DON’T CUT DOWN THE TREES BROTHER WOODCUTTER

Literal Comprehension

The poem "Don't Cut Down The Trees, Brother Woodcutter" was written by Nepali writer Balkrishna
Sama and translated by Michael Hutt.

The poem is about the preservation and reforestation of trees. In this poetry, the trees represent the
dead mother since they are unable to convey their emotions.

The trees are constantly protected from natural disasters. In our childhood, we spent much of our time
playing in the woods and climbing. It offers us fruits and flowers. According to the poet, during the
winter season, we all assemble inside our houses to burn fires, speak, sing, and dance, and the trees
have become accustomed to seeing and hearing our activities, as well as appreciating and blessing all
human bounties that allow us to live happily.

They wait till the winter is over to see daylight, and then they stretch their arms anew, tacitly requesting
that we not cut off their arms.

Interpretation

The major focus of this poem is the preservation and replanting of forests or trees. The poem discusses
the value of trees, why we need to protect them, and what they mean to us.

Trees balance the ecology and safeguard us from natural disasters. It offers fresh air to people. The
author also proposes that we save trees in order to improve our current and future lives for future
generations.

Critical Thinking

This poem is entertaining to read and provides valuable information about the importance of trees, the
environment, and the ecology.

However, as a critical thinker, I am dissatisfied with certain of the text's points:

Is it acceptable to compare all humans to trees?

How do the trees imagine the sunny infancy of humans?
How are they aware of human welfare?
Similarly, how do trees have the same sensations as humans?

Assimilation
Prior to reading this work, I knew nothing about the importance of forests, trees, deforestation,
reforestation, eco-balance systems, and so on.

But after reading this book, I realized I needed to understand more about this sort of issue, so I chose to
share this knowledge with everyone in order to preserve our future lives.

TO KNOW A FLY

Literal Comprehension

"To Know A Fly" is an article published by American physiologist Vincent Dethier. This article discusses
four scientific experiments.

The first experiment had numerous gentlemen gathering and drinking whiskey, bourbon, rum, scotch,
rye, gin, and so on, and mixing it with water; as a result, the writer believed water had intoxicating
properties.

The second is that there was an earthquake in one house; the house collapsed, but the owner lived. as
queried, the house owner stated that as I was drawing down the window shade, my house fell.

The third is that the researcher hung the banana, there were tools, and the Ape used these things to
take the fruit. The researcher was astounded because the Ape employed an unexpected method to steal
the banana.

The last scientific experiment was conducted on an insect; the observer used ten saucers filled with
regular water and sugared water to determine the bug's flavor, but the insect tasted better than the
writer had anticipated. And he discovered that insect legs had taste power.

Interpretation

Because this essay is about a scientific experiment, the writer is attempting to convince us that a well-
conducted scientific experiment is required to get the best result.

We are all living organisms, with sensitivity, imaginative power, and mental power, and everyone have
unique talents.

So the author implies that we humans do not feel proud of ourselves. Additionally, the writer claims that
flying is more sensitive than humans.

Critical Thinking
After reading this work, I discovered several intriguing concepts and some unsatisfactory ones. Some
dissatisfied remarks about this paragraph are as follows:

Is every other living species more sensitive than humans?

How can we assume that flying has greater sensitivity than humans?
How is it feasible to do scientific study on humans under any conditions?
Are all of the conclusions presented by the writer in this work correct?

Assimilation

Prior to reading this work, I had limited awareness about scientific study and other living species. As I
read this essay, I realized how important scientific study is in reaching the greatest possible conclusion.

Also, I was aware that other living things, like humans, possess sensibility and reasoning abilities.

THIRD THOUGHTS

Literal Comprehension

Third Thoughts is a narrative given by the author's acquaintance. He is a little businessman who used to
acquire pricey things and sell them for the lowest possible price.

He is an extremely idealistic individual. One day, he bought a Turner drawing. It is barely worth ten
shillings, therefore the dealer and customer are unsure if it is original or not.

