A Letter to God Chapter Sketch The story recounts the hard lite and extreme faith in God of a poor farmer (Lencho) who has lost his crop due to heavy rain and hailstones. |t was the only source of income to fulfil his family’s desires. He firmly believes that God will help him in such a situation and would not let him and his farnily die due to hunger. He writes a letter to God to seek help Some kind employees of the post office helped him So, the story tells us to have faith in God and never lase hope in adverse situations. ‘About the Characters Lenehe A poor farmer who lives on the crest of a low hill with his family. He was a firm believer of God. He is innocent, hopeful, caring and responsible. Postmaster A fat, amiable fellow who helped Lencho to retain his faith in God. He gave ‘a part of his salary in the chatity for Lencho on behalf of God Post Office Employees People who helped Lencho on postmaster’s call. They laughed at Lencho when they saw the letter but helped him in his need. Lencho called them a bunch of crooks. OVERVIEW OF THE CHAPTER Lencho's Hope of Good Harvest Lencho was a farmer who lived on the crest of a low hill with his family. His was the only house in the entire valley. His field was full of ripe corn and easily visible from the house. He was eagerly waiting for a good rain to have a good harvest so he could earn money for his family Turning of Lencho's Hope into Despair As Lencho hoped, it started raining at the time of supper which gave Lencho a ray of hope. He was extremely happy to see that. He compared the raindrops as silver coins which shows his joy But soon his joy turned into despair as the rain changed into hallstones which ruined the crops. The field had been covered with snow like a layer of white salt. Lencho was worried for his family Lencho’s Firm Belief in God Though Lencho was a poor farmer and had lost all his crops, he had firm faith in God. He found in God his last hope and decided to write a letter to God for help He asked God to send him a hundred pesos so that he can sow his field again and support his family until the new crops were harvested. He also wrote that if God didn't help him, his family would die with hunger. The Postmaster's Reaction to Lencho's Letter After reading Lencho's letter to God, the postmaster laughed but soon realised that Lencho had firm faith in God and his belief should not be shaken So, he decided to help Lencho with the help of his post office employees. He collected seventy pesos and handed the envelope to Lencho himself in which he also contributed a part of his salary Lencho Gets Angry at Receiving Less Money Lencho became angry when he saw seventy pesos in the envelope as he demanded a hundred pesos He did not believe that God could do so and send L n less money. So, he decided to write a letter again for the rest of money This time he requested God not to send the rest of the money through the letter because he thought that the post office employees were ‘bunch of crooks’ who might have stolen his money,Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom Chapter Sketch This chapter has been taken from Nelson Mandela's book of the same name ‘Nelson Mandela: A Long Walk to Freedom’, It provides us a glimpse of the early life of Nelson Mandela, his education, 30 years in prison and the pains he had suffered in his young age. The chapter recounts his fight for the freedom for his own people who were tortured by whites, inthe chapter Mandela gives two contradictory pictures of his own country-one, in which the blacks were tortured and suffered quietly and second, the blacks will be free to live the life of their own. About the Characters Nelson Mandela First black President of South Africa who fought for the equal rights of the black. He suffered a lot of pain for the freedom. Zenani Daughter of Nelson Mandela who accompanied Mandela in his inauguration day. She was very much clase to him. Thabo Mbeki First Deputy President of South Africa who was very close to Mandela. Mr. Deklerk Second Deputy President of South Africa, OVERVIEW OF THE CHAPTER The Inauguration \twas 10th May the day of oath with a bright and shiny sun. Nelson Mandela was supposed to take oath as the first black President of South Africa. A large number of leaders all from around the world had gathered there to be the witness of the swearing-in ceremony of Nelson Mandela as the first black President. The inauguration ceremony took place in a big open building in Pretoria where the first democratic non-racial government was to be installed The Swearing-In Ceremony of Nelson Mandela Nelson Mandela was accompanied by his daughter Zenani. Mr Deklerk was the first Person who took oath as secpnd Deputy President followed by Mr Thabo Mbeki who sweared as the first Deputy President of South Africa. Nelson Mandela was the last person who sweared as the first black President of South Africa, He pledged to obey and uphold the Constitution and to devote himself to the well-being of the people. He also promised to make the nation free from poverty, deprivation, suffering and all sort of discrimination Display of the Military Power by South African Jets When Mandela had taken oath, South African jets displayed the military power, It also showed the loyalty of military to democracy. The highest military generals saluted him. He recounted that they would have arrested him many years before. \t was followed by the playing