Unit: 1

Education First
Critical thinking
a. All children have the right to quality education. How can we ensure this right to every
child? Discuss the role of the government and the parents to make sure that every child can
attend school.
Children are the future of the nation. Until they get quality education the country can’t progress. Our
constitution has guaranteed education as the fundamental right of every child, which includes right to
access to education and right to free education up to the secondary level. A large number of children
in our country are still deprived of this fundamental right. The government and the parents together
should work to ensure that children go to school, receive a good quality education, and learn the
skills they will need to grow in the 21st century.
Each school requires a safe, friendly environment, and qualified and motivated teachers for quality
learning. However, most of the schools in rural areas can’t manage good physical infrastructure,
andteaching and non-teaching staff, arranging sufficient financial resources. The government should
act towards empowering school leaders and teachers towards professional responsibility, set
standards and support them wholly in search of delivering quality learning prospects for the learners.

It is the duty of parents to fulfill the basic needs of their children. They don’t send their children to
school and say that they are the victim of poverty though education is free of charge. Instead, they
are ready for spending their earnings on unnecessary things. They can provide at least basic
learning materials and create pleasant learning atmosphere at home. The children should be
encouraged to learn new things every day. The role of parents is not confined to their home but
involvement in school activities, too.

b. Do you think that there is still discrimination between sons and daughters in terms of
providing education in our country? What strategies do you suggest to overcome such
discrimination against girls?
There is still discrimination between sons and daughters in terms of providing education in our
country. Gender is the strongest factor of school participation among rural youths in Nepal. Girls are
more likely to obtain less years of schooling than boys because their parents consider their children's
preparation for their adult marital roles differently based on gender. Girls are supposed to leave their
families for their husbands after marriage. Our cultural traditions expect more domestic work to be
fulfilled by girls rather than boys. High priority to boys' education is also ascribed to the fact that girls
have less time to do school work in order to complete their household chores. Child marriage and
poverty mainly cause high drop-out rates for girls. Therefore, young girls don’t get receive formal
education.
To overcome the aforementioned discrimination various strategies can be adopted. The workload of
girls should be eased at home. Special arrangements should be made for girls in every sphere like
library, canteen, playground and the like. Girls’ secondary education initiatives should be prioritized.
Schools should be girl friendly and located closer to children’s homes. The government should
establish necessary agencies for creating public consciousness for girl’s education. Teachers are
required to be gender aware.

c. A Chinese philosopher Confucius said, “If your plan is for one year, plant rice; if your plan
is for ten years, plant trees; if your plan is for one hundred years, educate children.” What is
the meaning of this saying? Elaborate this with examples.
The sole meaning of the saying is that our goals decide what our actions need to be. If we have
short term goals, then short term actions are expected. If we have long term goals, our actions take

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longer to come to fruition but they will be different. For example, if we know where we want to go and
how long it needs to take to get there, the road we take, our means of transportation and who and
what we take along with us become clear.
The statement carries the message of the importance of education for prosperity of the society, too.
Education plays a crucial role in developments and imparts various skills, values, and awareness. It
is responsible for shaping a person. In the long term, education secures greater benefits. Educated
children today will develop a very civilized and moral society tomorrow. Children should be provided
with the best possible education as an investment which will only benefit the whole society in the
future.
Critical thinking
a. How does the author persuade readers in this essay? What is he trying to communicate to
the readers?
The essay ‘Freewriting’ explains how freewriting helps one to improve his/her writing skills. The
author has presented his idea with relevant evidence and supportive discussion to persuade the
readers.
According to the author, the most effective way to improve one’s writing is to do freewriting exercises
repeatedly. The freewriting is spontaneous and accepts no feedback. It must never be evaluated and
there must be no discussion or comment at all. The essay reveals that the main thing about
freewriting is that it is non-editing. Editing is usually necessary if we want to end up our writing with
some satisfactory. The habit of compulsive and premature editing makes our writing hard and dead.
The essayist believes that in our natural way of producing words there is a mixture of a sound, a
texture and rhythm called a voice. The voice is the main source of power in our writing and carries
over into the regular writing.
b. Elbow said, freewriting “is an exercise in bringing together the process of producing
words and putting them down on the page.” Do you agree with his statement? Why? Why
not?
Freewriting is an exercise in bringing together the process of producing words and putting them
down on the page. It can be done in a short period of time without stopping, no matter how coherent
or incoherent it is. In freewriting one doesn’t need to be concentrating on spelling, grammar and
similar ideas. When we freewrite, we express whatever comes into our mind on the specific topic.
Practiced regularly, freewriting undoes the inbuilt habit of editing at the same time we are trying to
produce. It will make writing less blocked. It doesn’t matter what we write as freewriting is only for us
to read unless we share our work with others. It will solve our editing worries. Practicing freewriting
continuously will enhance our writing skill.
c. How did you learn to write? What was particularly difficult in writing? What inspired you to
write? What are some of the challenges that you still face while writing?
Writing was one of the most complicated tasks for me. When I was in the intermediate grade, I could
hardly manage half of the paragraph on the assigned topic. My work would lose proper grammatical
structures, suitable vocabularies and coherence. The most problematic part was generation of
vocabularies. When I sat for any piece of writing, words couldn’t come easily. Some of my friends
would go through any writing assignment comfortably. Their writings were greatly admired in the
classroom. I wished I could write like them. I talked to my teacher about my difficulty. He suggested
me not to panic and practise freewriting exercises regularly and encouraged me to read as many
English texts as I could. Then, I followed the advice very strictly. I enriched my vocabulary and learnt
the sentence structures with correct grammatical rules. Now, I can allow myself to complete any sort
of writing easily but I still get troubled with accumulation of appropriate words.
Critical thinking
a. Does social media have positive impact in the society? Discuss.
Social media has positive impact in the society. The platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.
have assisted us to connect ourselves to family members, friends and relatives though they are in
different corners of the world. These social networking sites support people to share pictures and

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videos, and communicate with their close ones. This makes our relationships stronger and brings
families together in a way that was impossible in the past.
Professional websites and official organization web -pages create numerous chances to explore the
world, learn new facts and read the newest survey results, reports, etc. There is a remarkable
increase in online learning and build a strong profession around it. It is interesting to mention that the
person who involves in businesses can be benefited from social media, too. Online promotions are
less costly than consistent ads on TV and newspapers. On the other hand, they give a chance to
reach the bigger audience and find active customers across the world. Through interaction with
customers and feedbacks given by them, business persons can understand the status of market and
embrace new strategies to meet the customer's tastes and demands. Nowadays, e-commerce and
digital marketing are popular.
Social media allows the users to share their thoughts and views, create their own content and
receive the latest information and news. Also, finding a job and hiring the employees required, using
social networking are in easy reach. In fact, everything looks easier to do with social media.
b. How do you compare virtual communication and face-to-face communication?
Communication comprises a sender, message and recipient. This process will be completed when
the receiver comprehends the sender's message. To make conversations more comfortable and
convenient people use either of the methods- virtual and face-to-face.

In virtual communication a recipient doesn’t need to be present. It lets us talk to people no matter
what location they’re in. It is more likely to be non-verbal. Using virtual communication helps us to
keep in touch with the people even if they are busy and not able to meet up. Various social
networking sites and apps are common platforms to have virtual communication. It’s easier to
organize and share all of the information we want when we communicate virtually.

Face-to-face communication needs both the sender and the recipient to be present, and response
immediately. When we talk to somebody face-to-face, we can actively notice their level of attention
in our conversation. It helps us build personal relationship and socialize. It prevents our
communicating skill to be rusty. With our body language and tone, we can express what we want to
talk about very precisely. Message can be easily understood by the concerned parties as both verbal
and non-verbal ways are used in face-to-face communication. It is better for illiterate person as they
don't understand written messages. Conversation on the telephone or cell phone and chatting
through internet are oral communication but cannot be termed as face-to-face communication.
Unit-4
Qin Dynasty
Critical thinking
a. The Great Wall and the Taj Mahal are the creation of the autocratic rulers. Present your
view for or against this statement.
In an autocracy power remains in the hands of a single person. The autocratic political system has
the feature of fear and control. Historically, the examples of autocracy have been represented by
absolute monarchs and military dictators. The great advantage to autocracy is that when immediate
and certain action is necessary, serious decisions are quickly made. Autocratic leaders usually make
choices which rely on their ideas and judgments, and hardly accept any advice from followers.

The rulers are able to gather resources for whatever seems important and then, order their people to
fulfill the vision. The autocrats have the some of the best armies of civilization. They are useful for
keeping an eye on their people as well as invading neighbors. The autocrats don’t have to worry

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about anybody as they establish rules themselves and an unquestioned authority. Some of the great
wondrous structures of civilization such as the Great Wall, the Taj Mahal, etc. have been the fancy of
autocrats. In the name of being immortal, commemorating a victory in a battle, dedication to their
loved ones, gaining popularity and employing unskilled and semi-skilled laborers along with talented
artisans, the rulers created such wonders.
b. How do you describe the pros and cons of feudalism?
Feudalism is a social system prevailed in Europe during the Middle Ages in which people (vassals)
were given land and protection by a nobleman (lord), and had to work and fight for him in return.

Feudal system had the provision of social and economic security to the lower-class members of the
society. The landlords could not deprive the vassals of their land and had to care for them during
their disability. The system helped people to develop the qualities like loyalty, bravery, generosity,
humility and courtesy. Associations between lords and vassals were based on high respect for truth
and promised word. The vassals showed every possible courteousness to the lords and served them
with loyalty and humility. In return, the lords revealed love and bigheartedness to the vassals.

Feudal lords established social and moral trends. They showed to the rest of the world how to wear
clothes, how to eat, how to ask a lady for a dance and numerous other things.

Feudal laws possessed the power to bind the king. This greatly proved helpful to the middle classes
in latter period in checking royal tyranny. Feudal system showed the way for the rise of states in
modern times. As time passed some feudal lords managed to get upper hand of their rivals and
extended their territories. Thus, the strong kingdoms were established.

It is argued that feudalism brought class divisions in the society. It divided the people into the class
of the nobles and the vassals. It also created a division of the rich and poor. The poor led a
subsistent life whereas the nobles and the rich led a life of leisure and idleness.

Feudal system made the conditions of the vassals very appalling. The vassals could hold lands what
were given to them by the nobles. They were supposed to work for the nobles and remain their
slaves.

In feudal system it became increasingly difficult for nations to be established. The nobles from one
region continued to fight against nobles from other regions, therefore, no peaceful nations could be
formed under such unsteady circumstances. The occurrence of constant fights among nobles
created the atmosphere of lack of peace. Furthermore, the existence of such unstable situations
made it difficult for the development of the society.

Europe could not be united as rivalry, suspicion and war were present. Feudal system seemed to
have been a cause which didn’t let Europe to be united. With the absence of unity, no real sovereign
states could be formed in Europe.

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Unit:5
Life and Love
The Looking Glass
Comprehension
Answer these questions.
a. Who was Nellie? What did she use to dream of?
Nellie was the daughter of a landowner and general, a young and pretty girl. She used to dream of
being married.

b. What was she doing with the looking glass?

She was gazing into the looking glass with exhausted, half-closed eyes.

c. Why did she go to the doctor on one winter night?

She went to the doctor one night because her husband was ill.

d. What was Stepan Lukitch doing when she reached his bedroom?
Stepan Lukitch was lying on his bed when she reached his bedroom.

e. Why was the doctor not ready to go to see her husband?

The doctor was not ready to go to see her husband because for the last three days he had been
away, seeing typhus patients, and was exhausted and ill himself.

f. Why did Stepan Lukitch suggest Nellie to go to the Zemstvo doctor?

Stepan Lukitch suggested Nellie to go to the Zemstvo doctor because he was in a fever and his
head was in a whirl.

g. Nellie said, “Come, perform that heroic deed! Have pity on us!" What was that pity to be done?
The doctor had to treat Nellie’s husband.

h. When Nellie said, "I must have fallen asleep." What does it mean?
Nellie stopped dreaming and was ready for facing the realities of life. (Answer may vary.)

i. What is the main theme of the story?

The story possessesthe theme of devotion, loneliness, escape, fear, love, dedication, hope, defeat
and independence.
or

Marriage is about love and happiness, but also has problems like a deadly sickness.
Critical thinking
a. “The looking glass (mirror)” is used as a symbol in the story. What does it symbolise?

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The Looking Glass symbolizes Nellie’s imagination and her desire to be married. In the story the
mirror remains to be instrumental because it serves as a window to her subconsciousness. The
major part of the story revolves around the dream of Natalie and how it goes on to scare her
because of her inability to find a solution to the problem.
The looking-glass offers Nellie an outlet to escape from the life that she is living. A life whereby she
is a single and unattached woman who longs to find a man who will love her and whom she too can
love. In fact, she is seeking happiness through marriage. Using her dream the story writer exhibits
her internal conflict within herself and her challenges to relate her problems with others.
In the story, the looking glass or mirror remains to be important because it reveals the future.
Chekhov uses this object to expose Nellie’s inner feelings, her fears and the manner she continues
to feel helplessness. The use of looking glass makes the story successful as it brings together its
goals and objectives to readers.
b. Chekhov employs the magic trick in the story, using a very elegant transition from reality
to imagination to reality sequence. Discuss its relevance to life of young people.
In the story the writer has used the magic trick, using a very elegant transition from reality to
imagination to reality sequence. It moves systematically giving the explanations from the beginning
of the story to the dream of the main character described until the character wakes up.

This story is set on New Year’s Eve. The transition from reality to imagination occurs in
theintroductory part of the story. The story begins with a young woman named Nellie who always
wants to get married, staring into the mirror. She drifts into her imagination and encounters a
terrifying glimpse of the future which involves a desperate attempt to save her husband from typhus.
The action becomes more specific, and the readers can safely assume they have been transitioned
completely into the realm of the imagination. And this is a wonderful trick of Chekhov’s part.

At the end of the story, we find ourselves in the part of reality. One of the looking glasses falls from
Nellie's hand and knocks on the floor. She wakes up from her imagination. This is how the transition
shifts into reality.
Most of the young people dream of their life as in the fairy tales, full of happiness and perfection, and
don’t recognize the difficult part. They compare themselves comfortable characters of the fanciful
movies. The character in the story begins with naive hopes and high expectations. What she sees in
the glass disabuses her of the illusion. Though at first she sees love and the caring husband of her
dreams, she then sees the momentary nature of this happiness. Nellie represents one of the young
people of privilege whose main concern has been the prospect of romance and marriage. She
believes that romance is the gateway to her happiness in life. These painful realities of life and death
are new to her.

Short Stories
1. The Selfish Giant
Summary
The Giant had a beautiful garden full of green grass, trees and flowers. As he visited his friend, the
Cornish ogre, the children enjoyed playing in the garden. But when he returned after seven years, he
sent the children away and kept the garden closed up. As a result, all the seasons except winter
refused to grace the Giant's garden, and so only winter weather with frost, snow and wind prevailed.
With each passing day the Giant’s anxiety grew for his garden until one day he woke up in the
morning to hear the laughter of the children and to see the touch of spring in his garden. He was
very happy and ran outside to play with the children who entered through a small hole in the fence.
In the farthest corner of the garden, he saw one small boy blinded by his own tears of frustration
because he couldn’t climb a tall tree. Unlike the other children, the little boy hugged and kissed the

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Giant for helping him to climb the tree. The spring prevailed everywhere. Much to the Giant's
sadness, the small boy who kissed him never appeared again. The Giant grew very old and weak in
the presence of the happy children sharing his garden space. When the Giant was nearing the end
of his days, the small child came to his garden again. The Giant was angry when he noticed that the
boy had imprints of two nails on his hands and feet. But the boy told him not to be upset because
they were wounds of love, and he came to take the Giant to heaven. Shortly afterwards, the happy
Giant died, and his body was found lying under the tree, covered in blossoms.

