How Sane Are We

Literal Comprehension: Anuradha Chaudhary, a Bangladeshi writer, wrote this

article about environmental consciousness and the importance of conservation.
We are accountable for the destruction of nature, thus we must also conserve it.
We should not destroy anything in nature since it is not only for us; it is a gift to
give or pass down to future generations. However, there is widespread
degradation of nature around the world, but little effort is being made to save and
conserve it. We believe ecology and politics are inextricably intertwined, despite
the fact that many people disagree. As elections are held to select our
representatives, the ones we trust the most become ministers. So we readily
believe that they make only good decisions for everyone, but our representatives
or ministers are mistaken; they do the contrary; they think only about their own
benefit, chair, party, and vote. Many individuals believe that political leaders are
trustworthy, and those who do cannot believe that they are irresponsible to
nature. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are manufactured chemicals. They provide 20
percent of the greenhouse effect. They deplete the ozone layer, which acts as a
shield around the world. This absorbs 99 percent of the sun's UV radiation. If the
rays reach Earth, they will disrupt the ecology, reduce agricultural output, damage
the human immune system, and induce skin cancer and cataracts. CFCs were first
introduced in 1920 for use in refrigerators, spray cans, computer chips, air
conditioners, and other applications. In 1974, experts around the world revealed
that there is a link between CFCs and the ozone layer, but nations and CFC
producers ignored the warning. CFCs were thought to have a link with the ozone
layer as early as 1985. The world's states then signed a statement pledging to end
CFC production by 2006.The choice to phase out CFCs internationally is sensible,
but the author does not believe it is honest. They might immediately discontinue
the usage of CFCs in favor of less expensive and safer alternatives. However, their
choices are not implemented. Allowing people to continue consuming CFCs
causes us to destroy ourselves. The author discusses Karel Capek's science fiction
novel "War with the Newts" here. Newts are extremely intelligent aquatic critters
capable of producing pearls. Men gave them knives so they could protect
 themselves from sharks. Their numbers were so big that they moved to the
country to live, endangering human life. We, like the newts, are destroying our
own homes while also harming our ecosystem and air quality.

Interpretation: We humans consider ourselves to be the most brilliant, witty,

clever, and responsible creatures in the universe. But we are so rational that we
kill our own homes and ourselves, not only other species. We simply worry about
the heritage of natural things and do whatever we want. The text also indicates
that humans are unable to make rational decisions. The general public does not
elect sensible political leaders as their representatives, and elected
representatives do not make timely judgments. Furthermore, they are dishonest.
They are just concerned about the next election, not about the fate of humans
and other animals. They are aware that CFCs are degrading the ozone layer, but
they are doing nothing to prevent the usage of this hazardous substance. They
make decisions, but lack the bravery and initiative to put them into action. As a
result, electing such leaders is harming the environment, and they are harming
humanity's future.

Critical Thinking: This article focuses mostly on environmental degradation and

the significance of conservation. In this essay, the author attacks governments,
politicians, and factory owners for using dangerous chemicals such as
chlorofluorocarbons. She emphasizes its conservation because we are
accountable for its extinction. She harshly criticizes leaders and those who elect
them, but she does not believe experts should be as concerned about the
chemical's detrimental effects. Not only are politicians and scientists responsible
for this challenge, but we should all be cautious about how we solve it.

Assimilation: Reading literary tests is quite beneficial. Literature provides not only
pleasure and enjoyment, but also a broad knowledge of several disciplines. I
learned a lot from reading this essay. I knew about the ozone layer and its
importance. I also realized the disadvantages of air conditioners and refrigerators.
Previously, I was careless with these things; I didn't feel anything while using the
AC or fridge, but now I feel bad about destroying the environment when I use
these equipment. I've seen many folks suffer from skin cancer, respiratory issues,
 and other ailments. This could have been produced by the sun's UV rays and a
depleted ozone layer. Now I'll try to persuade everyone of my relatives and
families about these issues.