He traveled to London and sold the artwork for fifty pounds. He was ecstatic since the profit was far
higher than he had anticipated. After selling for a profit, he first chose to split 50% of his earnings with
the dealer. And he drafted a letter to the dealer, but he couldn't mail it since he didn't have a stamp.
After considerable thinking, he agreed to split the profits of only ten pounds.

Again, he believed 10 pounds was too much, so he agreed to split just 5 pounds of profit. Similarly, he
considered and chose to share only one pound of profit.

And he thought about it again, went to the club, gambled all of his money, and lost everything.

Finally, he concluded that after purchasing anything, there is no relationship between the vendor and
the customer. In addition, everyone in the corporate world strives to maximize profits. He contented
himself with those kind of thinking.

Interpretation
The narrative depicts the evolving nature, ideas, and vulnerabilities of humans. Shows the impulsive,
highly passionate, and idealistic essence of humans; in that scenario, the writer's companion is
introduced.

It was also taught that after purchasing anything, there is no relationship between the customer and
seller. It also states that in order to be a successful businessman, we must think strategically and
rationally.

Critical thinking

Some dissatisfied points after reading this material include:

How is it feasible for a businessman to acquire pricey things and sell them for the least price?
How can we assume that the salesman has not been informed on their items or products?
Is it feasible to meet someone as idealistic as the writer's buddy in the corporate world?

Assimiation

Prior to reading this text, I believed that it was unnecessary to maintain our thinking consistent. I'm not
concerned about my pledges.

But after reading this literature, I realized that in order to be a decent person and a good businessman,
we must maintain consistency in our views and commitments.

THE CLOCK TOWER

Literal Comprehension

This poem was composed by Nepalese poet Bhupi Sherchan and then translated by Padma Devkota. In
this poetry, the aged pensioner and veteran are compared to the Clock Tower/Ghantaghar.

When few people owned watches, they relied only on the Ghantaghar to keep track of time. However,
everyone now owns a watch or a cell phone, rendering Ghantaghar obsolete.

Similarly, when an elderly retired pensioner was young and served in the military, he was revered and
admired. He was very devoted and joyful. However, he is now elderly, alone, and depressed. He largely
remembered two instances from his history. First, he used to ride a horse while wearing a cap, and
second, he had an ancient circular pocket watch.
However, the people no longer revere either the Veteran or the Clock Tower.

Interpretation

This poem describes the old pensioner's life experiences. It depicts the force of time, and how we are
indirectly ruled by time and must live our lives accordingly.

It claims that it is vital for items in human existence. Most importantly, it taught us that no matter how
excellent we are, we are not always important.

Critical Thinking

This poem is interesting to read and emphasizes the significance of items in human existence.

Also, the old pensioner had an intriguing encounter. However, some dissatisfied remarks with this are:

How can we compare humans with objects?

Are all artifacts worthless when they become old?
Are all old guys not respected and sorrowful as they age? Because our civilizations teach us to respect
and adore all older males. And if they performed patriotic duties, they will always be remembered in our
hearts.

Assimilation

I didn't expect "The Clock Tower" to have such an impact on me. Prior to reading this text, I believed
that I was incredibly powerful, gorgeous, beautiful, and long-lasting.

However, after reading this book, we realize that we only have time. And what makes our lives lovely is
time and age.

THE TELEGRAM ON THE TABLE

Literal Comprehension

"The Telegram On The Table" is a story created by Nepali short story writer Parashu Pradhan, which was
later translated by Michael Hut.

This is the narrative of Nepalese youngsters who moved to the city from their village. Mr. Krishna
appears to be a young man in this scene. He had previously resided in the city for a decade.

He used to advise visitors and liked seeing their blue eyes, speaking style, and manner of life since he is
really interested in learning English.
He used to have dreams about foreigners and enormous buildings in New York City. One day, a buddy
arrived and informed him of his wife's death.