When the Giant was very old and weak, he couldn’t play with the children any more. He sat in his
armchair and watched the children playing. One winter morning, the little child whom he once helped
to climb the tree appeared and offered him never ending and peaceful life in his garden i.e. heaven.
At the same time, the Giant died. Thus, the occurrence of the child’s offer of eternal life in heaven
and the death of the Giant is the coincidence. However, from the religious point of view,
reappearance of the child, with prints of nails on the palms of the hands and feet, and the biological
death of the Giant have a close association.
B.
The story ‘The Selfish Giant’ makes the use of personification as one of the main figures of speech
which gives human qualities to the non-human objects. In the story, the technique of personification
has made non- human entities more vivid or helped the readers understand and sympathize with or
react emotionally to them. The effect of this is to make flowers, seasons, frost, snow, wind, hail and
one of the trees to reinforce the story writer’s moral vision.

The flowers are personified when one of them begins to bloom, then sees there are no children in
the garden, and goes back to sleep. This variety of personification continues with the happiness of
snow and frost as the garden lacks the spring season and they invite the north wind to the garden.
The wind is personified when it says with delight that they must ask the hail to visit the garden.
C.
The story ‘The Selfish Giant’ is a fairy tale. The story writer has adopted the approach of symbolism
to teach the readers a moral lesson. The children symbolize innocence and love. Likewise, seasons
represent hope, life and death. The tree is the symbol of patience whereas the corner of the garden
stands for the heaven. The snow, the wind, and the frost signify grief, sorrow and discomfort.
D.
As a fairy tale, the story is full of figures of speech. Both the methods of personification and
symbolism are used for winter, frost, snow, north wind and hail. The little child is presented as the
Christian symbol. He is compared to Jesus Christ.
Reference beyond the text
a.
Oscar Wilde has covered the themes of unselfishness and love. At the beginning of the story the
giant is very selfish and cold towards the children, and builds a high wall around the garden and puts
a notice–board to stop them. But later he realizes his mistake when the children stop coming to the
garden and the garden never experiences the spring season until he allows them to play in his
garden. As he knows the meaning of love and sharing, the spring weather comes. Not only the Giant
brings happiness to the children but he also ensures that he will get into Heaven with his act of
kindness. The Giant’s nature is associated with that of human beings. We rarely share our
belongings to any one even if someone is needed. We are selfish too. The story teaches us to share
love to get love in return.

a. Where did the children use to play?

➜ The children used to play in a beautiful garden of the giant during afternoon time after school.
b. What did the Snow and the Frost do to the garden?

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➜ The snow and the Frost were the two agents who appeared in the giant’s garden after the rude
behaviour of the giant against the children. The Snow covered up the grass with her great white cloak
and the Frost painted all the trees silver. They even invited the North Wind to stay with them.
c. What did the giant hear when he was lying awake in bed?
➜ The giant heard some lovely music of a little singing bird linnet when he was lying awake in bed. He
heard the music after a long time.
d. Why do you think spring season never came to the giant’s garden?
➜ I think the spring season even became sad along with the children. She became so angry and never
came to the giant’s garden to find the giant’s rudeness and selfishness against the innocent children.
e. How did the giant realise his mistake?
➜ The giant realised his mistake by experiencing unusual changes in his garden. He found out snow,
frost, north wind, fog, etc. in his garden. He felt guilty himself for all those acts which he had done
against the children. When the children reappeared in his garden, the garden once again bloomed with
leaves and flowers. He even heard the chirping of birds in his garden. Thus, he realised his mistake.
Reference to the context
A. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
a. “How happy we were there!” they said to each other.
i. Where does ‘there’ refer to?
➜ ‘There’ refers to the giant’s garden where children used to play after school.
ii. What does ‘they’ refer to?
➜ ‘They’ refers to the children who used to come and play in Giant’s garden after school.
iii. Why are they saying so?
➜ They are saying so because they aren’t allowed to play in the giant’s garden anymore. The giant has
chased them out of his garden being furious.
b. “I have many beautiful flowers,” he said; “but the children are the most beautiful flowers of all.”
i. Who is the speaker?
➜ The speaker is an old and feeble giant who keeps on watching the children at their play sitting on his
armchair.
ii. Who is he speaking to?
➜ He is speaking to himself admiring his garden.
iii. Who are ‘the children’ that the speaker is referring to?
➜ ‘The Children’ that the speaker is referring to are the small and innocent school children who enjoy a
lot in the giant’s garden.
iv. Why is the speaker saying that ‘the children are the most beautiful flowers of all’?
➜ The speaker is saying that ‘the children are the most beautiful flowers of all’ because he has
experienced the presence of children in his garden. He has observed their simplicity and innocence. He
believes that the children are the gift of beautiful nature and their presence has made the entire garden
look so beautiful and bloom with different kinds of leaves and flowers. He makes the comparison here to
value the children much because he knows the value of children in his garden than the flowers.

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c. When the little child smiled at the Giant, and said to him, “You let me play once in your garden, today
you shall come with me to my garden, which is Paradise,” shortly afterwards, the happy giant dies. What
is the coincidence of this event? Describe it in relation to this fairy tale.
➜ The next time, the little child reappears in one of the garden’s corners. The giant is quite old and
feeble at that time. The child appears this time to favour the giant who once had favoured him to play in
his garden. The giant keeps on searching and waiting for the little child. He is in reality alive only to meet
the enchanted little child. Finally, after the little child’s words, he dies in the very afternoon.

B. The story makes use of personification as one of the main figures of speech. Cite three examples of
personification from the story. What is the significance of the seasons personified in the story?
➜ Here, the writer has perfectly used a figure of speech. The three examples of personification are the
Snow, the Frost and the north wind. The significance of the seasons personified in the story is that they
are related to nature and play a very vital role in transforming the giant’s garden with a unique force
against bad deeds.
C. This story can be read as a fairytale, where the children, the seasons, the tree, the corner of the
garden, the snow, the wind and the frost are all used as symbolism. Interpret those symbols.
➜ Here, the spring season symbolizes happiness whereas the winter season symbolizes suffering. The
tree symbolizes the identity of the child as Christ. The corner of the garden symbolizes the sacred place
of God from where redemption is possible. The snow, the wind and the frost symbolize unique force
against bad deeds.
D. Which figure of speech is used for ‘winter, frost, snow, north wind, hail and little child’? Who is the
little child compared to?
➜ Here in this short story, we find the perfect use of personification. Here, winter, frost, snow, north
wind, hail and little child have been wonderfully personified. Among these, winter, frost and snow have
been personified as feminine gender with unique force. They have done their tasks against the giant’s
acts. The north wind, hail and little child have been personified as masculine gender with powers.
The little child is compared to the Chrisitan God ‘Lord Jesus’ here in this story. This little child has been
presented with divine powers who has the power to change each and everything. Due to his presence,
the garden has been bloomed with beautiful leaves and flowers. The signs of two nails on the palms and
feet of the little child have reminded us of the crucifixion of Lord Jesus.
Reference beyond the text
a. What is the main theme of this story?
➜ There are various themes here in this story as arrogance, consequences of selfishness, love and
compassion, the concept of salvation etc. Good deeds are always rewarded whereas bad deeds are
always punished. Here, we simply find the arrogance of the giant and his selfishness against the children
which have brought bad results for him. But, due to his good deeds, he has got a fine platform to reach
outside.
b. Does God punish those who are cruel to children and very selfish?
➜ Yes, God punishes those who are cruel to and very selfish. Children are supposed to be very innocent
and babies of God. They are known for their simplicity. Their presence is the sign of good omen. We can

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get a fine example from this story about God’s punishment to the giant. He feels guilty himself for his
bad deeds.

2. The Oval Portrait

Summary
The narrator is wounded for unknown reasons. He takes shelter along with his servant in a deserted
mansion in the Apennines. They establish themselves in one of the rooms. The narrator shows deep
interest in the bizarre paintings decorating the walls of the room. At around midnight, he adjusts a
candlestick in the room and sees a portrait he didn’t noticed before. The picture is in an oval-shaped
frame. It reveals the head and shoulders of a young woman. The narrator is charmed by the portrait,
which seems so lively. But he soon gets appalled by it. He turns to the book and reads the
information about the portrait. He discovers that the woman depicted in it is the young bride of the
artist. She is a perfect wife in every respect. But she is jealous of her husband’s art that diverts him
from her. The artist paints a picture of his wife, and becomes more obsessed with capturing her
likeness. The wife remains in a humble and obedient pose for many weeks. Her health becomes
increasingly poor as the work continues. He stops paying attention to her and becomes more
preoccupied with the painting. When the portrait is about to finish, the artist is delighted with the
quality of his own work. He then looks at his wife to regard her, but finds that she is dead.

Reference to the context

a.
The story “The Oval Portrait” deals with the theme of relationship between art and life. Art and
obsession to it are showed as killers and responsible for the young bride’s death. In this context, art
is equivalent to death. The association between art and life is considered as rivalry. In the story it is
suggested that art can reveal the artist's guilt or evil and may even destroy the life.

The woman depicted in the oval portrait is the wife of the painter and the victim of the painter’s
passion for the portrait.
b.
The story "The Oval Portrait" is a short horror story with its dark setting and mood of the narration. It
is set in a gloomy abandoned mansion. Although the mansion is deserted, it contains objects of a
dark and mysterious past - such as the oval portrait itself. The image of the remote abandoned
chateau is given a hint of mystery and gloom. The antiquity of the interior where its walls are
decorated with tapestry and manifold and multiform armorial trophies, and a great number of spirited
modern paintings. The dark setting and shadowy circumstances of the prior events provide the
impression that the story has a bizarre twist. The reader’s anticipation of mystery is sustained by the
appearance of a lifelike portrait of a woman in one of the darker nooks of the mysterious room.
c.
The references of the painting state that the young lady in the portrait is very beautiful. She loses her
life because her husband compels her to sit for many weeks in an attempt to make the most
beautiful portrait of her. Though the lady sits next to her husband, he is so immersed in his painting
to create a beautiful portrait of his wife. But he doesn’t realize his wife's life withdrawing from her
body slowly. It reveals the sad reality of the husband's failure to witness the beauty of his wife. As he
was an artist, he wants to treasure it in the form of a portrait. In this way, her beauty condemns her
to own death.
d.
The Oval Portrait is a frame narrative, or a story that contains another story. In the first part of the
story, we encounter the unnamed narrator, who is injured and stranded at night for unknown

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reasons. He along with his companion and servant, Pedro, take shelter in an abandoned mansion.
The narrator stays awake while his servant sleeps. He is captivated by the paintings on the bedroom
wall and studies a book containing their history. Noticing a lifelike painting of a young woman, he
reads about it in the book.

In the second section, the narrator tells how a beautiful woman marries a painter who is completely
absorbed in his work. Although she doesn’t love this, she agrees to sit for a portrait, a process that
takes many weeks. As the portrait neares completion, the lady grows increasingly weak. In placing
the final touches of his masterpiece on the canvas, he suddenly realizes that she is dead.
e.
The mansion is abandoned and worn-out. The turret room is in a remote section of the mansion. The
room is rich in decorations, but they are tattered and antique. The walls are full of tapestries,
trophies, and spirited modern paintings. This vivid description of the mansion provides the gothic
image. Likewise, the descriptions of the portrait describe how real and beautiful it is. Although she is
dead, she is painted so life-like in the portrait.

The dark gloominess of the abandoned house is a classic background for a gothic story. The painter
is the symbol of the fanaticism. The woman in the oval portrait, is the victim of painter's passion for
art. The oval portrait symbolizes the immortality of art. The frame is the symbol of the general
objectification she faced as a physically attractive woman.
f.
The expression ‘She was dead!’ means the painter’s realization of the death of his beloved because
of his devotion to the portrait. His wife remains in an obedient pose for many weeks. As the work
continues her health becomes increasingly poor. However, the painter does not notice the worsening
condition of his wife, continuing to paint desperately, without taking his eyes off the canvas. Given
the last brush stroke, the painter is delighted with the liveliness of his creation, but turning to his wife,
he realizes that she is dead.

3. God Sees the Truth But Waits Character List

Ivan Dmitrich Aksionov
The protagonist of the story, Aksionov is a successful young merchant whose stable, pleasant life is
disrupted when he is framed for murder and exiled to a prison camp in Siberia. The incident prematurely
ages Aksionov, whose appearance changes to the point where he resembles a meek old man, with
snow-white hair, a long beard, and a stooped posture. He puts his faith in God and earns a reputation as
a peacemaker among the prison officials and fellow prisoners. After finding himself locked up with the
man who framed him, Aksionov grows miserable and resentful. However, the story ends with him
forgiving Semyonich, at which point he feels a lightness enter his body. He dies soon after.
Aksionov's Wife
Aksionov's wife warns her husband not to go to Nizhy Fair, as she has had a nightmare in which his hair
goes white in response to some terrible fate befalling him. She reminds him of her warning when she
visits him in prison and runs her hand through his hair.
Makar Semyonich
The villain of the story, Makar Semyonich first appears as a fellow prisoner in Siberia. Aksionov suspects
that Semyonich is the man who killed the fellow merchant and framed Aksionov for the crime.
Semyonich shows no remorse for his actions until Aksionov decides not to tell the governor about

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Semyonich's having dug the escape tunnel, at which point Semyonich goes to Aksionov to beg
forgiveness.
The Governor
The governor is the authority figure who visits the prison camp in Siberia to question prisoners about
the escape tunnel the soldiers find. He knows Aksionov by reputation as an honest man, but his
attempts to extricate the truth from him are in vain, as Aksionov decides not to tell the governor what
he knows about Semyonich.
The Fellow Merchant
The fellow merchant is a man whom Aksionov meets on his way to Nizhy Fair. After the fellow merchant
and Aksionov settle at the same inn, Semyonich slits the fellow merchant's throat during the night and
frames Aksionov for the murder.

The Official
The official is a police official who conducts Aksionov's initial questioning and arrest. He asks questions in
quick succession, bombarding Aksionov with increasingly specific and damning accusations.

