Poets and Pancakes (Asokamitran)

Q1 What does the writer mean by 'the fiery misery' of those subjected to make-up?

Ans. In the make room of the Gemini Studio , there were large mirrors with mercury lights all around. The heat of these lights was terrible. The actors who went in the make up room had to bear the heat of these lights. The writer calls it 'the fiery misery'.

Q2. Who was the office boy? Why did he join the studio?
Ans. The office boy was a grown-up person. His duty was to make-up the actors who played the crowd. He had joined the studio to become a star or a screen writer. He also hoped to become a director or a lyric writer. But his hopes proved false and he was diappointed.

Poets and Pancakes (Asokamitran)

Q1 What does the writer mean by 'the fiery misery' of those subjected to make-up?

Ans. In the make-up room of the Gemini Studio , there were large mirrors with mercury lights all around. The heat of these lights was terrible. The actors who went in the make up room had to bear the heat of these lights. The writer calls it 'the fiery misery'.

Q2. Who was the office boy? Why did he join the studio?
Ans. The office boy was a grown-up person. His duty was to make-up the actors who played the crowd. He had joined the studio to become a star or a screen writer. He also hoped to become a director or a lyric writer. But his hopes proved false and he was diappointed.

Q3.Why did the author appear to be doing nothing at the studio?
Ans. The author was assigned the duty of cutting news from the news papers. He remained busy in this work. So he seemed doing nothing to all other workers.

Q4. Who was the boss of the Gemini Studio?
Ans. Mr. Vasan was the boss of the Gemini Studio.

Q5.Who was the English visitor to the studios? Why is his visit referred to as unexplained mystery?
Ans. He was Stephen Spender, the English poet. His speech to the audience remained totally unintelligible.He did not tell about himself. He did not tell why he had visited the studio. That is why his visit is reffered to as unexplained mystery.

Q6. What does 'The God that Failed' refer to?
Ans. It was the name of a book published by six eminent scholars. One of them was Stephen Spender. This book brought out the disillusionment of the writers with the wave of internatiinal communism.

Q7. Why and how was the Moral Rearmament Army welcomed at the Gemini Studio?
Ans. MRA( Moral Rearmament Army) in fact was a team of about two hundred artists from diffent nations . They visited the Gemini studios in Madras and performed two plays which entertained the artists in Gemini Studios. These plays left a deep impression on the Gemini family and other citizens of Madras. The setting of these plays impressed the artists in the Gemini Studios. There was always a Bare stage, a white background curtain and a tune played on the flute . These settings were followed by Gemini family in a number of plays later on.

Q8. Subbu is described as a many sided genius. List four of his abilities?
Ans. Subbu was a versatile person. He had the following qualities.
1.He had the ability to look cheerful all the time.
2.He was loyal to the boss.
3. He was an amazing actor.
4. He had a ready solution for all problems. He had a loving and charitable nature.

Q9. The author has used gentle humour to point out human foibles. Pick out instances from the lesson to explain it.
Ans. The author uses gentle humor and satire to point out human weaknesses and eccentricities. His humour is not bitter. It does not reduce or mortify any character. At first the author portrays the make-up department in a very interesting way. It is interesting that make-up material arrived in truck loads and a hierarchy was maintained in make up department. Then there is a humorous explaination of Subbu and the visit of MRA in the studio. Description of Stephen Spender is also very amusing. The author does not leave any space where humour is not created. The way legal advisor's career is ended is also very interesting. In brief we can say that Poets and Pancakes is a masterpiece of satirical humour.

Q10. Subbu was 'tailor-made for films'. How did he use his genius in various activities in the Gemini Studio?
Ans. Subbu was a versatile person. He was an amazing actor but he never aspired to lead role. Whatever role he played , he performed with full might and cofidence. He was very close to the boss. So other artists in the studio were envious to him. He looked very cheerful all the time. He had a solution for all problems. He was considered no. 2 in the studio. He was a good writer also. In fact he was a many sided genius. It can be said that he was tailor-made for films.

Note- tailor-made means suitable

Q11. Draw a character- sketch of Subbu.
Ans Subbu was a versatile character. He was a nice person. He was an amazing actor as well as a writer.  He never aspired for lead roles .But he played very effectively. He had joined the studio to become an actor or a script writer or a director or a lyric writer. But his hopes proved false. His entry in films was full of difficulties. He belonged to a Brahmin family. So soon he settled. He became no. two in the Gemini studio. He had the ability to look cheerful in every situation. He had a solution for every problem. He developed a sense of love with everyone who came across him. He was very amicable , charitable and improvident. His house had become a permanent resort for near and far relatives and acquaintances. Still he had enemies. It was because his demeanor resembled to a sycophant.

Letters in simple language

Letter Writing

You are Harminder of 20 Tolstoy Marg, New Delhi. People in your area have been getting polluted water supply for sometime. Write a letter to the editor of a newspaper about it.

20, Tolstoy Marg,
News Delhi.
Feb.9,2018

To
The Editor,
The Times of India,
New Delhi.

Subject:- Polluted water supply in our locality

Dear Sir,

I would like to draw your kind attention to the subject cited above. We have been getting polluted water for a long time in our area. It seems that something goes wrong in water supply tanks or pipe lines because we are getting stinking water which causes vomitting or diarrhea. People are falling ill and there is fear of epidemic in our area. So please look into the matter and oblige. I shall be very thankful to you.

With thanks and regards,

Yours truly,
Harminder.

2. Suppose you are Mahender Singh of 110, Friends Colony, Hisar. Write a letter to the SHO of your area complaining about poor law and order situation in your area. Invent all the necessary details.

110, Friends Colony,
Hisar.
Feb. 14, 2018

To
The SHO,
Friends Colony,
Hisar.

Subject:- Poor Law and Order situation

Sir,
I would like to draw your attention to the subject cited above. We, the residents of Friends Colony, are facing a great problem these days. Everyday there is one or other incident of chain snatching, thievery, burglary or eve-teasing in our locality. Sometimes these incidents happen during day times also. The wrong-doers have no fear of police. They commit the crime and go scot-free. People suspect that police are hand in glove with the culprits. Please beef up security in our area so that the residents may live a peaceful and fearless life. I shall be very thankful to you.

With thanks and warm regards!

Mahender Singh
Friends Colony
Hisar.

3. Write a letter  to the SDO Electricity of your area complaining about frequuent breakdown of electricity in your colony . Sign yourself as Arun Kumar of 358, Bhasker Street, Bhagat Singh Colony, Jhajjar.

358, Bhasker Street,
Bhagat Singh Colony,
Jhajjar.
Feb.15,2018

To
The SDO UHBVN
Jhajjar.

Subject:- Frequent Breakdown of Electricity

Dear Sir,
I would like to draw your attention to the subject cited above. We, the residents of Bhagat Singh Colony, are herried a lot these days because of frequent breakdown of electricity in our colony. Power supply is very irregular and sometimes we have to face many undeclared power cuts that cause a lot of inconvenience to the residents. The situation becomes even more gruesome in hot summer days when mercury shoots up alarmingly. As you know , sir, annual exams are also drawing near. So the students suffer a lot due to power cuts. We have complained many times earlier but the problem remains the same. I hope you will look into the matter and solve the problem.
Thanking you in anticipation!

Your sincerely,
Arun Kumar.

4. Write a letter of application for the job of a clerk in a school.

110,Friends Colony,
Jhajjar
Feb.17,2018

To
The Deputy Commissioner,
Jhajjar.
Subject:- Application for the post of a clerk

Sir,
I came to know from an advertisement published in 'The Times of India' that you need a clerk in your school. I offer myself as a suitable candidate for the same. I am an energetic young man . I graduated from MDU Rohtak  in Commerce in first division . I have an experience of three years working as an accountant in a reputed firm. I assure you that I shall perform the work given to me with integrity and devotion.
I hope you will give me a chance to serve you.
Thanking you in anticipation!

Yours Faithfully,
ABC.

My bio-data is enclosed herein.

5. Write a letter to Shyam Electronics, Nagori Gate, Hisar complaining about the colour television you purchased last month against a warranty of two years. Now you find that it is not functioning properly. Its volume keeps fluctuating. Pictures are also not clear. Sign yourself as Josheph of 110, Friends Colony, Hisar.

110,Friends Colony,
Hisar.
March 7, 2018

To
Shyam Electronics,
Nagori Gate,
Hisar.

Subject:- Compaint about colour T.V.

Dear Sir,
I purchased a colour T.V. from your shop vide cash memo no. 123/1 dated January 15,2018 under a warranty of two years. But I regret to inform you that it has stopped working properly now. Its volume keeps flactuating from time to time. Pictures are also not clear. There is something wrong in its picture tube. We showed it to a local mechanic but he could not detect the problem. I request you to replace the piece with a new one or send some expert mechanic to handle it as the piece is under warranty. I hope you will understand my problem and do the needful to maintain your reputation .

Thanking in anticipation!
Yours sincerely
Josheph.

6.You are Pulkit of 110, Friends colony, Hisar. The postman of your area does not behave properly with the people. He is irregular in his duties and throws letters here and there or hands over the letters to the children. Write a letter to the postmaster complaining against the postman.

