Prose 1 THE PORTRAIT OF A LADY

SYNONYMS

1. Absurd - illogical

2. Monotonous - boring

3. Snapped - break

4. Dilapidated - damaged

5. Expanse - widespread

6. Fables - stories

7. Pucker - wrinkled face

8. Seclusion - isolation

9. Pallor - pale appearance

10. Perched - rested

11. Rebukes - scolding

12. Hobbled - unsteady walk

ANTONYMS

1. Arid X moist

2. Frivolous X serious

3. Omitted X included

4. Protest X accept

5. Serenity X absurdity
6. Gathered X scattered

7. Revolt X please

8. Absurd X sensible

9. Untidily X orderly

10. Constantly x irregularly

Answer the following:

1. Describe the grandfather as seen in the portrait?
Ans The author’s grandfather looked as if he were hundred years old with lots of
grandchildren. He wore a big turban and loose-fitting garments. His long white beard covered
the best part of his chest. He looked too old to have had a wife and children. He looked as if
he could only have lots and lots of grandchildren.
2. Why was the author left with his grandmother in the village?
Ans When his parents went to the city to make a living, they left him under the care of his
grandmother.
3. Where did the author study in his childhood?
Ans The author studied in the veranda of a village temple. He learnt letters of the alphabet
from the priest.
4. Why did the grandmother accompany the author to school?
Ans The school was attached to the temple. So, the grandmother accompanied the author to
his school. While he learnt the alphabets, she spent her time inside the temple reciting prayers
and telling the beads of her rosary.
5. What made the dogs follow the grandmother after school hours?
Ans The author’s grandmother always carried stale chapattis with her for the village dogs.
This made the dogs to follow her after school hours.
6. Why didn’t the grandmother feel sentimental when the author went abroad for higher
education?
Ans Grandmother who was distressed that there was no teaching about God and the scriptures
in school slowly snapped the common link of friendship between her and her grandson. She
accepted her seclusion, she sat by her spinning wheel, reciting prayers, spending time with
birds. Her change in attitude made the sentimental grandmother accept the author’s decision
to go abroad for higher education.
7. What was the happiest time of the day for grandmother?
Ans The half-hour spent by grandmother with the little birds feeding them with bits of bread
relaxed her. Some came and perched on her legs, others on her shoulders, even some on her
head. She smiled but never shooed them away. It used to be the happiest half-hour of the day
for her.
8. Describe the author’s grandmother?
Ans The author’s grandmother had always been short and fat and slightly bent. She hobbled
about the house in spotless white with one hand resting on her waist, telling the beads of her
rosary. Her silver locks were scattered untidily over her face. She was beautiful. She was
like the winter landscape in the mountain.
9. What was the daily routine of the grandmother at home?
Ans Grandmother started the mornings with a sing song prayer. She woke up the author and
dressed him up. Both would march to the school and in the evening, she would throw the
stale chapattis to village dogs as they returned home. After settled in the city, from the
sunrise to sunset, she sat by her wheel spinning and reciting prayers. In the afternoon, she
relaxed for a while to feed the sparrows with bits of bread.
10. How is school education in the village different from that in the city?
Ans Village school is easily accessible on foot. Values and letters of the alphabet are given
utmost importance. Children carried wooden slates and ink pots. One teacher taught all. City
school has huge buildings. Subject-wise teachers are there. The children used to go by
motorbus.
11. The grandmother appreciated the value of education. Give instances in support of your
answer.
Ans Grandmother did have respect for education and that is why she personally monitored
the village education of the author. She insisted on good manners and love. When the author
went to the university for higher studies, she accepted her seclusion. Even she didn’t object
to the author going abroad.
12. The grandmother was strong-minded. Justify.
Ans Grandmother had strong values and had a zest for life. She lived her life the way she
wanted it. She spun the wheel, told her beads, fed the dog in the village and sparrows in the
city unmindful of changes around her. She played the drum with joy when she realized her
impending death. She died a peaceful death after predicting it to all her family members.
She is really a strong lady.
13. How did the grandmother spend the last few hours of her life?
Ans She suspended her prayer for a while. She called the women from neighbourhood, sang,
and played the drum along with them. The next morning, she had fever. She told the family
that she was about to die. She died in bed telling her beads and lisping her last prayer.
Paragraph:
1. Describe the friendship between the author and the grandmother.
Ans: When the author was a child, his grandmother used to wake him up in the morning and
get him ready for school. She would say her morning prayer in monotonous singsong while
she bathed him and dressed him, she would fetch his school equipment. She would take him
to school and help him in his studies in the evening. When they settle in the city, she couldn't
help him much in the city life. When the author went to university studies and went abroad
for his higher studies. She accepted her seclusion with resignation, she did not show her
sentiment and emotional.

She was the embodiment of a good virtues and she bequeathed the same as rich legacy.
Throughout her life span, she lived a modest life. The happiest moments were with her
sparrows whom she fed longer. On the eve of the doomsday there was a change over her. She
collected the woman of the neighbourhood and started to sing. For several hours, she
thumped the sagging skins of the dilapidated drum sang of the homecoming warriors. She
foretold her destiny. She lay peacefully in bed, praying and telling beads. Even before we
suspect, she was dead. She was peacefully carried away to the Graveyard. Thousands of
sparrows were present there when they offered piece of bread, they did not take any notice of
it, they even mourned and they stopped chirruping. It highlights the change in relationship.
With the passage of time, everything in the world is to be faced with courage.

Poem 1 ONCE UPON A TIME - (Gabriel Okara)

Appreciation Questions:

1. ‘But now they only laugh with their teeth,

While their ice-block- cold eyes....’
a) Who are ‘they’?
‘They’ refer to modern people.
b) Explain: ice-block-cold eyes
Ice-block cold eyes’ means eyes lacking a feeling of warmth or endearing feelings like
Love, sympathy and empathy.
c) Identify the figure of speech used here.
Metaphor

2. Most of all, I want to relearn

How to laugh, for my laugh in the mirror
Shows only my teeth like a snake’s bare fangs!
a) Why does the poet want to relearn how to laugh?
The poet has forgotten to laugh naturally. He wants to relearn to laugh because his laugh
in front of the mirror shows his teeth like a snake’s bare fangs.
b) Whom does the poet want to relearn from?
The poet wants to relearn from his little son.
c) Mention the figure of speech used here?
Simile

Explain the following lines with reference to the context:

1. Once upon a time, son

They used to laugh with their eyes
Reference: These lines are from the poem, “Once upon a time” written by Gabriel Okara.
Context: The poet says these words to his son while discussing his own happy
Childhood days.
Explanation: The poet compares the behaviour of people in the past and those times. He
tells his son that people in the past used to laugh with their eyes. There was an expression of
genuine warmth among people when laugh.

[Link] will be no thrice.

Reference: This line is from the poem, “Once upon a time” written by Gabriel Okara.
Context: People would say “feel at home” “come again” to keep appearances. This
would cease if one visits a third time.

Explanation: The poet tells that people will repeatedly invite you to come again to their
home and say that you can feel as if you are at your home. But in real sense, they don’t
expect you to accept their invitations. You can go there once or twice. But if you go for
the third time, they will not let you in. You will find that their doors are closed.