God Sees the Truth But Waits: Summary

In the Russian town of Vladimir, Ivan DmitrichAksionov lives as a successful merchant with his wife and
young children. One summer, as Aksionov sets off for Nizhy Fair to sell his goods, Aksionov's wife warns
him not to go, for she has had a nightmare in which he returned with grey hair. Aksionov laughs off her
concern that the nightmare was a premonition and interprets the dream as a sign of luck.
Halfway to the town, Aksionov encounters a fellow merchant, with whom he stops for the night at an
inn. The men have tea together and sleep in adjoining rooms. Aksionov rises before dawn and sets off
with his horses and coachman while the air is cool. After twenty-five miles, he stops to feed his horses.
During this break, two soldiers and an official arrive and begin questioning Aksionov about his
relationship with the man he had tea with the night before. The merchant was found dead with his
throat slit. Since the two rooms were next to each other, it seems only natural that Aksionov might
know something. Aksionov trembles in fear when the official searches his belongings and removes a
knife streaked with blood.
The men bind and arrest Aksionov. His wife visits him in jail and faints at the sight of him dressed as a
criminal. He says they must petition the czar, to which she says she has already tried to no avail. She
asks him if he committed the murder, and Aksionov weeps. If even his wife suspects him, he thinks after
she leaves, then only God knows the truth and it is only to God that he should appeal.
He puts his faith in God and accepts his sentencing and ceremonial flogging. He is sent to work in the
Siberian mines. Over twenty-six years in Siberia, Aksionov transforms into a pious old man. His hair turns
white, his beard grows long, he walks with difficulty, and he never laughs. He prays often and, among
other prisoners, he develops a reputation as a meek and fair man.
One day a newly arrived inmate named Makar Semyonich, who is about the same age as Aksionov and
from the same hometown, gives an account of what brought him to Siberia. He was suspected of
stealing a horse when in reality he had only borrowed it. Nevertheless, he was convicted and
imprisoned. The irony is that he had gotten away with doing something much worse earlier in his life.

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Aksionov suspects the man is responsible for framing him. He questions Semyonich, who cryptically
responds in a way that confirms Aksionov's suspicion. Aksionov remembers everything he has lost and is
plunged into misery; he longs for a way to get revenge but resolves to stay away from the man or even
look in his direction. After two weeks, unable to sleep, Aksionov takes a walk near the prison to discover
Semyonich digging a tunnel under his sleeping shelf. Semyonich angrily offers Aksionov escape and
threatens to kill him should he tell the authorities about the tunnel. Aksionov says Semyonich has
already taken his life, and he shall do as God directs him.
Soldiers discover the tunnel the next day. The governor arrives to question prisoners, none of whom
admit to knowing anything about the tunnel. After wrestling with his desire for vengeance, Aksionov
declines to say what he knows about Semyonich's involvement, even if it means that he will be punished
himself.
That night, Aksionov is about to nod off in his bunk when Semyonich sits down beside him. Semyonich
bends over and whispers a plea for forgiveness. He confesses that it was he who killed the other
merchant and stole his money; he then planted the knife so that Aksionov would become the suspect.
He falls to his knees and begs for forgiveness, promising to confess to the crimes so that Aksionov will go
free. The old man replies that his life is already over and he has nowhere to go.
At the sight of Semyonich's tears, Aksionov weeps himself. Semyonich begs again for forgiveness.
Aksionov tells him that God will forgive him, and that perhaps he himself is a hundred times worse.
Having said this, Aksionov feels a lightness enter his body. He no longer desires to go home or leave the
prison; he wants only to die.
The story ends with Semyonich confessing to the governor. By the time the officials arrange Aksionov's
release, Aksionov has already died.

God Sees the Truth but Waits

Summary
The story follows a merchant named Ivan DmitrichAksionov who lives in the town of Vladimir with two
shops and a house of his own. He used to drink alcohol, but after marriage he sometimes does so. As he
prepares to go to the Nizhny Fair one summer, his wife urges him not to leave the family saying that she
had a nightmare in which he left for the fair and returned with gray hair. He ignores his wife's dream and
leaves for the fair.
Aksionov meets a fellow merchant on his way to the fair. They spend the evening at the inn. Aksionov
wakes up early to get to the fair without the other merchant. When he goes about twenty-five miles, he
stops for the horses to be fed and a rest. He is approached by a few policemen. They explain that the
merchant was murdered and robbed. They search Aksionov's luggage. They find a blood stained knife.
Despite Aksionov's claim that he is not the murderer, he is sent to jail.

Aksionov's wife with children comes to visit him in jail. She becomes unconscious seeing her husband in
prison clothes and fetters. After she comes to her senses, she informs Aksionov that an appeal to the
Czar has been rejected. Aksionov is shocked when she asks him whether he actually committed the
murder for which he has been arrested. His wife’s suspicion of his guilt makes him conclude that he can
rely on God alone to know the truth. He is flogged and sent to a Siberian labor camp. Remaining there
for 26 years, he loses his youthful cheerfulness and becomes deeply religious.

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A new group of convicts arrives at the Siberian prison. One of them, Makar Semyonich, has been
imprisoned for stealing a horse from a sledge. After overhearing conversations, Aksionov is certain that
Semyonich is the man who was responsible for the crime for which he was blamed. One night, he
discovers Semyonich digging an escape hole. The next day, the authorities find out the hole. The
Governor comes and asks the prisoners who is trying to escape. Aksionov does not wish to see Makar
being flogged. He tells the Governor that he knows nothing about who dug the hole.

The following night Aksionov finds Semyonich sitting at the foot of his bunk. Semyonich, overwhelmed
by Aksyonov’s goodness in protecting him from the Governor, confesses to having framed him for
murder 26 years before and begs his forgiveness. Semyonich offers to admit his guilt to the authorities
and thereby forgive Aksionov. He dies shortly before the authorities order him to be released.
Understanding the text
Answer these questions.
a. What bad habits did Aksionov have before his marriage?
Answer: Before his marriage he used to drink and was riotous when he had too much.
b. What can be the meaning of his wife's dream?
Answer: Her dream is a premonition of terrible fate that awaits Aksionov.
c. Why did Aksionov think of killing himself?
Answer: In his mind, he saw the place where he was flogged, the executioner, and the people standing
around; the chains, the convicts, all the twenty-six years of his prison life, and his premature old age.
This thought made him feel so bad that he was ready to kill himself.
d. Why did Makar disclose that he had killed the merchant?
Answer: Makar disclosed that he had killed the merchant because he wanted to make Aksionov release
from the prison.
e. Why doesn't Aksionov wish to return to his family at the end of the story?
Answer: Aksionov doesn't wish to return to his family at the end of the story because he believes that
his wife was dead, and his children have forgotten him.
Reference to the context
a.
Answer:
i. Aksionov ii. the truth of digging an escape hole iii. wall of the prison
b. Describe Aksionov's character.
Aksionov is the protagonist of the story. He is a successful young merchant whose comfortable life is
disrupted when he is framed for murder and sent to Siberian prison camp. His wife’s suspicion of his
guilt makes him conclude that he can rely on God alone to know the truth. He earns a reputation as a
good person among the prison officials and fellow prisoners. After finding himself imprisoned with the
man who framed him, Aksionov is ready to kill himself. However, in end of the story he is able to forgive
Semyonich. He dies shortly before the authorities order him to be released.
c. What is the theme of the story?
The story has the theme of injustice, acceptance, faith and forgiveness. The case against Aksionov is not
convincing. The government authorities without establishing motive or recovering a bloody knife and

14
twenty thousand rubles stolen from the merchant declare him guilty. When his wife's appeal to the Czar
is rejected, Aksionov accepts that the injustice to which he is subjected is impossible to correct. He
devotes himself to God to offer him the justice that man can’t give him. In prison, Aksionov converts
himself into a humble and religious figure. Officials and prisoners respect him for his impartiality in
resolving arguments. Aksionov's faith in God is so strong that he believes he must be sinful to deserve
the torturous life God has given him. After Aksionov is unwilling to inform on Semyonich's tunnel-
digging, Semyonich is shaken by Aksionov's mercy. Aksionov finally grants Semyonich forgiveness.
d. Which symbols are used in the story and what do they indicate?
The story offers several symbols for its artistic expression that supersedes flat writing. Aksionov’s house
and two shops represent his family and material possessions. The prison itself is a symbol of
Aksionov’ssuffering and final spiritual transformation. His gray hair emerges as a clear symbol of his
suffering, highlighting not only his aging but also his physical decay resulting from punishment. His grey
hair suggests how the stress of his wrongful imprisonment prematurely ages him. The blood stained
knife unpredictably found in Aksionov's bag works as the crucial piece of evidence required to convict
him. This knife symbolizes Aksionov's lack of control over his fate. The book ‘The Lives of the Saints’
Aksionov buys represents his religious devotion.
Reference beyond the text
a. What role does religion play in Aksionov's life? How does he undergo a spiritual transformation in the
story?
Christianity plays an important role in Aksionov’s life. He spends his entire life in a Siberian prison
expecting for the right judgement of God. His wife’s suspicion of his guilt makes him conclude that he
can rely on God alone to know the truth and to offer mercy. Imprisoned for 26 years, he loses his
youthful cheerfulness and becomes deeply religious. He devotes his life to God. In prison, Aksionov
learns to make boots, and earns a little money, with which he buys the book ‘The Lives of the Saints’ and
reads it. On Sundays in the prison-church he reads the lessons and sings in the choir. The prison
authorities even like him for his humbleness. His fellow-prisoners respects him calling him ‘Grandfather’
and ‘The Saint’. By the time the real killer of the merchant arrives in prison, Askionov is able to forgive
him. At the end of the story, he has no desire to return home but to be with God.
Aksionov’s spiritual transformation is remarkable in the story. Before the imprisonment he is care free
and enjoys materialistic life. Despite Aksionov’s rejection of the legitimacy of the state that has jailed
him, he realizes that the reason he is suffering in Siberia is to pay for his sins. Aksionov considers his
miseries as a test of faith that gives him a chance to achieve salvation by reforming his character and
devoting his life to God.

4. The Wish
Roald Dahl
Understanding the text
Answer the following the questions.

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a. What did the child do to the scab on his knee?
The child picked a scab off his knee.

b. What kind of effect did the carpet have on the child?

The carpet made the boy enter the fancifull world of the carpet.

c. What was he afraid of while walking across the carpet?

He was afraid of snakes walking across the carpet.

d. What motivated and encouraged the child to start and continue on his journey?
A puppy he would be given for his birthday the following day motivated and encouraged him to start
and continue on his journey.

e. What did the child see as he looked down on the black patterns of the carpet?
The child saw the oily bodies of the snakes writhing as he looked down on the black patterns of the
carpet.

Reference to the context

a. The writer creates two voices in the story. Who are they?

The writer creates two voices in the story. They are author’s voice and character’s voice. The author
takes the readers to the imaginative world through the third person narration. He is able to use the
character of curiously imaginative young boy to help the readers reflect on the delicacy of their
childhood innocence. On the other hand, the child as a major character of the story helps the
readers experience the world of fantasy vividly.
i. What does ‘the black part’ mean?
ii. Who is the speaker?
iii. Why doesn’t the speaker want to be burnt?
Answer:
i. ‘The black part’ means poisonous snakes.
ii. The little child is the speaker.
iii. The speaker doesn’t want to be burnt for a puppy for his birthday the following day.
c. Which images and metaphors are used in the story?
In the story, imagery is built on metaphors. The first image he presents is the scab. Because of the
boy's overwhelming curiosity, the scab represents a special challenge he is never able to resist. In
his mind, the carpet comes alive with its image. The carpet then becomes a metaphor for the
challenges the boy faces to achieve his goal. The red spots seem to be hot coals, which can burn
him. The black parts are writhing poisonous snakes, which represent evil, falsehoods and
temptations. The boy's worry of crossing the carpet is compared to the apprehension he will feel
while growing up as he faces real obstacles in his path to maturity.
d. Summarise the short story “The Wish” in about 200 words.
The story begins with a small boy who picks a scab off his knee. As he sits on the stairs, he happens
to be aware of the large red, black, and yellow carpet that extends to the front door. He imaginatively
tells himself that each different colour represents something else. The red parts of the carpet
represent red-hot lumps of coal, that can burn him. The black parts are poisonous snakes that can
bite him, and leave him to die. The yellow part is the only safe zone for him. If he gets across the
carpet, he will be gifted a puppy for his birthday.
The boy starts his quest. The first part is easy going. He reaches some difficult parts and has to take
long steps. He wobbles but stretches out his arms to be steady himself. He comes to a turning point
and goes left. Although it seems more difficult there’s less black. He gets in the halfway point and
knows he can neither turn back nor jump off.

16
The boy steps on to the next yellow patch and his foot comes within a centimeter close to the black.
A snake stirs and raises its head to look at him. Another snake rises as well. The child is frozen with
fear for several minutes. The next step is too long to jump. He transfers all his weight to his front
foot. He attempts to then bring up his back foot but can’t. He gets stuck while doing splits.
The boy tries to move back, but he can't. He is properly stuck. He looks down at the oily bodies of
the snakes writhing underneath him. He starts to tremble, and tries to keep his balance by waving
his arms. It doesn't work. He starts to fall over towards the black. He gives a loud cry when he
touches it. His mother is looking for him out in the sunshine, far away behind the house.
e. The story shows the events through the eyes of the narrator and the child. Comparing the
two styles, who presents more interesting or effective view for the readers? Why?
The child presents a more interesting view for the reader through his curious and intense
imagination. The scene before him as witnessed is obvious and suspenseful. We feel that the
images created in his mind are real and he is really in danger. He imagines the colorful carpet as a
piece of adventurous journey. Through his consciousness, we encounter red hot lumps of coal and
snakes as if they are before us.
f. Is “The Wish” a story about self-confidence overcoming fear or about greed? Give your
arguments.
This is a story about self-confidence overcoming fear. The initial success concerning the scab gives
the child confidence and gives him the self-image of a hero, so he looks for a greater challenge. At
the beginning he becomes anxious. Later he accepts the challenge to cross the carpet safely. It
could be argued that the boy is motivated by greed—wanting the dog—but that seems secondary to
the desire to face and overcome the challenge. The boy is not sure that he is really going to be
rewarded with a puppy.

5. Civil Peace
Chinua Achebe
Summary
The story 'Civil Peace' is set in the aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War. It is about the effects of the
Nigerian Civil War on the people. Jonathan Iwegbu is the protagonist of the story. To explain both
good and bad fortune to himself and others, he often repeats the phrase 'Nothing puzzles God.' He
has survived in the Nigerian Civil War along with his wife and his children and considers himself
lucky. He also has his bicycle, which he buried during the war to make sure it would not be stolen.
He turns it into a taxi to make money. In two weeks, he makes 150 pounds.
Jonathan then travels to Enugu, the capital city. To his surprise, his house is still standing when
other structures around it are ruined. The house requires some repairs, so he immediately collects
zinc, wood and cardboard, and hires a carpenter to complete the work. He then moves his family
back home. The family works hard to earn money and rebuild their lives. The children pick mangoes
and sell them to soldiers' wives. Maria, Jonathan's wife makes akara balls to sell to their neighbours.
When he comes to know that his job as a miner isn’t possible, he involves in selling palm-wine.

Jonathan is given an award of 20 pounds for turning in the Biafran money to the Treasury. He leaves
the office with his money in his pocket, taking care, so no thief should get it. That evening, he has
trouble in falling asleep. He finally does so, only to be awakened by pounding on the front door. A
group of thieves demands 100 pounds, promising not to hurt Jonathan or his family if he cooperates.
Frightened, the family calls for the neighbours and police, but nobody responds and comes to help
them. Jonathan replies that all he has is 20 pounds and is ready to give it for his family’s protection.
Some thieves insist they should search the house for more, but the leader agrees with the amount
and accepts it.

17
The following morning the neighbours gather to review the results of the night's unfortunate
disturbance. They discover Jonathan and the family are back at work. Jonathan explains them that
the reward money cannot compare to what he lost in the war. He chooses to focus on his work in the
present rather than regret what has happened.
Understanding the text
Answer the following questions.

a. Why did Jonathan think of himself as 'extraordinarily lucky'?

