ClassNotes Unit-8 Lesson No. 23 Damon and Pythias (71.4) 17] The King Soldier First Robber Second Robber First Voice Second Voice Third Voice Mother Narrator SETTING Long, long ago, on the island of Sicily [Sound: Iron door opens and shuts. Key in lock.] [Music: Up full and out.] SCENE-I* (+i) | NARRATOR: Long, long ago there lived on the island of Sicily two young men named Damon and Pythias. They were known far and wide for the strong friendship each had for the other. Their names have come down to our own times to mean true friendship. You may hear it said of two persons. RL LT vb bi B20 iAnange AL Kop onion f Sd LER MALICK LG nf 2x” fim Lid Le potiv 1/28 1/1/2001 12:32:55 AMwww.classnotes xyz 1 ClassNotes Lesson 23 te LS AK LU ni fe Engel FIRST VOICE: Those two? Why, they're like Damon and Pythias! MPS in Bndton a0 NARRATOR: The king of that country was a cruel tyrant He made cruel laws, and he showed no mercy toward anyone who broke his laws Now. you might very well wonder waIeIL Same crt WL der Faoipetirwbi fd URN Zn etelye te Ete WW LK GT SECOND VOICE: Why didn't the people rebel? Sortem ty unlipx NARRATOR: Well, the people didn't dare rebel because they feared the king's great and powerful army. No one dared say a word against the king or his laws — except Damon and Pythias speaking against a new law the king had proclaimed. PrN 2L sed PoausnSbiLELLS BG taSi Seti fs LAGL IRM SORE ANA LLI AK Loe HLatpairL ect aslfitise SOLDIER: Ho, there! Who are you that dare to speak so about our king? Sects fenF Litre nofFip PYTHIAS: [Unafraid.] | am called Pythias i LPL LE] SOLDIER: Don't you know it is a crime to speak against the king or his laws? You are under arrest! Come and tell this opinion of yours to the king's face! Lui eS @ p20 BL LIL We SE ee WT he Lobo IL ¥ [Music: A few short bars in and out.] (ude Aes Haz ker] 2/28 1/1/2001 12:32:55 AMEdited: Scenes have been added to guide the readers/students. The original doesn’t have them. www.classnotes xyz 2 ClassNotes Lesson 23 SCENE-I (+17) NARRATOR: When Pythias was brought before tie king, he showed no fear. He stood straight and quiet before the throne. ofA Soremeerlsule bsp Re swerLityfereat KING: (Hard, cruei,] So, Pythias!, They tell me you do not approve of the laws | make. LS Bg tip until I RES ALL ls (Aber) ale} PYTHIAS: | am not alone, your Majesty, in thinking your laws are cruel. But you Tule the people with such an iron hand that they dare not complain. CAT Aig fit Fuel et tsdelib LAS bar guhu? we ESB AaSetu Lael # KING: [Angry.] But you have the daring to complain for them! Have they appointed you their champion? OP dey Low ie casi fata tp Gurnee wba PYTHIAS: No, Your Majesty. | speak for myself alone. | have no wish to make trouble for anyone. But | am not afraid to tell you that the people are suffering under your rule. They want to have a voice in making the laws for themselves. You do not allow them to speak up for themselves. LAI LIILSL I ig PLES baw orbs p Liv? Bi P* NLL yet Lome rather Nor PGE ALE BYE et ci Shad etic tnit sl KING: In other words, you are calling me a tyrant! Well, you shall learn for yourself how a tyrant treats a rebel! Soldier! Throw this man into prison! 3/28 1/1/2001 12:32:55 AMgt IL LPVL Shep LiL Lele ying sd de EF LOK psy tlh st ZBI? 1 Ny SOLDIER: At once, Your Majesty! Don't try to resist, Pythias! AP Ser py? i L PYTHAIS: | know better than to try to resist soldier of the king! and for how long am 1 to remain | prison, your majesty, merely for speaking out for the people? Spb t ppb sie tdhen pr ALG Lita Sano dbs uo 3 www.classnotes xyz De ClassNotes Lesson 23 Seg SLaS Sd KING: [CRUEL] Not for very long, pythais. Two week from today at noon, you shell be put to death in the public square as an example to any one else who may dare to question may law or acts. Off to prison with him. crip rersri tt PLQ dBc Ml VOTh os P6] wat LL Bele CSataSL Sip hiinitte crepe? ai (Music: In briefly and qut] 17. NSF Fr] SCENE-II (5+) NARRATOR: When Damon heard that his friend Pythias had been thrown into prison, and about the severe punishment that was to follow, he was heartbroken. He tushed to the prison and persuaded the guard to let him speak to his friend. Wd taeieliy ASL WEL eee Lee er Sod od Sepec magia tn St SB aig Fe Seed IF DAMON: Oh, Pythias! How terrible to find you here! | wish | could do something to ‘save you! i PSL LL Ip id Sant Lin OLE bee? Pra fb PYTHIAS: Nothing can save me, Damon, my dear friend. | am prepared to die. But there is one thought that troubles me greatly. : 4/2B 1/1/2001 12:32:55 AMer bte LF Unt WO et 2 bSemsteg wi DAMON: What is it? | will do anything to help you. SASEL LE ut telus PYTHIAS: I'm worried about what will happen to my mother and my sister when I'm gone. SintctainiemlespeeSeiegleid wo DAMON: I'll take care of them, Pythias, as if they were my own mother and sister. SA SOAS A MME 10/53 www.classnotes xyz 4 ClassNotes Lesson 23 PYTHIAS: Thank you, Damon. | have money to leave them. But there are other things | must arrange. If only | could go see them before | die! But they live two days’ journey from here, you know. Haabterdaaigud le Lech Lovie t-PA ue DG BIL pL mevenlneee reer titreely DAMON: I'll go to the king and beg him to give you your freedom for a few days You'll give your word to return at the end of that time. Everyone in Sicily knows you for a man who has never broken his word. Pap Pi Ld cA Lupe vLbSarFit sy Litt 73 LIP igh EP STIL Le te PD Ad LIers PYTHIAS: Do you believe for one moment that the king would let me leave this