After hearing this, he appears too joyful instead of serious. Then he wanted to be in a second marriage
and asked Mrs. Panday to supper.

He was alone in his room after a while, and seeing how imbalanced it was made him uneasy. He was
upset with himself for recalling his village, family, relatives, wife, friends, and Dashain holidays.

Finally, he came to terms with his situation and began to cry as he remembered his previous existence.

Interpretation

This story illustrates the lives and conditions of city people who have moved away from their hometown
and country, where they have forgotten their former lifestyles. Migrants are captivated by urban life.

Youths assume that by migrating to a distant country, they may earn more money. It also demonstrates
that migrants lack feeling and empathy, becoming stone-hearted, as Mr. Krishna did after learning of his
wife's death.

It also communicates to readers the reality they must accept, whether they live in a town, a faraway
country, or hold a high position.

Critical Thinking

This narrative depicts the harsh realities, circumstances, and character of young people. Here are my
dissatisfied assertions in this text:

How can we assume that Mr. Krishna could easily forget his wife?
Can the husband be joyful after hearing of his wife's death?
How can we say that city/international life is always better?
Is there no legislation prohibiting persons who get into a second marriage immediately after the death
of their wife?

Assimilation

I expected those who had relocated to a foreign city to have a great future because they were honest
and faithful to others, studied hard, and thought about their village and the progress of their nation.

But after reading this essay, I realized that some migrant people are thoughtless and stone-hearted, and
they do not reflect on their prior lives. I learnt that we never forget our prior lives, no matter where we
are.

KING JOHN AND THE ABBOT OF CANTERBURRY

Literal Comprehension

King John and the Abbot of Canterbury tells the account of England's King John, who ruled over the
country. The Abbot of Canterbury (priest of religious sites).

One day, the King summoned the Abbot and told him that his error was serious, and he threatened to
execute him if he did not answer his questions. The King's first query was, "What is my price (the King's
price)?" Second, how long would it take to travel around the entire world?

The third inquiry is, "What am I thinking at the moment?" Along with these questions, the king assigned
him two weeks to uncover the answers. Abbot sought answers from colleges, universities, physicians,
and other educated individuals, but no one was able to provide them. With this, he feels quite
disappointed and returns to his house.

Being forlorn, he confides in his Shepherd (who looks after the sheep). Shepherd unexpectedly stated,
"I'll answer these questions and save your life."

This is the day he has three days remaining. On the fourteenth (final) day, Shepherd visits the king's
palace. King instructs him to answer his three questions. He stated that the first rescuer is Jesus, whose
Christ price is 30 Pence, whereas your price is 29 Pence. The second is to go from one dawn to the next
with the pace of the Sun. And the final response is whether you believe I am Abbot or not.

After hearing all of these replies, he was smiling and cheering. Although he understands that he is a
Shepherd, not an Abbot, he forgives the Abbot.

Interpretation

From a moral and theological standpoint, this narrative is highly valued. This narrative depicts the king's
jealousy as well as his righteousness.

The narrative showed that formal, bookish education is insufficient in comparison to practical
knowledge, and that our understanding is vastly superior than formal knowledge.

It claims that ignorant and uneducated individuals can provide more accurate responses than educated
ones. Shepherd is introduced in that context.

Critical Thinking
The novel is engaging to read and imparts a moral lesson to the readers. However, as a critical thinker, I
was left with certain issues after reading this work. They are:

Is it true that the King costs only 29 pence?

Can you believe that it just takes 24 hours to travel around the world?
Is it impossible for the King to recognize the Shepherd?
Does every illiterate person provide a better response than an educated person?

Assimilation

Prior to reading this material, I believed that formal, bookish knowledge and only educated individuals
could handle any sort of problem and provide any type of query or response.

But after reading this text, I realized that even illiterate individuals may provide better responses than
educated ones. I also understood the necessity of practical knowledge.