Don’t Cut down The Trees Brother

Woodcutter
Literal Comprehension: Bal Krishna Sama, a Nepali poet, wrote the poem
"Don't Cut Down the Trees, Brother Woodcutter". The poem's major focus is
environmental conservation. The poet, in particular, contends that trees play a
crucial role in our lives and must be maintained. The poet views the trees to be
our deceased mother, silent observers who guard us from natural disasters. The
poet personifies the tree. The tree represents our mother, who is always around
and looks after us. When we think back to our youth, we remember spending the
most of our time playing around the tree. It offers us fruits and flowers, as if our
mother is concerned about us. Thus, no child goes hungry. Their leafy lips kiss us,
and when they're exhausted, they groan and cry. They never say a word. They are
able to tolerate, and their pains and grievances are solely for our benefit. They
never complain. Furthermore, the poet claims that in the winter, the family
gathers around a wood-burning fire to sing and speak. In the winter, the trees are
covered in white ice, which causes them to bow before us. However, we are
ignorant. We don't realize all of the scars and tolerance that trees must
experience in order to support our lives. They silently and secretly pass the frigid
nights dreaming of the pleasant and cheerful days we had as children under their
care. They also hear us singing the songs that they taught us. They always bless
our laughers. They have always loved us. But they are unable to explain their
inner ideas to us. This does not imply that they are lifeless, stupid, or careless.
They wait for us until winter is over. As soon as spring arrives, they reach out their
arms again, pleading with us not to cut them off.
 Interpretation: In this pro-environment poetry, the poet attempts to raise
awareness about the grave issues of deforestation and environmental
deterioration. He reiterates the idea of viewing the planet and its plants as
courteous and forgiving of us, the selfish humans who constantly fell down trees
to meet their immediate wants. The poet is subtly criticizing the human act of
clearing land, which threatens the life of our children and grandkids. The trees
must be conserved for our future, in case the human species goes extinct.

Critical Thinking: This poem is enjoyable to read, and it provides valuable

information about the importance of trees, the environment, and ecosystems.
However, as a critical thinker, I am not happy with several of the issues raised
in this text.
i) Is it acceptable to compare all humans to trees?
ii) How do the trees imagine the sunshine infancy of humans?
iii) How are they aware of human welfare?
iv) Similarly, how do trees have the same sensations as humans?
Assimilation: The poem is intended to make today's generation appreciate
the value of trees. They need to understand that what we are doing with the
trees is not their proper usage. There could be more than that. It made me
realize how little I had been taking care of the natural world around me. And
especially since I get everything I need from nature. Prior to reading this text, I
had little understanding of the importance of forests, trees, deforestation,
reforestation, eco-balance systems, and so on. But after reading this text, I
realized I needed to understand more about this type of thing; therefore, I've
decided to share this information with everyone in order to preserve it and
safeguard our future lives.

To Know a Fly
Literal comprehension: 'To Know A Fly' is an essay about a scientific
experiment. It has provided the viewpoint that every scientific experiment
should be conducted intentionally and carefully since an experiment
conducted at random may not yield a suitable and acceptable outcome. The
experiment always begins with an act of trust in reality, the cause-and-effect
relationship, rational discovery, and the use of the senses. It proceeds with an
observation and a question. The scientist, in reality, modifies the circumstance,
examines the outcome, and makes a conclusion. As a result, a man who wishes
to perform an experiment must be cautious and cognizant of this worry, as the
most prevalent scientific sin is a lack of sufficient experimental control. The
text begins with an example of a properly planned experiment, which is
followed by an experiment that was done at random. A gentleman once took
off the flea's rear legs and concluded that it hears from the hind legs because it
couldn't jump despite his instruction, and he had already tried amputating
other portions of its body. Similarly, the next individual concluded from his
experiment that the intoxicating characteristic is in glass, not water, or even
other alcoholic liquids such as bourbon, rum, scotch, rye, gin, and so on,
because all of them were combined with water. This type of confusion
between correlation and causation and effect leads to fallacies and scientific
sins. Finally, the book describes the fly's amazing ability to detect and
distinguish sweetness in substance. This is the most productive experiment
carried out by astute observation. It extends its proboscis and tastes the food
to determine if it is sweet or not. It is overly sensitive. It tastes food through its
proboscis.
Interpretation: As a work of scientific literature, the text attempts to convey
the significance of experiments and warns that one must be cautious and
mindful when carrying out the experiment. Otherwise, it has more negative
consequences than positive ones. Similarly, presenting an experiment on the
fly teaches the reader that nature has given each organism unique
characteristics. In this respect, humans cannot be considered superior
organisms in the planet. 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: The essay discusses the theories behind scientific
experimentation and its significance. Naturally, one must be conscious and
cautious, but excessive consciousness is ineffective in all experiments. Many
scientific breakthroughs occur unexpectedly and randomly in experiments. No
scientist works when focused on his creation. Whatever discoveries occur,
they are abrupt and odd. 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 that
scientific investigation is required to achieve the finest conclusions. Also, I was
aware that other living things, like humans, have sensitivity and cognitive
abilities. As I read through the article, I was really pleased. I used to believe
that the purpose of the experiment was to get a simple conclusion. Everything
is present, and experimenting entails mixing things together and carefully
observing them. But now I understand that conducting tests involves a great
deal of attention and understanding. Furthermore, after reading it, I realized
and accepted the truth that nature has endowed all of its species with unique
characteristics.