prison, no matter how good my word may have been all my life? Ui reMSL BELLE Aki Se Bert Le Lilia item rire sty ie DAMON: I'll tell him that | shall take your place in the prison cell. I'll tell him that if you do not return by the appointed day, he may kill me in your place! Perr tomP nh Mots tQIL Li LIAISE Mt eit w83 le CLF AL ud 5/28 1/1/2001 12:32:55 AMPYTHIAS: No, no, Damon! You must not do such a foolish thing! | cannot—I will not—et you do this! Damon! Damon! Don't go! [To himself] Damon, my friend! You may find yourself in a cell beside me! WEL PO ELBE VE Se it butt EyeyP SB Mechel fene cf hle Meine lyst [Music: In briefly and out] Pe Paws Fir] www.classnotes xyz ClassNotes Lesson 23 SCENE-IV (2*.32) DAMON: [Begging] Your Majesty! | beg of you! Let Pythias go home for a few days to bid farewell to his mother and sister. He gives his word that he will return at your appointed time. Everyone knows that his word can be trusted. Ube L pb Kale Lav bh Pyne Serf Ati LLG 15 ge S Se eS Me Aug h 2 Lt Letolin-L Laila fetal Oye KING: In ordinary business affairs — perhaps. But he is now a man under sentence of death. To free him even for a few days would strain his honesty — any man’s honesty — too far. Pythias would never return here! | consider him a traitor, but I'm certain he's no fool Lubgsretnknerely OP Uti st tebe bute lbs We Pg cp Soret Si SP ILLS Ercri Suite 6/28 1/1/2001 12:32:55 AMPDS. etef Une ict LOT UE ay DAMON: Your Majesty! | will take his place in the prison until he comes back. If he does not return, then you may take my life in his place MS ALF ARIS MwA SIL LI LELAL Kofi Wir? ef aEL KING: [Astonished]? What did you say, Damon? SAME? [Sno 2] tot DAMON: I'm so certain of Pythias that | am offering to die in his place if he fails to return on time. WRI LLLL pt b Piatt Llib Se Pig fs wun KING: | can't believe you mean it! e LA Be itne sd hag rubs DAMON: | do mean it, your Majesty. Ur? cere Li 2 of53 www classnotes xyz 6 ClassNotes Lesson 23 KING: You make me very curious, Damon, so curious that I'm willing to put you and Pythias to the test. This exchange of prisoners will be made. But Pythias must be back two weeks from today, at noon. Uesaunebd LEMP i LIF AS ett oe BL: Wh Sat Rolgn wba WS Pt Se6 DAMON: Thank you, your Majesty! Wisi9? eg PET 65 KING: The order with my official seal shall go by your own hand, Damon. But | warn YOU, if your friend does not return on time, you shall surely die in his place! | shall show no mercy, Siew Sunt inp? Bh? Aike ie PRL phe eh 7/8 1/1/2001 12:32:55 AMOS FL EL peBF LST 24s [Music: In briefly and out] [Pai uF 7] SCENE-V (2*-Uig )) NARRATOR: Pythias did not like the king's bargain with Damon. He did not like to leave his friend in prison with the chance that he might lose his life if something went wrong. But at last Damon persuaded him te leave and Pythias set out for his home. More than a week went by. The day set for the death sentence drew near. Pythias did not return. Everyone in the city knew of the condition on which the king had permitted Pythias to go home. Everywhere people met, the talk was sure to turn to the two friends. ke Le fens iw Seeg Sheer Sa Lit ets FI aibind Wipe ILA Sep hoe S eb LA Lat MSS LAL ME tom pd Levey Vj tt inns ST Sor mmetatrra IM e F boinSiy SPL ta eioutss hyp FIRST VOICE: Do you suppose Pythias will come back? WT An See ldnt & www classnotes xyz 7 ClassNotes Lesson 23 SECOND VOICE: Why shouid he stick his head under the king's axe once he has escaped? Chik pen Z Le Lit Gnd Lets THIRD VOICE: Still would an honourable man like Pythias let such a good friend die for him? Bed p Life nee iS VEA UISE FIRST VOICE: There's no telling what a man will do when it's a question of his own life against another's 8/28 1/1/2001 12:32:55 AMSe Mada Scie Se Sap me Sb en PASE 21 0S SECOND VOICE: But if Pythias doesn't come back before the time is up, he will be killing his friend. ht SPS. even RIL. Ke dys e wiSe» THIRD VOICE: Well, there's still a few days’ time. |, for one, am certain that Pythias will return in time. Rv Se Pte hes todeeh tlt ose SECOND VOICE: And | am just as certain that he will not. Friendship is friendship, but a man's own life is something stronger. | say! Ke gen h li Sige Tinto # vlePstidan wisn lust SCENE-VI (2*-tz) NARRATOR: Two days before the time was up, the king himseff visited Damon in his prison cell te S tur hit domed mycis S3 [Sound: Iron door untocked and opened.] [e- Ctrrsig Mes gT iT] KING: [Mocking.] You see now, Damon, that you were a fool to make this bargain. Your friend has tricked you! He will not come back here to be killed! He has deserted you. i SPB Le ved for SEP LAS Rig [En GS) it RL WIE ee LE pull www.classnotes.xyz 8 ClassNotes ies DAMON: [Calm and firm.] | have faith in my friend. | know he will return. AMS onde tag Pigernigil [Inshsiok ghos KING: [Mocking.] We shall see! LEA [en LUI Gi) wt 9/28 1/1/2001 12:32:55 AM[Sound: Iron door shut and locked] (eth Vesta st censlss ST 2317] SCENE-VHI (4+_Uis-) NARRATOR: Meanwhile, when Pythias reached the home of his family, he arranged his business affairs so that his mother and sister would be able to live comfortably for the rest of their years. Then he said a last farewell to them before starting back to the city. AMS See tree Man SL oleae herr tli SS BURAK Lied nin Kns Cpe at ite pul Sensidy MOTHER: [In tears.) Pythias, it will take you two days to get back. Stay another day, | beg you! Be P sien Liye c fund ler tL Mor LBM PE nL) Ub PYTHIAS: | dare not stay longer, Mother. Remember, Damon is locked up in my