First Flight- Prose
A Letter to God - G.L.FUENTES
Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom - NELSON ROLIHLAHLA MANDELA
Two Stories about Flying
-His First Flight - LIAM O’ FLAHERTY
-Black Aeroplane - FREDERICK FORSYTH
From the Diary of Anne Frank - ANNE FRANK
Glimpses of India
-A Baker from Goa - LUCIO RODRIGUES
-Coorg - LOKESH ABROL
-Tea from Assam - ARUP KUMAR DATTA
Mijbil the Otter - GAVIN MAXWELL
Madam Rides the Bus - VALLIKKANNAN
The Sermon at Benares
The Proposal - ANTON CHEKOV
A Letter to God
- G.L. Fuentes
Lencho was a farmer who had the field of ripe
corn dotted with the flowers. He lived in the
house — the only one in the entire valley —
sat on the crest of a low hill. He hoped for a
downpour or at least a shower. During the
meal, big drops of rain began to fall. He was
happy to see mountain of clouds.
A Letter to God
‘‘These aren’t raindrops falling from the sky,
they are new coins. The big drops are ten cent
pieces and the little ones are fives.’’
But suddenly strong wind began to blow with
the large hailstones. They resembled new
silver coins.
A Letter to God
It rained for an hour and the field was white as if
covered with salt. It left nothing- not a leaf
remained on the trees. He told his sons that a
plague of locusts would have left more than this.
Lencho had an unwavering faith on God so he
decided to seek help from him and wrote a letter
demanding 100 pesos to sow his field again and to
live until the crops come.
A Letter to God
When the postman read the letter addressing
to God he could not stop himself from
laughing. But the post master who was a fat,
amiable man decided to help Lencho. He
collected 70 pesos from his employees,
friends as an act of charity and he himself
gave part of his salary.
A Letter to God
The next Sunday Lencho came to collect the money.
But he was disappointed to find only 70 pesos. He
was angry and wrote a letter again with much
wrinkling of his brow( because of the efforts he had
to make) demanding the rest of the money. He also
wrote that God should not send the money through
the mail because he believed that the post office
employees were a bunch of crooks.
Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to
Freedom
This chapter is an excerpt from Nelson Mandela’s
autobiography Long Walk to Freedom.
Nelson Mandela was South Africa’s first Black
President and an international hero whose lifelong
dedication to the fight against racial oppression in
South Africa won him the Nobel Peace Prize and the
presidency of his country in 1994.
Date: 10th May, a historic day for South Africa, marked
the inauguration of the first non-racial government.
International leaders and dignitaries gathered at the
lovely sandstone amphitheatre formed by the Union
Buildings in Pretoria for the oath taking ceremony.
“It was the site of a rainbow gathering of different
colours and nations”- A beautiful coming together of
various peoples, like the colours in a rainbow
Mandela delivered a speech emphasizing victory for
justice, peace, and human dignity.
He pledged to liberate people from poverty, suffering,
and discrimination.
Mandela used the words ‘an extraordinary human
disaster’ referring to the practice of apartheid in South
Africa.
Jets and helicopters displayed a colorful show, signifying the
military's loyalty to the democratically elected government.
Two national anthems were sung: the old 'Nkosi Sikelel' by whites
and the new 'Die stem' by blacks, reflecting unity in diversity.
Nelson Mandela was overwhelmed with a sense of history
because upon looking back he realized how his fellow freedom
fighters had struggled to attain freedom from the rule of whites.
Mandela remembered and thanked individuals who sacrificed
their lives for freedom.
Salutations to freedom fighters such as Oliver Tambos, Walter
Sisulus, Chief Luthulis, Yusuf Dadoos, Bram fischers, Robert
Sobukwes. He called them men of such extraordinary courage.
Mandela emphasized that a country's richness lies in its people,
not just its minerals.
Courage, according to Mandela, is not the absence of fear but the
victory over it.