110,Friends Colony,
Hisar.
March 7, 2018

To
The Postmaster,
General Post Office,
Hisar.

Subject:- Complaint against the Postman

Sir,
I would like to draw your attention to the subject cited above. We, the residents of Friends Colony, are herried a lot due to the behaviour of the postman of our area. He is very irregular in his duties. He does not deliver the letters in time and at the proper address. He does not put letters in letter box. Often our important letters reach to us late. When we point it out to him, he speaks very rudely. He lacks manners. He even uses obscene language while talking to children. Please look into the matter and take proper steps against him.

Thanking in anticipation!

Yours faithfully,
Pulkit

7 Write a letter to the Manager, National Book Trust of India, New Delhi placing an order for books for your library. Sign yourself as Principal Govt. Sr. Sec. School, xyz.

Principal,
Govt. Sr. Sec. School,
xyz.
March7,2018

To
The Manager,
National Book Trust of India,
New Delhi.

Subject:- Order for books

Dear Sir,
Please supply the following  books for the library of our school on reasonable rates as soon as possible.

1. Flamingo - 20 copies
2. Vistas        : 20 copies
3. Hornbill    :30 copies
4.Snapshot    :30 copies
5. English
    Grammar    : 50 copies

Please send the quotations and bills also with the books. Payment will be made through Ac/payee check on delivery of books.

With thanks.
R.K Sareen.

8. Write an application to the Principal of your school requesting him to change the subject. Sign yourself as Karan/ Kareena of Govt. Senior Secondary School, Goria.

To
The Principal,
Govt. Senior Secondary School,
Goria, Jhajjar.

Subject:- Change of subject

Sir,
I beg to say that I am a student of 12th class of your school. I am a brilliant student. I am an arts student. I opted History, Geography and Political Science. But now I find that I am not very comfortable in pursuing History . It seems very confusing to learn so many dates. I want to opt Sanskrit in place of History. Please allow me to change the subject. I hope you will understand my genuine problem and oblige.

Thanking you in anticipation!

Yours sincerely,
Karan/ Kareena.
Class 12th Arts.
__________________________________________
9. Write a letter to a friend congratulating him on winning a lottery prize.
_________________________---__________

Examination Hall,
XYZ.
March 3, 2020
To
110, Friends Colony,
Jhajjar.

Dear Vinu,
How are you? I think you will be very happy. I have heard that you have won a big lottery prize of rupees ten lakh. I extend my heartiest congratulations to you on this joyous occasion. Now all your family will be happy and you might be planning to spend this big amount in a useful way. I hope you will spend the money on your education. I know that you were facing a hard time because of shortage of money as your parents are very poor . Now you will continue your higher studies . You will also spend some money in helping some poor students .

Waiting for a sweet get together with friends to memorize the occasion.

Your loving friend,
Sunny.
_______________________________--------____------
10 Write a letter to the General Manager of Haryana Roadways complaining against the rude behaviour of the conductor in a Roadways bus.
________;_________________________________
Examination Hall,
XYZ,
March 3, 2020.
To
The General Manager,
Haryana Roadways,
Depot. Jhajjar.

Subject- Complaint against Rude Behaviour                 of the Conductor
Dear Sir,
I am a commutter and travel from Kosli to Jhajjar and back in a Haryana Roadways bus no. HR-14R 8765 . I want to bring to your kind notice that the behaviour of Mr. Anil Kumar conductor is not proper with the common man. Often he talks in a foul language and insults the passengers. He misbehaves with the girls and young ladies. He has a support of some college going goon type of students. They occupy many seats and don't let any body sit there. They willingly leave some seats vacant and let some girls sit there so that they may tease them. The girls keep mum in order to avoid the hussle. If any one objects, she is mocked and harrassed. The passengers witness the whole event silently . If anyone raises the voice he is beaten harshly. So all the passengers are herried a lot but no one dares to complain against him. I hope you will look into the matter and take appropriate action against the wrong-doer.

Thanking you in anticipation!

Yours faithfully,
Pawan.
_____________________

11. Write an application to the Principal of your school requesting him to grant you two days sick .

           Sick Leave

To
The Principal
GSSS X.Y.Z.

Sir,
With due respect I beg to say that I am a student of your school. I read in tenth class. I am ill today . So I cannot come to school. Please grant me sick leave for two days.  I shall be very grateful to you for this act of kindness.

Yours faithfully,
Ankit
Roll no. 25
Class 10th

Memories of Childhood

Memories of childhood
1. The Cutting of My Long Hair
Main Characters:
1 Zitkala-Sa-   She was a native American. She belonged to a tribe of people who were the original inhabitants of America.
2. Judewin- She was a friend of Zitkala-Sa. She knew a few words of English.

Summary

This extract is a painful revelation of a particular period of the life which the writer had to suffer during her hostel days. It was the first day of her boarding school situated in the land of apples. The children were given the task of apple picking in the bitter and biting cold. They were taken to the breakfast hall and the girl was feeling stressed. She did not know the table manners. She was being watched very carefully by a strange pale-faced woman. The girl felt very fearful and insulted. Her friend who could understand some English, told her that the pale strange woman intended to cut her long hair. Zitkala-Sa learned from her mother that hair would be shingled only for the unskilled warrior, cowards and mourners. She decided to fight back and got herself hidden in a dim room under the bed. Everybody looked for her and called her name but eventually caught. Her long hair was cut, although she resisted a lot. She spent her rest of the life there like a small animal being a part of a herd, which was driven by a herder.

Q1.How did Zitkala-Sa feel when a large bell rang for breakfast?  OR
     Describe Zitkala-Sa's experience on her first day in the 'land of apples'.
Ans. Zitkala-Sa felt very miserable when a large bell rang for breakfast. She went to the breakfast hall with other girls. She was feeling very stressed. She did not know the table manners. She did not like the manner of eating by formula. She felt very insulted when she could not act according to the command of bells as other girls were doing. She was almost crying.

Q2. Why was Zitkala-Sa in tears? OR How did Zitkala-Sa feel after her long hair had been shingled?
Ans. Zitkala-Sa was forced to part with her long thick hair. She felt humiliated and shocked after her long hair had been shingled.She was moaning but no one came to comfort her. She felt herself as one of many little animals driven by a herder.

Q3. How was Zitkala-Sa's long hair shingled?
Ans. Zitkala-Sa was a native American. She loved her long thick hair very much. She did not want them shingled. But she was forced by the school authorities to part with her braids.  She hid herself in a dark room but she was found out and tied fast in a chair.Then the blades of the scissors ran through her thick hair and cut off one of the braids.

Q4.How long did Bana take to reach home from school and why? Write briefly what she did on her way.

Ans. Bama was a dalit girl. Her school was hardly a ten minutes walk from her home. But usually she took thirty minutes to reach there. It was because she came watching all the little things happening on the way. She used to see games of performing minkey, snake charmer, a cyclist riding on cycle continuously for three days. She used to see huge bell hanging in the temple and pongle offerings being cooked in front of the temple. Sometimes she saw a puppet show or a magic show. She enjoyed all these sights with childish longing  and reached home late.

Evans Tries an O-Level

Main Characters in the story:(Brief introduction of the characters)

1. James Evans:- He is a congenital kleptomaniac(a person who has a tendency to steal). He has been arrested many a time for stealing. Three times he had managed to escape from prison. The prison officers called him 'Evans the Break'
2. Reverend Stuart McLeery:- He was a parson. He had been put on duty to invigilate during Evans' examination. But he was tied in his room by Evans' helpers and someone else impersonated in his place.
3 Mr. Jackson:- He is a prison officer.
4. Stephens: Another prison officer, junior to Jackson.
5. The Governor of the Oxford Prison
6. The Secretary of Examination Board.

Places:-
1. Oxford Prison: Name of prison
2  Elsfield Way: The Examination Board was here.
3  Golden Lion: a hotel where Evans went impersonating McLeery.
4. Radcliffe:- Name of a hospital.
5  Newbury: Historic market town in England.
6. Chipping Norton: a market town in Oxfordshire district of England
7. Oxford Road

IMPORTANT EXAMINATION TYPE QUESTIONS

Q1.What sort of a person was Evans? Why was he called as 'Evans the Break'?
Ans. Evans was a pleasant sort of person. But he was a congenital kleptomaniac. He had been arrested many a time for stealing. Three times he had managed to escape from prison. That is why he was called Evans the Break by the prison officers. He was very clever and intelligent also. He had many friends who helped him escape the prison.

Q2.What were the precautions taken for smooth conduct of examination?
Ans. The Governor of the Oxford Prison knew that Evans would try to escape the prison again. So precautions were taken for smooth conduct of the examination. The examination was arranged in the prison cell and the cell was locked from inside. Two police officers were put to keep eye on Evans. Evans' nail-scissors, nail-file and razor were taken away from him so that he might not harm himself.
His invigilator was also thoroughly searched by senior police officer himself. A device was put above the door of the cell so that the Governor could hear all the conversation going on in the cell during the examination. In spite of all these precautions, Evans managed to escape from the prison.