of two national anthems, The whites'sang 'Nkosi Sikelel’ the old song and the blacks sang ‘Die Stem’ the new song which marked the end of the ceremony.Apartheid and South Africa | Nelson Mandela reminiscences about days gone by which will soon be the part of history where the whites had formed a system of racial dominance against the blacks. It was the basis of the harsh societies which is now overturned. He says , that the policy of apartheid created a deep and lasting wound on his country and its people. Now it is the system that recognised the rights and freedom of all people Regret of Mandela and Remembrance of Freedom Fighters On the auspicious day Mandela regretted the loss of thousands of people and remembered their sacrifices for the freedom from discrimination. He thought of himself as the sum of all those African patriots who sacrificed their lives before him. He was pained that he couldn't thank them. He recalled great freedom fighters like Oliver, Tambos, Walter Sisulu, Chief Luthul, Yusuf Dadoo, etc. who were the men of uncommon courage, wisdom and generosity. He said that the country is rich in minerals but its greatest wealth is its people. Goodness and Duties of a Man The author says that being white or black is not the token of your goodness or superiority. No one is born hating other, people should love one another which comes without force as itis natural It is man's essential goodness. ‘Aman has to perform duties to his family, community and country which he didn’t see in his country before he pushed himself to fight for the blacks. A black man was punished if he tried to live like a human being and forced to live apart from his own people. So, he was not allowed to perform his duties to his family Meaning of Freedom by Mandela As a kid Mandela had different meaning for being free as he wanted to run in the fields and wanted to stay out at night As he grew older he wanted the freedom of livelihood for himself and his family But soon he realised that such freedom was only an illusion, j He realised that his brothers and sisters who looked lixe him were nat free, so he ioined African National Congress (ANC). His hunger for freedom became great for the freedom of his people. He desired that everyone should be given the right to live his life with dignity and respect. He wanted the oppressor and the oppressed to be liberated. As no one is free if one is taking someone else's freedom. Only such feelings can bring true freedom for everyone.Two Stories about Flying Chapter Sketch The Chapter ‘Two Stories About Flying’ is a combination of two inspiring stories ‘His First Flight’ and The Black Aeroplane’ About the Characters Story I-His First Flight Family of Seagulls 6 members in the family of seagulls, Young Seagull One who is unable to fly due to fear. Story II-The Black Aeroplane The Narrator A pilot who was flying his Dakota aeroplane over France back to England lost his way due to storm The Unknown Friend A pilot who was flying the black aeroplane helped the narrator to find the way in the storm The Woman The working woman in the control centre whom the narrator asked about the unknown friend of the black aeroplane. STORY | His First Flight Liam O' Flaherty This story is about a family of seagulls. There was a young child in the family who was unable to fly even after several tries The story highlights the importance of family and friends in one’s life. |t also gives the message that one needs to believe in self to overcome all the hurdles of own life The Seagull Family The seagull family consists of six seagulls-mother, father, three sons and one daughter. Al of thern except the youngest son are expert in flying high. His parents have tried several times to teach him haw to fly but he is scared to do that and does not want to try anymore. He relies on the food that his parents bring back from their flights Young Seagull’s Fear of Flying The youngest son is afraid of flying as he thinks that if he flies, his wings would not support him and he would fall down in the sea below and drown. Even his parents have rebuked him. They even threatened him if he doesn't fly, he would die of hunger but he does net try. Parents Leave Young Seagull Alone After so many failed attempts his parents leave him alone an the rock without food. They even taunt him for his cowardice. The yaung seagull looks at his brothers and sister enjoying swimming, diving in the sea water for fish to feed themselves, but no one comes near him to offer food Hunger and Heat Increase As the time passes, the young seagull could not tolerate the hunger and the heat. Hemoves closer to the edge and pretends to fall asleep but nobody takes notice of him. His brothers and sister have already had hearty breakfast and father seems busy preening the feathers on his back. The mother looks at him and tries to tempt him with pieces of fish. Her begging and crying does not effect him, Young Seagull Dives for Food The young seagull was very hungry He was surprised enough at his mothers’ ignorance of his pitiful condition. Thus, he dives for food. He begins to fall down with a scream as soon as he dives. Flight Begins The young seagull begins ta fall in the sea. He is afraid of drawing, so he tries to spread his wings outwards and begins flying. He feels a little dizzy but all his fear vanished. He soars slowly, downwards and upwards. He could finally fly on his own Joy of Flight and Reunion