WHO WAS TO BLAME

Literal Comprehension

Anton Chekhov wrote a tale titled Who Was To Blame. In this anecdote, the writer compared him to a
two-month-old kitten.

During the writer's childhood, his uncle was a teacher who taught him Latin, which he could not
comprehend. Many mice live in the writer's home, disturbing his uncle and tearing up his books, but the
small kitten is unable to capture them.

The writer's uncle decided to buy a mousetrap, which he maintained in their home. In the evening, a
mouse was captured. Then his uncle brings the small kitten near the mouse, where the writer and his
uncle had gathered, but the kitten is too astonished and terrified to stay there.

The scenario remained unchanged on the second and third days. On the fourth day, the kitten is
similarly unable to capture a mouse; when his uncle notices this, he becomes enraged and tosses the
kitten away.

After one year, the little kitten grew into a huge tomcat. When he is about to see his lover, he notices a
mouse and flees away. Seeing this, the writer remembered his boyhood, when he was unable to acquire
the Latin language, just as Kitten was unable to capture a mouse.

Interpretation
The main idea of this story is that humans and animals cannot be trained forcefully, by punishment or
threat, because the result is counterproductive. Instead, learning is possible in fresh, natural, happy, and
romantic settings, as well as mutual understanding.

It also emphasized that if you are hesitant to learn something, it will be difficult to learn for the rest of
your life. And without interest, everything is meaningless.

Critical Thinking:

I like reading this story since it was engaging. However, I am not completely happy with several of the
claims in this text.

Is it feasible for the Tomcat to flee upon sighting a mouse? (Cats have an innate ability to capture mice.)
Can animals be trained, like the writer's uncle did?
Why did the writer's uncle not kill the mouse himself?
Is there only one cat to keep the house free of mice?

Assimilation

Reading the story "Who Was to Blame" transports me back to my youth.

Those days, I do not comprehend English and am unable to handle mathematical issues. But now that I
am 15, I still do not fully comprehend the English language and mathematical challenges.

THE BURDEN OF SKEPTICISM

Literal Comprehension

Carl Sagan, an American poet, wrote an essay titled "The Burden of Skepticism". In this article, the
author underlined the need of being suspicious in order to determine if anything is correct or incorrect.

The author provides various instances. For example, when we buy used automobiles, if we do not have
excellent knowledge about them, we are skeptical.

We have been mesmerized by pharmaceuticals, embellished commercials, and political rhetoric. In

terms of spirit, soul, and rebirth, our civilizations believe and practice it.
It also uses the example of Ramtha, who was primarily interested in discovering petroleum and natural
resources. She believes she has encountered a 3500-year-old guy. Finally, the author asserts that in such
situations, we must be skeptical (doubtful) in order to determine what is and is not true.

Interpretation

This essay concluded with scientific tests. It also states that complete skepticism is not desirable since
we should not accept anything without evidence.

It also emphasized that only those things may be accepted that can be proven to be correct.

Critical Thinking

Although the article depicts our real-life experiences, we all have and believe in ourselves. However,
some dissatisfied remarks about this paragraph are:

Is it feasible to be skeptical at all times?

Do all humans have the same views that scientists do?
How can we think Ramtha encountered a 3500-year-old man?
Is it feasible to think that a human being may live to 3500 years old?

Assimilation

Prior to reading "The Burden of Skepticism," I believed in traditional, historical, spirit, rebirth, and other
concepts without proof.

But after reading this work, I realized that blind views and complete open-mindedness are ineffective.
So, starting today, I've chosen not to believe in ridiculous things until there is evidence.

MR KNOW ALL

Literal Comprehension

The writer "William Somerset Maugham" tells the story "Mr. Know All". This narrative is about a
fourteen-day ship trip from America to Japan.

During the voyage, the writer shared his cabin with a black man named Max Keleda. The writer
disrespects him because he is black. Mr. Max Keleda was known as Mr. Know All because he is
knowledgeable about card games, politics, commerce, trade, necklaces, pearls, and other topics, and he
is also extremely chatty.
There was Mr. Ramsay, an American counseling service. Mr./Mrs. Ramsay and Mr. Keleda joined us for
supper one evening.

