to the storm.

c) The waves in the sea are rising dangerously and the boatman - who is only the human - is finding it difficult to control the boat and all around they have been surrounded by the storm.

Question (20): And still they row'd amidst the roar
Of waters fast prevailing
Lord Ullin reached that fatal shore;
His wrath was changed to wailing.

a) What was the imminent danger before them?

b) What does the poet mean by 'fatal"?

c) What was the change seen in Lord Ullin?

Answer: a) The imminent danger before them was that their boat was now being enveloped by the wild storm. Due to this death also seemed imminent.

b) The poet uses the word 'fatal' because within the next few moments, Lord Ullin who had just reached the shore that moment was going to witness the storm claiming the life of this daughter.

c) Lord Ullin until the point when he reached the shore was driven by anger and wanted to kill the Chieftain at any cost, saw before his eyes, his daughter being drowned in the stormy water. His anger changed to weeping at the tragic sight.

Question (21): For, sore dismay'd through storm and shade
His child he did discover:
One lovely hand she stretched for aid
And one was round her lover

a) What did the lady do while her boat was battling the sea?

Answer: a) The lady stretched one hand out, asking for assistance and with the other - she grasped her lover firmly - for support and also to show she did not want to be separated from him.

Question (22): "Come back! Come back! He cried in grief
"Across this stormy water:
And I'll forgive your highland Chief,
My daughter! O my daughter!

a) Who is the speaker of these lines? What is his emotional state?

b) What is the speaker promising in the above line?

Answer: a) The speaker is Lord Ullin who is full of grief because he can see his daughter drowning before his eyes.

b) Lord Ullin is promising to forgive his daughter for the elopement and accept the Chieftain. He begs them to come back - he is now a changed man.

Question (23): 'Twas vain: the loud waves lashed the shore.
Return or aid preventing:
The water wild went o'er his child
And he was left lamenting

a) Was is meant was 'Twas vain'?

b) Why was Lord Ullin 'left lamenting'?

Answer: a) Lord Ullin was begging his daughter and her lover to return, promising to forgive them, but the loud and rough waves overpowered them and their return had become impossible; so all his pleas were in vain.

b) No one could help the situation - the storm was too-rough and the boat could not with stand the fierce sea and they were drowned. Lord Ullin saw this ghastly scene and was helpless and could only mourn his daughter's death.

Question (24): What makes "Lord Ullin's Daughter" a ballad?

Answer: A ballad is a poem which is sung with the accompaniment of musical instruments. It has a rhyme scheme of ab, ab which gives it a rhythmic beat. It also has many poetic devices like alliteration - water wild, storm and shade, human hand which gives it a musical sound effect. The subject matter is romantic set in mediaeval times, with suspense, adventure, love and hate all adding colour to the poem. The tragic end lends a dramatic quality to the poem.

The Solitary Reaper - English Literature

2009-07-27T19:17:00.000+05:30

Summary
"The Solitary Reaper" is a delightful lyric by William Wordsworth. Wordsworth is known as a great lover and preacher of nature. He impresses us by the imaginative and philosophical quality of his thoughts.

This poem is a result of his visit to Scotland where he came across a lovely maiden in the fields all alone. Her lovely person and her sweet song had a deep impression on the poet and moved him to compose these verses. The lovely singer appeared to be a part of that beautiful scene of nature.

A highland girl was reaping grain in the field and singing a song at the same time. The poet did not understand the contents of the song as it was in a foreign language. He guessed that it was the tale of old and tragic events of the past. It could also be an account of some recent calamity or mishap. Whatever the theme of the song, it was sung in a beautiful, rich voice. The song seemed to be endless. The poet was bewitched by the thrilling notes of the lonely reaper. The whole valley was ringing with her silvery sound. Even the spring bird Cuckoo could not produce such a magical effect as the maiden's song cost on the poet.
The poet stood still and listened to that golden voice for some time. After words, when he was climbing the hill he could not hear that song any longer. But he was still feeling the sweet vibrations of that music in his heart. The sweet memory of that song had become a permanent source of joy.

Sample Q's And A's

Question (1): What were the poet's first thoughts when he saw the solitary reaper?

Answer: The poet was so moved by the reaper working all alone in the fields, singing her song, that he felt the scene should not be disturbed. The slightest noise would be jarring. So he stood there quietly watching her at her work.

Question (2): What kind of song was the girl singing?

Answer: The girl was singing a sad and lonesome song.

Question (3): Why was the valley filled with music?

Answer: The song was very intense and melodious. The beauty of the girl's voice was so deep, that the entire valley echoed with the song.

Question (4): To what does the poet compare the reaper's song?

Answer: The young maiden's song was inspiring and welcome to the poet, just as the nightingale's song in the desert which is indicative of an oasis nearby. The song is also compared to the cuckoo's song in the far off islands of the Hebrides.

Question (5): Why was the poet puzzled with the song?

Answer: The girl was singing in a language that the poet did not understand. He was puzzled about the meaning of the song.

Question (6): How did the reaper's song affect the poet?

Answer: The reaper's song made such an impact on the poet that he carried the music with him. He could feel the beauty of the song long after he had passed the valley.

Question (7): Read the following and answer the questions:-
Alone she cuts, and binds the grain
And sings a melancholy strain
O listen! for the vale profound
Is overflowing with the sound.

a. Who is 'she'?

b. What is meant by 'melancholy strain'?

c. What does the 'vale profound' refer to?

Answer: a. 'She' is the solitary reaper.

b. 'Melancholy strain' means a sad song.

c. 'Vale profound' refers to a deep valley.

Question (8): "Will no one tell me what she sings
Perhaps the plaintive numbers flow
For old, unhappy, far- off things
And battles long ago

a. Why does the poet ask the question in the first line?

b. What is meant by 'plaintive numbers'?

c. What could have been one of the themes of the song?