Jonathan thought of himself as 'extraordinarily lucky' because he survived the Civil War with his wife
and children.

b. What are the ‘five blessings’ for which Jonathan is grateful?

The ‘five blessings’ for which Jonathan is grateful are his head, his wife Maria's head and the heads
of three out of their four children.

c. Why did Jonathan mistrust the officer who wanted to take his bicycle? What does this tell
you about the situation in Nigeria?
Jonathan mistrusted the officer who wanted to take his bicycle because of his certain lack of grip and
firmness in his manner. He saved his bicycle giving two pounds to the officer. It reveals corruption
and dishonesty prevailed in the Nigerian society as effect of the civil war.

d. What visitors might be at the door? Are Jonathan and his wife completely surprised?
Explain.
The people who show up at the door are thieves. He and his family shouts for help but nobody
came. The leader demands 100 pounds. Jonathan says that he doesn't have that much money. All
he has is 20 pounds that he receives at the treasury. The leader decides to accept the amount.
Jonathan gives it to him, and thieves go away.

e. Why does no one in the neighbourhood respond when the thieves pound on Jonathan’s
door? Why do the thieves call for the police?
No one in the neighbourhood responds when the thieves pound on Jonathan’s door because they
are scared of the thieves. They call for the police to make fun of Jonathan and his family.

Reference to the context

a. What does Jonathan mean by his expression “Nothing puzzles God”? What does this
expression reveal about his character? Explain by citing details from the story.
Jonathan’s expression ‘Nothing puzzles God’ indicates his deep religious faith in God and
pessimistic nature. Jonathan repeatedly utters the expression for positive outcomes - like the
survival of his home and family - as blessings or miracles, and in bad situations, like coal mine's
closing and robbery. He is willing to accept that he cannot control the forces of fate, and instead
focuses on the future. He successfully manages the chaos of the war and its aftermath by accepting
both good and bad events as the will of God. By attributing events to God, he accepts his disability
to change things that have already come to pass. This makes him focus his determination on
working for the future instead of indulging in self-pity.
b. How does Jonathan change as he experiences the conflicts in his life? Explain.

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Jonathan makes himself free from agonizing about the experiences of the Civil War and its after-
effects. He exhibits a happy tone even in the face of hard times. He becomes more willing to get rid
of material and monetary things to preserve what he cares for most, his and his family life. This
willingness allows him to use his energy constructively in the present instead of having negative
emotion for the past. His optimism remains unshakable throughout the story.

c. Read the extract and answer the questions below.

i. Who is the speaker?
ii. Who is the speaker talking to?
iii. Who does “they” refer to?

Answer:

i. Jonathan is the speaker.

ii. The speaker is talking to himself.
"They" refers to the officials of the treasury.
d. Nigerian English has words like soja 'soldier' and katakata 'confusion', 'trouble' derived
apparently from English words but transformed by native languages' phonologies. What does
the author’s use of dialect here add to the story?
Achebe has blended both standards and local languages to make the story real. He uses these
languages to differentiate the protagonist from the thieves outside his door. Their dialogue draws
significant attention to this inconsistency. The use of dialect has created authentic Nigerian
characters. He has invented a new form of English, a Nigerian English dialect to show the bicultural
heritage of his nation.
e. Why do you think the thieves who come to rob Jonathan speak English with a heavier
African accent than Jonathan does?
The verbal exchange contrasts English spoken by the thieves in a heavier African accent and the
proper English spoken by Jonathan. The way thieves making fun of the family’s call for help only
reinforces these differences. For example, the family cries out, “We are lost!” but in a heavier English
accent, this plea becomes “we done loss-o!” Achebe makes use of English with an African accent for
three reasons. The differences between speeches suggest that Jonathan is better educated than
thieves. Also, the use of English accurately reflects the eastern Nigerian society. Lastly, the broken
English is used to produce comedic effect.
f. The title of the story "Civil Peace" itself is ironical ............ ‘civil peace’ from ‘civil war’. Do
you think that the title of this story is appropriate, or would “Civil War” have been a better
title? Explain.
Achebe uses the title in an ironical way to highlight the violence which is still present in a post-war
Nigeria. Though the war has come to an end, the area is still chaotic and filled with disagreement.
The war leaves a tremendous amount of destruction. Jonathan gathers up what he can to rebuild his
life. Even, a group of thieves use the term “civil peace” when they rob Iwegbu and his family.
Moreover, the violence that was common during the war is not gone, and things are not much better
for common people like Jonathan Iwegbu.
The story follows Jonathan Iwegbu who collects the fragments of his life after the end of the Nigerian
Civil War. It praises the power of positive thinking through Jonathan's success. This shows that
people are hopeful for bright future after the end of the civil war. The writer thus gives more
emphasis on civil peace than civil war.

6. Two Little Soldiers

Guy de Maupassant

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Summary
The story 'Two Little Soldiers' is about a triangular love with a completely unexpected twist at the
end. Luc and Jean are the major characters of the story. They are soldiers and spend their free time
on Sundays away from the barracks, in the countryside. Their outing has taken on the character of a
ritual. Every Sunday, they bring food to the same place in the woods and lie back to enjoy the food,
wine, and sights of an area that reminds them of home.
Their ritual comes to take in a bit of innocent gazing of a young village girl who brings her cow to
pasture and milks it every week at the same time. One Sunday, the girl talks to them on her way to
the pasture. When she returns later, she offers them the cow’s milk and leaves them with a promise
to meet the following Sunday.
The next weekend, Jean suggests that they should bring something for her. They buy candies as a
suitable present. When the girl arrives, they don’t dare to give her the candies. Finally, Luc tells the
girl that they have brought something for her. Jean hands the little paper bag to her.

As the weeks pass, the girl turns out to be the topic of conversation for two soldiers when they spend
time at the barracks. The three become fast friends. They tell each other little incidents and details of
their villages. The girl begins to eat their meal with them and appears to devote equal attention to
them. Then, in an unexpected move, Luc seeks leave on a Tuesday, and again the following
Thursday. He borrows money from one of the friends but offers no explanation for it.

The following Sunday the girl appears as she always does. When she is near them, Luc gets up and
goes towards her. Then, she kisses him passionately. Jean is upset and heartbroken because he is
left out and does not understand why the girl has suddenly turned all of her attention to Luc. He
comes to know that why Luc had gone out twice during the week.
Luc and the girl go together to attend to the cow and disappear into the woods for a long time. Jean
remains motionless and panicky. When they return, they kiss again. She doesn’t offer Jean any milk
that day. Neither of the soldiers talks about the incident.
While returning to the barracks, they stop momentarily on the bridge over the Seine as usual. Jean
leans over the railing. He falls into water. Luc can’t do anything. He watches in grief as his good
friend drowns. He runs to the barracks with his eyes full of tears.
Understanding the text
Answer these questions.
a. Why do the two soldiers spend their free time on Sundays away from the barracks out in
the countryside?
The two soldiers spend their free time on Sundays away from the barracks out in the countryside
because they have found a spot which reminds them of home, and they do not feel happy anywhere
else.

b. Why does the girl become the topic of conversation for these soldiers?
The girl becomes the topic of conversation for these soldiers because both of them fall in love with
her.

c. Why does deception enter into their friendship?

Deception enters into their friendship because Luc starts actively courting her, unbeknownst to Jean.

d. Do you think that Luc is a betrayer of friendship?

Yes, I do. Luc starts to see the girl more in private. He borrows money from one of his friends and
seeks leave, but doesn’t tell Jean anything.

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e. What is the cause of suicide of Jean? Do you think that it was the only release of his love?
Jean not only has lost the girl that he loves, but he has also lost a friendship which he had valued
greatly. This makes him kill himself. He could express his feelings with others or talk to Luc and the
girl, rather than committing suicide.

Reference to the context

a. What is the central theme of the story?
The theme of the story is the incompatibility of friendship and romantic love. Jean and Luc are best
friends. They fall in love with the same girl. To win the girl one of them must betray the bond of
friendship. It is impossible that one should become the girl’s lover and still maintain the same
relationship with his fellow soldier that existed before the girl came into their lives.
b. "What are you doing here? Are you watching the grass grow?"
i. Who is the speaker?
ii. What does the word “here” indicate?
iii. Who does “you” refer to?
Answer:
i. The dairy maid is the speaker.
ii. "Here" means the place where the two soldiers visit every weekend.
iii. "You" refers to two soldiers.
c. "He leaned--he--he was leaning--so far over--that his head carried him away-- and--he--fell--
he fell----"
i. Who is the speaker?
ii. Why is the speaker speaking with interruption?
iii. What does he mean when he says “he--fell--he fell---”?
i. Luc is the speaker.
ii. The speaker is speaking with interruption becasue he is in pain and scared of the death of Jean.
iii. He means that Jean fell into the river.
d. Two Little Soldiers can be viewed as a series of dramatic scenes. Describe the story as
tragedy.
Luc and Jean are two soldiers who habitually spend their free time on Sundays away from the
barracks, in the countryside. They happen to see a young village girl who brings her cow to pasture
and milks it every week at the same time. They are very close to each other. Every weekend, they
spend time together. It becomes clear that Jean feels the same about the girl as Luc does. Luc
prioritizes romantic possibilities over a close friendship. This causes Jean to make the drastic choice
to end his own life. His decision to kill himself is a logical consequence of his realization that he will
have neither friend nor lover. This tragedy depends on Luc's character flaw.
e. What is the setting and style of the story?
Two Little Soldiers is set in the French countryside. The scene is peaceful. Luc and Jean, who are
soldiers stationed in barracks nearby, are present there on Sundays with meal and to enjoy the area,
which reminds them of their home. Maupassant is careful not to show too much of barrack life. The
beauty of the setting is enhanced by the presence of a dairy maid.
The most significant technique that Maupassant uses in the story is his manipulation of the point of
view. Though the events of the story appear to be continuous, the point of view shifts as scenes
change. Maupassant adopts the voice of an omniscient narrator. He tells the reader what both
soldiers think and do, giving each equal attention, and provides simple and straightforward
information about what the young girl feels or thinks in the first encounter. He relies on the viewpoint
of one character, Jean when Luc decides to go on leave, and the two soldiers travel to the
countryside for the last time. When the two soldiers return to the barracks, the scene is viewed
through Luc’s eyes. The reader is denied knowledge of Jean’s feelings, and hence is given no
explanation of his motivation for killing himself.
f. How would you describe the conflict between the friends?

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In the story the conflict arises when the girl kisses Luc passionately, without paying attention to
Jean, without even noticing that he is there. Jean is upset and heartbroken. At this point, Jean
discovers the reason why Luc seeks leave and borrows money from Jean but offers no explanation
for his behavior. Luc and the girl go to attend to the cow and disappear into the woods for a long
time. When they return, the lovers kiss again, and the girl doesn’t offer him any milk that day.
Eventually, the conflict between friendship and love leads to death of Jean. Luc remains in anguish
as his good friend dies.

7. An Astrologer’s Day
Summary
The story opens with an account of the place and environment in which an astrologer meets his
clients and does his work. Every day he starts his work at midday, under a tamarind tree that is close
to a public park in the town.
The place which the astrologer chooses for his work is generally full of people who pass by or gather
there. They are attracted by vendors of nuts, medicines, stolen hardware, etc. It is a place poorly
lighted in the evening. The astrologer has to depend on lights coming from the flickering lamps kept
by neighboring vendors because he has no light of his own.
The astrologer knows nothing about astrology, but with his experience he manages to earn money
which he carries home at the end of a day. He has a working analysis of the common problems of
most people. He makes people believe that he has an unusual ability to tell people’s fortunes.

One evening, the nuts- vendor blows out the light and is ready to go home. This compels the
astrologer to leave the place. When he picks up his stuff and puts into a bag, a stranger stands
before him. Seeing the opportunity for one more possible client, the astrologer invites the stranger to
sit and chat. The stranger challenges saying that if the astrologer gives him the right answers for his
questions, he will give him eight annas and if he fails, the astrologer will have to pay him back twice
the amount. The astrologer happily accepts his challenge. But when he sees the stranger’s face
from the light of a match stick, he feels very uncomfortable and quickly gives back anna he has
taken.
The stranger holds the astrologer in his grip and says that he can’t get out now. The astrologer
finally agrees to speak for a rupee. He tells the stranger that he was once stabbed through the chest
and left for dead. The stranger is excited at the information and exclaims that the only thing he wants
to know from the astrologer is when he can find the assaulter. The astrologer instantly replies that
the culprit had died being crushed under a lorry four months ago. The astrologer calls the stranger
by his name ‘Guru Nayak’ and advises him to return to his hometown immediately as his life is in
danger. He gives the astrologer money and leaves.
The astrologer reaches home late night. His wife is very happy with his earning. But he is upset
since he is cheated by Guru Nayak not paying him as much as promised. As they lie down to sleep,
he reveals to his wife that he has got rid of a great burden. He confesses to his wife that in his youth
he was into bad company. One day he drank, gambled and quarreled badly. He had a fight and
stabbed Guru Nayak and left him for dead. He thought himself to be murderer. This was the reason
why he fled from his home and started a new life in the town. But now he is content that he had not
in fact taken a life. Satisfied by this, he goes to sleep.

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Understanding the text
Answer the following questions.
a.How does the astrologer’s appearance help him attract customers? How does he help the
customers satisfy their needs?

His forehead is bright with sacred ash and vermilion. His eyes are assumed to have a prophetic light
by his customers. He wears a saffron turban. He presents himself so perfectly that he is a point of
attraction for all the people. He helps the customers satisfy their needs with his working analysis of
their troubles like marriage, money, etc.

b. How do you characterise the astrologer’s attitude toward the stranger?

The astrologer sees the stranger before him and perceives him to be his possible customer.

c. What details does the astrologer give the stranger about his past?

The astrologer tells the astrologer that he was stabbed by a knife and thrown into a well to die, and
some passers-by saw him and saved from dying.

d. Why does he advise the stranger to go home immediately?

He advises the stranger to go home immediately to get rid of danger in his life.

e. What is your reaction to the conversation between the astrologer and his wife?

I feel gratified that the astrologer has got rid of his guilt and fear and managed to earn a little extra
money that day. I get struck by the picture of the simple lives these people lead. The astrologer's
whole collection of coins for one day is only enough to keep them alive until the next day.