3.I have learned to wear my faces

Like dresses......
Reference: These lines are from Gabriel Okara’s poem “Once Upon a Time.”
Context: The poet tells his son that he has learned to wear his faces like dresses. In other
Words, it is to act or behave to the need of the situation.
Explanation: The poet has learned to act or behave to the need of the situation. The
changing of masks is like changing of dresses. In home, he will have one face. In the
office, he acts in one way to a person with different face. When he meets someone on the
street he acts another way. When he acts with mixed emotions, he has to put on a cocktail
mask. So, he has to wear a standard deceitful artificial smile on all occasions.

4. I want to be what I used to be.

Reference: This line is from Gabriel Okara’s poem “Once Upon a Time.”
Context: The poet tells his son about his wishes that he could once again be what he used
to be. He wishes to be in his honest character again.
Explanation: The poet tells his son that when he was at his younger days, he wanted to be
an honest genuine person. He pleads his son to believe it as it is a truth. Now, he wanted to
get rid of the things which mute his real emotions and wishes to return to a more natural
style of living.

Paragraph.

1. Explain the things the poet has learnt when he grew into an adult.

Ans The poet Okara in this narrative monologue painfully condemns, duplicity displayed by
adults, both in their words and actions. Here, a father laments to his son about the negative
changes that creep into the attitude and behaviour of humans, when they grow into adults.
He says that people used to be genuine when they laugh and the honesty would be
reflected in their eyes. But, people of modern times laugh superficially. Their handshakes
used to be warm and happy conveying a sense of togetherness, but nowadays the handshakes
have become a more falsity. He warns his son the people are not trustworthy, and have
become so selfish that they are concerned only about their own personal benefits. People utter
words of welcome, but those words come only from their tongues and not from the depth of
their hearts. Humans have learnt the art of changing their facial expressions according to
situations. They wear mask and exhibit multiple faces.

The narrator admits that he has also changed into a hypocrite. He says he wants to become a
child again laugh genuinely and relearn to laugh as he had done once upon a time. When he
laughs, he sees his teeth are bare like that of the fangs of a snake. So, he asks his son to show
him how to laugh, when he was a kid like him.

Supplementary 1 After Twenty Years

Paragraph:
1. "Means should justify the end". Explain this adage with reference to [Link]'s story.
Ans: [Link]'s story, "After Twenty Years" is an example of situational irony. The main
ironic twist occurs at the very end. Jimmy and Bob have known each other all their lives.
They grew up in the same neighbourhood in New York, just like two brothers together. When
they parted, Bob was only eighteen and Jimmy was twenty years old. The appointment
between Bob and Jimmy to meet again in twenty years was just for the sake of reunion.

Silky Bob realised that he had travelled a thousand miles to meet his old friend Jimmy
Wells and, in the meantime Jimmy Wells had become a policeman who recognised Bob as
the man wanted by the Chicago police and had arrested him. In situational irony, the actual
events turn out to be a different from what was expected. Bob expected a pleasant meeting
with an old friend but ended up being taken off to jail. Jimmy had agreed to meet after twenty
years. But the main twist of the situational irony is when Bob realises that the man who has
grabbed him by his hands is not Jimmy Wells and that he had been speaking Jimmy Wells
without knowing it.

Prose 2 THE QUEEN OF BOXING

SYNONYMS:
1. Princely - large sum

2. Appetite - hunger

3. Consoled - comforted

4. Lauded - appreciated

5. Conviction - belief

6. Palate - sense of taste

7. Sate - satisfy

8. Adulation - appreciation

9. Felicitation - congratulation

10. Etched - imprinted

11. Speculation - guess

12. Haul - taking a collection

ANTONYMS :
1. Amateur X professional

2. Compulsory x optional

3. Traditional X modern

4. Expensive X cheap

5. Hopeful X desperate

6. Accepted X refused, rejected

7. Reality X fantasy

ANSWER THE FOLLOWING:

1. How did Mary Kom manage to get the financial support for her trip to the USA?
Ans Mary Kom’s father managed Rs.2000 for her trip. Two MPs donated Rs.8000 together.
Thus, she had managed Rs.10000 for her trip.

2. Why did Mary Kom think that she should not return empty-handed?
Ans Mary Kom thought that she should not return empty-handed without winning any medal
because all the people in her place had made all efforts to send her to USA.

3. What was her first impression of America?

Ans She feared to face the new opponents and thought it would be difficult to beat them.

4. Why did she call herself ‘lucky’?

Ans After weighing in, Mary Kom found out that she did not have any match that day and
she was able to take rest to face her opponent in the round. So she called herself ‘lucky’.

5. According to Mary Kom, what was the reason for her losing in the finals?
Ans According to Mary Kom, her loss of appetite and loss of weight was the reason for her
losing in the finals.

6. What made her feel confident about the competitive players? Explain.
Ans Mary Kom was the only one in the team to get a medal at Pennsylvania. So, she had a
firm belief that she could take on any boxer at the championship.

7. What difficulty did she experience while eating Chinese food?

Ans While eating Chinese food, Mary Kom, and her teammates were given chopsticks to eat
their meals. They were not familiar with those chopsticks. So, they struggled to eat their food
with those sticks. Mary Kom, after a struggle to hold them correctly, used both her hands to
hold the chopsticks to pick up the food and eat it.

8. How was she felicitated on her return to India?

Ans On her return to India at New Delhi, she was given a warm welcome. She was greeted
with garlands, drumbeats, and dancing. There was a victory ride across the town and a
felicitation program in Langol. There were thanksgiving prayers. Words of appreciation were
showered on her and a traditional shawl was also presented to her.
9. What did she consider her greatest achievement? Why?
Ans Retaining her world title in 2006 by defeating Steluta Duta of Romania22-7 at the fourth
` world championships in New Delhi was considered by her one of her greatest
achievements.

Paragraph:
1. Why was Mary Kom named the “Queen of Boxing” and “Magnificent Mary”?
Ans: “Some are born great
Some are made great”.
Mary Kom belongs to the second one. Regardless of the challenges faced, Mary Kom has
achieved great success in the field of sports. “The Queen of Boxing” is an excerpt from M.C.
Mary Kom’s autobiography “Unbreakable”. It is an inspiration to all of us. Her grit and
tenacity which took her to the summit is remarkable. Mary Kom was an Indian woman boxer
with an Olympic medal. She was a five-time champion of world Amateur Boxing. She owns
the record of the only woman to earn a medal in two world championships.

She won a Bronze medal in London Olympics in 2012, when she was selected in 48kg
category in Pennsylvania. Initially, she suffered financially, she won the first medal of silver
in Pennsylvania in the flyweight category of world rankings AIBA, she stood at the fourth
position. After her second World championship, the Manipur government offered her the post
of Sub-Inspector. She received the Padma Bhushan award and has won uncountable awards
till date. Retaining her world title in 2006, by defeating Steluta Duta of Romania (22-7) at the
fourth World Championship in New Delhi was considered by her Greatest achievement. With
the hat-trick of world championship wins, the media christened her “The Queen of Boxing”
and “Magnificent Mary”.

Poem 2 CONFESSIONS OF A BORN SPECTATOR - (Ogden Nash)

Appreciation Questions:
1. “With all my heart I do admire
Athletes who swear for fun or hire”.
i. Whom does the poet admire?
The poet admires the athletes who sweat for fun or hire.
ii. For what reasons do the athletes sweat?
The athletes sweat because they play a rough game actively.
2. “Well, ego it might be pleased enough
But zealous athletes play so rough

i. What pleases the ego?