People should love others irrespective of colour or religion, as love
is a natural goodness that cannot be forced.
Mandela talked about twin obligations:
The first one is to his family- parents, wife, and children. The
second obligation is to his people- his community and his
country. Everyone fulfils his duties as per his inclination and
interest.
Concept of Freedom
1. Childhood Perception
- Young Mandela believed he was born free.
- He thought following his father's rules and tribal customs made him completely
free.
2. Shift in Perspective with Age
- Growing older, Mandela's thoughts shifted to freedom for raising a family and
earning a livelihood.
- Realized his earlier belief was somewhat selfish.
3. Broader Understanding
- Gradually understood that it wasn't just his freedom being limited.
- Recognized the curtailment of freedom for all black people.
Liberation of the
Oppressor
Mandela emphasizes the necessity to liberate the oppressor as much as the
oppressed.
A person who restricts another's freedom becomes a prisoner of hatred. This
imprisonment is characterized by prejudice and narrow-mindedness.
Mandela asserts that true freedom is not achieved when one takes away someone
else's freedom.
Freedom is
Indivisible
Mandela thought that freedom is like a whole package and can't be split
into pieces. He said real freedom covers everything in life – like politics,
how we live together, money stuff, and our culture. If someone can't speak
freely about politics, it might affect how they can hang out with others or
make a living. So, Mandela believed that freedom is all connected, and you
need all parts of it to have true freedom.
Two stories about Flying
-His First Flight
This story revolves around a young seagull hesitant to fly.
He remained alone on his ledge and his siblings (two brother
and one sister) had already flown away.
He was pessimistic and felt certain that his wings would never
support him.
Parents punished him by leaving him alone on a ledge without
food for 24 hours.
The young seagull is left in isolation the next day, feeling hungry and
seeking attention from his family. His mother, preparing to eat a fish,
notices her starving son's cries.
The mother intervenes and places bait in front of the young seagull.
Hungry, he finally dives for a scrap of fish as the sight of the food
maddened him.
Overcoming his fear, the young seagull takes his first flight, surprising
himself and his family. His family celebrates his victory by cheering
and dancing around him.
The young seagull gains confidence and attempts to float in the sea,
conquering his fear. He realizes that fear is a mindset and that
courage can lead to great accomplishments.
Two stories about Flying
-The Black Aeroplane
This lesson reflects on how one’s judgement gets distorted due to
fantasizing and how it creates problems.
The narrator was flying his old Dakota DS088 over France back to
England at one thirty in the morning.
‘I should call Paris Control soon,’ he thought to ask for directions for his
smooth landing. He checked the map and the compass, switched
over to his second and last fuel tank, and turned the Dakota twelve
degrees west towards England.
Pilot was flying with the dreams of having breakfast in the morning and spending
holidays with his family.
He saw the huge storm clouds that looked like black mountains standing in front
of him across the sky. He did not return to Paris because he wanted to get home.
Compass, radio and other instruments were dead. The fuel tanks didn’t have
enough fuel.
He saw a black plane without lights on wings, flying near his plane. Its pilot
waved and signalled him to follow him. The author did not have much choice but
to follow him.
He followed him like an obedient child and emerged from the dark storm.
The pilot landed and walked to the control room to thank the other pilot.
To his surprise, the woman in the control centre informed that no other
aeroplanes were visible on the radar.
“The pilot in the black aeroplane was an illusion created by the narrator’s own
mind.”
“The Black Aeroplane was nothing but a manifestation of the narrator’s own
knowledge and understanding of averting the disaster of an impending crash.”
From the Diary of Anne Frank
ANNE FRANK (Anneliese Marie Frank) was born on 12th June, 1929
She was a German born Jewish girl. The diary was given to her on her 13th
birthday.
Her first entry was on 20 June, 1942.
The Diary of a Young girl- It chronicles the events of her life
from 12 June 1942 until its final entry of 1 August 1944.
Anne had no real friends.