of Family The seagull becomes so happy and soars higher calling ‘ga, ga, gab It was really a joyous moment for the whole family: his brothers and sister alongwith his parents come near to encourage and cheer him. The young seagull successfully made his first flight.STORY Il The Black Aeroplane Frederick Forsyth Inthe story the narrator was flying to England with his family to enjoy his holiday He wanted to reach England in time so that he could enjoy a good English breakfast with his family The Trip to England The author was flying his aeroplane at night over France to England. He was eager to meet his family. He was dreaming of his holiday. The stars were shining in the clear sky. Even the city-Paris could be seen down below. He called Paris control to get instructed about the way. He was instructed to turn 12 degrees West. Fear of Storm Everything was going well before he saw the storm clouds and Paris was about 150 kilometres behind him. It was natural for the author to panic. He knew that it was not possible to fly up and over those starm clouds. He was confused for a ttiament A Risky but Brave Decision of the Author ‘As everything was fearful at the moment, the author decided to risk and flew into the storm, but everything went berserk. The compass as well as other instruments stopped working. He was unable to see outside the plane as the plane was jumping and twisting in the air. He tried to contact Paris Control but couldn't. He was lost in the storm, A Black Aeroplane Appeared Suddenly, the author saw another black aeroplane in the storm by his side without lights on its wings. It seemed strange to him but he was glad to see another person in the storm The pilot of another plane waved at him and signalled to follow so he did that because he did not have other option except it A Safe Landing The author flew for half an hour which was quiet strange to him as he had fuel only for five or ten minutes. He felt tearful but suddenly he saw two bright lines infront of him. 't was a runway. He was able to land safely which gave him a sigh of relief. it was just like a miracle for him ‘The Greatest Surprise The author came out from his plane to thank the pilot of the black aeroplane but he was shocked to see no one there. He went to Control Tower and asked the woman about the place and the black aeroplane. Hearing his words the woman laughed and said that there was no other aeroplane except his. It was a big surprise to the author He was dumb founded as he had no explanation for the miracleFrom the Diary of Anne Frank Chapter Sketch |n the chapter ‘From the Diary af Anne Frank’, the writer Anne Frank tells about her true companion-a diary. She writes everything about her life in her diary and considers it her true friend. At the time of invasion of German aver Flolland, her family hid itself. At that time she started to write in her diary. She spent her adolescent years hidden from outside world, and her diary kept all her secrets ‘About the Characters Anne Frank The 13 years old Jewish gil who writes a diary while she is hiding in ‘Amsterdam from the Nazis during World Warll Margot Frank Anne's sister, she is three years older than Anne. Otto Frank Anne's father, he is a Jewish businessman who le't Germany after Hitler's rise to power, hoping to find refuge in Fiolland, Mrs Frank Anne's mother. she is the source of many conflicts with Anne during the two years that the family spends in hiding Mr Van Daan A Jewish business and an associate of Mr Frank's Mr Keesing Her teacher who punishes Anne as he gets annayed by her talkative nature. OVERVIEW OF THE CHAPTER Anne Frank's First Entry in the Diary ‘Anne Frank a thirteen year old giri was gifted a diary by her father. So she decided to write in her diary which she considered to be her best friend in loneliness and named it ‘Kitty’. She began writing in June 1942. In her first entry she expressed her desire to. confide everything to the diary as she hadn't been able to do so to anyone else She felt that paper had more patience than people. Secondly she thought that nobody would be interested in her diary as she was a small girl Her Childhood and Family Anne called her father as the most adorable person. He was 36 when he married her mother, who was just 25. She has an older sister Margot. She had about 30 people around her but she had no true friend. They lived in Frankfurt for sometime but as they were jewish they had to migrate to Holland for refuge. Her mother stayed with her grandmother but went to Holland to her father, Anne's Schooling She was sent to a Montessori nursery school. She stayed there until she was six. At her farewell she and her headmistress Mrs Kuperus had tears in their eyes. Her Grandmother's Death inthe summer of 1941 her grandmother fell ill She had to be, operated upon but she died in January 1942. it gave Anne a shock and she did not write her diary in that period, but after that she wrote again as she thought of her grandmother's love and affection. Her view About Teachers Anne was not good at maths so she and her friends were always worried about it, butshe was sure that she would go to the next class. She always considered teachers to be the most unpredictable creatures on the earth. So she told her friends not to lose hope Punishment by Mr Keesing Anne was a good student and had a goad relationship with all the teachers except Mr Keesing, who taught her Maths. He was always annoyed by her talkative nature. He used to give her extra homework as punishment. He asked her to write an essay an ‘A ‘Chatterbox.’ He also put a slip of it an her bag to remind her about it. ‘Completion of Homework Anne was unable to understand what she could write in the essay. She started writing to consider it the necessity. She wrote the three pages for her satisfaction. She defined it as a feature of a student and also mentioned that she inherited this trait from her mother who also used to talk much. Homework given as Punishment Again Mr Keesing read Annes’ essay in front of class and laughed at it. He gave her another ‘essay as a punishment on the topic ‘An |ncorrigible Chatterbox’ and Quack. Quack, Quack, said Mistress Chatterbox’. Anne Mocks Mr Keesing Amusingly with her Homework Anne wanted to write something interesting and different this time. So, with the help of her friend Sanne who was good at poetry, she wrote an essay in verse. |t was about three duckling going deaf because their father duck beat them as they quack way too much. Mr Keesing took the joke in the right way and didn't bother Anne for talking after that incident. She was not even given any extra homework after that.Glimpses of India Chapter Sketch The chapter ‘Glimpses of India’ consists of three parts 1. A Baker from Goa by Lucio Rodrigues 2. Coorg by Lokesh Abrol 3, Tea from Assam by Arup Kumar Datta The first partis a pen-portrait of a traditional Goan village baker or pader who stil has an important place in Goan culture although the Portuguese have left india long the back ‘The second partis a pen-portrait of Coorg, which is a coffee country, famous for its rain forests and spices. The third part is about the tea plantations in Assam About the Characters Part Ill Tea from Assam Rajvir He is a youngster trom Delhi. He is a person who is always excited to learn about new things, Pranjoi He is a friend and classmate of Rajvir. Ke belongs to Assam. PART A BAKER FROM GOA Bread Making in Goa This is a pen portrait of the traditional Goan village baker, who is still remembered by Goans. Bread making started from the Portuguese days. They were the lovers of bread Bread making was an art which needed perfection. Mixing, moulding and baking were the areas of specialisation af making a bread. The loaves were baked in time tested furnaces. This profession has been continued by the baker's descendants. The Author's Childhood Days Recalled The writer remembers his childhood days when the baker used to be their friend, companion and guide. He used to visit twice a day, once in the morning during his selling hours and then again while returning after selling all his bread. The jingling thud of the bamboo he carried woke them up in the morning and they ran to meet and greet him. They ran for getting the bread bangles, which were a specially made sweet bread Delivering the Loaves As the baker came, he would call out the lady of the house and wish her ‘Good Morning’ The children would be pushed aside and the loaves would be delivered to the maid servant. The author recalls the aroma of loaves that filled the air The children would not even brush their teeth and ate bangles made of bread with tea.Importance of Bread in Traditional Ceremonies The various kinds of bread were very important for all occasions. No marriage was complete until and unless the traditional bol was served. The lady of the house prepared sandwiches on the occasion of her daughter's engagement and bolinhas would be prepared for Christmas and other festivals The Baker's Dress The baker was usually dressed in a kabai, a long frock reaching dawn to the knees or a shirt and a trousers which were shorter than full-length ones and longer than half pants. Even today if anyone dares to go out in the streets wearing half pants, he is referred to as a pader (means baker). Bread Making — A Profitable Profession The baker usually collected his bills at the end of the month. All the accounts were written on some wall in the premises with a pencil. |t was a profitable profession during those days because Portuguese were lovers of fresh baked loaves. The baker, his family members and his servants looked prosperous and happy.Coorg - A Heavenly Place Coorg district of Karnataka lies between the towns of Mysore and Mangalore. Itis like a heaven on Earth. tis inhabited by martial men, beautiful women and wild creatures Weather and Environment of Coorg \tis the smallest district of Karnataka. It consists of evergreen forests, spices and coffee plantations, The best season to visit coorg starts in September and continues upto March. The weather in coorg is pleasant during those months People of Coorg The people here are possibly of Greek or Arabic descent. According to a legend, Alexander's army moved South along the coast and settled there only when they were unable fo return to their country, These people married among the locals and their culture can be witnessed by their martial traditions, marriages and religious rites. The Kodavus (residents of Coorg) wear a long black coat with an embroidered waist belt. Known as Kuppia, it resembles kuffia worn by the Arabs and the Kurds. Bravery Tales of Coorg Coorg people are well-known for their bravery The Coorg Regiment is one of the most decorated regiments of the Indian Army. General Cariappa, the first Indian Army Chief, was a Coorgi. Even today, only the Kodavus are permitted to carry