prison cell while I'm gone. Please don't weep for me. My death may help bring better days for all our people. BL PLPALSE IS LALA S Peed SLE cowie tue EemtlivKel fie tortie d euvrdc cheneunvlig NARRATOR: So Pythias began his journey in plenty of time. But bad luck struck him on the very first day. At twilight, as he walked along a lonely stretch of woodland, a rough voice called: tet Lule res seel Yot py LPL rg of 3 HALTS EAL Ae WL EAT Jas 1st ROBBER: Not so fast there, young man! Stop! Phat sedi tou www classnotes xyz 9 ClassNotes Lesson 23 10/28 1/1/2001 12:32:55 AMPYTHIAS: /Startied.] Oh! What is it? What do you want? Hevea Io! (AER) ue * 2nd ROBBER: Your money bags. My money bags? | have only this small bag of coins. | shall need them for some favours, perhaps, before | die Bed pste Pid ii ruled Whur Phau Wels Snev2 SILL i lh Ast ROBBER: What do you mean, before you die? We don't mean to kill you, only take your money. iA ink Peet Meebligie ds 12ug PYTHIAS: I'l give you my money: only don't delay me any longer. lam to die by the king's order three days from now. If | don't return on time, my friend must die in my place, et ypoinberide PLith trersrb ibrar tk we bate Li elena zis ang arZh 1st ROBBER: A likely story! What man would be fool enough to go back to prison ready to die! PS c2 LE pr Sb si lr sT SS Li 2g 2nd ROBBER: And what man would be foo! enough to die for you? he pee kee ati ofa Ayo 1st ROBBER: Well take your money, all right. Arid we'll tie you up while we get away, Lb ep fel pe? forse Le iud PYTHIAS: [Begging.] No! No! | must get back to free my friend! Fade, | must go back! arf kukete BonPh LEA Serna i Oe (end Ser] Wie NARRATOR: But the two robbers took Pythias's money, tied him to a tree, and went off as fast’ as they could. Pythias struggied to free himself. He cried out for a long time. But no one travelled through that lonesome woodland after dark. The sun had been up for many hours before he finally managed to free himself from the ropes that had tied him to the tree. He lay on the ground, hardly able to breathe PF Lekre gPmpeteo lela iuduint SS BP Vet Brann LEU gsi ble F eb Sate SILI DIL www. classnotes xyz 10 11/28 41/1/2001 12:32:55 AMClassNotes Lesson 23 cle Pine hel Lite eit MMSE NEE EE EGGS ILA re Mie tin tos Lesn [Music: In briefly and out] (Pais #7] NARRATOR: After a while Pythias got to his feet. Weak and dizzy from hunger and thirst and his struggle to free himself, he set off again. Day and night he travelled without stopping, desperately trying to reach the city in time to save Damon's life. dale anbsernSILMDI MA NSA LAS grees ao h fd BL mi nL LES Site ppd tere EL gol SAL nerdy wl eT revs [Music: Up and out] [Paud: br) NARRATOR: On the last day, half an hour before noon, Damon's hands were tied behind his back, and he was taken into the public square. The people muttered angrily as Damon was led in by the jailer. Then the king entered and seated himself ‘ona high platform. Ved Setter Z ere i Srl Sota anos tf i Vege Fh Liat Pint sbt e Ne ALI LS baer alr [Sound: Crowd voices in and hold under single voices] (ade Ae ut LE raat cipal Sea unt] SCENE-VIMI (5-127) SOLDIER: [Loud] Long live the king! Lobes aele t Lh] 28 FIRST VOICE: (Low) The longer he lives, the more miserable our lives will be! andes lensing 5 te ntiefubitenl et] unt he KING: [Loud, mocking.] Well, Damon, your lifetime is nearly up. Where is your good friend Pythias now? 12/2 1/1/2001 12:32:55 AMSe Wenig elect Lin? WS ers Ag LNG ch) leah www.classnotes xyz nN ClassNotes Lesson 23 AMON: [Firm | have faith in my friend fhe has not returned, I'm certain it through no fault of his own SOP ib te PENA AS eriAgerrigh if KING: [Mocking } The sun is aimost overnead. The shadow is almost at the noon mark And stili your friend has not returned to give back your life! A eid SAotee gob Le Sree eid gp Mrbor[e nit Sd] eh ee Roel; DAMON: [Quiet J | am ready and happy to die in his place. wunti age Le, kIL re] 5 KING: [Harsh ] And you shall, Damon! Jailer, lead the prisoner to the— LIS Be La pF Ab PF] ht [Sound: Crowd voices up to a roar, then under.] (Seer Ade tte Sit fe ant] FIRST VOICE: [Over noise.] Look! I's Pythias! least SECOND VOICE: (Over noise ] Pythias has comeback! Le RL Aitize we] TS 9 PYTHIAS: [Breathless ] Let me through! Damon! hind LL Sab] su AE [Piste ae] IT DAMON: Pythias! rhs PYTHIAS: Thank the gods I'm not too late! DAMON: (Quiet, sincere.) | would have died for you gladly, my friend epee Magi tence cfegir CROWD VOICES: /Loud, demanding} Set them free! Set them both free! 13/28 1/1/2001 12:32:55 AM 3LIAL dren LIA Enh S Sorat] seal Sek KING: [Happy] Pythias, what made you take so long? A bit more delay ana your friend would have been executed. etn Paces ik Lin gr OL Dip” > [PA] wibt www classnotes xyz 12 ClassNotes Lesson 23 PYTHIAS: Your Majesty, | would have been here in the morning but for those two robbers! . Ie B LE Lali ier : leau KING: (Alert) Robbers? What robbers? sedfted [Hg] nt PYTHIAS: Two robbers intercepted me last evening on my way here. They took the money bag from me and tied me up to a tree despite my begging to let me go cei kB Supdouriptutd went 2S eevenlt on rotheesrfidraCedblesdy KING: [Oh] How did you manage to untie yourself? : Wh LF Taide [nl] PYTHIAS: Your Majesty, | struggled the whole night to untie myself. Luckily, one knot got loosened and | was able to untie it. etn wl Le PIAS EP Laub SEAS gl tpi testy eS KING: | shall see to it that those robbers are caught and punished. They nearly killed an innocent man! Wha Pie Liduniut easy