Anne thought that it was an odd experience for someone like her to keep
a diary because according to her nobody will be interested in knowing the
thought process of a thirteen-year-old schoolgirl.
She believed that “Paper has more patience than people.”
She provided a brief sketch of her life: loving parents and a sixteen year
old elder sister, Margot. In 1941, Anne’s Grandma fell ill and died in
January 1942. Anne expressed that only she herself knew how much she
missed her grandmother. She still loved her even after her death.
She decided to name her diary ‘Kitty’ and started with writing her
background, to make it easier to understand for anyone who reads
it later.
She mentioned about her school days that she started learning at the
Montessori nursery school where Mrs. Kuperus, the headmistress was her
teacher.
In the chapter, the entry date was Saturday, 20 June 1942, where she
described that the entire class was quaking in its boots due to the
upcoming result.
She's uncertain only about math. Anne and her friend G tried to quiet
noisy students without success. The author thinks a quarter of the class
might fail but she further added that teachers were the most most
unpredictable creatures on earth.
Mr. Keesing (the old fogey who taught Maths) punished Anne for talking
in class and gave her extra homework. She wrote essays on 'A Chatterbox'
and ‘An Incorrigible Chatterbox’.
She argued that “talking is a student’s trait” and she would do her best to
keep it under control. She had inherited it from her mother.
Anne continued talking in class, and as a further punishment, Mr. Keesing
asked her to write an essay on an unusual title: "Quack, Quack, Quack.”
said Mistress Chatterbox.
It was about a mother duck and a father swan with three baby ducklings
who were bitten to death by the father because they quacked too much.
Anne wrote a satirical poem about a mother duck and father swan,
which Mr. Keesing found amusing and shared with the class.
Glimpses of India
-A baker from Goa
This chapter is a pen-portrait of a traditional Goan village baker who still
has an important place in his society.
They are known as "Pader.” In old Portuguese times, Goans enjoyed
loaves of bread, a tradition that still continues.
Although the bread has vanished, the bakers persist. The traditional
furnaces and the rhythmic sound of bamboo can still be experienced.
Descendants of these bakers continue the family business. Even today,
the bakers, known as "pader," are an integral part of Goa's culture.
The baker was a friend and guide, arriving twice daily. The sound of the
bamboo staff served as a morning alarm.
The baker's bamboo created a distinctive sound, signaling his arrival.
Residents rushed to buy bread-bangles, while maidservants purchased
loaves for households.
The baker carried a basket on his head, supported by the bamboo.
Residents eagerly awaited the baker's arrival to inspect the basket and
enjoy loaves with hot tea.
Sweet bread, called "bol," was essential for marriage gifts, and other
delicacies like sandwiches and cakes were made from the bread.
The traditional baker wore a distinctive dress known as "kabai.“
Resembling today's half pants, it was a single-piece, long frock reaching
down to the knees.
Baking was a lucrative profession in the past. The bakers and their
families displayed prosperity through their well-fed bodies, emphasizing
their contentment.
The bakers formed a happy and well-off community. Their continued
presence reflects the enduring legacy of traditional bread-making in Goa.
Glimpses of India
-Coorg
Geographical Location:
Coorg is situated between Mangalore and Mysore in Karnataka.
Described as a picturesque and heavenly place, must have come from the
God's Kingdom.
Inhabited by strong men, beautiful women, and diverse wildlife.
Weather and Environment:
Coorg, or Kodagu, is Karnataka's smallest district.
There are evergreen forests, spice plantations, and coffee estates.
Perfect time for visitors is between September and March when the
weather is pleasant, and the air carries the aroma of coffee.
People of Coorg:
Locals are believed to have Greek or Arabic ancestry, with tales suggesting
settlement by a part of Alexander's army.
Inter-marriage with the locals led to a unique culture seen in martial
traditions, marriages, and religious rites.
The long, black coat known as "kuppia" worn by Kodavus reflects Arab
influence.
Cultural Traditions:
Coorg is known for its hospitality and tales of bravery.