King John And the Abbot Of the

Canterburry
Literal Comprehension: There was once a king named John who ruled
England. He was a terrible and unfair guy. The wealthy Abbot of Canterbury
resides on the opposite side of England. He has a huge house and a lot of
employees. King John learns about the abbot, who wears fifty gold chains and
velvet garments. So he summons the Abbot to the palace and informs him that
he has heard that the Abbot has a larger residence than him and more staff,
implying treachery to the kingdom. The abbot disputes the allegations,
claiming that he is simply spending his own money. King John insists that he is
to blame, so he threatens Abbot with beheading unless he answers his
questions. With the crown on his head, the King inquires as to his monetary
value. Second, he asks how soon he could visit the entire planet, and last, he
asks what he is thinking. The abbot requests time to address these questions,
which the king grants in a fortnight. And he threatens to behead himself and
confiscate his possessions if he does not answer the questions. The abbot
travels to Cambridge and Oxford, but still cannot discover the answer, so he
returns home. His shepherd questions him about his meeting with the king,
and he describes the entire event. The shepherd assures his master not to
worry. Since he has been told that he resembles the Abbot, he decides to go
see the King disguised as him. When the shepherd disguised as Abbot arrives
at the palace, the King instructs him to answer three questions. For the first
question, he says the king is worth 29 pecans. Because their Lord Jesus is
worth 30 pecans, He is less than a cent. For the second question, he responds
that it only takes 24 hours to cross the world, which requires you to begin at
sunrise and move with the sun. In response to the final inquiry, he clarifies that
the King misidentifies him as the Abbot of Canterbury, but he is actually a
shepherd. The King chuckles because he is delighted with the answers, and he
informs the shepherd that he will appoint him abbot. The shepherd declines
the offer and just requests forgiveness, which he receives along with four
nobles each week as a gift from the monarch.
Interpretation: The poem primarily demonstrates the usefulness of informal
teaching. Even the king's ludicrous queries were answered by the shepherd,
resulting in favorable outcomes for him. Even the great Abbot, who is well-
versed in the Bible, was sweating as he searched for a solution. Second, the
poem emphasizes the human tendency to be resentful and envious of others
who have more than they have. If King John hadn't been jealous of Abbot's
wealth, their paths would never have met. This made him concerned that
Abbot would one day attack his reign. Similarly, the poem depicts another
aspect of human nature: devotion to their masters, who supply them with
food, clothing, and shelter. The abbot's staff, like the shepherd, is so faithful to
the abbot that they are prepared to die for him. Morally, the poem is really
striking. The author demonstrates in the poem that bookish and formal
education are ineffective in solving practical concerns. On the one hand, it
teaches a valuable lesson: individuals and their expertise should not be
evaluated based on their occupation or looks. Thus, the literature has provided
a valuable lesson, demonstrating that people learn more from their daily
activities than from institutions.
Critical Thinking: The poem appears to be both amusing and sarcastic. So
far, it has introduced the concept of human knowledge and wisdom. It is
fitting, yet whatsoever King Abbot and the Shepherd are depicted, they do not
appear credible or convincing. Because the monarch did not acknowledge the
shepherd, he became an abbot. Similarly, the shepherd is shown in such a way
that he is unfit to do anything else; it mocks formal schooling. It is quite tough
to accept. The ballad poem 'King John and Abbot of Canterbury' is pretty
entertaining to read. But how could King John, who was described as ruthless
at the conclusion of the poem, wind up forgiving the shepherd who cheated on
him? However, it's unclear how the shepherd, who lacked formal schooling,
managed to provide such an answer to the King. That even the Abbot
struggled to come up with? Similarly, why is this monarch asking such illogical
questions? And isn't it stupid of the King not to identify the person he sees as a
potential rival for his throne?
Assimilation: Reading this poetry, I am struck by the reality that formal
education alone does not make individuals capable; instead, they might gain a
great deal from their actual experiences. Having witnessed this in my
community, I've learned that many elderly folks can perform things that other
educated guys do not know. As a result, people can gain a wealth of
information and experience via actual application.