SES eorthikrgt west CROWD VOICES: [Loud, demanding] Set them free! Set them both free! LTS dort WT A [ELS Sect] Last SCE KING: [Loud] People of the city! (Crowd voices out.) Never in all my life have | seen Such faith and friendship, such loyalty between men. There are many among you who call me harsh and cruel. But | cannot kill any man who proves such strong and true friendship for another. Damon and Pythias, | set you both free. [Roar of approval from crowd.] | am king. | command a great army. | have stores of gold and precious jewels. But ! would give all my money and power for one friend like Damon 14/28 1/1/2001 12:32:55 AMor Pythias. CAE Gr nicla te Es irhL tube Lat SR LIL 2 Lal] abot a tLe mntebrlundiocte tf suieoLuetoi tt WAL Ine ka ifs et Seti ng aBedid. Leypurt la F ry MLA SOLUS MIA Shi Lomb MI Sirtve SAS Aunt Svea gid Leva upset ne Leia? www.classnotes xyz 13 ee ClassNotes Lesson 23 ([Sound: Roar of approval from crowd up briefly and out.] [Music: Up and out} THE END (adn? Pict Gat Siete SAUCR isl] Lek BE About the Author Fan Kissen (1893-1978), an American playwright. spent most of her writing career in turing folktales and legends into plays for young people. The plays were first Performed on radio in Kissen's series, Tales from the Four Winds. Later Kissen collected and published them in The Bag of Fire and Other Plays, The Crowded House and Other Tales, and The Straw Ox and Other Plays. Before writing radio plays, Kissen taught elementary school in New York City. Damon and Pythias was first published in 1964. New Vocabulary Tyrant (n) A ruler who governs oppressively, unjustly, cruelly, a idespot [Mercy(n) __ [Compassionate treatment of an offender, pity, clement [A person who resists or rises against a govt, or other| 15/28 1/1/2001 12:32:55 AMv7 proclaim (v [Daring (n) [Courageous bog id ftron hand (n)__[Harsh or igorous contol overbearing or autocratic Tore _| [cent(n) [Prison cell asmal simple room acubcle | [To bid farewell To say goodbye [Eager to learn; inquisitive, puzzled [Curious (adj.)__| Bargain (n) JAn agreement or contract what each person will give, receive, perform [To persuade (v) To induce, urge or prevail upon successfully: to convince | promise or obligation; to abscond from a place of di The soft diffused light when the sun is just below the| horizon, esp. at sunset wiww.classnotes.xyz 4 ClassNotes Lesson 23 Woodland (n) __ |Land that is mostly covered with woods or dense growth off trees and snrubs ‘© startle (v) To be or cause to be surprised or frightened sudden Lonesome (adj.) |Deserted, desolate, isolated; lonely, gloomy [To manage (v) |To succeed in being able to do something despite| [Dizzy (adj.) __|Affected with a whirling or reeling sensation, gidd} ‘0. utter something in a low, indistinct tone; mumble [Miserable (adj.) [Unhappy or depressed. wretched fo Intercept (v) [To stop, deflect or seize on the way from one place to another in order to prevent from arriving or proceeding further Recalling = a 3 é fe Slate 3 3 iu Who were Damon and Pythias and where did they live? Ans: Long, long ago there lived on the island of Sicily two young men named Damon and Pythias They were known far and wide for the strong fnendship each 16/28 1/1/2001 12:32:55 AMhad for the other. Their names have come down to our own times to mean true friendship. ai What was the King like? Ans: The king of that country was a cruel tyrant. He made cruel laws, and he ‘showed rio mercy toward anyone who broke his laws. 3. Why didn't the people rebel against the cruel King? Ans: The people didn't dare rebel because they feared the king’s great and powerful army. No one dared say a word against the king or his laws. 4 Why is Pythias arrested? Ans: Pythias was brought before the king, he showed no fear. He stood straight and quiet in front of the king and tells him that he is not alone, in thinking king's laws are cruel, also People disapprove his law. But you rule the people with such an iron hand that they dare not complain. 5. ‘How does the King react to Pythias' disapproval of his laws? Ans: The king's reaction is so angry. He becomes irritated and ask Pythias if the people have appointed him their champion. The king declares him a rebel and orders his soldier to throw Pythias into prison and kill him after two weeks. 6. What punishment does the King accord to Pythias? Ans: The King accord to Pythias death punishment. He put into prison for two weeks and he shall be put to death in the public square at noon, as an example to anyone else who may dare to question my laws or acts. www classnotes xyz 15 ClassNotes Lesson 23 7. What does Damon do when he hears about his friend's imprisonment? Ans: When Damon heard that his friend Pythias had been thrown into prison, and about the severe punishment that was to follow, he was heartbroken. He rushed to the prison and persuaded the guard to let him speak to his friend. 8. What thought troubles the mind of Pythias? Ans: He was prepared to die. But there is one thought that troubles him greatly. He wormed about what will happen to his mother and sister when he gone. 9. Wr- * does Pythias wish to do before he is put to death? Ans: taxes his piace «7 prison with the king's permission to allow him to meet his mother and sister and to attend to a few things before he is put to death. If he did not return within two weeks, his friend would be executed instead. 