Reference to the context

a. Suspense is the feeling of anticipation you may have as you read. In this story, what
details contributed to your feelings of suspense and surprise? Explain.
The feeling of suspense is created about the personal and past life of the astrologer. The reader is
told that he was not intended to be an astrologer. He left his village without any previous plan. The
reader is also told that astrology is not his family business. This creates curiosity in the mind of the
reader about the reason why he broke this ancestral cycle and was forced hi leave his home all of a
sudden. The sense of suspense continues with the astrologer’s encounter with the stranger. The
astrologer catches a glimpse of the stranger’s face in the flash of light created by the matchstick, and
immediately disagrees to accept the stranger’s challenge. At the end of the story, the reader is
surprised with revelation of the fact that the astrologer was the person who stabbed the stranger and
left for dead when he was drunk during one of his days as a youngster.

b. Analyze the conflicts in “An Astrologer’s Day.” Explain how the conflicts are resolved and
what they reveal about the characters involved in the story.
In the story, conflict takes place when a stranger as the astrologer’s client, appears in the scene to
be consulted. The astrologer is packing up his stuff and ready to call it a day. The stranger
challenges the astrologer to provide specific answers for his questions. As the stranger lits his

23
cheroot, he catches a glimpse of his face by the match light and for some unclear reasons the
astrologer feels uncomfortable and rejects the challenge. But, he is forced to tell the stranger
something that will satisfy him. The stranger is surprised to be told about his past life by the
astrologer, and agrees to give up his search for his enemy who was declared to have been crushed
under a lorry. The astrologer ensures a safe and secure life for himself hereafter.

d. Description helps readers visualize what is happening in a story. What details and
techniques does the author use to describe the astrologer?
The astrologer is an impressive character. He is able to develop a new personality and survive in a
densely populated urban environment by using his intelligence. The astrologer lives by his wits.
Despite having no mystical knowledge he knows how to put on a show to attract passers-by. It is
obvious that he must sit for long hours in order to collect enough to keep himself and his family alive
from day to day. In addition to his intelligence, he is courageous and determined. When he is dealing
with Guru Nayak and his life is in danger, he still insists on bargaining for money. He brings every
single anna home to his wife so that she can buy food for the family. He is a devoted husband and
father.
The story has the mode of third-person omniscience. The use of dialogue throughout the story
serves the function of providing multiple points of view without changing the overall authority of the
narrator. The story is set in the Town Hall Park, in the late evening. The reader learns that the
astrologer is usually under the tamarind tree by noon.
e. Irony is a contrast between appearances and reality. What is ironic about Guru Nayak’s
meeting with the astrologer?
The irony of the situation centers around the meeting of Guru Nayak’s meeting with the astrologer.
He comes to the astrologer for help in finding and killing the man he is talking to. The man whom
Guru Nayak is looking for is none other than the astrologer himself. As soon as the astrologer
recognizes the man, he feels very uncomfortable. But the astrologer wisely misinforms him. He
makes Guru Nayak wait and bargain for money. When he finally calls the stranger by his name and
tells him about the incident that happened in the village, he has Guru Nayak in the palm of his hand.
f. How does the astrologer’s manner of dress suit his character?
The astrologer is the protagonist of the story. The initial part of the story describes the outfit and the
appearance that the astrologer carries when he performs his duty. He is dressed typically like an
astrologer. His forehead is bright with sacred ash and vermilion. He winds a saffron-coloured turban
around his head. His dress and appearance suit his character and becomes a center of attraction.
They are easily fooled by the astrologer with his wits. He is intelligent and has his shrewd ways to go
about his profession. He has a working analysis of mankind’s troubles.

Essays
1. Sharing Tradition
Understanding the text
Answer the following questions.
a. According to LaPena, what is the importance of the oral tradition? To what extent do you agree
with his opinions and why?
Oral tradition is in helping maintain the values of culture. It helps a society to pass knowledge across
generations without writing.

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b. Who preserve and pass on the oral tradition?
The elders preserve and pass on the oral tradition. The present generation can maintain the oral
tradition when they pay attention to knowledge and experience of the elders.

c. What is the danger of not passing on information from generation to generation?

Our cultural and traditional values decline if information is not passed on from generation to
generation.

d. What is the difference between oral tradition and literary tradition?

Oral tradition can be corrected but literary tradition has no possibility of corrections.

e. How does LaPena establish a relationship between art and the oral tradition?
The oral tradition has an impact on how an artist visualizes the stories, the characters, the designs
and colour for art, the atmosphere, and other information in his creation.

Reference the context

a. LaPena states that the oral tradition helps maintain the values of a culture. If you believe
that the oral tradition is important, how would you maintain it?
The oral tradition helps maintain the values of a culture. To maintain the oral tradition, every
individual in a society can play a significant role. Our elders should be listened more. Interviews with
them can be done. Audio copies of the narrations, folktales, epics, etc. can be prepared for public
use. Young people can be taught the importance of the oral tradition.
b. “Not everyone is capable of fulfilling the roles of the elders.” Explain this statement with
reference to the essay.
The elders have enhanced their lives by creating a special position. Their roles in a community often
involve responsibilities that require specialized knowledge and experience. They are found to fulfill
their roles very well. The youngs are supposed to pay more attention to their knowledge of the
culture and the responsibilities but they don’t. Once the elders die, their position is hard to fill.
c. What is the controlling idea or thesis of this essay?
The controlling idea or thesis of the essay is that oral tradition is very important in helping maintain
the values of culture. The oral tradition is the message that is transmitted orally from one generation
to another. It helps people make sense the world and is used to teach children and adults about
important aspects of their culture. The best way to maintain the oral tradition is to listen to elders’
stories.

d. How do topic sentences guide the reader through the essay? What would be lost without
them?
Topic sentences relate to the main point of the essay. They guide the readers by signposting what
the paragraph is about. All the sentences in the rest of the paragraphs should relate to the topic
sentences. Without topic sentences the essay loses coherence and the essayist can't convey his/her
main idea or message to the reader.

e. What are the four major problems developed by LaPena with regard to maintaining the oral
tradition. How are they used to structure the essay?
The four major problems developed by LaPena with regard to maintaining the oral tradition are:

- Not everyone is capable of fluffing the roles of the elders.

- New technologies create the separation between generations.
- Modern society isn’t interested in learning the way how oral tradition functions.
- As oral tradition accommodates corrections, it is harder to validate it.

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These problems are used to structure the essay as they support the thesis statement and the topic
sentences.

2. How to Live Before You Die

Summary
Steve Jobs’ speech 'How to Live Before You Die' adopts a tripartite structure and uses personal
stories to communicate a message of resilience and personal integrity. He delivered this inspiring
speech at Stanford University 2005 commencement address.

The first story he narrates is on what he calls connecting the dots. He reveals how his mother
intended to put him for adoptation. At birth, the family that was to adopt him changed their
mind. However, he was adopted by another family. He joined Reed College when he was 17. His
decision to drop out of collage was risky at the time. He learnt to follow his instinct by studying
the courses he liked. His success depended on his own initiative. He was not influenced by the
views of the people around him.

Jobs’ second story is on loss and love. He reflects on his beginning of a career with Mr. Woz.
They developed the brand of Apple from the family garage office into a multibillion company
after years of hard work. Despite this success, Jobs became jobless as he was fired by the Board
of Directors. He then began the Next Company. He found himself back in Apple after it bought
his company.

The last story Jobs narrates is on the topic of death. He discloses his painful situation with cancer
of the pancreas. The doctor told him that this type of cancer was incurable. The result of biopsy
indicated that his cancer could be cured through surgery. He was able to go for the surgery. He
performed his roles which he could not do before the surgery. He considered death was a
transitional part of life that replaces the old with the new. His opines that one should not allow
the fear of death determine his or her life.
Understanding the text
Answer the following questions.
a. What is the story about Steve Jobs’ birth?
His biological mother decided to put him up for adoption before his birth. She felt that he should be
adopted by college graduates, so everything was all set for him to be adopted at birth by a lawyer
and his wife. When he was born they decided at the last minute that they really wanted a girl. Later
he was adopted by an uneducated couple.

b. What does he mean when he says, “you can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only
connect them looking backwards”?

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Our future is unpredictable. Our unsuccessful efforts at the moment can turn out to sow the seed of
our unimaginable success in the future.

c. What happened when Steve Jobs turned 30?

When Steve Jobs turned 30, he got fired from a company he started.

d. Jobs contends that you need to love to do what you do in order to be great at it. Do you agree or
disagree? Why?
I agree with Jobs. We have faith in something we love. We love to do such thing with interest. When
we are interested in doing the things, we become successful.

e. Is death really life’s greatest invention?

Yes, death is really life's greatest invention. No one has ever escaped it. It's life's change agent.

Reference the context

a. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
“We have an unexpected baby boy; do you want him?” They said: “Of course.”
i. Who was the baby boy?
newly born Steve Jobs
ii. What does ‘do you want him?’ mean?
Steve Jobs’ biological mother asked his parents who were on a waiting list to adopt him.

iii. Who does ‘they’ refer to?

'They' refers to Steve Jobs' parents, who were on a waiting list.
b. Explain the following lines:
i. “You have to trust in something — your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever.”
In the given line, the speaker suggests us to believe in ourselves. This approach allows us to
recognize our ability to accomplish goals we set. When we trust ourselves we become optimistic
about the future and motivated to get the things done. This makes all the differences in our life.
ii. “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.”
In the given line, the speaker's opinion is that our life is limited and we shouldn't be trapped by
other's principle. This can mislead us. We must listen to our own inner voice. We should have the
courage to follow our heart and intuition. The courage we have can make ourselves what we want to
be. Everything is secondary.
c. What does he mean by “don’t settle”?
Don't settle means we should not accept something which isn't as good as we want it to be. When
we are terrified of change, failure and taking risks we settle in life. The way to do great work is to
love what we do. If we don't find it, we should keep look for it. Excellence is a place where people
who reject to settle for mediocrity lives. It is a journey of continuous progression towards the goals in
our life.

d. Which style of speech is used by the speaker to persuade the audience?

The speaker adopts a tripartite structure and uses autobiographical anecdotes to communicate a
message of resilience and personal integrity. The speech is short and simple, and heavily based on
encouragement.

e. It is not easy to motivate others. How do you think Steve Jobs’ speech is so inspiring?
Steve Jobs’ speech is well crafted as it's emotional, inspiring and simply structured. The speech is
true and not a feeble. There is a living example standing in front of the audiences. The speech
emphasizes triumph over adversity. Each of the three stories from Jobs' life involves struggle or

27
sacrifice. They help to take listeners to another world, allowing them to put themselves in the
speaker's shoes. Once they are connected to a speaker, an audience is more likely to follow the
speaker's advice.

f. Why do you think Steve Jobs used the personal narrative story telling technique in his
speech? What influence does it have on the audiences?
Steve Jobs used the personal narrative story telling technique in his speech to encourage his
audience to follow their dream. He presents his successful career in life with his personal facts. This
approach can give the audiences courage they didn't know they had.

3. What I Require From Life

JBS Haldane, a British-Indian scientist
This essay was first published in the journal "The Daily Worker" in 1940. This article has covered
a wide range of political and philosophical perspectives on the demands of people's life.
It has mostly concentrated on socialistic views that require democratic workplace actions. This
article has examined the many demands of working-class individuals who live in a variety of
situations while striving to make ends meet. The writer has used extremely plain and obvious
language in his writing style to express his wants and life experiences in this essay. His life
requirements are comparable to those of the majority of the world's working-class people.

The author begins by reflecting on his acceptance of the notion of the world as it is. He feels
that in his life, he should not expect the unattainable. He claims that visualizing ideal humans in
a perfect world will force him to harm others more than help them.
According to the author, he was born during a time of calm. During his youth, he aspired to live
a quiet life, but when World War I broke out in 1914, he became immersed in his heroic age.
The carnage of World War I changed his perspective on peaceful existence. In that crucial
scenario, he wanted to make the most of his time by responding to his fundamental necessities,
which included food, drink, clothes, and shelter. In this article, the author has outlined four
general human wants that are very significant. The writer and others require four general
needs: freedom, health, job, and companionship.
Freedom: The writer must be able to operate alone. Everyone requires liberty. The writer
places the greatest emphasis on freedom of expression. He desires to talk and write about
several harmful elements, but the law of libel prevents him from doing so.
Health: The writer must be in excellent health in order to work in his life. People who are in
good health can attain all of life's requirements. Happiness and achievement in life are brought
about by good health.
Employment: The writer needs work that pays a reasonable wage, which is vital for everyone.
He feels himself lucky to have had a significant degree of freedom in choosing his chosen
career. Aside from his scientific profession, he thinks that he could easily be a war journalist,
create children's novels, or make political speeches.

28
Friendship: The writer therefore needs to rely on the friendship of his coworkers and comrades.
He favors a society that is equitable and allows for open expression of criticism. His friendship
must be devoid of the idea of blindly obeying and ordering. Friendship should be created
amongst persons of equal status.

Apart from these essential requirements, the writer has a lot of aspirations in his life. He yearns
for adventure in his life, even if it means taking risks.
The gratification of adventure, he believes, is considerably more substantial than a thrill. He
wants his own room with books, a car, a daily bath, and easy access to a beach or river. He
desires all of these things but makes no demands for them. The writer feels himself lucky to be
able to enjoy his fundamental wants, yet his joys become ineffectual if his companions do not
find delight in these essentials.
He would want to see healthy individuals working on the earth. All employees must discover
fruits that are acceptable for their ability at work. They should work hard for their own benefit
as well as the benefit of their friends, but not for the benefit of others.
The author wants workers to be able to regulate their working circumstances. As a socialist, he
would want to see a system in which workers play key roles and control the industry. He wants
to see the elimination of class and gender oppression. People must be treated equally in order
to develop brotherhood. To abolish class and sexual oppression, an economic revolution is
required.

The author would rather die happy than see capitalism demolished and workers seize power of
the majority of Europe. He hopes to see the end of fascism, which was responsible for the First
World War and the collapse of peace. The author would want to see education and scientific
approaches employed in all parts of life become more widespread. Finally, he intends to die if
only two of Aristotle's death requirements are met.
Summary
The essay 'What I Require from Life', written by J.B.S. Haldane, reflects socialistic convictions
demanding democratic activities in work places. This essay is written in simple and lucid
language.
Haldane starts his essay saying that he is required to accept the universe as it is. He cannot
require the impossible. He then mentions the four things which are general human needs. They
are interesting work, good health, friendship and freedom.
In the second section of the essay, Haldane associates his personal requirements with his hopes
for the rest of humanity, taking himself to be a typical specimen. He says that he is against
capitalism because, in times of economic depression, it leads to unemployment. In his opinion,
the workers should control their conditions of work and freedom should begin in the

29
workplace. As a socialist, he wants every man and woman should enjoy equal economic
benefits.
The subject at first appears to be personal. In the second part of the essay, it becomes obvious
that the essayist is putting forward a political argument. Freedom, for example, is not also a
personal preference but also a universal necessity. This means that society should be organized
to maximize freedom for everyone. He considers that for the society in which he lives he
requires socialism.
Understanding the text
Answer the following questions.
a. How does the writer distinguish between a peaceful age and a heroic age?
He was born in a peaceful age but he has been living in a heroic age. A peaceful age was the
time before the first world war took place.
b. Why does the writer want more freedom of speech than most people?
The writer wants more freedom of speech than the most people to say and write what he
thinks about Lord Blank’s newspapers, Mr Dash’s pills, and Sir John Asterisk’s beer, all of which
are poisonous.
c. According to the writer, what are the four general human needs?
- Work and a decent wage for my work
- Freedom, Health, Friendship
d. What is the difference between desire and demand according to the writer?
Desire is something we wish to have or want, but isn’t affordable whereas demand is whatever
we wish or want and is affordable.
e. Why does the writer demand security??
The writer demands security because he is a child of his age.
Reference to the context
Explain the following lines with reference to the context:
a. “The satisfaction of adventure is something much more solid than a thrill.”
The given line shows Haldane’s preference for adventure. He demands adventure. He thinks it
enriches people with solid experience. Love of adventure doesn’t mean love of thrills. He
compares thrill with amusement getting from reading Rimbaud's poetry. This happens when he
spent in Madrid for 6 weeks during the siege.
b. “I want the workers to see the fruit of their own work not in profits for others, but in their
own and their friends’ well-being.”
The given line reveals that the essayist is strongly in favour of socialism. He asserts the
hardworking should be rewarded to a considerable extent. He wants democracy within the
working environment. He is a socialist who wants industries to be controlled by the workers.
They should be free to work and share profit among themselves. The nature of industrial work
should be like hunting and gardening.