Exchanging places with the athletes pleases the poet's ego.
ii. Why are athletes often rough during play?
They exhibit roughness while playing because they play actively a fair game.
3. "When officialdom demands
Is there a doctor in the stands?"
i. Why are doctors called from stands by the sponsors?
The doctors are called from the stands to treat the players who are hired by the sponsors.
The sponsors have paid money to the players or athletes.
ii. Why does the poet make such an observation?
The poet makes such an observation, to show how humanity has changed. The doctors
come for treatment of the players only when the sponsors who pay for the players and for the
doctors ask them to come.
4. When snaps the knee, and cracks the wrist.....
i. Identify and explain the use of the literary device in this line.
Onomatopoeia. It is a literary device in which words evoke the actual sound of the thing
they refer to. Here, 'snaps' and 'cracks' are onomatopoeic words.
5. “One infant grows up and becomes a jockey
Another plays basketball or hockey”
i. Who is the ‘spectator’ talking about?
The spectator is talking about various players and sportsmen.
ii. Who is a jockey?
A jockey is a horse rider.
6. “I am just as glad can be
That I am not them, that they are not mine”.
i. Is the poet glad?
Yes, the poet is glad
ii. Why the poet feels glad?
The poet feels glad because he is not one among them.
iii. Whom does ‘them’ refer to?
‘Them’ refer to the athletes.
7. “My limp and bashful spirit feeds
On other people’s heroic deeds”.
i. What is meant by ‘limp’?
‘Limp’ means weak.
ii. What does bashful spirit mean?
It means his shy and reluctant nature.
8. “I am glad that my struggle begins
Twist prudence and ego, prudence wins”.
i. Whom does ‘I’ refer to?
‘I’ refers to the poet Ogden Nash.
ii. What does “Prudence” mean?
Prudence means wisdom.
Reference to the context:
1. “I am just glad as glad can be That I am not them, that they are not me"
Reference: These lines are taken from the poem "Confessions of a Born Spectator' by
Frederic Ogden Nash.
Context: The poet states this, when he talks how people choose to opt for different sports in
their lives.
Explanation: The poet begins the poem by saying one person becomes a jockey and another
person plays basketball or hockey. Yet another person hates to enter the enclosed area in
which boxing matches are fought. He is glad that he is not a sportsman or an athlete. And
they are not like him.

2. “They do not ever in their dealings Consider one another's feelings"

Reference: These lines are taken from the poem 'Confessions of a Born Spectator' by Frederic
Ogden Nash.
Context: The poet says these lines about the rough game played by the athletes.
Explanation: The active players play so rough that they never consider one another's feelings.

3. "Athletes, I'll drink to you, Or eat with you Or anything except compete with you"
Reference: These lines are taken from the poem 'Confessions of a Born Spectator' by Frederic
Ogden Nash.
Context: The poet tells these lines, when he reassures himself to be not an athlete but himself
Explanation: The poet says that he will drink for the athlete's health, eat with them or do
anything except compete with them. He comforts himself that he is himself
and not an athlete.

Paragraph:
1. How does the poet establish the victory of common sense over ego?
Ans: Confession of a born spectator is a poem by Frederic Ogden Nash who believes that a
spectator can be enthusiastic as a player. In this poem, the poet talks about how people
choose to opt for different sports in their lives (or) decide to become athletes. At the same
time, he confesses that he is glad that he is neither a sports person nor an athlete. The poet is
an admirer of sports person and he loves athlete, he explains their jealous attitude towards
their work and appreciate them for having medals in their hands. The poet also says the
athlete takes a lot of trials to achieve the deserved results. The poet wishes to be won too. The
poet's soul offers thanksgiving to the modest physiques of athletes. The poet is always ready
to share a drink (or) a meal with the athletes but he is not ready to compete with them and
also regrets over the fact that how the athletes play rough games without ever hearing for
other's feelings. Though the poet derives satisfaction admiring the talents of athletes he does
not wish to exchange places with them. The poet is also glad over the success of wisdom over
his ego.
Supplementary 2 A Shot In The Dark
Paragraph:
1. "Seeing is believing". How is this humorously disproved in this story? Bring out the irony
in the situation.
Ans: "A Shot In The Dark" by Hector Hugh Munro, describes how a man who consider
himself very smart and observant finds that he had mistaken the genuine plea of a stranded
youth. Philip Sletherby was going to Brill Manor, the residence of his new friend Mrs.
Saltpen Jago. While traveling by train to Brill Manor, Sletherby met a young man Bertie, the
second son of Mrs. Saltpen Jago. As he had left his purse behind, he requested Sletherby to
lend him three pounds for his expense. The difference about the crests conveyed by Bertie to
Sletherby created a suspicion in him, when Bertie added that his mother's hair was dark
brown similar to him. Sletherby suspected the foul play and did not give him money. But
after he was taken to Mrs. Saltpen's Residence Sletherby was gazing at the door panel of the
car, on which were the two crests. He was dump struck on learning Mrs. Saltpen Jago had
changed her dark brown hair to a blonde just five weeks ago. He then realize that Bertie had
not lied to him but he had mistaken him for a fraud

Prose 3 FORGETTING

ANSWER THE FOLLOWING:

1. What does Lynd actually wonder at?
Ans Lynd actually wonders at the efficiency of human memory rather than the inefficiency.

2. Name a few things that a person remembers easily.

Ans A person remembers easily the telephone member, addresses of his friends, the dates of
good vintages, appointments for lunch and dinner, the name of actors, actresses, cricketers,
footballers and murderers, the weather report of long – past august and the name of the
provincial hotel at which he had a vile meal during the summer. In his ordinary life, he
remembers almost everything that he is expected to remember.

3. How do psychologists interpret forgetfulness?

Ans The psychologists interpret forgetfulness that we forget things because we wish to forget
them.

4. What is the commonest type of forgetfulness, according to Lynd?

Ans The matter of posting letters is the most common type of forgetfulness according to
Lynd.

5. What does the author mean when he says the letter in his pocket leads an unadventurous
life?
Ans The forgetfulness, due to a long chain of circumstances, leads to an ‘Unadventurous life’
after it comes to the hands of Lynd.

6. What are the articles the writer forgets most often?

Ans Books, walking- sticks and umbrella are the author forgets most often.
7. Who are the citizens of ‘Dreamland’? Why?
Ans The sportsmen are the citizens of ‘dreamland’. The reason is that they have their
imaginations still filled with a vision of the playing- field. They are abstracted from the world
outside them.

8. What is common about the ‘angler’ and the ‘poet’?

Ans Both are imaginative people and their minds are filled with matter more glorious.
Absentmindedness of this kind is common about the ‘angler’ and the ‘poet’.

9. What made people wonder about the absentmindedness of their fellow beings?
Ans The publication of a list of articles lost by railway travellers and the sale of the same at a
great London station makes people wonder at the absentmindedness of their fellow beings.

10. What are our memories filled with?

Ans The memory of people is mostly filled with the telephone members and addresses of
their friends and the name of actors, actresses, cricketers, footballers, and murderers.

11. When does human memory work with less than its usual capacity?
Ans A very methodical man always remembers to take the prescribed medicine in time. In
such occasions, the human memory works with less than its usual capacity.

12. Why, according to Lynd, should taking medicines be one of the easiest actions to
remember?
Ans As a rule, medicine is supposed to be taken before, during, or after meals, and the meal
itself should be a reminder of it. So, taking medicines should be one of the easiest things to
remember.

13. How do the chemists make fortunes out of the medicines people forget to take?
Ans People don’t like medicines and that is why they forget to take. In this context, Robert
Lynd humorously remarks that chemists make a lot of money. It is because people forget to
take medicines and therefore their illness is not cured. So, people pay more and more money
to the chemists to buy more medicines.