The Coorg Regiment in the Indian Army is highly decorated.
General Cariappa, the first Army Chief, hailed from Coorg.
Unique to Kodavus, they are the only people in India allowed to carry
firearms without a license.
Wildlife and Nature:
Coorg's forests and hills contribute to the Cauvery River, home to the
Mahaseer, the largest freshwater fish.
Abundance of Kingfishers, squirrels, langurs, birds, bees, and butterflies.
Elephants enjoy bathing in the river under the care of their mahouts.
Scenic Landscape:
Brahmagiri hills offer panoramic views of Coorg.
The Nisargadhama Island, accessible via a rope bridge, spans sixty-four
acres.
Bylakuppe houses Buddhist monks from India's Tibetan settlement,
dressed in vibrant robes.
Glimpses of India
-Tea from Assam
Rajvir and Pranjol embarked on a journey to Assam, exploring the vibrant
landscape and rich tea culture.
They encountered a tea vendor and enjoyed a cup of hot tea.
Rajvir shared a fascinating fact - over 800 million cups of tea are
consumed daily worldwide.
As they travelled through Assam, Rajvir admired the lush greenery,
evolving from paddy fields to vast expanses of tea bushes.
Tea gardens stretched as far as the eye could see, decorated with shade
trees.
Exploring the legends, Rajvir informed Pranjol about the mysterious
origins of tea. Chinese legend involveed leaves falling into boiling water
accidentally, creating the delicious flavour of tea.
Indian legend featureed Buddhist monk Bodhidharma's eyelids growing
into tea plants, believed to banish sleep.
Rajvir traced the history of tea, revealing its first consumption in China
around 2700 B.C.
European introduction in the sixteenth century, primarily for medicinal
purposes.
The Chinese roots reflected in words like chai and chini.
Deboarding at Mariani junction, they were driven to Dhekiabari Tea Estate.
Acres of tea bushes flanked the road, with women diligently plucking fresh
leaves into bamboo baskets.
They met Pranjol's father at the estate during the sprouting season (May to
July), known for producing the best tea.
Rajvir impressed Pranjol's father with his knowledge of tea plantations,
expressing eagerness to learn more.
Mijbil the Otter
Gavin Maxwell lived in a cottage in Camusfearna, in the West Highlands in
Scotland. He narrated how his life changed after he decided to keep an otter as a
pet.
In 1956, during a trip to Southern Iraq, he decided to keep an otter as a pet. The
author expressed his desire for an otter to a friend in Basra who suggested him to
get one in the Tigris Marshes.
He travelled to Basra to visit the Consulate-General and respond to his mail
from Europe.
While collecting his mail, he received a surprise - a sack containing an otter
named Mijbil.
He used the terms a thraldom to otters and otter fixation to refer to his feeling
towards the otter. He felt that this otter fixation or this strong attachment
towards otters was something that was shared by most other people who had
ever owned one.
Mijbil initially slept on the floor but soon became comfortable on the bed.
The otter joyfully explored the bathroom, even learnt to turn on the water tap. He
spent time playing with a rubber ball and marbles, showcasing its playful nature.
Water must be kept on the move and made to do things; when static it is wasted
and provoking.
However, the author faced challenges transporting Mijbil to England and then to
Camusfearna.
British airlines didn’t accept animals, so, Maxwell booked a flight to Paris on
another airline and from there to London. However, there was a condition that Mij
should be packed into a box not more than eighteen inches square. Thus, he was
transported to England in that box, which was kept on the floor at Maxwell’s feet.
The box had a lining of metal sheet. Mij didn’t find it comfortable to be there so he
tried to escape. In its attempt to escape, he hurt himself and started bleeding. It
was an appalling spectacle.
Quick actions, including removing sharp edges, helped in saving Mijbil from
unconsciousness.
Rushing to catch the flight, the author and Mijbil faced challenges but eventually
boarded the plane.