Third Thoughts

Literal Comprehension: During a visit to New York, the writer's

acquaintance purchased a painting, mistaking it for one by Turner. He acquired
it for a low price since the vendor was equally unsure about its authenticity. He
took the artwork to London and sold it for £50. He was so pleased that he
decided to split the profits with the vendor in New York. He first resolved to
contribute fifty percent of his profits and drafted a letter, but when he ran out
of stamps, he retired to his room. Again, at around 3 a.m., he realized it was
wrong to share the profit but decided to send only 10 pounds. His thoughts
kept shifting, and he couldn't sleep well. Again, he considered donating five
pounds, believing that if he shared, the goddess would be displeased, and that
he was the only one who knew the painting's value. If he had known, he would
not have provided him such a low rate, therefore sending him the profit is
immoral. Finally, he decided to send only one pound. He went out early in the
morning and gambled away all of his money. Finally, he argued that purchasing
and selling are straightforward transactions. Everyone in this situation seeks to
benefit. 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. Once the items have been paid for, the customer has no further duty
to the merchant.
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 is also emphasized that after purchasing anything, there is no
link between the consumer and seller. It also states that in order to be a
successful businessman, we must think strategically and rationally. The
narrative depicting the ever-changing nature of the human mind appears to be
filled with comedy and sarcasm. Essentially, thinking about the structure of a
businessman's mind demonstrates that the human mind is never rigid and
permanent. Their perspectives, particularly in business, are always shifting. At
another level, it throws light on human earnings, as earning the same as a
writer's buddy has no worth in life. The most crucial aspect of the narrative is
that in business, buying and selling are straightforward transactions. It has
nothing to do with human empathy, compassion, or religion. They have no
further involvement with items once they have been sold or purchased.
Critical Thinking: The narrative has a lot of comedy and sarcasm. But, in many
ways, it does not appear suitable or persuasive. The first question is: Would
anyone like to share his profit? It is simply incredible. Similarly, the vendor of
any item understands its quality and price. Do any sellers offer their things
without realizing it?
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?
 Contents of a dead man’s
pocket:
First published in Collier’s Magazine (October 26,
1956), “Contents of the Dead Man’s Pocket” by Jack
Finney is a modern American short story set in New
York City. Through the story’s protagonist, Tom
Benecke, Finny examines the concept of personal
success in relation to the American business culture of
the 1950s. In addition to Tom Benecke, the story
features only one other character, Tom’s wife, Clare.

Tom and Clare are an attractive young married couple

who live in a small apartment high above Lexington
Avenue. As the story begins, Clare is dressing to go to
the movies, but Tom has chosen to stay home to
complete a marketing project to display grocery store
products in a new way. He is driven to finish his work,
hoping that his efforts will impress his boss and lead
to professional advancement. Tom is ambitious and
career-oriented. He wants to succeed, and he defines
success as having money “rolling in.” Tom wants to
go out with his wife, but he is obsessed with his work.
When Clare leaves, alone, Tom feels guilty but turns
immediately to his paperwork laid out on his desk
near the window he had opened moments before.

After closing the door behind Clare, Tom is horrified to

see a single sheet of yellow paper fly out the open
window. This is the page containing all of his project
research notes, gathered through hours and hours of
extra work on many nights and weekends. Tom
watches the paper slide along the building’s ledge
three feet below his window, finally becoming lodged
five feet away in a corner where the exterior wall of
the adjacent apartment projects farther into space
over the avenue far below. Tom’s mind races as he
stares at the yellow paper—a symbol of his hard
work, sacrifice, and future success.

Even though he tries, Tom cannot accept its loss;

ignoring his better judgment, he climbs through the
open window and stands on the narrow ledge, eleven
stories above the street, on a cold and windy autumn
night. He intends to retrieve the paper. With his face
and body pressed against the brick building, he will
hold on to the bricks with his finger tips and shuffle
sideways to the corner, get the paper, and shuffle
back to his window. As Tom moves away from his
warm, lighted apartment into the darkness, he
undertakes what turns out to be a truly terrifying
journey.

The story describes Tom’s ordeal in vivid, specific

chronological detail. After finally working his way to
the paper and bending to pick it up, Tom pulls it
loose; then he sees Lexington Avenue many stories
below. The sudden realization of his tenuous physical
position on the ledge terrorizes him. Jerking upright
and shuddering violently, he almost falls to his death.
He struggles to overcome his fear, breathes deeply,
and gets control. Calmer but unable to move, Tom
shouts for help, but no one will hear, he knows. He
begins to make his perilous way back along the ledge,
only then realizing that the paper is actually in his
hand; he puts it between his teeth and continues
toward his apartment window, nearly falling several
times. Finny captures Tom’s terror through numerous
succeeding paragraphs by detailing the thoughts that
race through his mind as he attempts to overcome his
fear in order to survive.