Mr. Keleda said that I am knowledgeable about necklaces, jewelry, and pearls, and that the pearl Mrs.
Ramsay was wearing was original and cost $30,000.00. But Mr. Ramsay claims it is not unique and costs
only 18 dollars.

And there was a bet that if this pearl was original, Mr. Ramsay would pay Mr. Keleda $100. And if the
pearl was reproduced, Mr. Keleda would give Mr. Ramsay 100 dollars.

The writer was always monitoring. When Mr. Keleda was ready to acquire the Peral, Mr. Ramsay stated
that Mrs. Ramsay was extremely worried and exhibited unusual behavior.

Mr. Keleda claimed it was a duplicate and lost the wager, paying $100.

Mrs. Ramsay buys the pearl where it was first found while engaging in illicit activity. The next morning,
Mr. Ramsay returned Mr. Keleda's $100 in envelopes, secretly believing that betting is not a smart
approach to get money.

Finally, observing all of this, the writer began to fall in love with Mr. Max Keleda.

Interpretation

Perhaps this narrative is attempting to portray a positive human character through Mr. Max Keleda. It
depicts racial prejudice between blacks and white Americans.

It also depicts the character of women in the absence of their spouses.

Most significantly, it taught me that "Never judge a book by its cover" means that we should not assess
anyone's major character based just on their appearance.

Critical Thinking

I admired Mr. Keleda's demeanor, which was always one step ahead of being human. Despite being
insulted by others, he manages his rage and never hurts them.

That is the essence of a true human. However, some issues about this paragraph are:
Why does Mr. Max Keleda show so much regard for the writer despite the fact that the writer despised
him?
How can we think that Mr. Keleda was willing to lose a bet to save Mr./Mrs. Ramsay's marriage?
How can we think Mr. Keleda knows everything?
Why does the writer neglect Mr. Keleda when he has so much respect for him?

Assimilation

Before reading "Mr. Know All," I used to believe that women had a nice temperament and that America
was a democratic society.

However, after reading this literature, I realized the immoral character of women in terms of obtaining
money. And America is not a well-democratized society if racial prejudice persists.

KEEPING ERRORS AT BAY

Literal Comprehension

"Keeping Errors At Bay" is an article published by Bertrand Russell, a British philosopher. This essay
teaches us how to avoid the foolish mistakes that people make in their life.

And he had offered six examples of errors and their solutions. First, Mr. Aristotle believes that women
have fewer teeth than males. If he counted his wife's teeth, he'd have the correct answer.

The second is that we have a restricted mentality, therefore we should broaden it by traveling, meeting,
reading papers, and learning about different worlds and communities.

The third point is that we used to make decisions on our own, but in order to make effective judgments,
we must consult with other parties and engage in talks. The fourth is that we think on aberrant parts of
our lives and get ourselves into difficulty. The author recommends that we engage in opinion-based
interactions with others by visualizing and liberating ourselves.

The fifth is that we believe we are superior to others and value ourselves; hence, the author says that
we should not underestimate others but rather offer them respect and take.

The final point is that fear is the primary cause of mistakes, superstitions, conservative sentiments, and
unkind behavior. Thus, the writer advises that without proof, we should not accept things and rely on
observations to draw conclusions.

Interpretation
In this article, the author attempts to ponder on human faults. Women have fewer teeth than males,
have limited thoughts, make judgments on their own, think abnormally, value themselves, and dread.

These flaws prevent us from entering reality, from arriving at facts and judgments. It teaches us how to
be afraid.

So the major subject of this article is that we should prevent those flaws in our lives by making excellent
observations and living our lives freely and educated.

Critical Thinking

After reading this text, I disagree with several of the statements:

Is it feasible to make observations across all situations?