firearms without a licence. Wildlife in Coorg Coorg is home to a large number of wild animals and birds. Mahaseer, a large freshwater fish, is found here Kingfishers, squirrels and langurs live without any fear Wild elephants enjoy being bathed and scrubbed in the river by their mahouts. The river Kaveri gels its water from the hills of Coorg Coorg - A Tourist Place Even the laziest tourists become adventurous on coming to coorg as it is full of adventure sports like river rafting, canoeing, rack climbing etc The climb to Brahmagiri hills bring smiles to many faces as one can see the panoramic view of Coorg from there. Nature at Its Best India’s largest Tibetan settlement at Bylakuppe is inhabited by monks in red, ochre and yellow robs. There are many more surprises waiting at Coorg for the tourists to discover. Reaching Coorg Coorg can be reached by road and by rail, if one prefers to go by air, then the nearest airports are Bangalore and Mangalore. By road. it is around 250 ~ 260 km from Bangalore.PART Ill TEA FROM ASSAM Rajvir's Visit to Assam Rajvir and Pranjal are travelling to Assam by train as Pranjol has invited Rajvir to visit his home during the summer vacation. Rajvir is very excited to see the beautiful scenery of greenery and tea plantations outside. Rajvir tells Pranjol that aver eighty crore cups of tea are drunk everyday throughout the world. The Beautiful Tea Gardens Rajvir looks at the scenery outside and is mesmerised by its beauty The view from the train was also panoramic. There was greenery outside. The soft green paddy fields gave way to tea bushes. Tea bushes spread as far as the eye could see. Legends about Discovery of Tea There are many legends about the discovery of tea The Chinese legend says that when a few tea leases accidentally fell into boiling water which the emperor tasted and liked, tea making started, indian legend tells that a Buddhist monk cut off his eyelids because he felt sleepy during meditations. Ten tea plants grew out of these eyelids. The leaves of these plants when put in hot water and drunk, drove away sleep. Chinese - the Tea Lovers Rajvir told Pranjol that tea was first drunk in China Words like ‘chai’ and ‘chini are of Chinese origin. From China, it spread to Europe and then to Asia, Earlier tea was drunk more as a medicine than as a beverage. Dhekiabari The boys alighted at Mariani junction. Soon, they were driving towards Dhekiabari, the tea garden managed by Pranjol's father. Groups of tea pluckers, with bamboo baskets on their backs and wearing plastic aprons, plucking the newly sprouted leaves, could be seen everywhere, The best tea is obtained during the period of May to July,Mijbil the Otter Chapter Sketch In this story, the author Gavin Maxwell tells us about his unusual pet ‘Mijbil’, an otter He tells that when his dog died, he decided to have another pet. Soon, he shifted to Iraq where he Saw people were keeping otters as a pets. He also decided to have an atter as a pet. He describes, while he had to shift to England, how much problems were faced by him in taking Mijbil with him. On reaching London, people did not recognise the otter. They used to make guesses about the animal. The author thoroughly enjoyed the time spent with the otter. About the Characters Gavin Maxwell He is a very caring and a polite person. He takes complete care of his pet. Nijbil ttie Otter He is the pet of the narrator. He is a very friendly, intelligent and a fun-loving creature, He plays with water and other objects like a rubber ball. OVERVIEW OF THE CHAPTER The Author Decides to Keep an Otter The author travelled to Southern Iraq in 1956, He decided to keep an otter as a pet. As his native place of living, Camusfeama, had much water around, an otter was suitable for the experiment. The Author and his Friend Travel to Basra When the author mentioned about his wish to keep an otter as a pet to his friend, he suggested him to take an otter from Tigris Marshes as they are quite common there They were going to Basra to collect their mails. The mail of his friend reached but his mail did not arrive. The Author's Mall Arrives and He Gets the Otter The author sent a telegram to England as his'mail had not arrived. For three days there was no reply. He tried to make a phone call but due to some problems he was not able to get through. Finally, after five days his mail arrives. Once his mail arrived, he went to his room to read it. There, he saw two Arabs with an otter. They told that it was for him. Strangeness of the Otter The otter changed the life of the author The otter came on to the tiled floor from the sack (bag). At once, it appeared like a small dragon, From head to tail, his body was coated with mud. In between the mud, a velvet fur like creature resembling a chocolate brown mole appeared. There was a lot of dust on his body It took the author a month's time to remove all the dust from his body. Domestication of the Otter The narrator named the otter as Mijbil In short, he was called as Mii, For the first twenty- four hours, the otter was neither unfriendly nor friendly. He was aloof and indifferent. He kept on sleeping on the floor far from the bed. The second night, he came onto the author's bed and slept in the crook of his knees. In the day, he kept a keen interest in hissurroundings. The author made a body belt for him. The otter liked playing in the water in the bathroom Mijbll’s Escape from the Bedroom Two days