14. The list of articles lost in trains suggests that sportsmen have worse memories than their
ordinary serious-minded fellows. Why does Lynd say this?
Ans Sportsmen returning from the games forget to take their footballs and cricket-bats, when
they leave the train. It is due to the reason that they have their imaginations still filled with a
vision of the playing field. But the ordinary man arrives at his destination with all his bags
and trunks safe. Thus, Lynd rationalizes their act.

15. What kind of absent-mindedness is regarded as virtue by Lynd?

Ans The angler may forget his fishing rod, as the poet may forget to post a letter because his
mind is filled with matter more glorious. Absent-mindedness of this kind is regarded as a
virtue by Lynd.
16. Narrate the plight of the baby on its day out.
Ans Lynd narrates a very funny story of a father who takes his baby out in a perambulator in
the morning. When he was crossing near a public house, he was tempted for a glass of beer.
He left the perambulator outside in the street and went into the public house. After some time,
his wife came that way for shopping. She was horrified to see her sleeping baby in the
perambulator. She was so angry with her husband that she decided to teach him a lesson and
wheeled away the perambulator. She expected that her husband would come trembling and
would tell her that their baby had been stolen. But on the contrary, at lunchtime, her husband
came home smiling cheerfully. He has completely forgotten about his child and the
perambulator.

Paragraph:
1. "It is the efficiency rather than the inefficiency of human memory that compels my
wonder", Elucidate.
Ans: A list of articles lost by railway travellers, now on sale at a great London station had
been published and many people who had read about it had been astonished at the absent
mindedness of their fellows. Modern man remembers to do the right things at the right
moment till he goes to bed. The ordinary man seldom forgets to turn off the lights before
going upstairs. There are, it must be admitted, some matters in regard to which the memory
works with less than its usual perfection. Few of us, however have lost much property on our
travels through forgetfulness. The sportsman have worse memories than their ordinary
serious minded fellows. The common things which are generally forgetten are taking
medicines, the doctor has prescribed even though the meal itself should be a remainder of it.

The next commonest form of forgetfulness occurs in the matter of posting letters. Even
though the letters is carried in their hands, only after walking past the first pillar box does we
realise that the letter is held in our hand. Weary of holding it, it is safely placed in the pocket
and completely forgotten. Mostly books, walking sticks, umbrella are the commonest things
that are forgotten. Sportsmen leave behind their balls, bats, etc... as they are abstracted from
the world outside them. Psychologists tell that we forget things because we wish to forget
them. The same may be said of anglers who forget their fishing rods. Absent-mindedness of
this kind seems to be all but a virtue. The absent-minded man is often a man who is making
the best of life and therefore has no time to remember the mediocre.

Poem 3 Lines Written In Early Spring

Appreciation Questions:
1. And 'tis my faith that every flower
Enjoys the air it breathes....
a) What is the poet's faith?

The poet has faith that the beautiful flowers enjoy every ounce of the air, they breathe.

b) What trait of Nature do we see here?

"Nature's fair work is still very much at work". Be it in the primrose tufts or the periwinkle
- Every flower enjoys the air it breathes.

2. And I must think, do all I can,

That there was pleasure there......

a) What did the poet notice about the twigs?

The twigs or the newborn branches expand to catch the breezy air.

b) What was the poet's thought about then?

The poet believes the twigs are enjoying the breeze and mentions that there is pleasure
hidden there.

3. If this belief from heaven be sent,

If such be Nature's holy plan.

a) What does 'heaven' refer to?

Heaven refers to the place of the Creator (God) who gave us this Nature.

b) Why does the poet call it 'holy'?

The poet calls the Nature's work as 'holy' as it is God's work from heaven.

4.“I heard thousand blended notes

While in a grove I sate recited”.
a. who is the speaker in the poem?
Ans The poet William Wordsworth is the speaker in the poem.

b. Where did the poet sit?

Ans The poet sits in a small woodland grove in a reclined position.
c. What does he refer ‘blended notes’ to?
Ans He refers to ‘blended notes’ to the mixed sounds of nature that is the birds’ songs
Chirpings.
d. What is state here?
Ans ‘Sate’ is the archaic word for sat.
5. “To her fair works did Nature link
The human soul that through me ran”.
a. How does the poet appreciate the nature?
Ans The poet appreciates the nature for the God-like abilities of linking a human soul to
herself. Nature’s soul is not that different from humanity.

Reference to Context:
[Link] that sweet mood when pleasant thoughts
Bring sad thoughts to the mind.

Reference: These lines are taken from the poem 'Lines Written in Early Spring by William
Wordsworth.

Context: When the poet talks about the beauty of nature, he states these two lines about the
good and bad thoughts.

Explanation: When the poet William Wordsworth sits reclined in a beautiful grove,
surrounded by the mixed sounds of nature, he thinks about the sad thoughts brought along
with the pleasant memories. Here he describes, a bitter sweet moment, which reminds him of
the miseries of humanity.

2. The birds around me hopp'd and play'd

Their thoughts I cannot measure,

Reference: These lines are taken from the poem 'Lines Written in Early Spring" by William
Wordsworth.

Context: The poet states these lines about the joy of birds, which are thrilled at the bounties
of nature.

Explanation: The birds sang, hopped and played around the poet, who cannot measure their
thoughts. Though he doesn't understand their language and ways, he recognizes that the birds
are creating these movements out of sheer pleasure and joy. The poet praises the Nature's fair
work.

3. Have I not reason to lament

What Man has made of Man?

Reference: These lines are taken from the poem 'Lines Written in Early Spring' by William
Wordsworth.

Context: At the end of the poem, Wordsworth makes an aphorism statement by asking what
man has made of man.

Explanation: The poet questions that if this is the belief from heaven and if it is the holy plan
of Nature to do its fair works to humanity, then what has man made of man, that is himself
and his kind, by separating from such joy. He states that the human soul is left behind to
experience the misery of the human world.

Paragraph:
1. Do you think the poet wants to say that man is unhappy because he has lost his link with
nature and forgotten how to enjoy nature (OR) because man is cruel to other man?
Ans: "Lines Written in Early Spring' is a landscape poem. That is large concerned with
nature. The poet likes to sit under a tree and thinks, about the nature and its beauty. The same
beauty also reminds him of bad thoughts. The poet wants to say that man is unhappy, because
he has lost his link with nature. The poet finds delight in green bowers and has faith that the
beautiful flowers enjoy every ounce of the air, they breath. They are thankful for living
beside the nature. The poet observes the birds which sing and hopped around him, he is in
awe understands their language and ways. He recognizes that the birds are creating all the
movement out of sheer pleasure and joy. The breeze blowing is sweet and light. The twigs are
spreading out as if to catch the sweet air. All the poet can do is gather pleasure in their
existence. The poet realizes that nature is a beautiful holy plant of God sent from heaven.
Nature is linked to every human soul but human beings have separate themselves from nature
and have failed to realize the pleasure in mother nature.