Answer: a. The poet asks this question because he is unable to understand the meaning of the song, as the language in which she was singing was not familiar to the poet.

b. 'Plaintive numbers' means sad songs.

c. One of the themes could have been about battles fought long ago or some sad event of the past.

Question (9): I listened, motionless and still
And, as I mounted up the hill
The music in my heart I bore
Long after it was heard no more.

a. How did the poet react to the song?

b. Did the song affect the poet greatly?

Answer: a. The poet stood very quiet and still, listening to the beautiful song.

b. Yes, the song made a very deep impact on the poet. He was so touched by it, that he carried the whole wonderful experience with him as he moved on.

Question (10): Read the following extracts and answer the questions that follow:

No nightingale did ever chant,
More welcome notes to weary bands,
Of travellers in some shady haunts,
Among Arabian Sands.

a) For whom did the nightingale sing? Why?

Answer: a) The nightingale sang to welcome the tired traveller. They are weary as their journey through the desert Arabian Desert is long and exhausting, so singing to them would help relax them slightly.

Question (11): Where did the poet meet the solitary reaper?

Answer: In Scotland, while walking in the hills, the poet saw an ordinary Scottish girl, single in the field, reaping the crop and singing to herself. It sounded sad and melancholic. The entire valley was echoing and overflowing with her sweet song. The poet stood still and listened silently. He was greatly affected by the sheer melodiousness and found her song sweeter than that of a nightingale and the cuckoo.

He guessed that the topic of her song probably about old, unhappy events in her life or of battles and struggles. She has experienced long ago; it may be about some natural sorrow loss or pain. Long after she completed her singing, the poet could hear her voice resounding in his ears - the impact was very great indeed

Question (12): Why did the poet compare the song of the solitary reaper with those of the nightingale and the cuckoo - bird? What did he think of the maiden's song?

Answer: The poet was deeply moved by the sweet melancholic song of the Highland lass. It was so profound that be compared it with the song of the nightingale and the cuckoo - bird. The nightingale sings to welcome weary travellers in the Arabian Desert - the maiden's singing is compared to the soothing effect of the nightingales singing on the travellers. Similarly the cuckoo - bird's song announces the onset of spring in the Hebrides island and this singing is so pleasant that it breaks the silence of the gloomy winter - the maiden's singing has the same effect on the poet. The entire valley was overflowing with this music and the melody lingered on in the poets ears long after she had completed singing her song.

The Brook - English Literature

2009-07-27T19:06:00.000+05:30

Summary
The poet has realistically drawn a parallelism between the journey of the brook with the life of a man. The poet says as in the childhood a child is very agile, energetic and lively , like that the brook in the beginning stage of its life is very powerful, enhancing and it keeps on flowing with a great rush and enthusiasm through out its life .It falls from great heights and menders around the wavy path, and when it approaches on plain it becomes very slow and continues to flow eternally .Like the brook a man toward the end of his life he becomes slow in his moves and ultimately meets the horns of death and also emerges with its final destination but it never ends to flow.

Sample Q's And A's
Question (1): Where does the brook begin?
Answer: Place frequented by coots and herns.

Question (2): Which is the last place to be visited by the brook?
Answer: Philip's farm is the last place to be visited by the brook.

Question (3): When is the brook specially noisy?
Answer: When it flows over stones.

Question (4): What are the two things the brook is always doing?
Answer: Moving and making sounds are the two things the brook is always doing.

Question (5): Name some things that float down all streams (Use your imagination).
Answer: Flowers, leaves, twigs, insects, fishes.

Question (6): Why is the water described as silvery?
Answer: The sun shines on the water making it sparkle like white silver.

Question (7): Why is gravel said to be golden?
Answer: It is yellow and brown in colour.

Question (8): Read the extracts given below and answer the Questions that follow

I come from haunts of coot and tern,
I make a sudden sally,
And sparkle out among the fern,
To bicker down a valley.

a) What is the birth place of the Brook?

b) How does the Brook emerge after its birth?

c) Why does it 'bicker down a valley'?

Answer: a)The birth place of the Brook is actually the haunt of water birds like the coot and the tern.

b)The Brook gushes out in a sudden sally after its birth.

c) It (the Brook) seems to bicker down a valley because it flows down a hilly terrain. When the water flows over such a terrain, it creates a lot of noise. This noise is described as 'bicker'.

Question (9): By thirty hills I hurry down,
Or ship between the ridges
By twenty thropes, a little town,
And half a hundred bridges.

a) How does the Brook seem to move?

b) What are the things that the Brook passes by before it joins the brimming river?

Answer: a) The Brook seems to move very hurriedly by hills and seems to slip between the ridges as it flows.

b) It passes hills, thropes, a little town, several bridges and Philip's farm before it joins the brimming river.

Question (10): I chatter over stony ways,
In little sharps and trebles,
I bubble into eddying bays,
I babble on the pebbles.

a) How does the brook flow on a stony path?

b) What is the figure of speech used in the last two lines?

Answer: a) The Brook creates a chattering sound when it flows on a stony path.

b) The poet has used alliteration with the use of the consonant sound 'b'. This produces a musical sound effect.

Question (11): With many a curve my banks I fret,
By many a field and fallow,
And many a fairy foreland set,
With willow- weed and mallow.

a) How does the brook behave when it has curves on its banks?

b) What is the figure of speech need in the last two lines of the above stanza?

Answer: a) The brook behaves 'angrily' when it faces curves on its banks. It is clear because the poet has used the work 'fret' to explain the brook's feeling.

b) The figure of speech used in 'Alliteration" using the consonant sounds "f" and "w". this creates a musical sound.

Question (12): I chatter, chatter as I flow,
To join the brimming river,
For men may come and men may go,
But I go on for ever.

a) What does the poet want to say in "I chatter, chatter as I flow"?

b) What are the important aspects of land which have been covered by the Brook?

c) Explain the last two lines "men many come and men may go, But I go on forever".