later, Mibil escaped from the author's bedroom. He went to the bathroom. He entered the bathtub and turned the tap on with his paws within minutes, Mijbil becomes Friendly Within a very less time, he became very friendly He followed the author when he called his name. He spent most of the time in playing with the rubber ball. He played it like @ soccer ball. His favourite toys were the marbles. Taking Mijbil Back to Home Days passed peacefully at Basra. The author had a fear of transporting Nij to England and then to Camusfearna, The British airlines would not fly animals. He booked a flight to Paris and then from there to London, The airlines told him to pack Mijin a box. He made. a box for Mij, He put him inside the box before the fight so that he becomes habitual to it. Then he went to have lunch The Otter and the Box When the author came back after sometime, he was shocked to see a complete silence from the box. Blood was coming out from the airholes. He opened the box. He saw Mi) covered with blood. Only 10 minutes were left for the flight and the airport was five miles away. He kept Mij inside the box and held the lid with his hands, The Author Leaves for Airport The author sat in the car with the box beside him. The driver drove the car very fast. Just when the aircraft was about to take off, he was rushed through to it by the angry officials at the airport. The Author In the Aircraft He had booked the front seat for him. He covered the floor around his seat with newspapers. He gave the parcel of fish to the airhostess tor the otter She suggested him to keep the ater on his knees. Mijbil Goes out of the Box Mij was out of the box at once. He disappeared in the aircraft, There was a woman shouting, “A rat! A rat!” in fear, The author tried to catch the otter but he failed. The air hostess told him to be seated and said that she wauld find the otter for him. Very soan the otter came near the author and climbed on his knees. He started rubbing his face and neck with his nose. Mijbil Reaches London The author remained in London for almost a month, Mij kept on playing with ping-pong balls, marbles, rubber fruit and a terrapin shell that the author had bought from the marshes.Mijbil Plays Outside the House The author exercised Mij on a lead on the streets, Mij quickly developed certain habits during the walks on London streets. There was a primary school opposite to the author's house. He would take the author near the outer wall of it which was some two feet high. He would then gallop on to this. This distracted the students and the staff. The people in London were not able to recognise the Otter and made wild quesses.Madam Rides the Bus Chapter Sketch This is a sensitive story of an 8 years old girl. t describes her first bus journey into the word outside her village. The outside world is fascinating and the bus ride a mysterious journey. She wants fo experience this mysterious journey alone. She finds each minute information provided by her neighbours, regarding the bus journey and collected money for the bus fare, One day she goes on the bus ride alone and comes back with new experiences OVERVIEW OF THE CHAPTER Valliammai and Her Pastime Valliammai was a girl, who was known as Valli in short, She was eight years old. She wanted to know about new things. She had ne one to play with her of her own age. So her favourite pastime was to stand in front of the door of her house. This always gave her new experiences. The bus that travelled from her street to the town fascinated her the mast, Looking at the new passengers every time the bus passed gave an unending joy to Valli. Valli Wants to Travel in The Bus Everyday when Valli watched the bus she wanted to travel in the bus. This wish became stronger day by day until it became a desire. She used to stare at the people while they got up and down the bus. If one of her friends went on a bus ride and described her about the bus journey, she became jealous of her and would shout. Valli Discovers Details About The Bus Journey For many days and months Valli listened to the talks of her neighbours and people who went on the bus journey. She even asked them some questions since they were regular travellers. This way she was able to get even the minutes details about the bus journey. The fare was 30 paise for one way and the trip to the town tock 45 minutes. She kept on planning and calculating the things for a long time. Valli Takes The Bus Valli took the bus on a spring afternoon. There were only six to seven passengers in the bus. The bus was new with soft and luxurious seats. The conductor was a jolly sort of a person and asked Valli fo get seated in the front of the bus. He addressed Valli as ‘Madam’. She started looking outside the bus and was attracted by the outside view. She could see the canal, the palm trees, grassland, distant mountains and the blue sky A cow running towards the bus made her laugh and clap. The cow was not moving aside despite continuous honking by the driver. Valli Reaches the Town The bus reached the town after some time, Valli was on seeing the bright shops and big crowd, She stayed in the bus while the other passengers got down. The conductor asked her to get down but she told him that she would go back in the same bus. She retused his offer of giving her a cold drink as a treatThe Return Journey Valli saw the same wonderful sights on the return journey. She wasn’t bored and greeted