The air hostess was the very queen of her kind as she allowed the narrator to place
the otter on his lap. However, Mijbil disappeared from the box and there were
squawks and shrieks in the plane. But the airhostess helped him to find out Mij.
In London, people struggled to recognize otters, making blind guesses. They
guessed, among other things, that he was a baby seal, a squirrel, a walrus, a hippo,
a beaver, a bear cub, a leopard and a brontosaur.
A humorous incident occurred when a labourer, upon seeing Mijbil, put down his
tools and expressed confusion.
Madam rides the bus
The story is about an eight-year-old Tamil girl, Valliammai.
Valli was curious, lonely, and fascinated by the outside world.
She had no friends to play with, she daydreamed about bus journeys and usually
stood at the doorway, observing people boarding and deboarding buses.
She wished to experience the joy of a bus ride. It passed through her street each
hour, once going to the town and once coming back.
Valli found out the details of the bus journey by listening carefully to the
conversation between her neighbours and regular bus users.
She discovered that the bus travelled six miles to the nearest town with a thirty
paise fare. She began saving around sixty paise for her bus ride. The trip took forty-
five minutes.
She meticulously planned to take the one o’ clock bus to the town while her
mother would be taking an afternoon nap.
The conductor was a jolly sort of a man and referred to Valli as 'madam' due
to her ladylike behaviour. Despite his offers of assistance, Valli politely
declined, displaying independence. Her prompt and assertive responses to the
conductor's inquiries led him to address her as 'madam.’
Valli saw outside through the window- canal, the palm trees, grassland,
distant mountains and the blue sky.
She met a lot of new people in the bus. She got annoyed when an elderly man
called her a child. She disliked the elderly woman for her shabby look and
didn’t prefer to talk to her. She had big holes in her ear lobes, and was
wearing ugly earrings. Apart from this, she was chewing betel and her mouth
was also filled with betel juice.
When the bus reached the town it became empty. Valli stayed in the bus for her
return journey and limited money.
On the return journey, Valli encountered the same cow now dead by the roadside.
The sight made her contemplate life, death, and the meaning of it all.
After being dropped at the bus stop, Valli returned home and chose not to share
her independent bus trip adventure with her family.
Age is not a barrier when it comes to doing something different and great.
The people and surroundings are a great book to learn. Valli in the lesson ‘Madam
Rides The Bus’ learns a lot from others.
Whenever we want to achieve something, difficulties always come in our way.
The Sermon at Benares
Gautam Buddha was born into a North Indian royal family.
Childhood name: Siddhartha Gautama.
He was sent to study Hindu sacred scriptures at age twelve.
He married a princess and had a son, living a royal life for ten years.
The turning point came in his life when he encountered a sick man, an aged man, a
funeral procession, and a begging monk.
He realized the impermanence and suffering in life and chose to leave royalty to
seek spiritual knowledge.
Gautama Buddha embarked on a spiritual journey and attained enlightenment
under the Bodhi tree. He began preaching his newfound wisdom.
His first sermon was delivered in the city of Benares.
The turning point came in his life when he encountered a sick man, an aged man, a
funeral procession, and a begging monk.
He realized the impermanence and suffering in life and chose to leave royalty to
seek spiritual knowledge.
Gautama Buddha embarked on a spiritual journey and attained enlightenment
under the Bodhi tree. He began preaching his newfound wisdom.
His first sermon was delivered in the city of Benares.
Kisa Gotami's Story
• Kisa Gotami, a grieving mother was seeking medicine to cure her dead son.
• A man directed her to Lord Buddha for a solution.
• Buddha challenged her to find mustard seeds from a house untouched by
death.
• Kisa Gotami's realization: the universality of mortality.
The Lesson from Kisa Gotami's Experience
• Buddha's teaching: Grief and sorrow contribute to human suffering.
• Such emotions serve no purpose and harm one's well-being.
• Wise individuals accept the inevitability of life and death.