Answer: a) The poet wants to say that the brook flows creating short repeated high pitched noises while flowing. It is a continuous rapid talk and it appears to be communicating something to all the things that it passes by.

b) The important aspects of land covered by the Brook till now are the hilly range and the plains comprising Philip's farm, field and fallow as it goes on its journey.

c) This constitutes a refrain. These strike the keynote of the poem - the brook's eternity and man's mortality.

Question (13): I wind about, and in and out
With here a blossom sailing,
And here and there, a busty trout,
And here and there a grayling.

a) Explain "I wind about and in and out".

b) Name the different things that are carried by the brook?

c) Where does the brook carry all, these things?

Answer: a) The picture imagined here is of rivulet flowing in a zig-zag manner. Sometimes this enters underground and then it bubbles out into the open.

b) The different things that are carried by the brook are flowers that have fallen into it, fishes, foam and flakes.

c) The Brook carries all these things to the brimming river which it joins.

Question (14): And here and there a foamy flake,
Upon me, as I travel,
With many a silvery water break,
Above the golden gravel.

a) What occurs when the brook flows over "the golden gravel"

b) What unique quality of the brook can be imagined in it carrying so many things to the brimming river?

Answer: a) When the brook flows over "the golden gravel" there is a break in the flow of water which appears silvery.

b) The unique quality of the brook that can be imagined is its parental nature, that is, the brook is the home of fishes, flowers that get carried by it which grows close to its banks. In a way, it is a life sustaining agent of nature.

Question (15): I steal by lawns and grassy plots,
I slide by hazel covers
I move the sweet forget-me-nots,
That grow for happy lovers.

a) What does the poet want to convey by using the words "steal" and "slide"?

b) Identify the rhyme scheme in the above stanza.

Answer: a) The poet wants to convey the brook's movements in the use of these words. It moves silently without being seen when it passes by lawns and grassy plots.

b) The rhyme scheme is abab.

Question (16): How is the poem a symbol of life? Pick out examples of parallelism between man's life and the brook.

Answer: The Poem is a symbol of life. The brook's journey from its origin till its joining the brimming river is man's journey of life from birth to death. Whatever happens to it on the way is similar to what man encounters through his life. The brook's noisy flow is similar to mans struggling and fretting and fuming against the odds of life. The brook slips, slides, glooms and glances. So does man. It makes its way forcefully against odds, so does man as he struggles through many problems. The brook carries many things with it as it flows. So does man-he meets people - builds relationships - carries memories, collects materialistic things as he goes through life.

The only difference between man and the brook is that man's life comes to an end. Where as the brook lives on and on forever.

The Palanquin Bearers - English Literature

2009-07-27T17:37:00.000+05:30

Summary

This poem expresses the joy and pride of the palanquin bearers in carrying the royal princess to her in laws house. The

palanquin bearers are taking the princess in a palanquin and say that the royal princess is not at all a burden for them but a privilege as she sits and dream of her future after marriage.

According to the bearers they carry the princess very carefully as if she is like dew or a tear drop. They sing happily as they carry her away. The princess also sways long on hearing their song. They say that she is like the bird that skims on the foam of a stream

Sample Q's And A's

Question 1

Question: Lightly, O lightly we bear her along,

She sways like a flower in the wind of our song;

She skims like a bird on the foam of a stream,

She floats like a laugh from the lips of a dream.

Gaily, O gaily we glide and we sing,

We bear her along like a pearl on a string.

What is the rhyme scheme of this poem? Pick out the rhyming words in stanza 1.

Answer: The rhyme scheme is aa, bb, cc

The rhyming words are along - song, stream - dream, sing - string.

Question 2

Question: The poet has used a number of comparisons. What is this poetic device called?

Answer: Simile.

Question 3

Question: Match the following:

A	B
Lightly O Lightly	Simile
She floats like a laugh	Refrain
We bear her along like a pearl on a string	Repetition

Answer:

A	B
Lightly O Lightly	Repetition
She floats like a laugh	Simile
We bear her along like a pearl on a string	Refrain

Question 4

Question: Why has the refrain been used in this poem? What does it convey?

Answer: The footfalls of the men are rhythmic and repeated. The refrain gives us the impression of constant and balanced movement of the palanquin.

Question 5

Question: Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:

"She skims like a bird on the foam of a stream.

She floats like a laugh from the lips of a dream gaily, o gaily we glide and we sing we bear her along like a pearl on a string"

a) How does the poet describe the movements of the bride?

b) What do the Palanquin bearers do while carrying the bride?

c) What figure of speech is used in the above line. Name and pick the line.

Answer: a) The poet describes the movements of the bride by using different words of movement. These words are sways, skims, floats, glide. In using these the poet is adding softness to the description.

b) The Palanquin bearers sing as they carry the bride.

c) Smile - we bear her along like a pearl on a string.

Question 6

Question: How do the palanquin bearers carry the bride? What is so special bout them? Answer in not more than 100 words?

Answer: The Palanquin bearers carry the bride very gently and they move very softly. They sing a song as they go along the theme of the song is about the marriage of the bride. They sing that they are bearing the bride lightly and softly. The bride is moving from side to side like a flower in the wind. She glides like a bird on the froth of a stream. She is floating like a laugh from the lips of a dream. They carry her like a pearl on a string like she is precious and delicate. The bride is hanging like a star in the dew of their song. She appears to be jumping like a ray of light seen on the top of a tide. She falls like a tear from the eye of a bride.

Question 7

Question: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow:

Lightly, O lightly we bear her along.

She sways like a flower in the wind of our song;

She skims like a bird on the foam of a stream,

She floats like a laugh from the lips of a dream,

Gaily, O gaily we glide and we sing,

We bear her along like a pearl on a string.

a) Why do the Palanquin Bearers carry the bride "lightly"?

b) How does the poet describe the bride?

c) Explain the comparison "She sways like a flower".