everything with the same excitement she'd felt the first time, Suddenly, she saw a young cow lying dead by the road side. It was the same cow that was running towards the bus when she was going to town. She was filled with sadness on seeing her. The bus moved on but the thoughts of the dead cow haunted Valli. She no langer looked outside the window. When the bus reached her village, she ran straight for home. Her mother did not get to know of her secret journey.The Sermon at Benares Chapter Sketch “The Sermon at Benares' is a chapter written by Betty Renshaw. The chapter covers the journey of Gautarna Buddha from princehood to his saintly life. After seeing the suffering of the world, he decided to give up all worldly pleasures and seeked enlightenment. He finally attained salvation under a tree at Badhgaya. His first sermon was delivered at Benares near the bank of the Ganges. Kisa Gautami was the first one to receive this, sermon About the Characters Buddha Gautama Buddha is the founder of the Buddhist Religion. He was a spiritual teacher who had gained enlightenment after seeing the World's pains and greed Kisa Gotami She was a young mother whose only son had died. She was a loving and Gaxing rather, ut atthe ame tne, she become selfish and wanted to get her son back after death OVERVIEW OF THE CHAPTER Buddha as a Prince Gautama Buddha was bom as a prince named Siddhartha Gautama in Norther India. At 12, he was sent for schooling in Hindu Sacred Scriptures. Four years later, he returned home and got married to a princess. They had a son. They lived a royal life for 10 years. Gautama is Enlightened from the Sufferings of the World He was protected from the sufferings of the world. One day, he saw a sick man, an old man, a funeral procession and a monk begging for money and food. This moved Buddha and he then went out to seek enlightenment. Gautama Seeks Enlightenment and Becomes Gautama Buddha He travelled aimlessly for seven years and then he stayed under a peepal tree until he attained enlightenment. After seven days, he got enlightened and renamed the tree as Bodhi Tree (Tree of Wisdom) There, he began to teach and share his knowledge and became known as Buddha. Buddha Gives his First Sermon Buddha preached his first sermon at the city of Benares Itis the holiest of the dipping places on the river Ganges. This sermon reflects Buddha's wisdom about the kind of suffering that is impossible to interpret Kisa Gotami’s Story Kisa Gotami had only one son. She carried her dead son in her arms and she went door to door asking for medicines for her dead child. The neighbours pitied her but could not help her as her son was dead, They were as helpless as Kisa and couldn't go against the will of God. Finally, somebody suggested that she should go to the Sakyarnuni, the Buddha. Kisa Gotami went to meet Gautama Buddha. Gautama told her to bring a handful of mustard seeds from a house where death has never knocked at the door. Kisa thought that it was a very easy task. She went to all the houses in the village but couldn't find a single house where death had not taken a beloved away.She sat dawn, hopeless and tired. She soon realised that she was being very selfish in her grief. Death is common to all Buddha's Reply to Kisa Gotami The life of morals is troubled, brief and combined with pain. It is not possible to avoid death. As the ripe fruits are in danger of falling, as the earthen vessels made by the potter break, similarly the mortals have the danger of death. Wise men and fools, all fall in the power of death. Only the wise do not grieve and they accept the reality. All weeping and grieving will bring more pain and sufferings to the body. One, who is composed, will obtain peace of mind and will be free fram sorrow and be blessed.The Proposal Chapter Sketch The proposal is a one act play by the Russian short story writer and dramatist Anton Chekov. The play is set in a rural countryside of Russia. A long time wealthy neighbour of Stepan Chubukoy, Ivan Lomov, comes to seek the hand of Stepan's daughter, Natalya As three of them are very proud and quarrelsome, they start fighting over petty issues The proposal of marriage is made finally but the quarrelling continues About the Characters 4, Stephan Stepanovitch Chubukov He is a landowner and the father of a young git! named Natalya 2. Natalya She is young girl. She is fussy and argumentative 3, Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov He is a young man who wishes to marry Natalya. He is also very argumentative. OVERVIEW OF THE CHAPTER Lomov at Chubukov's House The play begins with the scene set in Chubukov's house. Lomov comes there and meets Chubukov. Chubukovis extremely happy to meet him, He asks him to sit down and also enquires why was he wearing an evening dress. Lomay tells him that he has come there with a purpose. He tells him that he wants to request him about something. Suddenly he gets excited. Chubukov feels that he must have come to borrow money from him, Lomov starts to speak and talks about random things. Finally he tells him that he has come there to ask for Natalya’s hand. Chubukov gets excited at hearing this Chubukov’s Reaction to the Proposal Chubukov gets so happy that he stars to behave idiotically He hugs Lomov and kisses him. Lomov asks Chubukov that he wants his consent for the marriage. Chubukov tells him that he was always hoping that he would come to ask for Natalya's