10. What is Pythias known for throughout Sicily? Ans: You'll give your word to return at the end of that time, Everyone in Sicily knows you for a man who has never broken his word. 11. What plan does Damon propose to Pythias to help him do what he wants to do? ‘Ans: Damon proposes to Pythias to help him do what he wants to do by going to the king and beg him to grant Pythias freedom for a few days. He will take his place 17/8 1/1/2001 12:32:55 AMin the prison cell and will give his words to king that if you do not return by the appointed day, he may kill me in your place 12. How does Damon plead Pythias' case before the King? Ans: Damon plead Pythias’ case before the King by requesting the king to allow Pythias go home for a few days to bid farewell to his mother and sister. He offers to take his place in the prison until he comes back. If he does not return, then king may take my life in his place. 13. Why does the King agree to Damon's proposal? Ans: The King agrees to Damon's proposal because he wants to test their loyalty and true friendship. 14. Does Pythias like Damon's bargain with the King? Why? ‘Ans: Pythias did not like the king's bargain with Damon. He did not like to leave his friend in prison with the chance that he might lose his life if something went wrong. 15. What do the veople, represented by the voices, think whether Pyt'i.ae vi" return to die or not? Ans: > o: <3. “2presnted the voices, think with different opinions that Pythias has never broken ts word, he will certainly return. He is an honorable man will not let such a good friend die for him. Others think he will not. Friendship is friendship, but a man’s own life is something stronger. Why should he stick his head under the king's axe once he has escaped 16. Why doesn't Pythias stay for another day as his mother asks him to? Ans: -Pythias does not stay another day as his mother ask him to do because Damon is locked up in my prison cell and he wants to reach the spot in time to save his friend and fulfill his commitment. www.classnotes.xyz 16 ClassNotes Lesson 23 17. Do the robbers believe Pythias’ story about Damon and himself? Ans: Robbers do not believe Pythias’ story about Damon. They think that it is impossible for a person to endanger his life for a friend 18. Why does the King mock Damon and what is Damon's response? Ans: The king mocks Damon that Pythias has tricked him and He will not come back here to be killed. Damon replies that he has faith in my friend. | know he will return, 19. Ans: When the king hears abe those robbers are caught ang 20. Why does the King let Damon and Pythias go free? ‘Ans: The King let Damon and Pythias go free because of their faithfulness, friendship, such loyalty between them. What does the King say when he hears about the two robbers? the hve rchbers ne savs "hat he will see to it that ned They neary «Jed an innocent man 18/28‘Interpreting 21. What is the theme of the play? Whose behaviour, Damon's, Pythias’, or the King's most admirable and why? Ans: The theme of the play is true friendship. Behaviour of all the three characters is good. But | think that Pythias character is most appreciable because he speaks for the people and declares the king as cruel tyrant. He returns in time to save the life of his friend. Extending 22. Do you think such kind of friendship is possible in this age of materialism, selfishness and corruption? Ans: Such kind of friendship is not impossible but it is a fact that itis dificult This modem age is the age of materialism, selfishness and corruption. Everyone makes friends with people who are rich, and having authority. No one wants to endanger his own life for his friend. No one cares for poor people 23. Write an essay on the virtues of friendship. Ans: Virtue and Friendshi A friend is defined as a person whom one knows, likes and trusts. So friendship is when two people know each other well, and trust each other. But the teal definition of a friend and friendship is based upon one's own notions. Lots of people say they are friends but they aren't. One can appreciate and admire someone, but that doesn't make them friends. Friends are people without whom your life wouldn't be complete. What is friendship?! It is knowing that there is a person whom you can trust completely. it is sharing your grief and happiness with them. It is helping them solve problems, and knowing they will do the same for you. It is forgiving them #f they were wrong because you know they didn't mean it. It is sharing your dreams hopes, and www classnotes xyz 7 ClassNotes Lesson 23 secrets together. It is coming to help them and expecting nothing in return. It is finding time for each other no matter what Friendship is the relationship between two people who really care about each other. But it is not an easy task. Friendship demands time and effort Developing and maintaining friendship is a challenge. But in exchange, a friend can provide a lot of support and comfort in both good and bad times. Friendship is not a matter of the amount of time you spend with someone. Rather. it is a measure of the depth that arises between the two. It is a lifelong experience. It is a very personal and unique thing. It connects people by their 19/28 1/1/2001 12:32:55 AMfeelings. And friendship is superior to every valuable thing in life. Sometimes, we may discover that the person we thought was a good and trusted friend was in fact not. it might also occur that at one point of life you are friends, and then something happened and you can never be friends anymore. Things happen, this is how life is. But without friendship, it's hard to maintain happiness 7 Many things are needed to make friendship a good