When Tom has worked his way back to his own

apartment, he discovers the window has closed. He
takes the sheet of paper from his mouth, wads it into
a ball, and shoves it into his pocket before opening
the window. The window will not budge; Tom cannot
open it. Striking the glass with his hand, the force of
the blow upsets his balance, and he struggles to
regain it. Only a thin pane of glass now separates
Tom from warmth and safety; he refuses to believe
that he cannot find a way to get inside. He tries and
fails to break the glass with a coin from his pocket; he
takes off one shoe and strikes the window again,
without success. Giving up on these efforts, Tom pulls
miscellaneous papers from his pockets and lights
them with matches, desperately waving them behind
him like a torch. No one notices. Tom finds more
coins in his pockets and drops them a few at a time to
the street below. Again, no one notices. Tom begins
to understand that he may well die. He imagines his
body having fallen to Lexington Avenue below. All that
would identify the dead man in the street, he realizes,
would be a wadded up sheet of yellow paper filled
with meaningless facts and figures.

Facing this truth, Tom remembers and now regrets

the many times he chose to work, leaving Clare alone
while he chased success. He is filled with bitterness
for the life he has lived, a wasted life. Tom, however,
cannot accept that his meaningless life will end
without his having an opportunity to make amends.
He decides to try his only remaining option: he will
strike the glass with his fist. He will break the glass
and save his life, or the rebound from the blow will
throw him backwards to his death. After testing the
glass again and determining the best angle to strike
it, Tom acts. Using his last ounce of strength, he calls
out Clare’s name, drives his fist through the window
pane, grabs the curtains inside, and falls forward into
his apartment.

Once inside, Tom picks his way through the broken

glass and lays the yellow paper on his desk,
smoothing it out and laying a pencil on top to act as a
paperweight. He goes directly to his closet then, finds
his coat and hat, and walks to the front door. He
intends to find Clare without wasting a moment. As
Tom opens the door, a sudden draft blows through
the apartment. He watches as the pencil blows off the
desk and the yellow paper once again sails through
the now glassless window. Tom bursts into laughter,
closes the door behind him, and goes to find his wife.

The ironic ending of the story emphasizes its theme.

Because of his near-death experience, Tom’s personal
values have changed, no doubt for the rest of his life.
He will no longer sacrifice his relationship with Clare,
whom he loves deeply, in order to work for
professional advancement. Tom now rejects material
success—acquiring great sums of money—as the
standard by which he will judge a life well lived.

“Contents of the Dead Man’s Pocket” rejects the

culture of corporate success and materialism that
flourished in the United States following World War II.
Other American writers, such as Arthur Miller,
developed similar themes. Miller’s award-winning
drama Death of a Salesman stands as an excellent
example of this social criticism in contemporary
American literature.
The moral of "The Lady With the Dog" is that love is
unpredictable. Gurov does not pursue Anna because he is
interested in love. He enjoys the thrill of cheating on his wife.
After parting from Anna, he realizes that he loves her and he
cannot forget her, so he goes to her city to seek her out

Anna has a white Pomeranian. The white color of the dog is

significant to the story, in that it symbolizes Anna's purity.

The poet imagines an ideal world in which individuals are fearless, equally valued, and able to walk with
their heads raised. People may gain knowledge freely and without interruption. The globe is not split
into smaller countries based on limited borders. People there will tell the truth and labor tirelessly until
they achieve excellence. Superstition and tradition do not limit the region, and people always reach
reasonable conclusions. In such a free world, the poet wishes God will wake up all of his compatriots.

Rabindranath Tagore wrote the poem "Where The Mind Is Without Fear". In this poem, the author prays
to God for the heavenly country.
Where there is no fear, everyone respects one another. Where the entire planet is one country, no
boundary can separate the nations. Where people discuss the truth in depth. Where individuals achieve
excellence. Where individuals may obtain knowledge freely. Where individuals do not believe in
superstitions but rather seek the truth. Where people have a stronger sense of identity and dignity.

Perhaps this poem is attempting to convey the value of being free of any negative influences in one's
life. The significance of education and knowledge in human existence.

The author strives to establish a paradise nation with open information, brave circumstances, fresh
thinking, no discrimination, new ideas, and a high level of people.