Answer: a) The Palanquin Bearers carry the bride "lightly" because she is very precious and also it is the most auspicious occasion for her. So they handle here like a very precious jewel.

b) The poet draws a very vivid description of the bride. She states that the bride is "like a flower" "a bird" and "a laugh". By using such similes the poet's intention is to get across that the bride is very fragile but precious and needs to be handled with care.

c) The bride is like a very delicate and fragile and beautiful like a flower, which moves or sways in the air. Thus the comparison

Question 8

Question: Softly, O softly we bear her along,

She hangs like a star in the dew of our song;

She springs like a beam on the blow of the tide,

She falls like a fear from the eyes of a bride,

Lightly, O lightly we glide and we sing,

We bear her along like a pearl on a string.

a) Why do the Palanquin Bearers carry the bride singing? What is this song about?

b) What is the bride compared to in the above stanza?

c) What contradiction is there in the poem? Why has the poet used it?

Answer: a) The Palanquin Bearers carry the bride singing because it is auspicious and joyous occasion. The bride is going to her husband's house with many expectations. The song is all about her in which she is described very gloriously.

b) The bride is compared to a star, a beam, a tear and finally, a pearl on a sting. In doing so the poet is heightening the effect of the glory being given to the bride on the momentous occasion in her life.

c) The contradiction is when the poet describes the bride as "she floats like a laugh" and then she writes "she falls like a tear". It is a deliberate because the bride is in tears at her separation from her family. But she laughs because she is going to be united with the love of her life and begin a new and exciting life.

Question 1

Answer: The rhyme scheme is aa, bb, cc

The rhyming words are along - song, stream - dream, sing - string.

Question 2

Question: The poet has used a number of comparisons. What is this poetic device called?

Answer: Simile.

Question 3

Question: Match the following:

A	B
Lightly O Lightly	Simile
She floats like a laugh	Refrain
We bear her along like a pearl on a string	Repetition

ABLightly O LightlySimileShe floats like a laughRefrainWe bear her along like a pearl on a stringRepetition

Answer:

A	B
Lightly O Lightly	Repetition
She floats like a laugh	Simile
We bear her along like a pearl on a string	Refrain

ABLightly O LightlyRepetitionShe floats like a laughSimileWe bear her along like a pearl on a stringRefrain

Question 4

Question: Why has the refrain been used in this poem? What does it convey?

Answer: The footfalls of the men are rhythmic and repeated. The refrain gives us the impression of constant and balanced movement of the palanquin.

Question 5

Question 6

Question: How do the palanquin bearers carry the bride? What is so special bout them? Answer in not more than 100 words?

Question 7

Question 8

The Pendulum - English Literature

2009-07-27T17:32:00.000+05:30

Summary

John Perkins is bored with his routine life. As he returns home, his wife greets him with a kiss. But he does not like

the cream and butter scotch flavor of her mouth. He does not like the noise coming from his neighbors. He does not relish his dinner. At 8:15sharp, he goes out to play a game of pool with his friends.

On returning home one evening he finds Katy (his wife) missing. A note on the gas jet shows that she had gone to see her mother who was sick. Perkins gets a jolt. Katy had never left him like that before. Her absence made him feel miserable. Now he realized her importance in his life. Earlier he had never cared for her. His world comes to a stand still. He now grows guilty. He resolves to make amends for his past neglect of her.

However, as soon as Katy returns, John forgets his resolutions completely. The old routine habit overpowers him. At 8:15pm he goes out again for the pool game. Poor Katy is left alone at home as usual.

Sample Q's And A's

Question 1

Question: Who is the shepherd in blue? Why are the citizens referred to as sheep? [paragraph 1 and 2].

Answer: The shepherd in blue is the conductor. The citizens follow each other out in herds - unthinking like sheep. They are mechanical.

Question 2

Question: What does the author mean by 'there was no such word as perhaps'.

Answer: John's life was the same everyday.

Question 3

Question: What does Katy like to eat?

Answer: Katy likes to eat butter scotch cookies.

Question 4

Question: Why did they spread newspapers?

Answer: To catch the plaster that fell off the roof.

Question 5

Question: What change did Perkins encounter when he returned from work one day?

Answer: Katy was surprisingly not at home. All things were in disarray.

Question 6

Question: What did the note say?

Answer: The note was left by Katy. She said that she was leaving in a hurry to see her mother who was unwell.

Question 7

Question: Why did Katy's absence shock him so much?

Answer: Their life was scheduled and ordered. They did things the same way everyday. In the two years of married life Katy had never been away at the time of his return. Her sudden absence confused him.

Question 8

Question: Why did the city not interest him any more?

Answer: Katy's absence robbed him of all joy. He fell helpless and insecure.

Question 9

Question: What decision does John take?

Answer: John decides to be very nice to Katy in future. He also plans to stop meeting the 'gang' at the club.

Question 10

Question: What is surprising about the end of the story?

Answer: We are led to believe that John has changed. We expect Katy and John to have a happy reunion and a different kind of evening. But old habits resume and John leaves as usual for the club!

Question 11

Question: Read Katy's letter again. What impression of Katy do you get?

Answer: Dutiful wife - has kept supper for John or has left a note so that he would not be worried or even remembers to tell him where the socks are.

Concerned daughter - rushes to mother when she needs her.

Good at housekeeping - well aware of all the pending bills.

Question 12

Question: What kind of occupants does Frogmore flats have?

Answer: All the occupants of Frogmore Flats are hardworking men and women. They have a humdrum existence which is tightly scheduled. They seem to do the same things everyday. A life that is monotonous and dull.

Question 13

Question: Why is the story called Pendulum?

Answer: The pendulum swings from one extreme position to the other. Then swings back again to its original one.

John Perkins has a loving and caring wife. She cares for his needs and provides him with a comfortable home. He hardly notices all this, and lives only for his own comfort. Her sudden departure triggers remorse and guilt feelings. He is ashamed of himself and vows to change himself. He will be more loving and kind towards his wife.