Q3.Do you think Evans was really keen to get some sort of qualification?        OR
     Why did people doubt Evans' sincerity towards taking the O-level exam?
Ans.  Evans was really not keen to get some sort of qualification He was a congenital kleptomaniac. He had been arrested many a time for stealing. Every time he managed to escape from the prison. Taking O' Level seemed a part of his plan to escape again. So people doubted his taking O'Level exam.

Q4. Reflecting on the story, what did you feel about Evans' having the last laugh?
Ans. 'Having the last laugh' means gaining victory over one's rival in the end. We know that Evans was a congenital kleptomaniac. He had been arrested many a time for stealing. Three times he had managed to escape from prison. He was called 'Evans the Break' by the prison officers. He had many friends who helped him escape the prison. This time he was again in the prison cell. The governor of the prison knew that Evans would try to escape the prison again. So precautions were taken for smooth conduct of the examination. The examination was arranged in the prison cell and the cell was locked from inside. Two police officers were put to keep eye on Evans. Evans' nail-scissors, nail-file and razor were taken away from him so that he might not harm himself.
His invigilator was also thoroughly searched by senior police officer himself. A device was put above the door of the cell so that the Governor could hear all the conversation going on in the cell during the examination. In spite of all these precautions, Evans managed to escape from the prison.

Q5. Will the clues left behind on the question paper put Evans back in prison again?
Ans. In fact, the clues left behind on the question paper were all a part of Evans' plan. They meant to mislead the police officers. It was from the clues that they knew that Evans had hit MacLeery. But, in fact, Evans himself had left in the prison impersonating MacLeery. Then Evans impersonating MacLeery kept police busy in Newbury while he himself had gone to the hotel Golden Lion in Chipping Norton.

Q6. What did the injured MacLeery hand over to the Governor?
Ans. He handed over a German question paper to the Governor. On its last blank page,  Evans had pasted a photocopied sheet of paper written in German. It had all the details of  Evans' plan to escape from the prison. The injured MacLeery said that he knew where Evans could be found. But these clues only misled the police officers.

Q7. How did Evans reach Chipping Norton safely?
Ans. Evans was a clever person. He impersonated MacLeery and stayed back in the prison cell. Prison officers thought that Evans had injured MacLeery and escaped from the prison. When they came in the cell, MacLeery showed them a slip of paper pasted on the last page of the question paper. It was written in German. It had all the details of Evans' plan to escape from the prison. Near the Radcliffe hospital, he requested the police to follow Evans to Newbury and then he escaped to the hotel, Golden Lion in Chipping Norton.

Q8. How did the Governor come to know that Evans had gone to the Golden Lion hotel?
      OR
What clues helped the governor to follow Evans to the Golden Lion hotel?

Ans. During the examination, Evans was asked to write Index number 313 and Centre number 271 on his answer sheet. He was also asked to make a correction 'goldenen Lowen' in place of 'goldene  Lowen'. Fortunately, the Governor could remember these words. These clues indicated that Evans had gone to the Golden Lion hotel.

Q9. The Governor caught Evans at the Golden Lion. Did he bring him back to prison or not? What does his final act of foolishness prove? Was he really a gullible Governor?
Ans.It was by chance that the Governor could remember the contents of the correction slip. We must praise him for his intelligence. But he was again fooled by Evans' men. He handed Evans to fake police officers who were Evans' men. He did not verify their identity. Thus he was a gullible governor. He knew that Evans had been pulling the wool from their eyes, still, he commits another mistake and hands over him to unknown police officers. He could have intensified the security because Evans was not an ordinary criminal. He could have accompanied him to the prison. Thus, because of his foolishness, Evans was able to leave the prison once again.

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The Going Places

 THE GOING PLACES By A.R.Barton( Notes by Baljit Singh)
#Stay home ,Stay safe 

4/08/2020

Main characters of the story:

1. Sophie- She is a school going teenager filled with fantasies and desires. She comes from a poor background. She is a dreamer.
2. Jansie- She is Sophie's friend and classmate. She is a practical girl.
3.Geoff- Sophie's elder brother.
4 Derek- Sophie's younger brother.
5.Danny Casey- He is a young Irish football player.
6.Tom Finney- He is a great football player.
7.United- name of a football team.
8.Father and mother of Sophie.

Essay type Questions with Answers

Q1.Compare and contrast Sophie and Jansie highlighting their temperament and aspirations?

Ans. Sophie and Jansie are classmate and friends. Both of them are teenagers. They belong to poor families. But they are poles apart in temperament and aspirations. Sophie is filled with fantasies and desires. She is ambitious and a dreamer. She wants to have a boutique or she wants to become a manager. She also wants to become a fashion designer. She visualizes meeting Danny Casey. She is not constant in her views. On the other hand, Jansie is a practical girl. She is a realist. She knows her limits. She says to Sophie,'' We are earmarked for biscuit factory.'' Thus both the girls are poles apart in temperament and aspirations.

Q2.Describe the character of Sophie's father and the role played by him?

Ans. Sophie's father is a careless and carefree person. He belongs to the labour class. He often goes to a pub to enjoy himself. His face is plump and greasy. His eating manners are clumsy. He understands his daughter's nature. He knows that she makes wild stories to impress others. He does not believe her when she says that she met Danny Casey.He looks at her in disdain. He says to her,"One of these days you are going to talk yourself into a load of trouble."He is very fond of football. He shouts instructions to Casey at the playground. When Casey beat the hesitant goalkeeper, Sophie's fathers screams with joy and pride. Then he goes to a pub to celebrate the victory.

Q3.Sophie's dream and disappointments are all in her mind. Discuss.

Ans.Sophie is a teenager. She is filled with fantasies and desires. She is ambitious and a dreamer. She belongs to a poor labour class still she wants to have a boutique or she wants to become a manager. She also wants to become a fashion designer. These things are all in her mind. She visualizes meeting Danny Casey. This is again her imagination. Her father does not believe her wild stories. They are all in her mind. Her fantasies and dreams only bring disappointment to her.

Q4. What socio-economic background did Sophie belong to? What are indications of her family's financial status?
Ans. Sophie belongs to a poor family. There are many indications of her family's financial status. She
lives in a small house. Her father has an old cycle on which he travels to his place of work.He is a careless person and he is not worried about his children' education. He goes to pub daily and enjoys himself. Sophie's elder brother is out of school for three years. He is still a mechanic apprentice.Sophie's mother has to do all household work. Sophie herself is a good for nothing girl. She does not have a penny still she hopes to have a boutique in the city. She is lost in daydreams and visualizes meeting Danny Casey, a celebrity. She has a fancy of the girl who belongs to the poor class. Thus the story has many indications that Sophie's family was poor and deprived.

SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS.

Q1. Why did Sophie like her brother Geoff more than any other person? From her perspective. what did he symbolize?
Ans. Sophie liked her brother Geoff because she believed that he would not let her down. She considered him a good friend. She shared all her secrets with him. For her, he was a confidential friend. He was a symbol of trust for her.

Q2. Which was the only occasion when Sophie got to see Danny Casey in person?
Ans Danny Casey was a brilliant football player. He played for Ireland. Sophie had fantasized meeting him. But she got to see him in person only when she went with her family to watch the match in which Danny was playing. She was sitting near the goal. She saw Danny closely when he scored a brilliant goal for his team.

Q3.How does Sophie's father react when he learns of Sophie's meeting with Danny Casey? Does he believe her story?
Ans. He understands his daughter's nature. He knows that she makes wild stories to impress others. He does not believe her when she says that she met Danny Casey.He looks at her in disdain. He says to her,"One of these days you are going to talk yourself into a load of trouble."

Q4. What do you know about Jansie? How was she different from Sophie?
Ans. Jansie was Sophie's classmate and close friend. But she was quite different from her. She was a practical girl. She knew her limits. She was not a victim of false dreams like Sophie. She knew that they were made for working in a biscuit factory. She is quite wise and sensible. She is a very true friend. She promises her to keep her meeting with Danny a secret. Thus Jansie and Sophie are poles apart in aspirations and temperament.

   ______________________________________ 

The Interview

THE INTERVIEW-( by Christopher Silvester) Notes by Baljit Singh

copyright

TEXTUAL AND OTHER EXAMINATION STYLE QUESTIONS WITH MODEL ANSWERS

Q1 Write in brief the various views expressed by celebrities about the interview in journalism.

Ans. The interview is an effective mode of communication in journalism. But opinions of the interview- of its functions, methods and merits vary considerably. Some claim it as a source of truth and in its practice, an art. Others despise the interview as an ‘unwarranted intrusion into their lives’. They feel it diminishes them. Silvester lists out well – known writers who are against interview. Lewis Carroll had a horror of the interviewer. Rudyard Kipling regarded interviewing as immoral. H.G. Wells called interview as an ordeal though he had interviewed many personalities. Saul Bellow called interviews thumb imprints on his windpipe. It is surprising to notice that as an interviewer, each one is comfortable, whereas, as an interviewee, they feel it much disturbing and diminishing. Yet in the words of the writer, ‘it is a serviceable medium of communication’.

Q2. What light does Eco throw on his famous novel The Name of the Rose?