one, including trustworthiness, support, honesty, and loyalty. So, friendship is not an easy thing Having friends is the greatest gift of life and having friendship is the greatest value of life. So | hope that everyone will value friendship in life. Writing 24. Based on your knowledge of method of characterisation (see reading dramas/plays below), fill in the following table (after making copies of the same) for Damon, Pythias, and the King. 25. Usii our information, write character sketches of the characters. hysical Description Other characters’ speech, thoughts, feelings, actions about that character Narrator’s own direct comments within stage directions (if present, se O}D 3 82 3 oO a 2 el 83 é B8 5 > 3 & a Ans: An Ideal Friend: Phythias is a young Sicilian and a true friend of Damon. He is known far and wide for his strong friendship with Damon. He does not want to exploit the sincerity of his friend. When Damon tells him that he will request the king to let him go home for a few days and put him in prison in place of him, he does not agree. He does not want his friend to play with danger. 18 lassnotes.xyz ee ClassNotes Lesson 23 Bold and Fearless: The king is a tyrant. He makes cruel laws. Because of the fear of a great and powerful army of the king, the people dare not rebel against him or his laws. When he is brought before the king, he fearlessly and boldly tells the king that he does not approve of his laws. 20/28 1/1/2001 12:Patriot: He is a true patriot He tells the king that the people are suffering under his tule. They want to have a voice in making the laws for themselves. He is put in prison and given death punishment merely for speaking for the cause of the people. He tells his mother that his death may help in bringing better days for all his countrymen. Love for Mother and Sister: He has great love for his mother and sister. He is thinking of what will happen to his mother and sister after his death. When his friend, Damon, assures him that he will take care of them as if they were his own mother and sister, he tells him that he has money to leave for them but there are other things he must arrange. Keeps his Promise: He keeps his promise. When he is set free at the cost of his friend's life, he tries his best to return within due time. His mother tasks him to stay for another day but he refuses. Unfortunately he is [lobbed and tied by the robbers on his way back. He unties himself after great struggle, extremely hungry and thirsty, and dead-tired peaches the public square where his friend has been brought for execution. Thus he saves the life of his friend 2. Damon An Ideal Friend: Damon is a young Sicilian and sincere friend of Pythias. He is known far and wide for his strong friendship with Pythias. When he hears that his friend has been thrown into prison, and about the death punishment that is to follow, he rushes to the prison and J persuades the guard to let him speak to his friend. He approaches the king and requests him to let Pythias go for a few days to bid farewell to his mother and sister. He offers himself to take his place in the prison; and if Pythias does not return on prescribed time, he may be killed. This is an act of ideal friendship Fearless and Bold: — nee lp as fearless and bold as his friend. He is not afraid of death. He piedaes Even the king is greatly impressed by faith, friendship and | loyalty of the two friends. He declares that there are many people who call him harsh and cruel; but he cannot kill any man who proves such strong and true friendship for another. He orders to set them free. He says that he will give all his money and power for one friend like Damon or Pythias. www classnotes.xyz 9 et ClassNotes Lesson 23 3. The King Tyrant and Cruel: The king is a tyrant. The whole story revolves round his orders and attitude. He makes very cruel and oppressive laws, People are so afraid of him that they 21/28 1/1/2001 12:32:55 AMdare not rebel against him When Pythias expresses his view before him, he flies into a rage and orders to put him in prison and execute him after two weeks. He cannot tolerate to see anyone of his people challenge his authority. He wants to make him an example for others. Appraiser of Friendship: When Damon requests him to allow his friend to go home and bid farewell to his mother and sister and put him in prison in place of his friend Pythias. The king accepts his request as a test and sets Pythias free. Damon is put in prison. When Pythias does not return and Damon is brought to public square for execution as an example for anyone who dares to challenge his authority, the king mocks Damon and asks him where his sincere friend is? Damon expresses full faith in his friend. When Pythias arrives just at the nick of time, the king is amazed and impressed. He sets both the friends free and admires their friendship. Then he says that he will give all his money and power for one friend like Damon and Pythias. Reading Drama/Plays Fiction, which includes novels, short stories and plays. is literature of the imagination. The characters and events are made up by the author. Fiction can be ‘strongly based on real people and events or may be wildly inventive. A single short story or a play may be several different things. First, it is an entertainment. it is a means by which you withdraw from the sad, or boring, or frightening world about you. A story or a play, then, is to be read just for enjoyment. But good writers do not write only to entertain. They have a reason for writing. They have something