Is it feasible to do observations without any resources? How can we trust the accuracy of other
conceptions, such as equipment types?
Is it possible for humans to be without fear?

Assimilation

Reading this article "Keeping Errors At Bay" taught me that I am really lousy at thinking, that my life is
out of balance, and that I should respect people in order to be respected in return, as well as build
reciprocal connections with others to share ideas, thoughts, knowledge, and so on.

THE TINY CLOSET

Literal Comprehension

William Inge (1913-1973) composed the short play "The Tiny Closet". Mr. Newbold is the ideal
roommate for Mrs. Crosby (landlady).

He is usually very tidy and clean. When Mr. Newbold is in his room, he suspects that someone is
bothering him by monkeying about the door, enquiring about his personal life.

When he went to the market, he told his landlady not to let anyone into his room until he returned. The
genuine drama has begun.

The landlady is too interested to know what is in his room, therefore why does he not allow anybody to
enter? She takes Elsie up the stairs and calls her acquaintance, Mrs. Hergesheimer. Then they enter his
room. There were lovely women's headgear. Seeing it, she wondered if he was a spy, a madman, or a
criminal. Mrs. Elsie was now really interested about what they were doing in his room.

Then Mr. Newold returned, and Elsie told him everything they were doing. Hearing that he attempts to
disguise himself instead of threatening them scares them.

After some time, he enters his room, and seeing the imbalanced environment, he feels powerless and
begins to cry. Then he believes she committed the crime, which makes him bold and indignant.
He plans to murder her using a hatpin and enters the kitchen where she is. In this way, the play
concludes.

Interpretation

In this drama, the author attempts to demonstrate human faults, curiosity, and jealousy. The author
depicts women's curious propensity to learn about the private lives of others, as well as their jealous
attitude while discussing others' private lives.

Furthermore, the author stressed that being overly curious in other people's lives might be dangerous.
And he stated we should live a formal life or have a common, regular, and natural lifestyle.

Critical Thinking

The material is excellent, however after reading, I'm not comfortable with several of the statements:

Is it proper for Mrs. Crosby to be too interested about Mr. Newbold?

Is it conceivable that Mr. Newbold is usually excessively nice and clean?
How can we argue that Mr. Nebold is a spy and a criminal just by creating women's hats?
How can we trust Mr. Newbold will be able to kill Mrs. Crosby with the use of the hatpin?

Assimilation

Before reading the literature "The Tiny Closet," I was too interested to learn about other people's
private lives and was jealous of them.

However, after reading this essay, I realized that being too interested and envious about other people's
lives is pointless. It can sometimes be hazardous or damaging to us.

So I've chosen not to be overly inquisitive about other people's private lives or to meddle with their life.

TO HIS COY MISTRESS

Literal Comprehension

The poem "To His Coy Mistress" was written by Andrew Marvell, an English Metaphysical Poet. In this
poetry, the author stresses physical love.

The writer claims that we don't have enough time. The author characterizes his coyness as cherished. He
believes your coyness is meaningless.
If I had a hundred years, I would applaud you. If I have enough time in 200 years, I will adore you. And I
shall slumber for 30,000 years, and at the end, I will see your heart.

Also, when I propose to you, please do not accept or reject me right away. I propose to you repeatedly,
and you refuse to accept or reject me each time. This way, our love story will be much longer. The
author also claims that protecting your virginity is pointless; instead, you should enjoy it while you are
young.

If you do not appreciate your youth, worms will ruin your virginity once you die. In this way, the writer
stated that we have insufficient time and should enjoy our lives while we are still young.

Interpretation

Rather than spiritual love, the writer expresses his inner thoughts, sexual yearning, and physical
satisfaction to his sly mistress. The central topic of this poem is that time is almighty, and we are all
powerless in the face of it.

Also, we have little time, so we should achieve our ambitions and enjoy our lives while we are young,
otherwise we would have nothing to contribute in our old age.

And, according to the author, we only have so much time, so we should make the most of it while we
are young.