Ans.The Name of the Rose is a famous novel written by Umberto Eco. It is a detective novel but it deals with metaphysics, theology and medieval history. It is a deep and difficult novel still between 10 million to 15 million copies of this novel were sold. Its success was a mystery for the writer. It broke the illusion that people liked trash.

Q3.Explain what Eco says about his activity of novel writing.

Ans. Umberto says that he started writing novels by accident. One day he had nothing to do so he started writing novels. It satisfied his taste for narration. His first novel, The Name of the Rose, was a huge success. Though it deals with difficult and serious subjects of metaphysics, theology and medieval history, its 10-15 million copies were sold. Its success was a mystery for the writer. It broke the illusion that people liked trash.

SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

Q1 What are some of the positive views on interviews?

Ans The interview is an effective mode of communication in journalism. It is a source of truth. In practice, it is an art. It leaves in our mind the most vivid impression of our contemporaries.

Q2. Why do most celebrity writers despise being interviewed? (अधिकतर सेलेब्रिटी लेखक interview देने से नफरत क्यों करते थे?
Ans  Celebrity writers did not have a good view about being interviewed. They usually despise d (नफ़रत करना) the interview . They consider it as an ‘unwarranted (बेवजह) intrusion (घुसपैठ) into their lives’. They felt थर it diminishes ( छवि धूमिल करना) them. Silvester lists out well – known writers who are against interview. Lewis Carroll had a horror (दहशत) of the interviewer. Rudyard Kipling regarded interviewing as immoral(अनैतिक) H.G. Wells called it as an ordeal, (कठिन कार्य) though he had interviewed many personalities. Saul Bellow called interviews thumb imprints on his windpipe.(श्वास नली).

Q3. Despite its drawbacks, what place does the interview have in journalism?

अपनी कमियों के बावजूद साक्षात्कार का पत्रकारिता जगत में क्या स्थान है?
Ans. Over last 130 years, the interview has become the most effective mode of communication in journalism. It leaves in our minds the most vivid impression of the person being interviewed. Everything reaches us raw about the person being interviewed.

Q4. Who was Umberto Eco? What does he say about his novel writing?
Ans. He was a university professor. He started writing novels by accident. One day he had nothing to do so he started writing novels. It satisfied his taste for narration. His first novel, The Name of the Rose, was a huge success. Though it deals with difficult and serious subjects of metaphysics, theology and medieval history, its 10-15 million copies were sold. Its success was a mystery for the writer. It broke the illusion that people liked trash.

Q5. How does Eco find the time to write so much?
Ans. Eco says that everyone has empty spaces in his life. He calls these empty spaces as interstices. He says that he writes in these empty spaces. He says, 'I am a university professor who writes novels on Sundays'

Q6.What was unique and distinctive about Eco's academic style?
Ans. Eco's writing style was playful and personal. Even his essays had a narrative aspect which made them interesting.

Q7.What is the reason for the huge success of the novel, 'The Name of the Rose'?
Ans. The Name of the Rose is a famous novel written by Umberto Eco. It is a detective novel but it deals with metaphysics, theology and medieval history. Its huge success was a mystery for the writer. The reason for its success was perhaps its narrative aspect and theme of medieval history.

Q8. What did the publisher think of 'The Name of the Rose'?
Ans.The publisher was an American lady. She said that she loved the novel but she did not hope to sell more than 3000 copies of this novel.

A Thing of Beauty- John Keats

          #Fight corona, keep social Distancing#

आत्मनिर्भर भारत, मजबूत भारत।

Boycott Chinese Products, Beat China.              
(Updated on 7/6/2020)

  A THING OF BEAUTY (JOHN KEATS)

SUMMARY OF THE POEM
(Analysis by Baljit Singh)
A beautiful thing is a source of eternal (सदा रहने वाला)joy. Its loveliness increases with the passage of time and its impact(प्रभाव) never fades away. It is as soothing (शान्ति देने वाला) as a cool shade. It never passes into nothingness. It gives us good health, sound sleep and peace of mind. It provides the beholder( देखने वाला) peace and contentment ( सन्तोष)
Man and nature are inseparable (अविभाज्य) It is the beauty of nature that binds us to the earth. Every morning we collect fresh flowers and prepare garlands that refresh our mind and we forget our worries for some time.
Every day we get bitter taste of sorrow, suffering and grief. It is the beautiful things that remove the pall of sadness from our lives and make us happy and hopeful.
All beautiful things of nature are a boon for human beings.The sun, the moon, trees, simple sheep, daffodils, clear streams, musk rose and forest brakes (  झाड़ियाँ) provide us peace and contentment.
In addition to these lovely things of nature, there are lovely plays and poems that lift our spirits. The glorious achievements of mighty heroes and magnificent rewards by God on the day of judgment for those mighty men and lovely tales of olden days are the everlasting source of joy. The poet feels that beautiful things are like an endless fountain that pours an immortal drink ( . अमृत)from heaven into our hearts. In brief, beauty is a gift of God that gives us joy for ever.-----------------------Baljit Singh

Textual and other important questions 

Q1 How is a thing of beauty joy forever?
Ans A beautiful thing is a source of eternal joy. Its loveliness increases with the passage of time and its impact never fades away. It is as soothing as a cool shade. It never passes into nothingness. It gives us good health, sound sleep, and peace of mind. It fills our heart with peace and contentment.
Q2.What makes human beings love life in spite of troubles and sufferings?
Ans Everyday we get bitter taste of sorrow, suffering and grief. It is the beautiful things that remove the pall of sadness from our lives and make us happy and hopeful. It is due to beautiful things that human beings love life in spite of troubles and sufferings.
Q3.List the things of beauty mentioned in the poem.
Ans All beautiful things of nature are a boon for human beings.The sun, the moon, trees, simple sheeps, daffodils, clear streams, musk rose and forest brakes provide us peace and contentment.
Q4. List the things that cause suffering and pain?
Ans.Disease, disappointment, lack of human qualities, gloomy days, jealousy, unhealthy and evil ways cause suffering and pain.
Q5.What does the line,  "Therefore are we wreathing a flowery band to bind us to earth' suggest to you?
Ans. It suggests that there is so much pain and suffering in the world that no one would like to live here. It is only the beauty of nature that keeps us attached to the earth. Every morning we collect fresh flowers and prepare garlands that refresh our mind and we forget our worries for some time.
Q6 .What is the 'grandeur' associated with 'the mighty dead'?
Ans 'The mighty dead' are those brave men who are praised for their glorious achievements. Now they are buried in their graves. They will be rewarded by God  on the judgment day for their noble deeds. It is the grandeur associated with 'the mighty dead'.
Q7. What image does the poet use to describe the beautiful bounty of the earth?
Ans.The poet uses the image of 'fountain of immortal drink pouring unto us from the heaven's brink".The beautiful things are like an endless fountain of immortal drink. They give us everlasting joy.
Q8. Where do dafodils live?
Ans They live in the green world.
Q9. What is the forest brake rich with?
Ans The forest brake is rich with fair musk rose blooms growing here and there.
Q10 What protects rills from the hot season?
Ans.The mid forest brake protects rills from hot season.
Q11. What does the poet mean by;' An endless fountain of immortal drink/pouring unto us from heaven's brink?
Ans. The poet says that the beautiful things are like an endless fountain of immortal drink. They give us everlasting joy.

PASSAGE FOR COMPREHENSION
(NOTES BY BALJIT SINGH)
STANZA 1

A thing of beauty is a joy forever
Its loveliness increases, it will never
Pass into nothingness;but will keep
A bower quiet for us,and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams,and health,and quiet breathing.

Q1.What happens to a beautiful thing with the passage of time?
Ans. Its loveliness increases with the passage of time. It does not lose its lustre.
Q2.What sort of a place is a bower?
Ans It is a pleasant place in the shade of trees.
Q3.What image has the poet created to explain a thing of beauty?
Ans. The poet uses the image of a bower. It is a pleasant place in the shade of trees. Just as a bower gives comfort to the travellers in hot season , similarly a thing of beauty gives joy to the sad spirits.
Q4-: Does a beautiful thing lose its beauty with passage  of time?

Ans-: No , it doesn't lose its beauty.

Q5:- What has a beautiful thing been compared to?

Ans-: A beautiful thing has been compared to a quiet bower.

Q6-:- A thing of beauty is joy for us. How?

Ans-:  A thing of beauty is joy for us because it leaves permanent impression on our mind.

Q7-: What can a thing of beauty do for us?

Ans-: It can give us health of body and peace of mind.

( Notes by Baljit Singh ) Read best English Notes for free.

STANZA 2

Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing

A flowery band to bind us to the earth,

Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth

Of noble natures, of the gloomy days,

Of all the unhealthy and o’er-darkened ways

Made for our searching: yes, in spite of all,

Some shape of beauty moves away the pall

From our dark spirits…

Q1,What do we do every morning and why?
Ans. Every morning we collect fresh flowers and prepare garlands that refresh our mind and we forget our worries for some time.
Q2 What binds us to the earth?
Ans. A thing of beauty binds us to the earth.
Q3.. List the things that cause suffering and pain?
Ans.Disease, disappointment, lack of human qualities, gloomy days, jealousy, unhealthy and evil ways cause suffering and pain.
Q4. What does some shape of beauty do?
Ans. It moves away the pall from our dark spirits.
Q5, Explain; pall
Ans Pall means a cloth spread over a dead body. Here it means sadness. A thing of beauty moves away the sadness from our dark spirits.
Q6 What does the poet mean by 'over-darkened ways?
Ans. It means mysterious things that we fail to understand.