This swing in the pendulum of his emotions does not last long. He becomes his original self once Katy returns

Question 14

Question: What did Perkins decide to do to make up for the deficiencies with regard to the house and Katy?

Answer: John Perkins was really a changed person now he realized the value of Katy in her absence. He sensed that Katy had become an integral part of his life. He was nothing without her. She was the very air that he breathed. She had become annexed to him. He resolved to make it up to his girl. He decided that he wouldn't go to Mc Closkey's -instead he would help her in her domestic duties. He would take her out and amuse her. He also decided to pay more attention to her and keep her happy.

Question 15

Question: Katy writes a diary about her married life especially the neglect by her husband John Perkins. Write her dairy entry.

Answer: Day

Date

Dear Diary,

My life seems to have come to a dead stop. There doesn't seem to be a single moment when I feel joy or happiness. I feel I have become fixed like any immovable fixture in the house with my husband John Perkins. It has not been long since we married, but the monotony that has entered our lives has become unbearable. He goes to his job in the morning and returns only in the evening, then we have dinner and he promptly goes to Mc Closkey's to play pool and be with his friends and then returns very late. It has been ages ever since we went out. He never feels the need to spend time with me. I have merely become his housekeeper; he never helps me in the housework or buys any gifts for me. Ironically, he had married me out of love, but now he has turned out to be such a cold person. I seem to have ceased to exist for him. I pray to god that he changes for the better and that our dull life changes to be a more lively one.

Katy.

The Necklace - English Literature

2009-07-27T17:24:00.000+05:30

Summary

Mathilde Loisel was pretty and charming, but she was born in family of clerks and married to a clerk. She was unhappy because she couldn’t afford the luxuries of life. One day her husband came home with an invitation to a ball from the office of the Minister of public Instruction. He had thought that Mathilda would be happy, but she wasn’t .So he bought her a beautiful gown with the money he had saved. But now she didn’t have matching jewelry. So she borrowed it from her friend.

She was very happy at the ball and was the center of attraction as she was looking beautiful and danced wonderfully. But the happiness was short lived. On returning home she couldn’t find the diamond necklace. So they decided to replace it and give it to her friend. They found a necklace exactly like the borrowed one. But it cost a fortune for them to repay it back, which they did but it took ten years. One day when she met her friend who had given her the necklace she told her what all had happened .To her surprise her friend said that it was a fake necklace and cost hardly five hundred franks. Matilde Loisel was shattered again.

Sample Q's And A's

Question 1

Question: Was Mathilde happy as the wife of a clerk?

Answer: She was unhappy. She dreamt of riches and a luxurious life.

Question 2

Question: Why did she not visit her friend any more?

Answer: Her friend was very rich. She felt depressed when she returned to her home. So she avoided visiting her.

Question 3

Question: What did the large envelope contain?

Answer: An invitation to the palace of the Ministry on Monday evening.

Question 4

Question: Why was Mathilde unhappy even after receiving the invitation?

Answer: She was unhappy as she did not have an evening gown to wear to the palace.

Question 5

Question: How much money did she ask for the new gown?

Answer: She asked 400 francs for the new gown.

Question 6

Question: Though she had a new gown she still felt that something was missing. What was missing?

Answer: Though she had a new gown she still felt that something was missing. She wanted some jewellery to wear.

Question 7

Question: What did Loisel suggest in place of jewellery?

Answer: Loisel suggested a bunch of flowers in place of jewellery.

Question 8

Question: Why did Mathilde visit her friend?

Answer: Mathilde wondered if she could borrow a piece of jewellery from her friend.

Question 9

Question: What did Mathilde finally choose from her friend's jewel box?

Answer: Mathilde finally chose a sparkling diamond necklace from her friend's jewel box.

Question 10

Question: How did they reach home after the ball?

Answer: They walked for a short distance and then caught a cab home.

Question 11

Question: What did Mathilde suddenly discover after she returned home?

Answer: She wanted to look at herself once more in the mirror before retiring for the night. Then she saw that the necklace was missing. It had fallen off.

Question 12

Question: What did Madame Forestier not discover?

Answer: Madame Forestier had loaned a diamond necklace to Mathilde. Mathilde had lost the necklace, but bought a similar necklace. Madam Forestier did not discover that the necklace returned was not the one that Mathilde had borrowed.

Question 13

Question: What course of life did the Loisel's have after this incident on the fateful evening?

Answer: They had a very difficult life. Mathilde had to do all the house work, her husband worked in the evenings and worked late into the night copying manuscripts at five sous per page.

Question 14

Question: Explain the ironic end of the story.

Answer: Mathilde and her husband pay off a debt of 32,000 francs. But they realize at the end that the necklace had actually been a fake one costing only 500 francs.

Question 15

Question: What were the various wrong steps taken by Mathilde?

Answer:

1) To crave for a gown and jewel beyond their capacity

2) To borrow an expensive jewel

3) Not to inform her friend about the loss

Question 16

Question: Read the given extracts and write what they reveal about the various characters of the story.

Mathilde

a) She was born as if by slip of fate into 'a family of clerks'

b) She felt so sad when she came home

c) She threw the invitation on the table crossly.

d) Haven't you any more?

e) She bore her part with sudden heroism.

Answer: a) She dreams of a rich life and dreams beyond her means

b) She was ashamed of her poverty

c) Ungrateful

d) Dissatisfied, wants to look extremely rich and beautiful

e) Is a strong woman deep down. Faces up to her wrong deed

Question 17

Question: Read the given extracts and write what they reveal about the various characters of the story.