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c. Why do you think the essayist has taken reference from the ancient philosophers?
The essayist has taken reference from the ancient philosophers to support his argument. He
wants work and a decent wage for his work. When they are fulfilled it will be delightful situation
which can be equivalent to the happiness Aristotle defined as unimpeded activity. For the
essayist death is the supplementary to his life. Of the recoded deaths, he thinks Socrates’ death
was the most enviable as he died for his principles.
d. Discuss the essay in terms of its language, purpose, subject, point of view and mode of
writing.
The essay is written in simple and lucid language. Its style is straightforward. The subject matter
is presented in a way that any reader can understand. The essayist, in first person, holds the
simplicity with declarative sentences and clear explanations.
His subject at first appears to be personal and his mode of writing is reflective. In the second
section of the essay, he puts forward a political argument. He mentions freedom is both his
personal preference and universal requirement. As per him, the society should be structured to
maximize freedom for everyone.
4 . What is Poverty?
Jo Goodwin Parker
Summary
The essay ‘What is Poverty?’ written by Jo Goodwin Parker. It is a realistic essay in which she
gives a real account of what poverty actually means. She describes how painful it is to live
amidst in poverty and her daily struggles to raise a family.
Parker stresses that poverty is uglier, crueler and more devastating than it is shown in
newspapers. She defines poverty as a lack. It is living without hope, better foods, health care,
proper sanitation and proper education. It is compared to an acid that destroys pride, honor,
health and future. Her main idea is to show how humiliating and disgusting it is being poor. In
the essay the evidence of her daily struggle is mentioned very clearly. She wants to draw the
readers' attention to the pathetic condition of poor people. The poor are forced to live a
restless life looking at the dark future of their children. Poverty ruins the family relationship.

After giving birth to the last baby the essayist divorced with her husband because he was
jobless. Once the children were left under the care of their grandmother, she found her
children in a miserable condition when she got back home. She was unable to admit her
children at a nursery school because of her insufficient income. She made 20 dollars a week and
a nursery school cost 20 dollars a week for three children. Therefore, she left her job.

Parker is successful in evoking sympathy from the readers. She makes the readers realize how
depressing poverty is. She shows us that there is no hope for the poor without understanding
them.

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Understanding the text
Answer the following questions.
a. What is poverty according to Parker?
According to Parker, poverty is being dirty, smelly, and with no proper underwear on and with
the stench of the rotting teeth.
b. How is poverty difficult for Parker’s children? List some specific examples.
- Once she left her children with their grandmother. She found her children in a miserable
condition.
- For breakfast her children are fed grits with no oleo or cornbread without eggs and oleo.
- To buy a jar of Vaseline for the baby’s diaper rash the essayist had to save money for 2
months.
- In winter, children are in danger of being burnt as newspapers on the wall are likely to get
caught by a spark, and in summer they are covered with when they cry.
- Children are always with runny noses.
- They have no extra books, no magazines, no extra pencils, or crayons, or paper and most
important of all, they are not healthy.
c. How does Parker try to obtain help, and what problems does she encounter?
She asks her relative for a loan. She is supposed to visit the office. She circles the building four
or five times. She goes in. Everyone is very busy. Finally, someone comes out and asks her if she
needs help. That isn’t the person she needs to see. She goes to see another person. After telling
him the whole story about her poverty she finds that this is the wrong office. Then, she must
repeat the whole process.
d. Why are people’s opinions and prejudices her greatest obstacles?
She is stricken hard by poverty. She is unable to raise her family well. She divorced with her
husband. She is ill- treated while asking for help. This makes her lose her pride and honor and
ultimately shatters her dream.
e. How does Parker defend her inability to get help? How does she discount the usual solutions
society has for poverty (e.g., welfare, education, and health clinics)?
According to Parker the usual solutions society has for poverty are far from her access. There is
a surplus commodities program which cost too much. A school lunch program can’t benefit her
children as her children whose health will be worsened by the time they go to school. Health
clinics are in the towns. She lives out here eight miles from town. Everything has a cost.
5. Scientific Research is a Token of Humankind’s Survival
Summary
In the essay, Vladimir Keilis-Borok talks about his profession as a scientist, and views that
science is the mankind’s important guardian and caretaker.

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The essayist mentions that some people still struggle to become scientists though their income
is not higher than that of businessmen, lawyers and doctors. He regards science as an
adventure where rewards come from discovery. Instead of money, scientists get freedom,
camaraderie, independence, honors and promotions.
During the cold war, the three nuclear powers were willing to come to an agreement, putting a
ban on the nuclear weapon test. At that time every person on Earth lived under the threat of
annihilation by nuclear weapon. The technical experts from the Soviet Union, United States,
and United Kingdom, including the essayist gathered in Geneva to solve the problem that arose.
They were able to find a solution. This made the politicians to reach the most important
decision. He claims that this problem had a direct connection with the theory of seismic waves
into which he researched. Suddenly, his theoretical knowledge had a direct application in the
area of survival of the humankind.

From the event, the essayist learnt that all scientists belonging to different nations and cultures,
have similar thoughts. He also learnt that while there is science, there is hope of survival and
well-being for all of us. According to him all new technologies and new brands of industry are
developed from fundamental scientific research.

The essayist reveals the fact that the very survival of our civilization is very often threatened by
natural and man-made disasters. They are earthquakes, self-inflicted destruction of megacities,
environmental catastrophes, economic and social crises. He believes that combating the
dangers depends on intellectual resources. He claims that only the basic scientific research can
create a foundation for developing new disaster preparedness industry.
For the essayist, scientific research is an exciting venture into the token of humankind’s
survival. He assures us that the scientists with their tools that can challenge any dangers and
ensure that we all safely move with the time. If science is humanly used, it is our indispensable
guardian and caretaker.

Understanding the text

Answer the following questions.
a. What does a scientist get instead of big money?
Instead of big money, a scientist gets freedom, camaraderie and independence. The honours
and promotions will depend on themselves more than in the other occupations.
b. What was the problem that the nuclear powers had faced?
The nuclear powers had signed agreement to stop the test of the new nuclear weapons, and
one of the participants had violated this agreement and secretly made an underground nuclear
explosion. The problem was both the violation of agreement and its detection.
c. In which area did Keilis Borok's theoretical knowledge have a direct application?

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For survival of human beings, his theoretical knowledge had a direct application.
d. What was the important decision that the politicians took before Geneva Summit?
The important decision that the politicians took before Geneva Summit was to come to an
agreement, putting a ban on the nuclear weapon test.
e. What are the natural and man-made disasters as mentioned by the author?
The natural and man-made disasters as mentioned by the author are earthquakes, self-inflicted
destruction of megacities, environmental catastrophes, economic and social crises.
Reference to the context
d. How does the essayist justify that scientific research is the humankind’s survival?
The essayist’s theoretical knowledge of seismic waves had a direct application in the field of
nuclear weapons. This resulted in the survival of entire mankind. Also, the scientists are able to
ensure safety of human beings from any natural or man-made dangers. Basic scientific research
helps our existence on earth by giving us new sources of energy and minerals, defense from
terrorism, and cure from cancer.
e. What can be the purpose of the essayist of using quotations/quotes in the essay?
The purpose of using quotations is to support the arguments and ideas presenting in the essay.
He has introduced the quotation and explained to the reader. Using them the reader’s
attention to the specific elements of the quotation that are most directly relevant to the
arguments and ideas is given priority.
f. Discuss and illustrate the writer’s stand that scientists are the most practical people in the
world.
All new technologies and new brands of industry from defense to entertainment are the result
of scientists’ research. Antibiotics, electronics, biotechnology, synthetic fibers, the green
revolution, and genetic forensic diagnosis, etc. are some of the contributions of scientists to the
society. Only the scientific research can provide us new sources of energy and new minerals,
efficient defense from terrorism, c17ure from cancer and new forms of transportation.
Financial institutions headhunt the persons who are trained in theoretical physics, and those
who are trained in frontiers of biological research become founders and directors in the
pharmaceutical industry.
Poems
1. Corona Says
About the Poem
The poem 'Corona Says' is composed by Vishnu S. Rai. It is written on the theme of the present
world crisis Corona and its devastating impact on human life, is a subtle satire on man's conduct and
attitude. It views Covid 19 as the byproduct of man's treatment to nature.
Summary
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The speaker asks human beings not to cry and curse it for damage. It claims that irrational human
behaviours have invited it and it has no choice except letting people suffer and die. For the speaker,
the number of deaths caused by wars is higher than the pandemic has done. The so- called human
superiority over other creatures is criticized in the poem.

The pandemic questions us for our indifferent nature to the living organisms flying in the sky, living in
the ocean and crawling on land, and trees which are the sources of oxygen. These organisms are
considered to be slaves. According to our will, we either kill or sell them.
In the poem, the positive impact of the disease is also mentioned. During the pandemic the sky has
been clean without dust and smoke since no human activities took place. People have felt like caged
animals do in a zoo. The pandemic has allowed the earth to have a little rest.
The speaker wishes to make human beings know themselves first though they claim that they have
mastery over everything and realize the earth is common home for all the creatures. The disease
relieves us saying that the disease can be eradicated, and at the same time warns us that there are
many other diseases from which we may suffer. It cautions us that if we continue our immoral
activities, we may encounter the irreparable loss and our civilization may be in danger.
Understanding the text
Answer the following questions.
a. Who is the speaker in the poem?
Corona is the speaker in the poem.

b. Who claim that they are superior to all?

Human beings claim that they are superior to all.

c. Why has the speaker come to the Earth?

The speaker has come to the Earth becasue of humans' ill-treatment of nature.

d. What positive changes have occurred on Earth after the speaker's visit?
During the pandemic the sky has been clean without dust and smoke. People have felt like caged
animals do in a zoo. The disease has allowed the earth to have a little rest.
Reference to the context
a. What does the speaker mean when he says:
But have you ever counted
How many have died so far
Because of you and your wars?
In the given lines, the speaker claims that human beings themselves are responsible for wars and
loss of their lives. The devastation caused by wars is more terrible than the pandemic has done.
Wars are the result of disputes over resources and land, or of a government's desire to increase its
influence and power. The governments and any groups involving in wars never think of the
consequences people have to face. Millions of people have lost their lives and properties because of
wars. Aftereffects of wars cause them to suffer physically and psychologically.
b. Explain the following:
I will depart one day.
But remember
There’re many others like me.
They’ll come too.
If you don’t get rid of your inflated ego,
You’ll be back to your cave time
That you endured
Long, long, long ago ......

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In the given extract, the speaker warns mankind that the pandemic can be controlled but they may
suffer from other fatal diseases due to their own behaviours, and finally they can be the cause of the
extinction of human civilization.
No country has remained untouched by the pandemic. However, no pandemic can be beyond
human control. This happens because of human wisdom and the same wisdom is the origin of fatal
diseases. The way humans treat the nature is gradually leading human civilization to its decline.
When we go beyond the bearing capacity of nature, we will go to our primitive age.
c. What does the speaker mean in the following lines? Explain.
The earth is not your property alone-
It’s as much ours as yours.
In the given lines, the speaker argues that the earth is the common habitat of all the living creatures.
They have an equal right to use the resources available on earth, to sustain their lives, but human
beings deprive them of using resources.
The speaker is worried about growing human pressure on natural world. Human beings are thought
to be superior to all the living creatures. They have controlled all the natural resources for their own
benefits though the earth is the common home for all the living organisms. In the name of
development and progress, humans are destroying the sources of food and habitats of other
creatures. To fulfill the demands of growing population, human beings are disturbing the entire
ecosystem. The loss of ecosystem causes the extinction of other living creatures.
2. A Red, Red Rose
About the Poem
The poem ‘A Red, Red Rose’ is composed by Robert Burns, a famous Scottish poet. It is a lyrical
ballad that shows the ideal love and romantic passion of the poet towards his beloved. With the
help of the literary devices, the poet has sketched a very vivid and realistic picture of his
profound love.
Summary
The poem opens with the speaker comparing his beloved to a red rose which blooms in June
and to the melody that is sweetly played in tune. He claims that his beloved is so beautiful that
he loves her with a deep and strong passion. He will love her until the seas dry up, the rocks
melt in the sun and he dies. He bids farewell to her and promises to return to her even if he is
supposed to cover a distance of ten thousand miles.
Understanding the text
Answer the following questions.
a. To which two things does the speaker compare his love in the first stanza?
Two things the speaker compares his love in the first stanza are red rose and melody (music).
b. What does the speaker promise in the second and third stanzas?
In the second and third stanzas, the speaker promises that he will love his beloved until the
seas become dry, the rocks melt in the sun and he is alive.
c. What imagery does he use in his promise, and why do you think he uses such language?
In his promise, he uses hyperbolic imagery. He uses such language to express the intensity of
his love for his beloved.
d. In the last stanza, what event is about to happen by mentioning the number of miles?
The speaker and his beloved are going to separate.

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e. Which image in the poem do you find the most memorable or surprising and why?
The image of dry seas and melted rocks is the most memorable or surprising because this
exaggeration makes us realize the speaker’s devotion to his his beloved and eternity of his love
for her.
Reference to the context
a. What can you infer about the speaker’s devotion to his beloved from the following lines?
And I will come again, my love,
Tho’ it were ten thousand mile!
The given lines express the speaker’s profound love for his beloved. The speaker says farewell
to her, and at the same time promises that he returns to her even if he has to cover a distance
of 10 thousand miles. This promise shows that no obstacles can separate the speaker from her.
It seems that the speaker’s powerful love for his beloved makes any earthly hardship
insignificant.
b. What is the theme of the poem?
The poem has the themes of love and passion. The poem is basically concerned with the
speaker’s deep love for his beloved. He praises her beauty and expresses his inestimable love
for her. His love will remain forever no matter what happens. He bids goodbye to her before
they separate, and promises he will come to her even covering the distance of ten thousand
miles.
c. Paraphrase the whole poem into simple prose form.
My beloved, you are like a red rose which newly blooms in summer, and sweet melody played
in tune. You are very fair and beautiful. I am deeply fall in love with you. I will love you till the
seas go dry, the rocks melt with the heat of the sun, and I am alive. Now, I bid farewell to you,
but I promise I will return even if I have to travel ten thousand miles.
d. Analyse the poem in terms of the literary devices such as simile, symbolism, imagery,
alliteration, and assonance.
The poet employs several literary devices to show the beauty of his beloved and the power of
his love. They are simile, symbolism, imagery, alliteration, and assonance.
The first literary tool used in the poem is simile. It is an expression which describes one thing
comparing it with another, using words as or like. The poem begins with two similes. They are
used when the speaker compares his beloved with a red rose and sweet melody.
Symbolism is another figure of speech, used in the poem. The rose is a traditional symbol of
love. In the poem, the rose symbolizes love between the speaker and his beloved. This
symbolism dates back to ancient Greek literature, which associates the rose with Aphrodite, the
Greek goddess of love.
In the poem, imagery is created with simile and hyperbole. There is a visual picture of a red rose
in our mind when the speaker compares his beloved with a red rose. When he equates her to
the sweet melody, auditory imagery is used. Comparisons of both the rose and the melody

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show his beloved lovely, sweet, new, and young. To convey the intensity of his affection, he
then switches to hyperbolic images, by expressing that he will love until the seas become dry
and the rocks melt in the sun. We can view the world of dry seas and melted rocks in our mind.
The poet makes use of alliteration and assonance to emphasize his powerful feelings of love for
his beloved.
Alliteration is found in the line ‘O, my love is like a red, red rose.’ It has the repetition of the
consonant sounds /l/ and /r/. Assonance is a literary device in which the repetition of vowel
sounds occurs in the same line. In the line ‘And I will love thee still, my dear’, the vowel sound
/i/ is repeated.
e. What is hyperbole? Explain its purpose citing examples of hyperbole used in the poem.
Hyperbole is a figure of speech used to exaggerate a statement for the sake of emphasis. This
technique is used to emphasize how deeply he loves his beloved. The exaggeration happens in
the lines ‘Till a’ the seas gang dry, my dear’ and ‘And the rocks melt wi’ the sun!’. It is literally
impossible to say that the seas dry up and the rocks melt in the sun. The poet uses the line to
show the eternity of his love for his beloved.
f. What is refrain? Why is it used in the poem? Explain citing an example from the poem.
A refrain is a phrase or line recurring at intervals in a poem or song, usually at the end of a
stanza. The poet has used this device to establish meter of the poem, and indicate its romantic
tone. As the line, ‘And I will love thee still, my dear,’ has been repeated in the second and the
third stanzas, it has become a refrain. When this line recurs in the poem, it becomes noticeable
to the readers.