STANZA3. 

Such the sun, the moon,

Trees old, and young, sprouting a shady boon

For simple sheep; and such are daffodils

With the green world they live in; and clear rills

That for themselves a cooling covert make

‘Gainst the hot season; the mid forest brake,

Rich with a sparkling of fair musk-rose blooms;

Q1. What is the shady boon referred to in these lines?

Ans. The cool shade of trees.

Q2. Where do daffodils grow?

Ans. Daffodils grow in the green world.

Q3. What protects rills from the hot season?

Ans.The mid forest brake protects rills from hot season.

Q4.What is the forest brake rich with?

Ans The forest brake is rich with fair musk rose blooms growing here and there.

Q5.Explain;'fair musk-rose blooms'.

Ans. Beautiful white rose.

STANZA4

And such too is the grandeur of the dooms

We have imagined for the mighty dead;

All lovely tales that we have heard or read;

An endless fountain of immortal drink,

Pouring unto us from the heaven’s brink.

Q1 What is the 'grandeur' associated with 'the mighty dead'?

Ans 'The mighty dead' are those brave men who are praised for their glorious achievements. Now they are buried in their graves. They will be rewarded by God  on the judgment day for their noble deeds. It is the grandeur associated with 'the mighty dead'.
Q2 What image does the poet use to describe the beautiful bounty of the earth?
Ans.The poet uses the image of 'fountain of immortal drink pouring unto us from the heaven's brink".The beautiful things are like an endless fountain of immortal drink. They give us everlasting joy.
Q3. What poetic device has been used in the last two lines?
Ans. Metaphor.
Q4. What lovely tales does the poet talk of?
Ans. 1.Great myths 2. Tales of olden days 3.Tales of mighty dead.

***Every ray of sun promises to spread light in the life of others.****

So devote your life for others.

Flowers give us fragrance for free.

Rivers give us sweet water.

Bees give us honey.

Plants give us fruit.

Sun gives us heat and light.

Earth gives us food grains.

So learn from nature and embrace mankind.

(प्रकृति से सीखो व मानवता को गले लगाओ।)

" Nature has sufficient enough to meet out everyone's  needs but not enough to satisfy ones greed." -

( प्रकृति के पास हर एक की जरूरत पूरी करने के लिए पर्याप्त है लेकिन किसी एक का लालच पूरा करने के लिए नहीं)

The Roadside Stand by Robert Frost and The Last Lesson

July 16/2020
 आत्मनिर्भर भारत, मजबूत भारत।
केवल आवश्यक होने पर ही घर से बाहर निकलेंं।


"Stay at Home, Stay Healthy" 
Defeat Corona" 


LESSONS PRESCRIBED WITH THE 

NAME OF AUTHORS(updated 15/April)

PROSE SECTION - FLAMINGO-20 marks

1. THE LAST LESSON              - Alfonse Daudet

2. THE LOST SPRING               -  Anees Jung

3. THE DEEP WATER               -William Douglas

4. THE RATTRAP                      - Selma Lagerlof

5. INDIGO                                  -   Louis Fischer

6. POETS AND PANCAKES    -  Asokamitran

7. THE  INTERVIEW                -  Christopher Silvester

8. GOING PLACES                    -  A.R. Barton

POETRY SECTION- 11 marks

1. MY MOTHER AT SIXTY-SIX                                           -Kamla Dass

2. AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CLASSROOM 
     IN A SLUM                                                                           - Stephen Spender

3. KEEPING QUITE                                                                - Pablo Neruda

4. A THING OF BEAUTY                                                      -John Keats

5. A ROADSIDE STAND                                                         -Robert Frost

6AUNT JENNIFER'S TIGERS                                               - Adrienne Rich

VISTAS Supplementary Reader -14marks

1. THE THIRD LEVEL
2. THE TIGER KING
3. JOURNEY TO THE END OF THE EARTH
4. THE ENEMY
5. SHOULD WIZARD HIT MOMMY?
6. ON THE FACE OF IT
7. EVANS TRIES AN O' LEVEL
8. MEMORIES OF CHILDHOOD

Grammar- 10 marks
Notice/Ads/Posters- 6 marks
Letter/Application- 5 marks
Report/Paragraph-5 marks
Unseen passage for comprehension-4 marks
Unseen passage for note making-5 marks

In a nutshell-
 Flamingo- 31 marks
Vistas- 14 marks
Writing skills- 25 marks
Applied grammar- 10 marks.

Students are advised to prepare keeping in mind the plan of the examination.
                         

CHAPTERWISE SHORT NOTES

                             THE LAST LESSON by (Alfonse Daudet)

SUMMARY OF THE LESSON

The Last Lesson is written in the background of the Franco-Prussian war in which Prussian forces annexed two districts of France- Alsace and Lorrain and the German Language was imposed in these districts.The narrator of the story is a little boy named Franz. One day he was late for school. He was expected to be prepared with the rules for participles. But he did not know a word about them. He feared that his teacher M.Hamel would scold him. On his way to school, many scenes tempted him to stay away from school. But he had the power to resist them. He passed hurriedly. On reaching school, he saw many unusual things there. There were no sounds of rapping of the teachers' ruler; lessons being repeated in unison; opening and closing of desks. It looked like a Sunday morning. Franz had thought that he would take his seat without being noticed. But he saw that his teacher was already in the class. He was wearing a new dress. He asked Franz to take his seat. On back benches, Franz saw the village headman, the postmaster and many other prominent people from the village. He was surprised to see them there. He could not understand what the matter was. Then M.Hamel started speaking in a gentle but solemn voice. He said that it was the last lesson in French that he would give them. From the next day, they will be taught only German. Franz felt very sorry for not learning the lesson in French. His books that seemed a nuisance and a burden earlier, were his friends now. His feelings about M.Hamel also changed. He forgot all about his ruler and his cranky nature. M.Hamel gave an extended lecture on the importance of mother tongue. He became very emotional. Emotions choked him. He could not speak. He only wrote on the blackboard" Vive La France!" Then he stopped and leaned against the wall. Without a word, he made a gesture to the students with his hand to permit them to go as the school was over. Thus the lesson brings out the importance of freedom and one's mother tongue, negligence of students towards their studies and even teachers carelessness towards imparting education.

Q.1 What was Franz expected to be prepared with on that day?

Ans. Franz was a little boy. He was expected to be prepared with rules for participles on that day. But did not know a word about them. He feared that his English teacher would scold him. 

Q.2  Why was Franz afraid of going to school on that day? or Why was Franz unwilling to go to school on that day? or What was Franz's fear on that day?

Ans. Franz was a little boy. He was expected to be prepared with rules for participles on that day. But he did not know a word about them. He feared that his teacher would scold him. Moreover, he was late also. So he was afraid of going to school.

Q3. What scenes and sights resisted Franz going to school? OR What made Franz put off going to school and how did he overcome his feelings?

Ans. Franz saw many scenes and sights on his way to school. He saw the birds chirping in the woods. He saw the Prussian soldiers drilling for war. These sights resisted him going to school. But soon he overcame his feelings.

Q4. Why was a crowd of people assembled on the notice board in the town hall? OR Why were people gathered in the town hall? What was there on the notice board?

Ans. When Franz passed by the notice board in the town hall, he saw a crowd of people there. But he did not stop there. He knew that all bad news of lost battle came there. He hurriedly passed by. On reaching school, he learned that two districts, Lorrain and Alsace, of France were occupied by German forces and Franch language was abolished from the schools of these districts. Thus he realized the content on the notice board.

Q5. What changes did Franz notice in the school on that day? OR What made Franz think that it was like a Sunday morning?

Ans. When Franz reached school he saw that there was a huge silence in the school. There were

no sounds of rapping of the teachers' ruler; lessons being repeated in unison; opening and closing of desks. It looked like a Sunday morning.

Q6. Why were village people were sitting on the last benches? OR What did Franz saw on the last benches in his class?

Ans. Franz was all out of his breath when he reached school. He jumped on his bench and looked back. He saw many people from village sitting on the last benches. There were the village headman, the postmaster, and the old Hauser sitting on last benches. They all had come there to say farewell to Mr. M.Hamel and thank him for his forty years of long service in the school.

Q7. M.Hamel was wearing a new dress on that day. Why? OR Describe M.Hamel's dress.

Ans. M.Hamel was a French teacher. He was wearing a frilled shirt, a green coat, and a black silk cap. He used to put on such dress on the annual day or inspection day only. But today, it was his farewell day.

Q8. Describe M.Hamel's last lesson to the class. OR What did M.Hamel say about French language and the French people?