Supplementary 3 The First Patient

Paragraph:
1. Based on your understanding of the play, explain how a mistaken understanding of events
can lead to confusion How has the author used this unexpected combination of events in the
situation to create humor?
Ans: The play "The First Patient" is based on the adage "Assumption leads to confusion".
The unexpected turn of events along with wild imagination, which adds humor to the play. A
number of patients were waiting at the waiting room of a Dentist's clinic. Everybody is tensed
at the thought of a painful tooth being extracted. One of the women is bent on showing
everyone her photograph. After the arrival of the dentist, Joe, the first patient is called in.
Sometime later, the nurse comes out and goes in with a hammer. Everyone is frightened at
this, imagining Joe being subjected to a lot of hammering in the process of his tooth being
pulled out. Once again, the nurse comes out to fetch a large pair of pliers, and later on she
takes in a hacksaw.

A little boy confesses that he pretended to have toothache, because he did not
wish to go to school. The loud sawing and screeching from within the room make everyone
leaving the waiting room, one by one. Finally, there are only two women in the waiting room,
one of them being Joe's wife. She weeps and worried about her husband. But Joe comes out
and explains that he had shifted his appointment to the evening. He also told that the dentist
had lost his key of his tool cabinet and that is why he was trying to open it with the
instruments. The women with the photograph was surprised to see that the queue had moved
quickly and she was the next patient to go in. Thus, the author has used this unexpected
combination of events in the situation to create humor.

Prose 4 Tight Corner

Answer The Following:

1. Describe the activity that was going on in the saleroom at king street?
Ans The activity that was going on in the saleroom at King Street was the selling of Barbizon
pictures.
2. What can you say about the author’s attitude when he high-handedly participated in the
auction?
Ans The author did not understand the seriousness of the auction. He high-handedly
participated in the auction just for fun.
3. Why was the author sure he would not be caught?
Ans The author was sure that he would not be caught because he told his friend that he was
not going to run any risks.
4. What made the author ignore his friend’s warning?
Ans Being sure of his motive not to run any risk during his participation in the auction made
the author ignore his friend’s warning.
5. How had the author managed the auction without getting involved in the deal?
Ans The author managed the auction without getting involved in the deal, as the bidding
started modestly at fifty guineas or a hundred guineas with gradual progress to which he had
often been safely contributing.
6. What came as a shock to the author?
Ans A rich man bade four thousand guineas for a picture. The narrator as usual raised the bid
by fifty guineas more. He thought that someone would raise the bid further. But nobody
bade after that. This came as a shock to the author.
7. What did the falling of the hammer indicate?
Ans The falling of the hammer indicated that the particular item had been sold for the highest
bid and the sale was closed.
8. What made the friend laugh heartily?
Ans Sensing the danger in which the narrator was caught, his friend left the place and
laughed heartily.
9. What kind of excuses did the narrator think he could make?
Ans Finally, the narrator decided to confess his foolishness to the auctioneer himself and get
rid of the critical situation. But he also doubted that no one would believe it was a mistake.
10. Why did the friend desert the narrator, a second time?
Ans The friend of the narrator deserted him a second time, as he knew the critical situation in
which the narrator was caught and he did not intend to get involved in it.
11. How does the narrator describe the man who approached him?
Ans The narrator describes the man who approached him as a messenger of the high gods.
The man wore a green baize apron and spoke in husky tones.
12. How does the Narrator show presence of mind in the sudden turn of events?
Ans The narrator when he was offered 50 guineas, with his presence of mind demanded 100
guineas to give away his bid.
13. The narrator would not forget two things about his friend. What are they?
Ans The narrator would not forget his friend’s meanness and his behaviour and attitude in his
critical situation.
14. What is a tight corner? What happens when one finds oneself in a tight corner?
Ans A tight corner means a difficult situation, from which it is hard to escape. When one
finds oneself in a tight corner he will not know how to get out of that situation and he will put
himself in a terrible state of mind.
15. What is the difference between a physical and mental tight corner?
Ans Tight corners can be both mental as well as physical, but the mental tight corner is too
much to bear. It falls like a hammer on your head.
16. Why did the narrator visit Christie’s?
Ans The narrator visited Christie’s because his friend persuaded him to look in at the
saleroom, where Barbizon pictures were sold.
17. The narrator heard his own voice saying, ‘and fifty’. What does this suggest?
Ans The narrator was contributing safely with a meagre amount at the bidding. When the rich
dealer bade four thousand guineas for it, he raised the bid as usual by fifty guineas more.
18. What was the narrator’s financial condition?
Ans The narrator had only sixty-three pounds in the bank and not enough securities to borrow
five hundred or so from anyone.
19. The narrator could not pretend to have made a mistake in bidding. Why?
Ans The narrator could not pretend to have made a mistake in bidding because Christie’s
staff looked so prosperous and unsympathetic. They would not believe it was a mistake, as
the narrator was active in the auction making other bids.
20. What could have been the best way for the narrator, to get himself out of the tight corner?
Ans The best way for the narrator to get himself freed from the auction was to confess his
foolishness to the auctioneer himself and get rid of the critical situation.
21. Why did the narrator feel he could have welcomed a firing party?
Ans When the narrator was alone to endure the awful situation, he was very nervous. He was
deserted by his friend and was compelled to face the situation alone. So, he felt he could have
welcomed a firing party at that moment of despair.
22. What was the bidder’s offer to the narrator?
Ans The bidder’s offer to the narrator was fifty guineas.
23. How did the narrator take advantage of the situation?
Ans The narrator exhibited his guile; by demanding a hundred guineas for his bid and he got
it.
Paragraph:
1. Narrate the circumstances that led to the narrator getting into a tight corner, by his own
folly.
Ans: Once the narrator went to an auction hall, as his friend persuaded him to visit the
saleroom, where Barbizon pictures were put up for bidding. The narrator knew nothing about
art pictures nor had enough money to participate. He had only sixty-three pounds and that too
in the bank. The narrator, out of curiosity and fun, took an active part in the bidding
marginally. At that time, doubling pictures was put on sale. Rich man bade four thousand
guineas for it. As usual, just for fun the narrator raised, the bid by fifty guineas more. He
thought that someone would raise the bid further. But to his amazement, nobody else bade
after that. The narrator was panic-stricken. No doubt, he unwillingly got into a tight corner.
Sensing the danger, his friend had already left the place. He could not find ways as how to
raise such a huge amount. Finally, he decided to confess his foolishness to the auctioneer. At
that moment, all of a sudden, the rich dealer's agent came and offered fifty guineas, provided
he passed on the art picture to the first bidder. He was immensely relieved. He was about to
weep in joy. But he exhibited his guile, in spite of being saved from the calamity. He
demanded the agent for a hundred guineas. When the cheque for the amount was given to
him, his joy doubled.

Poem 4 Macavity – The Mystery Cat ([Link])

Appreciation Questions:
1. Macavity’s a Mystery Cat he's called the Hidden Paw...
a) Does the poet talk about a real cat?
No. The poet talks about a fictional character.
b) Why is he called the Hidden Paw?
He is called as the Hidden Paw because he is the master criminal who can disobey any
law.
2. He's the bafflement of Scotland Yard, the Flying Squad's despair:
For when they reach the scene of crime Macavity's not there!...
a) What is the 'Scotland Yard'?
The Scotland Yard is the headquarters of London Metropolitan Police Service.
b) Why does the flying squad feel disappointed?
The flying squad feels disappointed because every time they rush to the crime spot to seize
Macavity, he will not be found there.