• Understanding nature's cycle leads to happiness and blessings.
Death is an unavoidable part of life for all living beings. Like fruits falling from
trees, our lives have a natural end. He also compared life to a fragile pot that
eventually breaks, explaining the futility of weeping and lamenting over the
departed.
The Proposal
One- act play, a farce by Anton Chekhov.
Lomov’s unexpected visit
• Setting: Chubukov's house
• Lomov enters in evening attire.
• Chubukov was happy and surprised at his appearance so,
he asked the occasion.
Lomov’s revelation
• Lomov reveals that he had come to make a request.
• Chubukov anticipates a request for money.
• Lomov then reveals that he has come to ask for Natalya’s
hand.
• Chubukov gets excited and leaves to call his daughter,
Natalya.
The after effects
• Chubukov embraces and kisses Lomov revealing that he had
been hoping for it for a long time.
• Chubukov gets filled with excitement and behaves idiotically.
• He reveals about Natalya that she was in love too and called her
“a lovesick cat”.
(The tendency of wealthy families to seek ties with other wealthy
families by encouraging marriages that make good economic
sense)
Dispute over Oxen Meadows
• A friendly conversation starts between them about family
terms.
• In between their conversation, there is a mention of Oxen
Meadows (a disputed property).
• A heated discussion begins, Natalya disagrees and claimed her
family’s ownership on the land.
• Lomov claimed that his aunt’s grandmother gave the Meadows
for the temporary and free use of Chubukov’s grandfather’s
peasants. So he's the rightful owner of the open meadows.
Lomov's Description and Intentions
• Lomov's age: 35
• Palpitations, easily upset, poor sleeper
• Believes it's the right age to marry as he is never going to get
anideal love.
• Describes Natalya as average-looking, good housekeeper,
beautiful and well-educated.
• Mind made-up about marrying Natalya although he was feeling
cold (nervous)
Explosive Argument and Lomov's Health
• Shouting and screaming continues, Lomov says that he will show the
documents but Natalya continues to disagree and fights for the
ownership of the land(they had the land for three hundred years).
• She also says that they have lent their threshing machine.
• Lomov feels that Natalya had called him a landgrabber.
• They abused each other’s family members, calling Lomov’s
grandfather a drunkard, his younger aunt Nastasya had run away with
an architect. Natalya even calls Lomov ‘a rascal’, Chubukov calls him
villain, a scarecrow and a monster.
Quick Recall
• Lomov's health deteriorates- Extreme pounding of the heart, side
pull, numb foot.
• Lomov is thrown out and the cursing continues.
• Chubukov unintentionally reveals about the marriage proposal.
Quick Recall
Regret and Reconciliation Attempt
• Natalya regrets sending Lomov out.
• She is in hysterics and requests Chubukov to bring him back
• Lomov returns, conversation shifts to shooting.
• Another argument about dogs begin:
Squeezer vs. Guess
Natalya’s dog Lomov’s dog
-85 roubles - 125 roubles
Natalya feels that her Squeezer is better than Lomov’s Guess while
Lomov says that her dog is overshot (his lower jaw is shorter than the
upper).
Quick Recall
Lomov's Collapse and Unconsciousness
• Argument escalates, Everyone gets hyper and Lomov finally falls due
to his palpitations. Even then, the cursing continues when suddenly
Natalya notices that he is unconscious.
• Lomov falls due to palpitations
• Attempts to revive him with water fail.
• Lomov is declared dead until he moves slightly.
• It is only when Lomov moves a little bit, they feed him some water.
Quick Recall
Confusion & the end
• Lomov still disoriented, doesn't understand.
• Stepan, wanting the best for his 25-year-old daughter Natalya,
agrees to the marriage proposal.
• Chubukov exits, quarrel over Squeezer vs. Guess continues.
• Lomov refuses to accept Squeezer's superiority
• Unfortunately, the newlywed couple quickly finds themselves back
where they began, arguing about their materialistic possessions.