The Husband

a) 'There' is something for you.

b) Very well I will give you 400 francs

c) Go and look up our friend Madame 'Forestier'

d) Wait a bit, you will catch cold outside

e) 'I shall go back on foot'

f) Late at night he often copied manuscripts

Answer: a) Loving husband hoping to please his wife

b) Sacrifices his needs for those of his wife

c) Resourceful - thinks of a way out of the situation

d) Concerned about his wife

e) Action oriented person. Instead of merely shouting at Mathilde or scolding her, he goes in search of the necklace

f) Patiently pays off the most alarming debt

Question 18

Question: Discuss the various causes for the problems faced by the Liosels.

Answer: The Liosels were a happy couple. The husband was a clerk with a steady income and his wife Mathilde had a maid to help her with the shopping and the housework. But Mathilde dreamt of a rich social life.

One day they received an invitation to a ball at the palace by the Ministry. This was the beginning of their problems. Mathilde refused to attend the party without an elegant gown and jewel. The gown she bought for 400 francs but the jewel she borrowed. She could have accepted her husband's suggestion and worn flowers instead. She chose to borrow the jewel and unfortunately lost it.

Having lost it she was not brave enough to reveal it to her friend. She replaced the necklace with a similar one from the jewellers. Had she owned up to her friend she would have known that it only cost 500 francs.

But the contribution of all these factors led to their having to lead 10 years of miserable existence.

Question 19

Question: What do you think happened after Mathilde and her friend met?

Answer: There are many possible conclusions. Given below are three. You may choose one of these or any other logical conclusion that you can think of.

a) Madam Forestier sympathizes with Mathilde. Consoles her for some time. Then goes away not realizing the vast difference the incidents made to their life.

b) Madam Forestier is overcome with sorrow. She takes Mathilde home. Treats her well. Forces her to take back the diamond necklace. Mathilde and her husband begin life afresh with the money got by selling the necklace.

c) Madam Forestier consoles and sympathizes with Mathilde. Then she rushes home to see the diamond necklace again. Soon she remembers that two years ago she had gifted it away to one of her faithful maids who had to leave work for she got married'.

Question 20

Question: "But Madam'. I do not know -you must be mistaken" who says this and why? Do not exceed 75 words.

Answer: These words are spoken by Madame Forestier, when Madame Loisel meets her after a long period. Madame Loisel has become an ordinary woman after the replacement of the lost necklace. It has drawn life out of her. When she meets Madame Forestier, the latter doesn't recognize Madame Loisel because of the physical changes that she has undergone. She now looks hard, rough and very ordinary.

Question 21

Question: How did people react to Madame Loisel at the ball?

Answer: Madame Loisel was a great success at the ball. She was prettier than any other woman present there. All the men were greatly impressed by her beauty, grace and personality. She stood taller than all the other women at the party by her sheer elegance. All those present there, kept looking at her and they asked her, her name. They wanted to be introduced to her as they thought that she belonged to the upper class of society. All the attaches of the cabinet wanted to dance with her. She got a lot of attention from everyone.

Question 22

Question: Imagine you are Madame Loisel. Make a diary entry about your sorrow and grief after you discovered that the diamond necklace which cost your life was fake.

Answer: Saturday (Day)

January (Date)

Dear Diary,

What a sheer waste of ten long years! My beauty, my youth, my everything gone! And it could have been avoided had luck let us know that the necklace was fake. My love for glamour and a craving for being admired cost us very dearly. We were happily married and were leading a normal life, but due to my romantic disposition and greed, we had to suffer a lot. Our luck did not help us either. Alas! We could have guessed that the lost necklace was "paste!" How hard I had to work- like an ordinary woman! I carried water, cooked, cleaned, saved every sou for the sake of that fake necklace. We should have told Madame Forestier about the loss. But we made it a prestige issue and have learnt a lesson in life, the very hard way-we cant live for ever in our dreams. And we must never aspire for more than we have, for it can ruin us! I hope we see better day, sweet dreams.

Mathilde

The Woman On Platform 8 - English Literature

2009-07-27T17:14:00.000+05:30

Summary

Arun is waiting on the platform alone, for the train to arrive. He is returning to school today and his parents think that he is big enough to go alone. A stranger (woman) comes along. At first Arun is suspicious of her, But her simplicity and calm dignity compels him to go with her. She notices the loneliness of the young boy and provides him company. She takes him to railway canteen and offers him tea and snacks.

In the mean time Satish arrives with his mother. She views the stranger with suspicion. Arun does not like her overbearing behavior. She neglects Arun and behaves rudely towards the stranger(woman). She finds fault with everything. She keeps advising Satish with do s and don’ts . When the train arrives , Arun bids goodbye to the stranger (woman) addressing her as mother. He does not want her to feel disgraced before Satish’s mother. He affectionately kisses her on the cheeks.

Sample Q's And A's

Question 1

Question: Why was Arun all alone on platform 8?

Answer: Arun was almost twelve years old. His parents thought that he was old enough to travel on his own and so sent him off all alone back to his boarding school.

Question 2

Question: Did Arun feel lonely? How can you tell?

Answer: Arun tried to show that he was grown up. Yet, inside him he felt insecure. After looking at the trains for some time, he sat bored and lonely. When the woman in white came up to him, he felt full of life and took an instant liking for her.

Question 3

Question: Why did Arun like the stranger?

Answer: In spite of not knowing her, Arun felt an immediate bonding with the lady because of the gentleness and warmth that she exuded.

Question 4

Question: Why was the lady alarmed when coming back to platform 8?

Answer: When they were returning from the dining room, the strange lady suddenly clutched Arun's arm. She had a fearful expression, as they watched a young boy cross the tracks in front of a railway engine. This sent jitters through the lady as she saw danger to the boy.

Question 5

Question: Why do you think this incident affected the lady so greatly?

Answer: The lady might have undergone a similar experience wherein she might have lost a son or a very dear one. This could be a reason why she was so afraid when she saw the young boy crossing the railway track with the engine approaching. Also, perhaps, the lady had a genuine, deep concern for all human beings.

Question 6

Question: What were Arun's feelings when he saw Satish's mother?