to say about their characters or a situation or a way of living. Plays are a corhment upon life. Authors may not state these comments in so many words; they may leave it to the reader to figure out. If the readers do not find this meaning, they are missing important part of the play or story. One way of getting at the author's meaning is to ask: What is the story or the play about? The answer to this question is the theme of the story or the play. The theme is never just the plot, the action. The theme is the author's feeling or belief about the action. He may reveal this feeling by using keywords such as sad, outrageous, frightening, confusing or pitiful. Or He may reveal their feelings through what happens to the characters. He leaves it to the readers to discover this feeling and state it to themselves. A short story or a play, then, is an entertainment and a writer's comment upon life. It is also @ work of literary art. Its effects are secured by the methods and devices of the writer's art www classnotes xyz 20 ClassNotes Lesson 23 2/B 41/1/2001 12:32:55 AMHow the Writer Works Short stories and plays picture people in real situations rather than in general terms. The purpose of the writers fiction is to create persons and incidents which help them portray some idea about how people live or should live. The reader becomes interested in what is happening to a particular individual in a particular situation. Once the author has decided upon the point of his story, he/she must begin to create plot, characters and setting to dramatize it. These are the elements of any story. The following discussion wil! present them separately. It is important to Temember, however. that in a well-written story. the plot. characters, setting and theme cannot be separated from each other; they all must function harmoniously to Produce the total impression of the story. It is only for convenience of study that each can be isolated and discussed as a separate factor. The Situation Like a newspaper story, a short story must begin by introducing die characters and showing their relation to each other. It must tell the reader where the action is taking place and when. In short, it must explain the situation as the story opens. You must therefore read the first part of a short story slowly enough to get the details. Plot and Conflict Probably the basic need for an interesting story is a good plot or conflict. The conflict is presented through a succession of incidents. These incidents are closely related to each other and heighten the reader's interest in how things are going to turn out. That is, the incidents in a good plot build up to a climax where the conflict is settled. A good tale must have at least two opposing forces: the protagonist, the central character, who wants to achieve some goal; and the antagonist, the person or thing that the main character must overcome to achieve his desired end. Most plots include the following stages: ex “Ths is the foundation of the plot. Characters are introduced, the setting is described and the plot begins to-unfold Rising Action: As the story progresses, complications usually arise, causing difficulties for ‘the main characters and making the conflict more difficult to resolve. winw.classnotes.xyz a 23/28 1/1/2001 12:32:55 AMClassNotes Lesson 23 Climax: This is the turning point of the action, the moment when interest and intensity reach their peak, usually involving an important event, decision or discovery that affects the final outcome. Falling Action: These are the events that occur after the climax. The protagonist loses control and there is a snowballing effect Resolution: The falling action leads either to a tragic ending or a happy ending. A sudden revelation or the intervention of a force may lead to @ happy ending. The resolution is the ending, and often tying together, of the story. The opposition to the protagonist can be of various kinds: it can be another person or group of persons; it can be an extemal force such as physical nature, society or the general environment; finally, it an be internal, something within the character himself such as a conflict of desires or of "the better self against the worse self.” Hence, we can classify the conflict as Internal and External: Internal: "man vs. himseff - struggle takes place within a character. External: This is a struggle between the protagonist (the hero) and some other force Extemal conflict is of three types: "man vs. man” - struggle between two characters, the protagonist and the antagonist (the villain) "man vs. nature" - struggle between character and the elements of nature, such as fate "man vs. society” - struggle between character and people as a whole, or an institution, such as the law and justice. The plot needs not be the chief interest, but, unless there is a conflict, there is hardly a story in the usual sense of the term. Character: As readers, we are interested in fictional characters only if they are plausible, that is, only if they seem like’ real persons engaged in a real human experience. A story must present characters that the reader will accept as believ-able. Unless an author is successful in arousing our sympathy and our feelings for the people in his/her story, he/she will not hold our attention. Different authors have different ways of bringing their characters to life, but, in general, they will use one or more of the following four basic techniques of characterisation: 24/28 1/1/2001 12:32:55 AM1. The narrator's own direct comments. www classnotes.xyz 