3. He sways his head from side to side, with movements like a snake;
And when you think he's half asleep, he's always wide awake...
a) Explain the comparison made here?
The movements of Macavity are like a snake. While he is moving, he sways his head from
side to side like a snake.
b) What does he pretend to do?
He pretends to half asleep.
4. For he's a fiend in feline shape, a monster of depravity.
a) How is the cat described in this line?
Macavity is described as a devil in a shape of a cat. He is also referred to as a monster of
depravity.
b) Explain the phrase 'monster of depravity'.
"Monster of depravity" means "giant of evil quality / moral corruption."
5. And his footprints are not found in any file of Scotland Yard's.
a) What seems to be a challenge for the Scotland Yard?
Macavity never leaves his footprints at the place of crime. As there is no trace of evidence
to arrest him, it seems to be a challenge for the Scotland Yard.
b) Why do they need his footprints?
They need his footprints to arrest him.
6. It must have been Macavity! but he's a mile away
a) What is Macavity blamed for?
Macavity is blamed for the missing of a file of Treaty from the foreign office or the loss of
some plans and drawings of Admiralty.
b) Where is he?
He is expected to be at a mile away from the place of crime.
7. There never was a Cat of such
deceitfulness and suavity.
a) Which cat is being talked of here?
Macavity is being talked of here.
b) How is he different from the rest?
He is different from the rest by his deceitfulness (dishonesty, cunningness) and suavity
(confidence and sophistication).
8. Macavity, Macavity, there’s no one like Macavity
There never was a cat such of deceitfulness and sauvity
a) Who is Macavity?
Macavity is a mysterious cat and a master criminal.
b) Why does he refer to be a master criminal?
He refers to be a master criminal because he can defy the law
c) What is meant by deceitful?
Deceitful means cunning
d) What quality of Macavity is revealed?
It’s sophistication and confidence are revealed.
9. His powers of levitation would make a fakir stare.
a) Who is a fakir?
Fakir is a holy person who lives on alms and has the power to levitate.
b) What is meant by levitation?
Levitation means the action of rising and gloating in the air.
10. He always has an alibi and one or two to spare
..........Just controls their operations – The Napolean of Crime
a) What is an alibi?
An alibi is false evidence to prove that the criminal was not at the spot of a crime that he
Committed.
b) Who is Napolean?
Napolean was the one who led the French army against the British.
c) Why is Macavity compared to Napolean?
Like Napolean who led the French Army, Macavity lead all the other criminal cats in the
city.

Reference to context:
1. His powers of levitation would make a fakir stare...
Reference: This line is from T.S. Eliot's poem "Macavity-The Mystery Cat".
Context: Macavity's power of floating in air makes a fakir to wonder.
Explanation: In order to escape from the scene of crime, Macavity jumps. His powerful jump
is seemed as if he is floating in the air. It makes a fakir, who also has the power of floating, to
look at his flight in the air with a surprise.
2. And when you think he's half asleep, he's always wide awake...
Reference: This line is from T.S. Eliot's poem "Macavity-The Mystery Cat".
Context: If you think that Macavity is half asleep you are mistaken. He is always alert and
wide awake.
Explanation: After committing a crime, Macavity will take rest at a mile away from the place
of crime. At that time if you think that he is half asleep, you will be wrong, because he is
always alert and wide awake.
3. And his footprints are not found in any file of Scotland Yard's...
Reference: This line is from T.S. Eliot's poem "Macavity-The Mystery Cat".
Context: Macavity's footprints are not found in any file of Scotland Yard's, because after
committing a crime, he will not leave any trace of evidence at the place of crime.
Explanation: After committing a crime, Macavity will not leave any trace of evidence at the
place of crime. So, his footprints are not found in any file of Scotland Yard's. Therefore, the
detective agency is unable to arrest him.
4. There may be a scrap of paper in the hall or on the stair
But it's useless to investigate...
Reference: These lines are from T.S. Eliot's poem "Macavity-The Mystery Cat".
Context: If a scrap of paper is found in the hall or on the stair, then there is no use in
investigating the matter because Macavity will not be found responsible for those acts.
Explanation: The Secret service may blame Macavity for the missing of a file of Treaty from
the foreign office or the loss of some plans and drawings of Admiralty, or a scrap of paper is
found in the hall or on the stair, there is no use in investigating the matter. It is because
Macavity will not be found responsible for those crimes. He will be a mile away from the
place of crime.
5. He always has an alibi, and one or two to spare...
Reference: This line is from T.S. Eliot's poem "Macavity-The Mystery Cat".
Context: Macavity is always using an alibi and sometimes two alibis also. Hence, when the
crimes are discovered, it will be proved that he is not there.
Explanation: When a crime is discovered, Macavity will always use an alibi (a claim of
evidence that he was elsewhere when a crime was committed) and sometimes two alibis also.
So, it will be proved that at the time of the crime, he was not present at the place of the crime.
Hence action cannot be taken against him.
Paragraph:
1. What are the Mysterious ways in which Macavity acts?
Ans Macavity acts in several mysterious ways. He causes Bafflement (total confusion) to the
Scotland yard and despair to the flying squad. Whenever they reach the place of crime, he
will not be there. He breaks the human law as well as the law of gravity. Macavity is a ginger
cat. He is very tall and thin. He spends most of his time thinking and plotting. His eyes are
deeply lined with thought. His head is doom like round in shape. His coat is dusty with
neglect. His whiskers are not combed. He sways his head from side to side, moving like a
snake. He appears to be asleep, but that is only to fool the people. He is always alert and wide
awake. He is a devil in the shape of a cat. He shows his power of levitation (floating) in the
air. When you think he is half asleep, he is always wide awake. When a crime is discovered,
he will not be found in the scene of a crime. He commits the looting of the ladder. He
ransacks to steal the jewel case. He is responsible for the missing of milk. Some more crimes,
such as breaking the greenhouse glass and trellis are usually committed by him. He is also
responsible for stealing of files, some plans, and drawings from the department that
administrated the British Navy. He is always using an alibi. Whatever the time the crime to
be placed, he was not presented at the place of crime at that time. The poet talks about other
cats Mungojerrie and Griddle Bone, whose wicked deeds are known to people. But those are
the agents of Macavity who controls their operation. He is really the Napolean of crime.

Supplementary 4 With the Photographer

Paragraph
1) Why did the author blasted out at the Photographer?
The narrator went to the photographer to have a photograph taken. He had an annoying
experience from the moment he visited the photo studio. He was asked to wait for an hour
before the photographer called him in. While waiting in the studio of the narrator chapter
reading the lady's companion for 1912, the girls magazine for 1902, and the infant’s journal
for 1888 at the photographer's studio. The photographer commented that he didn't like
Leacock's face. He twisted Leacock's face and asked him to open and close his mouth. He
mentioned that the Leacock's ears were bad. He instructed Leacock to expand his lungs and
hump his neck and contract his waist. When Leacock was annoyed and stood up from chair in
a moment of anger, the photographer click the photo. The photographer asked Leacock to
come on Saturday to see the proof. When Lee car came and saw the proof, he was completely
shocked. The photographer had read touched the eyes and remove the eyebrows from the
face. He had planned to apply new one using the Delphine process He had adjusted the
mouth. He had planned to remove the ears using the sulphide process. It didn't depict
Leacock's face which he had planned to give his friends to keep after his death. The narrator
blasted at him and told him to do whatever he wanted with his photograph and keep it to
himself. For him, it is just a useless thing be as it had so many changes. Thus, the whole
experience was annoying and the photographer turned out be a worthless babule to Leacock.
PROSE 5 CONVOCATION ADDRESS
ANSWER THE FOLLOWING:
1. Who does the speaker claim to represent?
The speaker claims to represent the common man.
2. Why are universities necessary for a society?
The universities trim and train, guide and lead the students before they are asked to do
their duty as the citizen of a democracy. So, they are necessary for a society.
3. What was the role of scholars and poets in olden days?
The scholars and poets in olden days adorned the chambers of royalty or the guided
mansions of lords and nobles and their wisdom was meant for the mansion.
4. In what ways have universities improved the society?
The universities have played a unique role in moulding the common man as a potential
ruler and taught him the duties and responsibilities of a true citizen.
[Link] develop broad- mindedness. How dose Dr. Radhakrishnan drive home this
idea?
The universities have helped to develop the true spirit of democracy, appreciate others
points of view and adjust to differences through discussion. It has strengthened the exercise
of individual responsibility and judgement.
6. What should the youngsters aim in life after their graduation?
The youngsters should cum to acquire the means of a decent living but that ought not to
be the sole objective. It should be something higher and nobler than mere material
advancement.