Answer: Arun felt an instinctive dislike for Satish's mother. The lady spoke too much with an air of superiority and was insensitive to the feelings of others.

Question 7

Question: How did the two women differ in their concern for the boys?

Answer: Satish's mother spoke all the while about the safety of the young boys. She went out of her way to impress people about her concern for her child. Arun's 'mother' on the other hand demonstrated genuine love for Arun through her actions - holding his hand, taking him for a snack and saying that she was Arun's mother.

Question 8

Question: Who do you think the strange lady was?

Answer: The strange lady might have been a constant visitor to platform 8 in search of a son she had lost. Perhaps her son had died in a train accident and that was probably why she looked so fearful when she saw the boy crossing the tracks. She could also have been a ghost who befriended lonely boys. The white saree and the lateness of the night may support this assumption.

Question 9

Question: What makes the story interesting?

Answer: The author provokes the reader's imagination. He does not give explanations. One tries to exercise the mind and visualize the different possibilities in the story. This keeps the interest of the reader alive all through.

Question 10

Question: Imagine you are Arun. Write a diary entry about your strange encounter on platform 8.

Answer: Dear Diary,

Got back to school this afternoon. Another academic year starts tomorrow! I want to share with you one of the strangest things that happened in Ambala station last night.

I left home and caught the 10 a.m. Express and had to change trains at Ambala station. I got off my train at around 8 p.m., my next connecting train was only at midnight. I sat on the platform feeling lost and lonely. I missed home, especially mother and wished if only she could come up to Ambala with me. But papa believes I need to be independent and that I am old enough to travel on my own. I was feeling quite miserable when I suddenly heard a gentle voice and saw a lady in white smiling at me. She had a kind face and her smile was so warm - I felt my loneliness leaving me. She took me along into the station dining room for a snack which I really needed and relished! We came back to the platform. I was disturbed to see the lady suddenly become nervous. I had never seen such an expression of pain before. She held my hand tightly. We saw a boy jumping across the rails. He was at a distance from the engine. The boy managed to reach the platform safely and disappeared into the crowd. Her grip relaxed. What could have made her so anxious? Why did she look so anguished?

After a while we met Satish and his mother. How I detest that loud-mouthed lady! She speaks with such an air of superiority! And she talks so much! Anyway, she asked if the lady I was with was my mother. Then, the most amazing thing happened. Before I could offer an explanation, the kind lady quietly said that she was my mother. I was speechless, but she simply smiled calmly. I was surprised, happy, touched and filled with admiration for the kind stranger - all at one time. She was a veritable motherly figure. The train came in and we left. As the train pulled away, I called her 'mother' while waving good bye. How her face lit up! I wonder who this lady is? Will I ever find an answer? Was it a dream? No, the paper in which the snacks were wrapped is in my pocket still. I wish I had an answer to this strange meeting ...

Good night now

Question 11

Question: Arun is, at first, suspicious and shy of the woman. But he says moments later "she drew me out very well". How does the woman do that?

Answer: The woman, as Arun says, commanded respect by virtue of her kind, gentle and calm behaviour. She looked as simple as could be in her white sari. She had grace and modesty in her appearance and Arun was charmed by her personality. She realized that Arun would be hungry and took him, leasing him by the hand to the dining room, where she offered him refreshments. She watched him in delight while he ate. She did not ask him any questions or probe into his personal life and thus Arun grew comfortable in her presence.

Question 12

Question: How does the woman in white react when she sees a boy near a railway engine shunting nearby? What character trait of hers is revealed here?

Answer: The woman in white is a kind-hearted woman. She can't bear to see anyone in distress. She sees a boy of Arun's age crossing the railway track and beside that a railway engine was shunting. She at once realizes that if the boy does not see it, he may be crushed to death. She is very moved and anxious by this scene, she digs her fingers into Arun's flesh and cries out.

This shows that the woman is very concerned and caring as well as protective and kind.

Question 13

Question: Briefly describe Satish's mother.

Answer: Satish's mother was critical, overbearing, haughty and an insensitive woman. She had a domineering attitude and presumably underestimated others. She likes having her way. When Arun makes jibes at her, she doesn't understand though Satish does. She talks a lot and doesn't care how or what others think of her. She lacks warmth, and goes about advising others.

Question 14

Question: How did Arun bid farewell to the stranger?

Answer: When the train arrived, both Arun and Satish boarded it. Arun sat near the window and kept talking to the strange woman and looked straight into her eyes. She was holding Arun's hands into hers and smiling in a gentle and understanding manner. When the train started Arun leaned out of the window and kissed her on the cheek, saying "Good bye - Mother". Thus, Arun reciprocated the warmth of motherhood that the strange woman displayed.

The Missing Mail - English Literature Reader

2009-07-27T16:33:00.000+05:30

Summary

"The Missing Mail" centers round Thanappa, a conscientious postman. He holds personal relationships dearer than his duty. He feels personally involved in the lives of the people of Vinayak Mudali street. Of these, he is most attracted to Ramanujam and his family

Thanappa knew that Ramanujam was worried about his daughter’s marriage. Though Ramanujam’s father in law had saved rs.5000 for her marriage but still he couldn’t find a proper match for her. Thannapa suggested a match in Delhi. The parents of the boy wanted to see Kamakshi. The match was fixed. The wedding had to be solemnized before a particular date i.e. 20th may as the boy couldn’t marry after that for three years.

In the mean time, Thanappa received a letter and a telegram for Ramanujam, just before the marriage. The news of Ramanujam’s uncle’s death was in the telegram. Thanappa suppressed both the letter and the telegram as he knew that if he gives them to Ramanujam, the marriage will be postponed.

Thannapa confessed the truth to Ramanujam after the marriage. But Ramanujam felt cheated and angry. However he condoned Thannapa’s mistake as his intention was noble.