Ans. M.Hamel was a dedicated teacher. He explained in detail the importance of one's mother tongue. He said that  French was the most beautiful, most logical and the most scientific language of the world. He said that the mother tongue was key to one's freedom.

Q9. Who was M. Hamel? What do you know about him?
Ans. M.Hamel was a French teacher in Franz's school. He was a dedicated teacher. He was hard working. He was very strict. He always kept a ruler in his hands. That is why the students were afraid of him. But he loved his students. He was a patriot also. He loved The French language that was his mother tongue. He was very emotional also. He becomes very emotional when he learned that teaching of French was banned in schools of Alsace and Lorrain because these districts had been annexed by German soldiers. His speech on the importance of his mother tongue shows that he was a great patriot. 

Q10 How did Franz's feelings about M.Hamel and school change?
Ans. Franz came to know that it was the last lesson in French that M.Hamel would give him. From the next day, they will be taught only German. He felt very sorry for not learning the lesson in French. His books that seemed a nuisance and a burden earlier, were his friends now. His feelings about M.Hamel also changed. He forgot all about his ruler and his cranky nature.

Q11.Franz thinks"Will they make them sing in German, even the pigeons. What could this mean?
Ans This statement shows Frenchmen's reaction to the imposition of learning German, the language of the conquerer. Teaching the pigeons to sing in German indicates how far the Germans would go to impose their language.

Q12'' What a thunderclap these words were to me!" Which were the words that shocked and surprised the narrator?
Ans.M.Hamel said in a solemn voice that it was his last lesson in French. From tomorrow, only German would be taught in schools of Alsace and Lorrain. The new master would come tomorrow. M.Hamel's these words were a thunderclap for Franz.

Q13 What tempted Franz to stay away from school?
Ans. On his way to school, Franz saw that the Prussian soldiers were drilling in the open field at the back of the sawmill. The birds were chirping at the edge of the woods. These things were more tempting than the rules for participles. 

Q14. How did M.Hamel behave as the last lesson came to an end?
Ans- As the last lesson came to an end, M.Hamel stood up in his chair. He looked very pale and tall. He wanted to say some parting words but emotions choked him. Then he wrote on the blackboard-" Vive La France!" Then he stopped and leaned against the wall. Without a word, he made a gesture to the students with his hand to permit them to go as the school was over.

Q15. "Ah! How well I remember it, that last lesson!" says the narrator. Which scenes does he remember more vividly than the others?
Ans. The narrator remembers the scene of old Hauser spelling the letters from the primer with the babies. He too was crying. His voice trembled with emotions. It was so funny to hear him that all of them wanted to laugh and cry at the same time.

Q16. What happened as the church clock struck twelve?

Ans When the church clock struck twelve, the Angelus  began. Mr. M.Hemal stood  from his chair and began to say," My friends, I....I....." but emotions choked him. Then he wrote on the blackboard in large letters, "Vive La France!  He leaned against the wall and made a gesture to the students with his hands to permit them to go as the school was over.

LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS


What do you think is the theme of the story "The Last Lesson"? What is the reason behind its universal appeal?

Ans The theme of the story "The Last Lesson" is linguistic chauvinism of the conquerer and pain inflicted on the loser. Normally when a people are enslaved, the rights of using their own language are taken away from them and the language of the conquerer is imposed. The very right idea is explained through this lesson. The story also explains the attitude of students and teachers towards learning and teaching. They are not serious about their lessons but when the time has passed away, they have nothing but repent. Franz was not serious about his studies nor his teacher M.Hamel was.They realized its importance only when their District was occupied by the German forces and their language was banned in Alsace and Lorraine. The lesson raises many issues which have universal appeal.

Other important Questions

1. What do you mean by Angelus?

And. It means afternoon prayer.

2. How do you know that M.Hamel was a nationalist?
Ans. M.Hamel was a nationalist and a patriot also. The manner he expresses the importance of mother tongue shows that he was great nationalist.

3.Who according to M.Hamel is responsible for poor learning of students?

Ans. M.Hamel believes that the students,parents and teachers are collectively responsible for poor learning of the students.

Q4.Who was Watcher ? What did he say to Franz?
Ans. Watcher was a blacksmith. He saw Franz running to school. He commented,"  Don't go fast blab, you have a plenty of time to reach your school."

**********************************************************†**†*********************
घर पर रहेंं, स्वस्थ रहें।

A Roadside Stand By Robert Frost

About the Poet: Robert Lee Frost was an American poet. He is highly regarded for his realistic depictions of rural life and his command of American colloquial speech. His work frequently employed settings from rural life in New England in the early twentieth century, using them to examine complex social and philosophical themes. A popular and often-quoted poet, Frost was honored frequently during his lifetime, receiving four Pulitzer Prizes for Poetry.
“A Road Not Taken”, “Mending Wall”, “Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening”, “Birches” are some of his most famous poems.

SUMMARY OF THE POEM
   ( Analysis by Baljit Singh)

A  Roadside Stand

It is a beautiful poem written by Robert Frost. It contrasts the life of the poor with the life of the rich . A poor man has built a small shop at the roadside in hope to earn some money. He has wild berries and golden squash for sale. He hopes the passing cars to stop there and purchase his goods. Thousands of cars passes by but only a few stop there .  One of them complains of spoiling the landscape with unartful paintings. One of them enquire about the gasoline. Another one uses his yard in turning back . This attitude of the rich offends (आहत करता है) the owner of the roadside stand. 
 The poet is moved (पिंघलना)to see the condition of the poor man who is deceived (छला जाता है) continuously by politicians or greedy good-doers. They promise him to live a life  which is shown in movies.  They show him big dreams. They purchase his land in low rates . They make them live near big showrooms in big cities. Thus they steal his sleep of nights and sleep themselves during the day. The poet wants to end all the sorrows and sufferings of the  poor people in one big stroke.

(Explained in very easy language)

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

OR
       A ROADSIDE STAND
     ( For brilliant students)

Robert Frost contrasts the lives of the poor with that of the rich in this poem, “A Roadside Stand.” The poor people had constructed a roadside stand to sell their goodies and earn a living but the rich do not even bother to take a look at it.
: The poem starts with the description of the stand. A small farmer has put up the stand outside his house along a highway hoping that the passing cars would buy his goodies. He is trying to earn some money not by begging but by selling some useful items.

 Unfortunately, no passer-by stops their cars and buys goods from him. Moreover, even if someone stares at the direction of the stand only to criticize the badly painted North-South signs without even once noticing the wild berries and squash for sale.

: The farmer tells the rich to keep their money if they are meant to be so cruel and mean. He is not hurt that they do not notice the stand but he is hurt at the way he is treated and ignored. He wishes for some city life and money which he has seen in movies and other media but the political parties are denying him all these things of comfort.

The poet refers to some good doers also who promise the poor to take away all their woes and worries.They relocate them to such places where they can experience the cinema and the store. However, Frost says that these benefactors are selfish as they help these pitiful kins for their own advantage. These benefactors make the villagers completely dependent on them thus robbing them of their ability to think for themselves or be independent. During the ancient times, these villagers used to work day and night. This process has been changed by these greedy good doers who manipulate these innocent villagers and ask them not to use their own ideas. These villagers are now troubled and unable to sleep at night because they haven’t worked in the morning.

In the end, Robert Frost talks about his own personal feelings. He is intolerable towards the farmer’s battered hopes. The windows of the farmer’s house just ache to hear the sound of a car stopping to make some purchase. However, they are always disappointed as the cars stop either to inquire about the place or about the gas stations.

 Robert Frost feels that these villagers should be put out of pain and hardships of existence. According to the poet, these country people have not yet found progress which is evidently visible through their lifestyle. He wonders for some solution by which the farmers can be freed from such painful existence

TEXTUAL AND OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

Q1. Where and how was the roadside stand built and why? Or

What was the plea of the folk who had put up the roadside stand?   ( Important)

Ans. A small farmer has put up the stand outside his house along a highway hoping that the passing cars would buy his goods. He is trying to earn some money not by begging but by selling some useful items.

 Or

Ans-: A roadside stand was built by a poor farmer  out side his house along a highway. It was built there to earn some money by selling his wild berries and golden squash.

Q2.What is' the childish longing 'that the poet refers to? Why is it vain?   (👈

Ans. The poor farmer keeps waiting all day for some car to stop at his stall and buy wild berries and golden squash put up for sale. But his longing proves vain because no one comes to buy his things.

Q3.Which lines tell us about the insufferable pain that the poet feels at the thought of the plight of the rural poor?

Ans. The poet says,

 'Sometimes, I feel myself I can hardly bear

The thought of so much childish longing in vain,

The sadness that lurks near the open window there,

That waits all day long in almost open prayer.'

Q4. Why did no one stop to buy things at the roadside stand?👈

Ans. The rich people had money in their pockets but they thought it unbecoming to stop at such a place and shop there. That is why they did not buy things from the roadside stand.

Q5 What was in the news? What did the greedy good-doers, beneficent beasts of prey actually do?👈

Ans. It was in the news that all holdings of the poor farmers would be purchased by the ruling party and they were settled near the cinema and the stores. They were assured that they would not have to worry about themselves.But the reality was different. These so-called good -doers betray the poor farmers with their false promises. They take away the peace and the sleep of the poor people. The poet calls them beasts of prey.