[Link] can a graduate give back to his/her society?

A graduate has to serve in toning up society, in bringing light into the dark alleys,
sunshine into dingy places, solace into the afflicted hope unto the despondent and anew life
unto everyone.

8.’Wisdom was meant for the mansion, not for the market place’ what does this statement
signify?

In olden days the scholars and poets had to share their wisdom only with the royalty or
the gilded mansions of lords and nobles. The common man was to be an illiterate so that he
does not question the authorities of their rights.

9. According to the speaker, how should Universities mould the students of the present day?

The universities fashion out the students as individual fitted and equipped for the task of
making democracy fruitful and effective. It is here that the true spirit of democracy is
developed. There is the appreciation of others points of view and adjustment of differences
through discussions, it is kept healthy and strong by the exercise of individual responsibility
and judgement. Universities help remind the students that they are deeply indebted to the
community of which they are a member. It is the community that fund for the maintenance
of institutions through the states.

10. How does Arignar Anna highlight the duties and responsibilities of graduates to the
society?
Every graduate should be motivated for human activity and no one could ignore it. They
should possess such qualities that are higher and nobler than mere individual material
advancement. They should serve tone up society, by sharing knowledge with the illiterate,
help them move up in life, inculcate hope in the despondent and bring new life into everyone
around him.
11. Students are instilled with some of the essential values and skills by the universities.
Enumerate them.
The universities take into account the commonness, they trim and train, guide and lead
them. Then they are asked to carry out their duties as the citizen of a democracy. They
inculcate patience and perseverance, faith and confidence, faith in themselves and in others
and the confidence in their inherent ability to shoulder their responsibilities.
12. What are the hindrances a graduate face in their task of serving the society?
The world in which a graduate begins the journey is one which will dim their hopes and
disturb his determination. He may have to come face to face with the unpleasant sight of
practices widely differing from the principles inculcated in him. He may find self-seekers
enthroned and the patient worker decried. Tyranny of all sorts may stare at him and every
step taken will be a struggle.
POEM 5 EVEREST IS NOT THE ONLY PEAK – (Kulothungan)
Appreciation Questions:
1. "Our nature it is that whatever we try
We do with devotion deep and true."
i. Who does 'we' refer to?
The people or the society.
ii. How should we carry out our duties?
We should carry out our duties with deep and true devotion.

2. "Defeat we repel, courage our fort;"

a. How do we react to defeat?
We react to defeat by moving back with force.
b. Which is considered as our stronghold?
Courage and Bravery is our stronghold.

3. "We are proud of the position we

Hold; humble as we are,'
a. What is the speaker proud of?
The speaker is proud of the position he holds.
b. How is the speaker both humble and proud?
The speaker is humble and proud as he has realized the pride comes from the way we
live our life.
c. Pick out the alliteration in these lines.
proud-position; hold - humble are the words in alliteration.
4. "He, who does not stoop, is a king we adore.
We bow before competence and merit;
a. Who is adored as a king?
A person who is not corrupt and does not do things for money is adored (respected) as
king-
b. What is the figure of speech used in the first line?
Metaphor - The person who is not corrupt is respected as a king.

5. "Honour is a property, common to all:

In dignity and pride no one need to be poor."
a. Who are considered rich?
A person who is born with honour and lives with dignity and pride is considered rich.
b. What is their asset?
Honour is an asset common to all.

Reference to the context:

1. Defeat we repel, courage our fort
Cringing from others we haven’t done
Reference:
This is an extract from “Everest is not the only Peak “ by Kulothungan
Context:
We move backwards by force in order to avoid defeat. We have courage as our fort.
Explanation:
The poet says that every human being is moved back by force avoiding the defeat.
We have
the courage as our strong fort. We don’t bend our heads before others in fear.

2. Everest is not the only peak

Every hillock had a summit to boast.
Reference:
This is an extract from “Everest is not the only Peak “by Kulothungan
Context:
The poet says that the Everest is not the only peak.
Explanation:
Everest is not the only peak Every small hill has its highest point. He also relates that
every human being is born to aim high in life.

3. Honour is a property common to all

In dignity and pride on one need to be poor
Reference:
This is an extract from “Everest is not the only Peak” by Kulothungan
Context:
A person who possess honour leads a life of dignity and pride and is rich.
Explanation:
The poet explains that the real property which makes us rich is the honour. If we lead
our life with dignity and pride, then we can feel proud and high.
Paragraph:

In this poem, the poet conveys an important message t that each and every person needs to
feel proud and honoured of themselves for their good qualities they have in them.
The poet mentions that every person is a king who does not have to bend or kneel to
anyone. Everyone should feel proud of themselves to have been born with nobility and pride.
He refers to Mount Everest which is the highest peak in the world, to bring out a comparison
between MEverest and other small hills. He also relates that comparison to every human
being to convey that everyone is born to aim high in life and live with dignity and honour.
You need not be like Mt. Everest to follow a path of truth and nobility, you can also be like a
small hill which has its peak, by realizing the good qualities you are born with.

PROSE 6 THE ACCIDENTAL TOURIST

Answer the following Questions:
1. Give a few instances of Bryson’s confused acts.
Bryson often forgets the way to the lavatory and ends up standing in an alley on the wrong
side of a self. Locking the door and asks two or three times a day what his room number is in
the hotel.
2. What were the contents of Bryson’s bag?
The bag had newspaper cuttings, loose papers, a tin of tobacco, magazines, passport, English
money, film, etc.
3. Describe the fluttery cascade of things tumbling from the bag.
A hundred carefully sorted documents came raining down in a fluttery cascade, coin bounced
to a variety of noisy oblivions and the new lidless tin of tobacco rolled crazily across the
concourse disgorging its content as it went rolling.
4. Why did the author’s concern over tobacco shift to his finger?
The author discovered that he had gashed his finger on the zip and was shedding blood in a
lavish manner. This shifted his concern from tobacco to his finger.
5. What happened to Bryson when he leaned to tie his shoelace?
When Bryson leaned over to tie his shoelace, someone in the seat ahead of him threw his seat
back into full recline and Bryson found himself pinned helplessly in the crash position.
6. How did Bryson free himself from the crash position?
He clawed the leg of the man sitting next to him and thus freed himself from the crash
position.
7. What was Bryson’s worst accident on a plane?
Bryson’s worst experience was when he was writing important thoughts in a notebook, he
was sucking thoughtfully on the end of his pen and fell into conversation with an attractive
young lady in the next seat. When he retired to the lavatory 20 minutes later, he discovered
that the pen had leaked and that his mouth, chin, tongue, teeth, and gums were now a striking,
scrub-resistant navy blue which would remain so for several days.
8. What did Bryson wish to avoid in his life?
Bryson wished to avoid awkward actions than can cause discomfort or disturbance to others
like spilling a cup of hot drink on someone nearby.
9. How would staying away from liquid mischief benefit Bryson?
If Bryson would stay away from liquid mischief he could at least see a cut down on the
laundry bill.
10. Why did the clerk say that Bryson was not entitled to flyer miles?
The clerk said that Bryson was not entitled to flyer miles because the ticket was in the name
of [Link] and the card was in the name of [Link].
11. Why doesn’t Bryson seem to be able to do easily what others seem to? Give a few
reasons.
Bryson was a person who was not very good at living in the real world which is perhaps the
most outstanding. He was one of these people who are awkward, nervous, and doubtful about
their next move. He was one who was easily confused.
12. What was the reaction of Bryson’s wife to his antics?
Bryson’s wife would look at him with an expression of wonder. It was never a look of anger
or exasperation but just simple wonder. But she would say that she couldn’t believe that he
did that for a living.
13. Briefly describe the ‘accidents’ encountered on the flight by Bryson.
Once on the aeroplane, he leaned over to tie a shoelace. Just at that moment someone in the
seat ahead of him threw his seat back in full recline and he found himself pinned helplessly in
the crash position. Another incident was when he was writing important in notebook. He was
sucking thoughtfully at the end of his pen and fell into a conversation with an attractive
young lady in the next seat. Later in the lavatory he discovered that his pen had leaked and
his mouth, chain, tongue teeth and gums were now a striking scrub resistant navy blue.