Sample Questions And Answers

1. Why was Thanappa liked by the people in the town?
Answer: Thanappa not only delivered letters to the houses in Malgudi, but was also a lively person who showed a genuine concern towards the people he delivered letters to. He used to sit for hours with the families, allowing himself to get involved in their domestic matters, being a part of their happiness and sorrow, and used to give advices whenever necessary. This made him a lively and a very likeable person.

2. Who was Kamakshi? Why was Thanappa specially attached to her?
Answer: Kamakshi was Ramanujam's daughter. Thanappa had delivered to Ramanujam, the letter announcing her birth. This made Thanappa think of her as his own daughter and was specially attached to her.

3. Why were Kamakshi's parents and Thanappa worried?
Answer: Kamakshi's wedding did not seem to come through for various reasons, the chief of them being a mismatch of horoscopes. This caused the family and Thanappa a lot of worry.

4. How did Thanappa contribute at Ramanujam's family meetings?
Answer: Thanappa would first finish delivering letters to all houses, and then settle down at Ramanujam's house to take part in the wedding arrangements. He would settle disputes and also offer suggestions and advices.

5. Do you think that Thanappa was right in not delivering the letter and telegram to Ramanujam immediately?
Answer: Yes, I think Thanappa did the right thing. Kamakshi's marriage had been settled after a very long time. The date had been fixed for May twentieth. If the wedding was put off then, it would not come by for three more years since the bridegroom had to go for some training. Anything could have happened in the span of three years. Moreover, all the preparations for the wedding had been done. If the telegram had been delivered on that day, things would have been cancelled abruptly leading to a total waste of money and many related problems. Considering these circumstances, the postman was right in not delivering the letter and the telegram on time.
Or
Thanappa was a postman. It is his duty to deliver letters as soon as they arrive. If he had delivered Ramanujam's letter on time, perhaps he would have seen the old uncle before his death. The need of the hour was to be with the sick man. Thanappa failed in his duty of delivering not one but two urgent messages. I do not think that Thanappa was right in holding back the messages

6. Imagine you are Thanappa. Write a letter to the Postmaster explaining why you did not deliver the letter and telegram to Ramanujam on time.

Answer:
26.4.95
To
The Postmaster
Malgudi Post Office
Malgudi

Respected Sir,

I wish to draw your attention to an incident which occurred two weeks ago.
You are aware that the wedding of Kamakshi, daughter of Sri Ramanujam was held on May twentieth. Just a day before the wedding on May nineteenth, there was a post card from Salem asking Ramanujam to go immediately as his uncle was seriously ill. Sir, the first confession that I have to make is that on reading the news, I did not deliver the card. Another telegram that followed the next day i.e. on May twentieth informed that the uncle had passed away. Sir, I must tell you that I did not deliver this either. The reasons for their non-delivery are very clear. The wedding had been fixed, preparations were made and the ceremony was in progress. I could not bring myself to break this by giving them the inauspicious news. Moreover, I felt that there was little that Sri Ramanujam could do on the death of his uncle. I admit Sir, that I failed in my duty, but please consider the matter carefully.

This morning I delivered both the messages to Sri Ramanujam. He was naturally upset. I have given him my explanation and have asked him to complain to you.

I know Sir, that I have erred grievously in my duty. But please understand the humanitarian considerations behind this. I assure you that I acted carefully on these lines only. I felt that I must confess to you the breach in performing my duties. Please take the action that you consider is right.

Thanking you,

Yours faithfully,
Thanappa

7. Imagine you are the Head Postmaster. You have called your colleagues for a meeting to commend Thanappa. Write out the speech.

Answer:
Dear Colleagues,

We are gathered here for a very special purpose. We are all aware of the concern that Thanappa has for the people of Malgudi. He has time and again gone beyond the call of duty.

Thanappa sent me a letter confessing two 'faults' of not delivering a letter and a telegram giving news of the illness and death of an elderly gentleman to a close relative. It happened on the day the relative's daughter was getting married. He asked me if he was wrong. After careful consideration, I must say that I respect what he did. I am proud that Mr. Thanappa does not view his job as just delivery of letters. His genuine care and consideration for people is what is revealed in this act.

Look at it this way. The whole future of a young girl was at stake that day and it was in Thanappa's hands. It was indeed a very hard decision to take. Thanappa made the right choice. I congratulate Thanappa for his humanistic approach in performing his duties. I hope that all of us will remember that people are the ones who matter most in our lives and work towards this goal.

Thank you.

8. How did Thanappa and Kamakshi's mother differ in Ramanujam's family council regarding the negotiations? What was finally decided?

Answer: Kamakshi's mother did not approve of Kamakshi being taken to Madras for approval by the boy's family. She thought that they would be laughed at because such a thing had never occurred before in their society or neighborhood. She feared that it would lower their status in society.

Thanappa, however, disagreed, and told her to give up such old-fashioned ideas. He said that they had to look at the urgency of the situation and if they did not do so, they would miss a great opportunity. The boy's family might get another offer and that would be a great loss. Finally, Ramanujam took Kamakshi to Madras, following Thanappa's advice.

9. Give three reasons that delayed Kamakshi's marriage being settled.
Answer: Ramanujam had made his best efforts to negotiate for his daughter's marriage but these did not bear fruit. The reasons were

1. at some places the horoscopes did not agree.

2. sometimes the bridegroom's side demanded too much dowry.

3. at some places Kamakshi's appearance was not approved.

10. Give 3 reasons why Ramanujam looked "helpless and miserable" despite making efforts for his daughter's marriage.

Answer: Ramanujam did his best to negotiate for his daughter's marriage. However his efforts did not bear fruit. The reasons were

1. The last auspicious date for the season was fast approaching

2. The girl would be seventeen in a few days and

3. Ramanujam's father-in-law was writing more frequently and his letters were getting more accusing. All these affected Ramanujam's mind and he started feeling "helpless and miserable" on this account.