Q6. Why does Robert Frost sympathize with the rural poor? or
The poet feels empathy for the poor. Elucidate.( Important)

Ans. The poet sees that the poor farmer keeps waiting for some car to stop near his stall to buy some goodies that he has put for sale. Thousands of cars pass by his stand but none of them stops there to buy anything. If anyone stops there, it asks the way to its destination or asks for gasoline or to complain that the farmer has spoiled the mountain scenery. This attitude of the rich men to the farmer offends the poet and he feels empathy for the poor.

Q7. What does the poet say about the 'greedy good-doers' and beneficent beasts of prey?   (V.I.P.)

Ans The poet calls the foxy politicians as; greedy good-doers; and 'beneficent beasts of prey'. They pretend to be very generous and good-hearted. They make false promises to the poor. The poet calls them greedy good-doers and beneficent beasts of prey because they fool the poor and rob them of their peace and sleep of the night.

Examination Type Questions and Answers

Bring out the theme of the poem,"A Roadside Stand".( Very Important)

A Roadside Stand brings out the theme of social injustice, class discrimination and indifference of the rich to the poor.This poem has a universal theme.The poor people lead a life of poverty, misery and deprivation whereas the rich people live a life of plenty, prosperity and affluence. They are so arrogant that they pay no heed to the affliction of the poor. The sentiments of the poor have been genuinely expressed through this poem.

The poet sees that the poor farmer keeps waiting for some car to stop near his stall to buy some goodies that he has put for sale. Thousands of cars pass by his stand but none of them stops there to buy anything. If anyone stops there, it asks the way to its destination or asks for gasoline or to complain that the farmer has spoiled the mountain scenery. This attitude of the rich men to the farmer offends the poet and he feels empathy for the poor.

COMPREHENSION

Stanza1

The little old house was out with a little new shed

In front at the edge of the road where the traffic sped,

A roadside stand that too pathetically pled,

It would not be fair to say for a dole of bread,

But for some country money, the cash, whose flow supports

The flower of cities from sinking and withering faint.

Q1. Where was this little old house?

Ans It was at the edge of the road.

Q2. Who had put it and why?

Ans The poor farmer had put it to earn some money by selling his goodies.

Q3. What do you mean by the phrase' the flower of cities'?

Ans The phrase 'the flower of cities' is an example of transferred epithet. It means the rich people of cities.

Q4. Give the example of personification from this stanza.

Ans. 'A Roadside stand that too pathetically pled'. In fact, it was not the roadside stand that was pleading rather the man sitting on the roadside stand was pleading.

Q5. Where is the money flowing?

Ans. Money is flowing towards cities.

Q6. Which phrase suggests that the stand was constructed on the highway?

Ans 'Where the traffic sped'

Stanza 2

The polished traffic passed with a mind ahead,

Or if ever aside a moment, then out of sorts

At having the landscape marred with the artless paint

Of signs that with N turned wrong and S turned wrong

Offered for sale wild berries in wooden quarts,

Or crook-necked golden squash with silver warts,

Or beauty rest in a beautiful mountain scene,

Q1.What did the polished traffic pass by?

Ans.The polished traffic passed by a roadside stand.

Q2 How did one who looked 'aside for a moment' feel?

Ans He felt irritated at having spoiled(marred) the beautiful mountain scene WITH ARTLESS PAINT
Q3.What did the artless paint do to the landscape?

Ans It spoiled its beauty.
Q4. What was offered for sale there?
Ans 1.Wild berries 2. Golden Squash 3. The scenery of the mountain landscape
Q5. Explain: ' Polished traffic passed with a mind ahead'
Ans. Polished traffic is a beautiful example of transferred epithet. It explains the city dwellers' attitude to the poor farmer. They do not even look at the goodies put for sale. 
Q6. What does; ' Of signs that with N turned wrong and S turned wrong' suggest?
Ans It suggests the artless paint.

Stanza3

You have the money, but if you want to be mean,

Why keep your money (this crossly) and go along.

The hurt to the scenery wouldn’t be my complaint

So much as the trusting sorrow of what is unsaid:

Here far from the city we make our roadside stand

And ask for some city money to feel in hand

To try if it will not make our being expand,

And give us the life of the moving-pictures’ promise

That the party in power is said to be keeping from us.

Q1 Who is the speaker of these lines?
Ans. The owner of the Roadside Stand is the speaker of these lines.
Q2 What is the attitude of the rich towards buying things from the roadside stand?
Ans The rich men think it mean and unbecoming to buy things from small stalls.
Q3. What does the owner of the stall say to the rich men who come to his stand and buy nothing?
Ans. The owner of the stall is irritated and ask the rich men to keep money in pocket and go along.
Q4. What is 'trusting sorrow'?
Ans It is the sorrow of the trust that has been broken. The poor farmer had put up the stand on the highway in hope to earn some money by selling his goodies to the rich men passing by his stand. But his hope is not fulfilled.
Q5. What does the ruling party do for the poor men?
Ans The ruling party keeps away the poor farmers from luxurious life.
Q6. Select the word/phrase from the stanza that is an example of a metaphor.
Ans. 'Trusting Sorrow'
Q7. What offends the poor man the most?
Ans The poor farmer is not as much offended at the complaint of spoiling the beauty as at the trusting sorrow that is unsaid.
Q8 What literary device has been used in this stanza/
Ans Dramatic monologue.

Stanza 4

It is in the news that all these pitiful kin

Are to be bought out and mercifully gathered in

To live in villages, next to the theatre and the store,

Where they won’t have to think for themselves anymore,

While greedy good-doers, beneficent beasts of prey,

Swarm over their lives enforcing benefits

That are calculated to soothe them out of their wits,

And by teaching them how to sleep they sleep all day,

Destroy their sleeping at night the ancient way.

Q1.What was in the news?
Ans. It was in the news that all holdings of the poor farmers would be purchased by the ruling party and they were settled near the cinema and the stores. They were assured that they would not have to worry about themselves.
Q2.What was the intention of the greedy good-doers?
Ans The intended to exploit the poor people.
Q3. Who are' greedy good-doers, beneficent beasts of prey,'?
Ans The shrewd (foxy) politicians.
Q4. Explain the phrase' to soothe them out of their wits'.
Ans. It means the rich men fool the poor men without letting them come to know of it.
Q5.How are these pitiful kins to be bought out?
Ans.By paying for their small holdings.
Q6. Where will the poor be settled mercifully?
Ans.They will be settled next to cinemas and departmental stores in cities.
Q7. Who swarm over the poor peasants?
Ans. The greedy good-doers and beneficent beasts of prey.
Q8. Why are benefits enforced on the poor?
Ans. To soothe them out of their wits.
Q9. What is the effect of the teachings of the selfish rich?
Ans. 1. The rich sleep peacefully all day.
          2. The poor are deprived of their sleep at night.
Q10. Choose the example of alliteration from this stanza.
Ans Greedy good-doers and beneficent beasts of prey.

Stanza5

Sometimes I feel myself I can hardly bear

The thought of so much childish longing in vain,

The sadness that lurks near the open window there,

That waits all day in almost open prayer

For the squeal of brakes, the sound of a stopping car,

Of all the thousand selfish cars that pass,

Just one to inquire what a farmer’s prices are.

And one did stop, but only to plow up grass

In using the yard to back and turn around;

And another to ask the way to where it was bound;

Q1 What can the poet not bear?
Ans The poet cannot bear the thought of childish longing.
Q2. What is childish longing?
Ans The poor farmer keeps waiting all day for some car to stop near his stand and buy some goodies. But his hopes are betrayed as none of them stop there to buy.
Q3.What sadness lurks near the open window?
Ans It is the sadness on the face of the poor man. The poor man is sad because his goodies remain unpurchased.
Q4. Quote examples of personification from this stanza.
Ans. 1.Sadness that lurks near the open window. 2.Selfish car.
Q5. Of all the thousand selfish cars, just one stops there. What for that one stops there?
Ans It stops only to turn around using the yard. In this process, it plows out the grass grown in the yard.
Q6. What do these lines show about the attitude of the rich city dwellers?
Ans These line show that the rich city people are:
         1. Heartless 2. Self-centred 3. Indifferent to the poor and selfish.

Sometimes I feel myself I can hardly bear

The thought of so much childish longing in vain,

The sadness that lurks near the open window there,

That waits all day in almost open prayer

For the squeal of brakes, the sound of a stopping car,

Of all the thousand selfish cars that pass,

Just one to inquire what a farmer’s prices are.

And one did stop, but only to plow up grass

In using the yard to back and turn around;

And another to ask the way to where it was bound;

And another to ask could they sell it a gallon of gas

They couldn’t (this crossly); they had none, didn’t it see?

Stanza6

No, in country money, the country scale of gain,

The requisite lift of spirit has never been found,

Or so the voice of the country seems to complain,

I can’t help owning the great relief it would be

To put these people at one stroke out of their pain.

And then next day as I come back to sane,

I wonder how I should like you to come to me

And offer to put me gently out of my pain.