POEM 6 THE HOLLOW CROWN – (William Shakespeare)

Appreciation Questions:
[Link]’s talk of graves, of worms and epitaphs,
Make dust our paper and with rainy eyes
a) What are epitaphs?
Epitaphs are writings inscribed on the tombstones in memory of the dead.
b) What do you mean by ‘rainy eyes’?
Rainy eyes are writing instruments.

2. And yet not so – for what can we bequeath

Save our deposed bodies to the ground?
a) What can we bequeath to the next generation, according to King Richard?
We cannot bequeath or pass on anything to the next generation, except our rotting
bodies to
the ground.
b) What does the word ‘deposed’ refer to in these lines?
It refers to the rotting bodies/ decomposed bodies.

3. Keeps Death his court and there the antic sits

Scoffing his state and grinning at his pomp.
a) Who is the antic here?
A court jester is referred to an antic here.
b) Who mocks at the king’s state and pomp?
Death, which is personified as the antic, mocks at the king’s state and pomp

4. And nothing can we call our own but death

And that small model of the barren earth.
a) What is the small model of the barren earth?
The body’s flesh is the small model of the barren earth.
[Link] grief, need friends – subjected thus,
` How can you say to me, I am a king?
a) To what does King Richard subjected?
King Richard was made Death’s subject. He was compelled to recognize human
mortality.
b) Name the poetic device used here?
Rhetorical Question is the poetic device used here.
Reference to Context:
i. "Our lands, our lives, and all, are Bolingbroke's,
And nothing can we call our own but death; "
Reference: These lines are taken from the poem 'The Hollow Crown' written by William
Shakespeare. This is an extract from Shakespeare's historic play ‘King Richard the second’.
This poem is a monologue.
Context: The poet conveys through the king that everything belongs to Bolingbroke except
death.
Explanation: When King Richard comes face to face with the bleak reality of his crumbling
world and his imminent fate, he succumbs to despair momentarily. It is then he speaks of how
his lands, life, and all belong to Bolingbroke and nothing can be called his own except death.
This attitude of King Richard shows that he experiences overwhelming distress at the horror
of his circumstances.

ii. “All murdered - for within the hollow crown

That rounds the mortal temples of a king
Keeps Death his court, ………………….”
Reference: These lines are taken from the poem 'The Hollow Crown' written by William
Shakespeare. This is an extract from Shakespeare's historic play 'King Richard the second'.
This poem is a monologue.
Context: When King Richard experiences overwhelming distress at the horror of his
circumstances, he is compelled to recognize human mortality. It is then he speaks
these lines to his subjects.
Explanation: He speaks of the sad stories of the death of kings. All are murdered for the
hollow
crown. The crown is empty in the middle and this connotes that power is not solid
or strong or permanent. There is always death around kings and there is no way to
escape. Here Death is portrayed as a court jester.

iii. "Comes at the last, and with a little pin

Bores through his castle wall, and farewell king!"
Reference: These lines are taken from the poem 'The Hollow Crown' written by William
Shakespeare. This is an extract from Shakespeare's historic play 'King Richard the second'.
This poem is a monologue.
Context: King Richard speaks of the might of death to his subjects.
Explanation: He tells them that Death comes at the end and with little effort kills the body.
Then bids farewell to the king. Thus, realizing his imminent fate, King Richard succumbs to
despair momentarily.

iv. "How can you say to me, I am a king?"

Reference: This line is taken from the poem 'The Hollow Crown' written by William
Shakespeare. This is an extract from Shakespeare's historic play 'King Richard the second'.
This poem is a monologue.
Context: At the end of his speech, he questions his subjects, how could they call him, as their
king.
Explanation: They cannot call him a king as he was thus subjected to all the dependencies of
the human condition, just like the rest of them. He adds that he too needs bread to live, feels
want, tastes grief and needs friends. He concludes his speech rhetorically, asking them how
they could call him a king, since he was compelled to recognize human mortality. Thus, he
realises the truth and wisdom had suddenly dawned on him.
Paragraph:
1. How does the King Richard II personify death and justify its role?
The hollow crown is an extract from William Shakespeare's historic play of King Richard II.
King Richard two was crowned as the king of England in 1367. In 1399 he was deposed by
Henry Bolingbroke who crowned himself as King Henry IV. Richard II was ousted from his
royal position and send to prison. There he realised the reality of his hopeless situation and
his imminent fate. He resorts to despair and realises his human mortality. His memory of
death request's his man to choose their executors to execute his will but then he understands
the truth that his hands left with nothing to pass on to the next generation. He entreats his
followers not to mock his mere flesh and blood by exhibiting dignified respect towards
himself. He asked them to cast out all his respect, tradition and the ceremonious duties
towards his royal status. He concludes his speech by asking them how they could call him as
king, while he is subjected to all the dependencies of human condition just like
the rest of them.

THE NEVER NEVER NEST

PARAGRAPH
How does the play "The never never nest expose the harsh reality of modern living.
The play "The never never nest" Points to the Jack that the higher purchase system enables
the low income group to have things which they cannot buy with their money, on the other
hand the system makes people extravagant. They fall into habit of boring which makes them
happy, Jack and Jill called their house a little Nest. They have bought everything right from
new villa to the radiogram, Piano, refrigerator, car and also their first baby in instalment.
They believe that it's wise to do so. They developed the habit of borrowing, which makes
them unhappy forever. Even though jack's salary was not very high, they lived in a beautiful
house with all the comforts. Jack was earning only 6 pounds but he had to pay more than 7
pounds per week. He had to borrow from a trust to pay the balance and in return he had to
pay the trust in instalment at the end of the pay, humour takes on wing and he heard that the
couple had their baby in instalment. Aunt Jane Felt sorry for their pathetic situation of buying
everything in instalment and unable to pay anyone of their bills fully and so she gave them a
cheque for 10 pounds the end of the play is ironical, through an exaggeration. It is a satire On
the materialistic bend on the modern man.