3. All the World's a Stage

Summary
The poet compares the world to a stage in a theater, and men and women to the actors. Every actor
has his/her exit and entrance. Similarly, a person enters the world when he is born and leaves it
when he dies. In his life he plays seven different roles based on his age.

The first role of the drama of human life is infancy. In this act, a child completely depends on a
nurse. He cries and vomits in the nurse’s arms. In the second act he emerges as a school boy. In
this role he complains all the time. His face shines like fresh morning. He carries his school bag and
unwillingly goes to school as slowly as a snail. The third role is of a lover. The lover sighs like a
furnace and composes serious poems to praise the beauty of his beloved.

The fourth role is played by a soldier. The soldier swears oaths and has a beard like a leopard. He is
quick in battle. He looks for reputation even at the risk of his life. He is not afraid of death while
fighting for reputation. However, his reputation is momentary like a bubble. The fifth role is of a
judge. He has a fair round belly. He is fat from eating chicken. Firmness and maturity are reflected in
his eyes. He has a well-shaped beard and looks relaxed. He uses many sayings and modern
examples to support his arguments of wisdom.

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The sixth act takes a person to his old age. He becomes weak and thin. He puts on slippers,
spectacles, and trousers of his youth which do not fit his shrunk and thin legs. He keeps pouch with
him. His manly voice turns into the childish treble. He pipes and whistles. The final role for which a
person is responsible is second childhood. During this age the person becomes very old and
behaves like a child. It’s the stage of nothingness. He loses all his senses, and quits this world.
Understanding the text
Answer the following questions.
a. Why does the poet compare the world with a stage?
The poet compares the world with a stage because he believed that all men and women behave like
the actors.
b. What is the first stage in a human’s life? In what sense can it be a troubling stage?
The first stage in a human’s life is childhood. It can be a troubling stage as a child cries and vomits in
the nurse’s arms.
c. Describe the second stage of life based on the poem.
The second stage of life is school going boy. He complains all the time. His face is like shinning
morning. He carries his bag and reluctantly goes to school as slowly as a snail.
d. Why is the last stage called second childhood?
The last stage is called second childhood because he loses all his senses and behaves like a child.
e. In what sense are we the players in the world stage?
We are the players in the world stage as we appear on the world stage when we get birth and leave
it when we die like the actors do on the stage in a theater.
Reference to the context
a. Explain the following lines:
All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players
In the given lines, the poet asserts that life is like a stage. All the men and women are believed to be
actors who act in a drama of life. In a drama every actor enters the stage and acts his part. In the
same way, every person plays different roles throughout his or her life as the actors do on the stage.
b. Explain the following lines briefly with reference to the context.
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts,
The given lines are taken from the poem ‘All the world’s a stage’, composed by William
Shakespeare. These lines express similarity between the roles the actors play on the stage and
humans in their lives.
In a drama, every actor enters the stage, acts his role and then exits. In a similar way, we, enter the
world stage when we are born and leave it at the time of death. Like the actors in a drama, we are
assigned various roles to be performed. In a person’s life there are seven stages with different
characters. When we get our roles completed we quit the stage of our life.

The poet wants us to realize the fact that human life is like the stage of a theatre. A man is fated to
act several roles in his life.
d. Simile and metaphor are the two major poetic devices used in this poem. Explain citing
examples of each.
Shakespeare makes use of the first two metaphors in the lines ‘All the worlds’ a stage’, ‘all the men
and women merely players’. He compares the world to a stage in a theater and all the men and
women to actors who perform on the stage. The third metaphor is used when ‘reputation’ is
compared to bubble to show that reputation is momentary. Another metaphor is created to equate
manly voice to childish treble. The final metaphor is found in the line ‘that ends this strange eventful
history’. Human life is compared to the strange eventful history as human life is full of events and
incidents, and early memories.

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The first simile is used when a school boy is compared to a snail. He unwillingly walks to school as
slow as a snail. This figure of speech continues to compare the lover sighing to the furnace. The
heat of the furnace is similar to the passion felt by the lover.By using simile, a soldier is likened to a
leopard. This reveals that the soldier is quick, prompt and fast as the leopard
e. Which style does the poet use to express his emotions about how he thinks that the world
is a stage and all the people living in it are mere players?
The poem is written in blank verse with regular metrical but unrhymed lines. The style of the poem is
narrative. The narrator recounts the story of life. He compares human life to a stage and all the
people to actors. One man in his time plays several roles. In a drama every actor enters the stage,
acts his role and then exits. In a similar way, in real life, entrances and exits refer to births and
deaths. People appear on the stage when they get birth, play their respective roles and leave the
stage when they die. A person in his entire life has to complete seven stages.
f. What is the theme of this poem?
The theme of the poem is the cycle of human life. A person is destined to play seven different roles
throughout his life. For everyone, birth is entrance and death is exit. Each role has its own qualities
and features. The poem reveals how a person begins his life as an infant, and ends up in the same
way, without being aware of what is happening with him. He is the ultimate loser in the game of life.

4. Who are you, little i?

About the Poem
The poem 'who are you, little i',composed by E. E. Cummings, describes a child looking out a
window at the end of the day. It is about nature and the effect it has on the speaker. The speaker
recalls a childhood moment closely connected with nature. Perhaps the speaker is the poet.
Summary
The speaker stands next to the window and addresses himself in the form of his own inner child who
is 5 or 6 years old, calling ‘little i’ as the childlike feelings still lives within him. The feelings that cause
him to recall how he used to enjoy the golden sunset in November when he was a child. Now his
adulthood worries have suppressed all his joys and pleasures. He considers the day turning into the
night as the gradual passage of time. He welcomes this as a beautiful way.
Understanding the text
Answer the following questions.
a. Who can be the speaker of this poem?
The person who recalls his childhood closely connected with nature can be the speaker of this poem
b. What is “little i” doing?
Little i is peering at sunset through the window.
c. What can be the relationship between “little i” and the speaker of the poem?
"Little i" is the speaker's inner child.
d. What is the speaker remembering from his childhood days in the poem?
In the poem, the speaker is remembering the golden Nevember sunset.
e. What attitude does the speaker seem to have toward the child in the poem?
The speaker seems to have positive attitude toward the child. He becomes nostalgic when he recalls
his childhood.
Reference to the context
a. Why do you think Cummings has placed a semicolon between the words window and at?

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The semicolon between the words 'window' and 'at' expresses a break between the two main parts
of the poem. In the first part, the poet asks his question. In the second part, he goes on to describe
the sense of wonder he has experienced.
b. If the speaker is the child grown up, why does he ask, “who are you”?
The speaker addresses his own inner child. The childlike wonder still lives within him. The feelings
that cause him to remember how he used to enjoy the golden sunset in November when he was a
child.
c. In this poem, an adult reflects on the childhood experience. Based on that, what might be
the theme of the lines: “(and feeling: that if day / has to become night / this is a beautiful
way)”?
The theme of the line is death. The day turning into the night as the gradual change of life into death.
The speaker is ready to welcome death rather than staying suffering alive. This indicates how death
can be a solution to a painful life.
d. What is the rhyme scheme used in the poem?
The rhyme of scheme of the poem is ABAB. For example, 'I' in the first line rhymes with ‘high’ in the
third line, and ‘old’ in the second line rhymes with ‘gold’ in the fourth line.
e. Explain the pun in “little i” that is related to what he is doing.
A pun is the clever use of a word that has more than one meaning or a word that have different
meanings but sounds the same. The pun in 'little i' indicates both a specific aspect of the poet's
personality, the childlike feeling of wonder, and seeing the world through the 'eye' of a child.
f. How does Cummings’s use of lowercase letters affect your understanding of the poem?
Explain.
Cumming uses lowercase letters to emphasize his inferior feelings in regard to his experience. He
used to enjoy nature in his childhood full of happiness. Now his adulthood worries have suppressed
his joys and pleasures.

5. The Gift in Wartime

About the Poem
In the poem, Tun addresses an absent person. The person who she is speaking to can neither hear
nor understand what she is saying. She mourns the futility of lives lost in war. Her attitude towards
war is scornful and bitter.
In the poem, Tun uses the technique of verbal irony. In this technique, words are employed to mean
the opposite of their intended meaning. For instance, when she talks about the ‘gift’ in wartime, she
speaks not of a real gift but of grief and loss.
Summary
The poem opens with the speaker offering roses and a wedding gown in her husband’s grave. He
gives the speaker medals, silver stars, and a badge. These items seem to be less meaningful and
personal than the items that the speaker offers.

The speaker offers her husband her youth. He gives her the smell of blood. For the speaker her
husband’s offerings are insignificant.
The speaker gives her husband clouds of summer. She sacrifices her cold winters and springs for
him. He still remains unmoved inspite of these offerings. In return, he gives the speaker lips with no
smile, arms without tenderness and eyes with no sight as he is dead.

The speaker deeply apologizes to her husband about her complain regarding his offerings. She
promises to meet him in their next life. She will keep the shrapnel as a token, which will help them
know and recognize each other in next life.

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Understanding the text
Answer the following questions.
a. Who is the speaker addressing and why can that person not hear or understand what she
is saying?
She is addressing her husband. He cannot hear or understand what she is saying because he is
dead.
b. What can you infer about the speaker’s feelings for the person addressed as “you”?
The speaker’s feelings for the person addressed as “you” are full of love and devotion.
c. What is the speaker’s attitude toward war?
The speaker has bitter attitude towards war.
d. In what ways do you think this person’s fate has affected the speaker?
The speaker has been widowed. She has lost her youth. She is now alone in this world.
e. What does the speaker promise at the end of the poem? Why do you think the speaker
does this?
At the end of the poem, the speaker promises to meet her beloved in their next life. She will keep the
shrapnel as a token to recognize each other. I think the speaker does this to express her sincere
love for him.
Reference to the context
a. What is the theme of the poem?
The poem has the themes of lamentation for the loss and meaninglessness of lives lost in war. The
speaker has lost her husband in war. In return she gets medals, silver stars and a badge, and they
are of no use as he is not alive. She has been widowed and all alone now.
b. What imagery from the poem made the greatest impression on you? Why?
The image of the motionless body made the greatest impression on me. The body has lips with no
smile, arms without tenderness and eyes with no sight. The dead body represents the loss caused
by the war. The speaker lost her husband. Though he is given honor after his death, it is of no use.
c. Which figurative language is used in the poem? Explain with examples.
In the poem, irony, imagery, anaphora and apostrophe are used as figurative language.
Irony takes place when the poet talks about the gift which is not a real gift but of grief and loss. A
grave and shrapnel as tokens of remembrance are not the types of gifts people truly want. In reality,
the speaker says, her beloved's "gift" of death has robbed her of her youth.

The poet uses imagery when roses are offered in her beloved's grave, and her husband is described
as as a corpse with lips with no smile and eyes with no sight.The red roses traditionally symbolize
love.
The next figure of speech includes anaphora, which is the repetition of the same words at the
beginning of a line. In the first, third and fifth stanzas, the poet repeats "I offer you". The anaphora
comes in the sixth stanza when the speaker repeats "you give me" three times in a row.

The poem also uses the method of apostrophe, which is direct address to a person who is not
present or to an inanimate object. In this poem, the speaker addresses her husband’s dead body.
The poet makes use of metaphor as she compares her sadness to the clouds in her eyes on a
summer day.
d. What does the speaker “offer” in this poem? What does the person addressed as “you”
give in return?
The speaker offers roses, her wedding gown, her youth, clouds, cold winters and spring time to her
beloved. In return, he gives her his medals, stars, badges, his blood stained dress, his motionless
body with lips without no smile, arms without tenderness and eyes without sight, and shrapnel.

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e. An apostrophe is a literary device in which a writer or speaker addresses an absent person
or an abstract idea in such a way as if it were present and can understand. Discuss the poem
in relation to apostrophe.
The speaker’s husband has been killed in war. She addresses the dead body as if he can
understand her. She offers several things to him but he gives her the things which are of no
importance. She promises him to meet him their next life as she loves him very sincerely.

One Act Plays

1. Trifles
By Susan Glaspell
Characters
GEORGE HENDERSON, COUNTY ATTORNEY
HENRY PETERS, SHERIFF AND HUSBAND OF MRS. PETERS
LEWIS HALE, A NEIGHBOURING FARMER OF THE WRIGHTS
MRS. PETERS, WIFE OF THE SHERIFF
MRS. HALE, NEIGHBOUR TO THE WRIGHTS AND WIFE OF LEWIS HALE
Summary
The play is set in the Wright's abandoned farmhouse. It is a lonesome, gloomy place down in
the hollow where the road cannot be seen. The story's motive is to reveal the murderer of John
Wright. The characters doubt whether the murder must be committed by his wife or someone
else. The male characters suspect Mrs. Right. So, they focus to search for evidence in the
kitchen.
The play begins with George Henderson, the Country Attorney, Mr. Peters and Mr. Hale,
entering the kitchen of the Wrights’ farmhouse where the murder took place. They are
followed by Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters. The women stand by the kitchen door. Mr. Hale explains
the events since he had entered the farmhouse the previous day, to the Sheriff and the
Attorney.
When Mr. Henderson starts his investigation in the kitchen, he finds a jar containing fruit
preservative to be broken because of the cold, and resulting mess. When Mrs. Peters tells the
attorney that Mrs. Wright was worried about her preservative. Mr. Hale says that women are
used to worrying over trifles. Hearing the men Mrs. Peters and Mrs. Hale move closer to each
other. On a couple of occasions, Mrs. Hale is also shown defending Mrs. Wright. She also
indicates that Mr. Wright was a rather unwelcoming personality.