Q 1. What is the complaint of the voice of the country?
Ans It is the complaint that people don't buy goods from their stand.
Q2. What should be a great relief to the poor?
Ans It should be a great relief if they are put at one stroke out of their pain.
Q3.What does the poet ask for himself?
Ans The poet feels offended at the plight of the poor. He will be obliged if someone comes and relieve him of his pains he feels at the plight of the poor.
Q4. Explain: ' lift of spirit' using in your sentence.
Ans It means happiness. When my son won the gold medal in shooting, my heart felt a lift of spirit.
Q5. What is the state of the poor people?
Ans They are very poor
Q6 How does the poet feel at their condition?  Chooose the right option 1. Excited 2, Overjoyed 3.Pained 4Shocked
Ans. Pained.

                               AUNT JENNIFER' S TIGERS (Adrienne Rich)

ABOUT THE POET

• Adrienne Cecile Rich (1929 – 2012)
• American poet, essayist and feminist.
• One of the most widely read and influenced poets of the second half of the 20th century.
• She talks about a woman’s experiences in her married life.
• She has tried to explore the inner feelings of a woman who is living under the dominance of men.

FIRST STANZA
Aunt Jennifer’s tigers prance across a screen,
Bright topaz denizens of a world of green.
They do not fear the men beneath the tree;
They pace in sleek chivalric certainty.

Answer the questions-:

Q1. What does Aunt Jennifer compare her tigers to and why?

Ans-: she compares her tigers to a bright topaz because her tigers are yellow and they are shining like the topaz( पुखराज).

Q2. Describe the pace of the tigers?

Ans-: The tigers pace elegantly.

Q3. Where are the tigers prancing?

Ans-: They are prancing on a screen. 

Q4.- Where do tigers live? Why are they fearless?

Ans- The tigers live in green forests. They have been recreated on the screen. So they are fearless. 

Q5. Why do you think Aunt Jennifer has created tigers?

Aunt Jennifer has created tigers to express her desire of freedom.

Q6-: Choose the word from the passage which means the same as 1-jump. 2 heroic or gentleman like. 3 Smooth

Ans- 1 prance. 2 chivalric 3 sleek.

Q7-: Where do tigers live?

Ans-: They live in forests.

Q8. What poetic device has been used in the phrase " bright topaz"?

Ans- Metaphor

Q9-: What do tigers symbolise?

Ans-: The tigers symbolise freedom, fearless spirit and chivalry.   

EXPLANATION

• The poet is talking about a lady whom she addresses as aunt, Jennifer.
• She is embroidering a piece of cloth. It could be a table cloth or a wall hanging.
• The pattern shows tigers who are moving and jumping around all over the fabric.
• They are bright yellow in colour like the colour of the topaz stone (use of metaphor).
• The dense green forest background is their home.
• They are the proud and fearless citizens of the forest.
• Here is a contrast between Aunt Jennifer and her tigers. The tigers are fearless but this lady, who is embroidering them is not so.
• The tigers look elegant, shining and full of the gentleman’s grace.

SECOND STANZA
Aunt Jennifer’s fingers fluttering through her wool
Find even the ivory needle hard to pull.
The massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band
Sits heavily upon Aunt Jennifer’s hand.

Read the stanza and answer the questions-:

Q1. Why do you think Aunt Jennifer's fingers are fluttering ? 

Ans-:  Aunt Jennifer is weak and timid. She is under dominance of her husband. That's why her finger are fluttering.

Or

Her hands are fluttering for fear of her husband.

Q2. What does' massive weight of Uncle's wedding band' indicate?

Ans- It indicates the burden of her responsibilities as a wife. Or

It indicates the obligations of married life.

Q3. Where was Uncle's wedding band put?

Ans-: It was put on Aunt Jennifer's hands.

Q4  Pick out the word from the stanza which means 'trembling'?

Ans-: fluttering

EXPLANATION

• The lady’s fingers are trembling with the fear of her husband.
• She is pursuing her hobby in her free time but probably, she is still afraid of her husband who could scold her.
• Her fingers are so tired of working endlessly all her life
• The needle is also heavy for her to pull out of the cloth.
• The words ‘uncle’s wedding band’ as the band was bought by her husband, it is his till today.
• The lady is dependent on her husband.
• She is still burdened by the weight of the ring. ‘weight’ means the encirclement or trapping that has fallen upon her by getting married to him, she has been burdened by the obligations of married life, has become the man’s property.
• She has been living a demanding life due to which she has worn out in her old age.

THIRD STANZA
When Aunt is dead, her terrified hands will lie
Still ringed with ordeals she was mastered by.
The tigers in the panel that she made
Will go on prancing, proud and unafraid.

Q1. Name the poem and the poet of this stanza?

Ans- Name of the poem is 'Aunt Jennifer's Tigers' and the poet is Adrienne Rich.

Q2. Why are Aunt's hands terrified(  भयभीत)?

Ans-: Her hands are terrified because her husband dominates her. 

Q3:- What is meant by 'ordeals'?

Ans-: Ordeal means fire test. Here it refers to the household work done by Aunt Jennifer. 

Q4:- Why are hands ringed? 

Ans-: Her hands are ringed because she has to do household work daily.

Q5-: What was Aunt Jennifer mastered by? चाची जैनिफर किस काम में निपुण थी?

And :-She was mastered by her ordeals.

Q6-: What are Aunt's hands ringed with?

चाची के हाथों पर कैसे निशान हैं?

Ans-: Her hands are ringed with ordeals.

Q7- What will happen to the tigers after her death?

Ans-:- The tigers will go on prancing on the panel.

Q8:- What do tigers symbolise? टाईगर किस बात के प्रतीक हैं?

Ans-: Tigers symbolise chivalry (वीरता) and elegance (शान).

Q9- How do tigers look?

Ans-: The tigers look proud and unafraid.

Q10 -: Who has recreated the tigers on the panel?

Ans-: Aunt Jennifer ----

EXPLANATION

• Her wish to live a free, fearless life is indicated by her choice of design – tigers.
• It shows her innermost desire of being strong, fearless which has been overpowered by her husband.
• Probably, her ordeal will end upon her death.
• Her frightened, shaking fingers will be put to rest.
• But still, even after death, the ring shall remain on her hand, i.e. her husband’s rule over her is not yet over!
• After her death, her desire of freedom and fearlessness shall remain alive in these tigers which she has embroidered.

New words
Prance :  walk or move around with high springy steps.
Topaz : a bright yellow coloured stone.
Denizens :  here, an animal that lives or is found in a particular place.
Sleek : elegant.
Chivalric : being courteous esp. to women, an act of a gentleman.
Ordeals: extremely severe tests or experiences.
Prancing : to move around proudly.
Fluttering : to move in quick, irregular motions as if being agitated.

Question and Answers

How do ‘denizens’ and ‘chivalric’ add to our understanding of the tiger’s attitudes? 
The word ‘denizens’ means that they are proud of their home, they feel safe there and have a feeling of belonging attached to it.
The word ‘chivalric’ shows that they have a majestic and worthy position like knights.
Why do you think Aunt Jennifer’s hands are ‘fluttering through her wool’ in the second stanza? Why is she finding the needle so hard to pull? 
Her hands are fluttering probably because she is scared of her husband who could come anytime and scold her for sitting idle and wasting her time doing embroidery. She finds the needle so hard to pull because her fingers are tired of working endlessly all through her life.
What is suggested by the image ‘massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band’? 
‘Massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band’ suggest symbolically, that the bindings and obligations of her marriage are so much that they have put a lot of burden and stress on her.
Of what or of whom is Aunt Jennifer terrified with in the third stanza? 
She is terrified of her husband.
What are the ‘ordeals’ Aunt Jennifer is surrounded by, why is it significant that the poet uses the word ‘ringed’? What are the meanings of the word ‘ringed’ in the poem? 
The ‘ordeals’ are

• Obeying her husband’s orders.
• Fear of men.
• Giving in to his dominance and fulfilling his commands.

‘Ringed’ indicates entrapment. As the ring encircles the finger, similarly, her husband has encircled her              in his clutches. Her body and soul are both trapped, struggling for freedom and fearlessness.

Why do you think Aunt Jennifer created animals that are so different from her own character? What might the poet be suggesting, through this difference?

• I think that aunt Jennifer’s intense desire for freedom and fearlessness came out through her creativity.
• This is the time when she is with herself, and then, her innermost feelings are expressed, here her medium of expression is the embroidery.
• Through this difference it is shown that the lady is not what she is. Her circumstances have made her so but even she has a desire to live life with respect and pride.

Interpret the symbols found in this poem.

• ‘denizens of a world of green’ means inhabitants of the forest.
• ‘massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band’ means the burden of marital obligations.
• ‘Sits heavily upon Aunt’ means has laid a lot of stress on her.
• ‘ringed with ordeals’ means to get entrapped in hardships and sufferings.

Do you sympathize with Aunt Jennifer. What is the attitude of the speaker towards Aunt Jennifer?
Yes, I sympathize with Aunt Jennifer. The speaker is also sympathetic towards her and hates dominating men.