22 ClassNotes Lesson 23 2. Other characters’ speech, thoughts, feelings and actions about that character 3. The character's own speech, thoughts, feelings, actions 4 Writer may use physical description First, they may present the characters directly; that is, they may tell the reader that the hero is brave or cowardly, that he is generous or selfish, that he is cruel or kind. If they use this technique, the readers will know about the character, but they will not be able to picture him. The character will remain fiat and lifeless. Second, the authors may create a character through what other characters say about him/her, how they react toward him/her, and what they think of him/her. Third, the writers may present their characters dramatically; that is, they can show them being brave, or selfish, or cruel, or kind. They can do this in a number of ways: by the character's actions, by their speech, by their thoughts and feelings. Finally, they may present characters by describing their physical appearances. Setting: To present characters engaged in a significant conflict, authors need a time arid a place; that is, they need a setting. The action must take place somewhere during a given period of time. Some stories are so constructed that they could take place only in one setting. In other stories, the action and characters are so universal that place and time have little bearing on the development of the story. Although the setting may not be as important as plot and character, authors can use it to build up the total impression they are trying to create. Point of View: Point of View refers to the narrative method used in a story. There are three main types: First Person Person Limited Third Person Omniscient First Person: A character (usually the main character) or characters in the play (or novel, short story) describes the action as a participant (uses T and "we"). Third Person Limited: The events are related through the eyes of one character (a fly on the wall perspective) Third Person Omniscient: The narrator is all-knowing, can see through the minds of all characters and can read their thoughts. Theme: All good writers intend their fiction to give an insight into some aspect of human experience or of human values, which is called the theme of the story. This 25/28 1/1/2001 12:32:55 AMneed not be a moral or lesson in the ordinary sense of the word, but the idea as dramatized by the author should give the reader something to think about. it may even challenge their own sense of values or their appreciation and understanding of why human beings are what they are and why they do what they do. In short, good authors enrich the lives of their readers by giving them an experience of life which they could not have in actuality. The well-written shart story or a play, then, presents www classnotes xyz 2B ClassNotes Lesson 23 action, character, setting, and theme so artistically interwoven that the readers get an experience of human life often more vivid and more satisfying than anything they could enjoy in their normal existence Basic Questions to Ask Although short stories and plays differ from one another, there are a few basic questions that can be asked of almost any play or story as an aid in identifying and understanding its major features. The following are some of the questions that the students can ask so as to help them understand and appreciate the stories and the plays included in this volume. Plot 1. Describe the plot in terms of its expositiqn, complication, crisis, falling action and resolution. Is the plot unified? 2. What is the central problem or conflict on which the plot turns? Where does the turning point seem to occur? How is the plot resolved? Does the resolution seem to be appropriate and satisfactory? 3. Describe the function of each scene. Do certain scenes contrast with or reinforce one another? Do any of the scenes seem to present a metaphor of the play as a whole? Character 1. Who Is the protagonist of the play/the story, and who Is the antagonist? 26/28 1/1/2001 12:32:55 AM1 2 www classnotes xyz What are the functions of the play's (or the story's) other major characters? What is their relationship to the protagonist and the antagonist and to each other? What methods does the playwright employ to establish and reveal the characters? Are the actions of the characters properly motivated, consistent and plausible? Do any of the characters serve symbolic or allegorical functions? 24 ClassNotes Lesson 23 Setting What is the play's/story's setting in time and place? To what extent does the setting functionally serve to ald in characterisation, establish and sustain atmosphere, and/or influence plot? What is the relationship of the setting to the play’s/the story's action? Does it serve to reinforce the action, or is the relationship ‘one of contrast? Does the setting have any symbolic overtones? Theme What is the play's/story's theme or its central idea? How is the theme presented? Is it explicitly stated somewhere in the play/story or is it merely implied? Are there any specific passages, dialogues or actions that contribute most clearly to the revelation of the theme? What is the value or significance of the play's/story's theme? Is it topical or universal in its appeal? Personal Reaction What is your reaction to the play/story? Do you like the 27/28 1/1/2001 12:32:55 AMplay/story? If so, why? If not, why not? 2. Have you learnt anything from the play/story? If so, what is it that you have learnt from it? 28/28 1/1/2001 12:32:55 AM