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Mr. Henderson allows Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters to gather few belongings for Mrs. Wright
before going upstairs in search of evidence. Mrs. Hale rearranges the kitchen to its tidy
condition before the men enters it. She remembers Mrs. Wright as Minnie Foster, who loved to
sing, before 30 years. She believes that she was sad and unhappy after her marriage. The
women find the sewing on a quilt to be wrong, and want to fix it. They search for the paper and
string in the cupboard to complete the quilt. Instead, she finds a bird cage. They notice the
head of the bird is in the same condition as that of Mr. Wright.

The women now have a new insight about Mrs. Wright’s situation. They speculate that her
husband must have killed the bird. It must have been awful for her that after so many years of
emptiness the only bird that sang was also killed. In her rage, she must have murdered her
husband. Mrs. Peters and Mrs. Hale decide to hide the evidence they have found as to Mrs.
Wright's motive. Unsurprisingly, the men take no notice, thinking of the item as simply trifles.

Understanding the text

Answer the following questions.
a. Do you believe that Mrs. Wright killed her husband? Explain.
Mrs. Peters and Mrs. Hale discover a number of clues which point to Mr. Wright's cruelty. They
examine her untidy kitchen, take note of Minnie's irregular stitching, discover a broken
birdcage, and find a dead canary in Minnie's sewing box. They come to the conclusion that Mr.
Wright killed her beloved pet, in her rage, she killed him in his sleep. She murdered her
husband to escape her abusive and oppressive marriage.

b. Do you think Mr. Wright’s death would have been uncovered if Mr. Hale hadn’t stopped by
the Wrights’ home?
Mr. Hale is a person who initially learns the death of Mr. Wright. It is possible that if Mr. Hale
had not stopped by the Wrights’ home, his death would not have been uncovered for a long
time. As few people visit the farmhouse, and she might have been able to hide the body and
keep others from finding her husband's death.
c. Why does Mrs. Hale think that Mrs. Wright’s worries about her preserves indicate her
innocence?
Mrs. Wright takes care of the household things like fruits, apron, shawl, etc. They obviously
make Mr. Wright happy. They are the symbols of the home that she once loved. Her worries
about these things brings out her true self. This makes Mrs. Hale think that she is innocent.
d. How does Mrs. Peters’ homesteading experience connect her to Mrs. Wright?
Mrs. Hale finds that Mrs. Wright was trying to bury the bird that she loved in the pretty box.
Mrs. Peters becomes nostalgic remembering her childhood days when a boy killed her kitten
with a hatchet. She was furious to hurt the boy but she was not allowed to so. The women

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connect the killing of the bird to the murder of Mr. Wright. It must have been awful for Mrs.
Wright that after so many years of emptiness the only bird that sang was also killed. Mrs. Peters
relates her own personal experience of losing her two- year old baby. She had a tough time to
fight the emptiness after the death of the baby. However, she feels the law has to punish Mrs.
Wright for the crime.

e. How do the women’s perspectives on men differ?

The women believe that each of them has suffered a similar circumstance in a male dominated
society. It lets them understand the plight of Mrs. Wright easily. They consider that Mrs. Wright
is worthy of their protection. While men are looking for evidence, women worry about the
trifles. They find the motive behind the murder. They become sympathetic to Mrs. Wright and
hide the evidence. They unify with Mrs. Wright against the law.
Reference to the context
c. What is the main theme of the play?
The major theme of the play is gender differences. The play suggests that the men are
aggressive, rough and self-centered. On the contrary, the women are more deliberative and
sensitive to the needs of others. These differences help the women to find the clues needed to
solve the crime, while the men miss the same clues. The men only want to gather evidence of
Mrs. Wright's crime, whereas the women come to understand the mental pain that drove Mrs.
Wright to kill her husband.
d. Discuss the symbolism used in the play.
Preserves- femininity
Rope- revenge
Quilt- psychic instability
Bird cage- restriction
Bird- freedom
Knotting the Quilt – killing her husband
f. Discuss the setting of the play. Does it have an impact on the theme of the play?
The play is set in John Wright's abandoned farmhouse during the winter months in 1916. The
house is a lonesome, gloomy place down in the hollow where the road cannot be seen. The
setting of the play contributes to our understanding of Mr. Wright's position because it implies
that she was depressed or unhappy just by judging from the way her house looks. The setting of
Trifles also helps us understand the characters and also moves the plot.
2. A Sunny Morning
About the Play

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‘A Sunny Morning’ is a light comedy that recounts the reunion of two lovers now in their 70s
meeting at a park. In their youth, they were ardent lovers but torn apart by the cruelty of fate.
The setting of the play is a sunny morning in Madrid, on a bench in the park.
Characters
DONA LAURA
PETRA, her maid
DON GONZALO
JUANITO, his servant

Summary
In a sunny autumn morning, Dona Laura, a handsome, white-haired old lady of about seventy
enters the corner of a park in Madrid with the help of her maid Petra. Her mental faculties
appear to be fine. She sends Petra to chat with her lover. She feeds the pigeons with the bread
crumbs. At the same time, Don Gonzalo a gentleman of seventy, also enters the park with his
servant Juanito. He sits at the end of bench with the old lady. Laura is angry. She says that he
should have asked her permission before sitting on the bench.
They become friends after sharing snuff together. They find something in common that they
sneeze alternately three times each. Then, they talk about their hometown. Gonzalo says that
he is from Valencia. To his surprise, Laura reveals that she lived in a villa at Maricela near
Valencia. They realize that once they were in love but decide to hide the fact. He tells Laura that
he knows a girl named Laura Llorente who lived in the villa, and was the most beautiful woman
he has ever seen. Laura tells him that the woman was her best friend. He remembers his
cousin, who was her lover.
Gonzalo admires her beauty. Laura adds that her friend was unlucky and had a sad love affair.
The lover used to pass by on horseback every morning through the rose garden and throw a
bouquet of flowers to her balcony which she caught. In the afternoon, the lover would return
through the same way, and catch the bouquet of flowers she would toss him. But her parents
wanted her to marry a merchant whom she disliked. Then, there was a duel between the lover
and the merchant at sunrise on the beach. The merchant was badly wounded. The lover fled to
Seville and then to Madrid. He tried to communicate with Laura through letters, but all his
attempts failed. After that, he joined the army and went to Africa. He died there with the flag of
Spain in his hands and whispering the name of Laura.
Laura tells him that her friend waited for days, months, a year and no letter came. She, without
finding the lover, went to the sea shore, wrote her lover’s name on the sand and sat upon a
rock. The tides rose to the rock and swept her out to sea. In reality, after three months Gonzalo
suddenly ran off to Paris with a ballet dancer. On the other hand, Laura got married two years
later. They do not unveil who they really are. They leave the park promising to meet the next
day.

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Understanding the text
a. What makes Dona Laura think that Don Gonzalo is an ill-natured man? Why do neither Dona
Laura nor Don Gonzalo reveal their true identities?
Gonzalo scares away the birds who are feeding on her bread crumbs. He makes immoral
comments on the priests. He talks to Laura very rudely. This unfriendly behavior makes Laura
think he is an ill- natured man.
Laura and Gonzalo can’t regain their youthful romance now. They think that it is disrespectful to
share the fact and denounce their true love. Furthermore, they fear of losing the pleasant
interaction after the revelation of the truth. So, they don’t reveal their true identities.
b. At what point of time, do you think, Laura and Gonzalo begin to recognize each other?
Gonzalo says that he is from Valencia and Laura reveals that she lived in a villa at Maricela near
Valencia. At this point, they begin to recognize each other.
c. When does Dona Laura realize that Don Gonzalo was her former lover?
After they share their memory of the hometown, Gonzalo tells her about the Silver Maiden and
describes her beauty. At this time, Dona Laura realizes that Don Gonzalo is her former lover.
d. Why do Dona Laura and Don Gonzalo spin fictitious stories about themselves?
They spin fictitious stories about themselves because they think that it’s not good to disclose
the identities at old age, and they want to spend their remaining life with sweet memories.
e. How do Dona Laura and Don Gonzalo feel about each other?
During their conversation, they find that they were lovers once in their youthful days. But they
are not ready to disclose their identity. They have no hatred and are ready to depart. They
promise to meet the next day. Laura sees Gonzalo picking up the violet dropped by her. Both of
them bid farewell.`
Reference to the context
g. What is the effect of flashback in the play when Dona Laura and Don Gonzalo knew that they
were the lovers in the past?
The flashback helps Laura and Gonzalo to realize that they were lovers in their youth. However,
they pretend to be true to each other. They narrate false stories to fool each other. They think
that revealing the fact can make them lose their present happiness. At the end of the play, they
depart promising each other to meet the next day.
h. Discuss how the play is built around humour and irony.
Humor is carried in the opening scene of the play. The comic sense of Laura is admirable when
she remarks on Gonzalo’s walking. She says “A carriage would not raise more dust than his
feet.” Her utterance creates laughter when she asks Gonzalo if he uses his handkerchief as a
shoe brush.
The references to the location and sequence of events and their association clearly hint that
Gonzalo and Laura were once lovers. It is ironical that they do not want to reveal their

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identities, as they fear that their changed looks can be restraints in their newly found
happiness.
i. How is the title ‘A Sunny Morning’ justifiable? Discuss.
Dona Laura and Don Gonzalo loved each other but circumstances separated them. They used to
be active, romantic and lively which suits the atmosphere of sunny morning. But, they are
inactive now. The wonderful memory of their youthful days make them forget their age and
think that it is a sunny morning. Thus, the title ‘A Sunny Morning’ is justifiable for the play.

3. Refund
Fritz Karinthy
Characters
THE PRINCIPAL
THE SERVANT
WASSERKOPF
THE MATHEMATICS MASTER
THE PHYSICS MASTER
THE STAFF
THE GEOGRAPHY MASTER
THE HISTORY MASTER
Summary
The one act play ‘Refund’ is about a man, named Wasserkopf, who goes back to the school in
which he had studied and demands a refund of all the tuition fees. He claims that he learnt
nothing useful at school. In the end, he loses his fight against the school as he is tricked by the
Mathematics Teacher. The play is full of humor which deals with an extraordinarily absurd
situation.
Wasserkopf is forty years old. He doesn’t succeed in getting any job. He is said to be fit for
nothing. One day he met his classmate, Leaderer. He asked Leadere about his business. When
he was told about foreign exchange and Hungarian money, he didn’t understand anything. He
started asking questions about foreign exchange. Leaderer remarked on his study for not
knowing the ordinary thing about foreign exchange. Wasserkopf was suggested to go to the
school and get his tuition fees back. He thinks that this idea will be beneficial as he is jobless
and does not have any finance.
He goes to the school where he studied once. When he asks for the refund, the Principal is
shocked. The Principal is in a difficult situation. He calls for an urgent meeting with all staff. He
syas that Wasserkopf wants to be re-examined. The teachers realize that Wasserkopf intends to
fail the exam so that he can claim the refund. Therefore, they decide to outsmart the old

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student by proving all his answers right. The Mathematics Master said that they have to help
each other to carry out their plan. The teachers decide to ask him the questions orally and
prove him right whatever answers he gives.
Wasserkopf’s test starts. The History Master asks him the first question. His question is that
how long the thirty Years’ war lasted. The answer is in the question itself. But Wasserkopf said
that the Thirty Years war lasted for seven metres. The History Master is helpless to prove this
answer right. Luckily, the Mathematics Master says that the answer is right as it is on the basis
of Einstein’s Theory of Relativity. Wasserkopf calls the History Master a numskull.
The Physics Master questions him if clocks in church steeples really become smaller as he walks
away from them, or they merely appear to become smaller because of an optical illusion. He
calls the Physics Master an ass. The teacher says that the answer is correct because the ass
does not have any illusion of vision. The Geography Master asks him what city of the same
name is the capital of the German province of Brunswick. His answer is simply the word ‘same’.
The teacher verifies his answer. All teachers mark him excellent though he uses abusive words
to them. They do not show their anger because they have to prove him as an excellent student.

At last the Mathematics Master asks him one easy and the other difficult question. For the easy
question, his reply is wrong. The teacher gets angry and says that he has failed his examination,
so he should be given his tuition fees back. The teacher says that the school has decided to
return his tuition fees and asks for the exact amount which he will get. He is unaware of their
trap. He gives them the exact detail of the tuition fees. The mathematics Master says that it is
his difficult question and he has answered rightly.
The Principal presents the results of the examination. He declares that Wasserkopf has passed
with distinction in every subject, and has again shown that he is entitled to the certificate they
awarded him on his graduation. The servant seizes Wasserkopf by the collar and his trousers
and rushes him off. The teachers are able to handle the situation wisely.
Understanding the text
Answer the following questions.
a. Why does Wasserkopf demand a refund of his tuition fees from the school?
Wasserkopf demands a refund of his tuition fees from the school because he believes the
education he received in the school failed to provide him with any capability.
b. Why does Wasserkopf consider himself good for nothing?
He considers himself good for nothing because he can’t learn anything useful in his school.
c. What did the teachers decide to do when Wasserkopf asked for a refund?
When Wasserkopf asked for a refund, they decide to reexamine Wasserkoph and make him
pass the exam.
d. Why did Wasserkopf give ridiculous answers? Why did the teachers accept these answers?

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He gave ridiculous answers because his objective was to fail the exam. The teachers accept his
answers to ensure that he passes the exam.
e. How does the Mathematics Master describe Wasserkopf’s character?
The Mathematics Master describes him as a sly, crafty individual, who will try to get the better
of them and his money back by hook or crook.
f. How did the teachers outwit Wasserkopf?
The teachers asked Wasserkopf very easy questions. His answers were very ridiculous but they
justified them. Finally, after asking Wasserkopf the easy question, the mathematics teacher said
that he failed the exam and asked him to calculate the amount the school had to refund. He did
it very well. The mathematics teachers said that he solved the difficult question as he was a
mathematical genius. The teachers declared that he passed the exam. Thus, they outwitted
Wasserkopf.
g. What is the final judgment on Waserkopf’s demand of refund?
The principal presents the final result of the examination. He has passed with distinction in
every subject, and has again shown that he is entitled to the certificate the school awarded him
on his graduation. No money is refunded but the servant seizes him and sends him out.
Reference to the context
c. Explain the following line of the play:
“Because I didn’t get my money’s worth, that’s why!”
The given line is a satire on the present day education system.
Wasserkoph goes back to the school in which he studied. He meets the Principal and insists that
his tuition fees should be refunded. The Principal is taken aback and asks the reason for this
strange claim. He replies that he had learnt nothing in the school. He is fired from the job and is
in financial crisis. This is the result of the education he received in the school.
Wasserkoph is, therefore, justified in claiming for a refund. He adds that a reexamination will
prove that his demand is valid.
d. What is the theme of the play?
The play “Refund” is the amalgamation of humour and satire. The dramatist criticizes the
present system of education, which does not prepare students for their career. The play deals
with an unusual situation. It also shows the capability of the teachers to manage the situation
without spoiling the reputation of their school.
e. Sketch the character of Wasserkopf.
Wasserkopf is the main character in the play. He is forty years old. He is an eccentric person. He
is fired from the job and still remains unemployed. Wherever he goes people comment on his
disability that he is fit for nothing. He believes that he has not learnt anything in his school, so
the school has to refund his tuition fees.
The End

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