hand Lomov Thinks About Natalya and his Life Lomoy starts trembling due to over excitement. He says that if he would have looked for a perfect partner he would have never got one and would have remained unmarried. He feels that Natalya is a good housekeeper He says that she is not bac-looking and is very well educated. He feels he is already too ald to get married and now he should lead a quiet and regular life. He starts to jump like a mad person. Talk Between Lomov and Natalya Natalya comes and asks Lomov why had he not come there for a long time. She informs Lomoy about the harvest. She asks him why was he dressed in an evening dress and enquired if he was going to a ball Before Lomov told Natalya his purpose for the visit, they were off the point. He starts telling her that he has known his family for a very long time. He also tells her how he inherited his land and how he respects her father. He tells Natalya that his OxenThe Proposal Chapter Sketch The proposal is a one act play by the Russian short story writer and dramatist Anton Chekov. The play is set in a rural countryside of Russia. A long time wealthy neighbour of Stepan Chubukoy, Ivan Lomov, comes to seek the hand of Stepan's daughter, Natalya As three of them are very proud and quarrelsome, they start fighting over petty issues. The proposal of marriage is made finally but the quarrelling continues. About the Characters 4, Stephan Stepanovitch Chubukov He is a landowner and the father of a young girl named Natalya 2, Natalya She is young girl. She is fussy and argumentative 3 Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov He is a young man who wishes to marry Natalya, He is also very argumentative. OVERVIEW OF THE CHAPTER Lomov at Chubukov's House The play begins with the scene set in Chubukov's house Lomov comes there and meets Chubukov. Chubukovis extremely happy to meet him, He asks him to sit down and also enquires why was he wearing an evening dress Lomoy tells him that he has come there with a purpose. He tells him that he wants to request him about something. Suddenly he gets excited. Chubukov feels that he must have come to borrow money from him, Lomov starts to speak and talks about random things. Finally he tells him that he has come there to ask for Natalya’s hand. Chubukov gets excited at hearing this Chubukov’s Reaction to the Proposal Chubukov gets so happy that he starts to behave idictically He hugs Lomov and kisses him, Lomev asks Chubukov that he wants his consent for the marriage. Chubukov tells him that he was always hoping that he would come to ask for Natalya’s hand Lomov Thinks About Natalya and his Life Lomay starts trembling due to over excitement. He says that if he would have looked for a perfect partner he would have never got one and would have remained unmarried. He feels that Natalya is a good housekeeper He says that she is not bad-looking and is very well educated He feels he is already too ald to get married and now he should lead a quiet and regular life. He starts to jump like a mad person. Talk Between Lomov and Natalya Natalya comes and asks Lomov why had he not come there for a long time. She informs Lomov about the harvest. She asks him why was he dressed in an evening dress and enquired if he was going to a ball Before Lomov told Natalya his purpose for the visit, they were off the point. He starts telling her that he has known his family for a very long time. He also tells her how he inherited his land and how he respects her father. He tells Natalya that his OxenMeadows touch Natalya’s Birchwood. On hearing this, Natalya says that the Oxen Meadows are theirs Argument Regarding Land Ownership Natalya gets serious and tells him that Oxen Meadows do not belong to him. They actually belonged to them. Lomov clarifies that he is talking about the Oxen Meadows that are between her Birchwoods and But marsh. Natalya insists that they are theirs. Lomoy refuses it. He tells her that his aunt's grandmother gave those meadows to her father's grandiather. The peasants used the land for forty years Argument Continues Between Natalya and Lomov Natalya refuses and sticks on her point that those Meadow’s are theirs. Lomov on the other hand says that he has the documents to prove that itis his land. Natalya tells him that they had that land for nearly 300 years now Both of them continue fighting aver the ownership of the land, Lomav offers to make a present of them to Natalya. She also says that she can make a present of them to him. They start shouting at each other. Chubukov Takes Natalya’s Side Chubukov also enters the room, Natalya asks him to tell Lomov that the Oxen Meadows are owned by them. Chubukov also supports Natalya and regards the meadows as. theirs. Lomov refuses. Chubukov says that by shouting Lomov cannot prove that the Oxen Meadows are owned by him He accuses Lomov by saying that he cannot talk to him so disrespectfully as he is twice of his age. Lomov says that he is calling his land as his and wants him to speak te hima politely. He calls Chubukov a land grabber. Lomoy threatens that he would take Chubukov to the court. A lot of abuses are exchanged between them, Chubukov says that Lomov's grandfather was a drunkard. His younger aunt Nastasya ran away with an architect. Lomav felt that he was dying so he could not say anything at that time. Natalya also calls Lomov a rascal. Chubukov calls him a villain and a scarecrow. He also calls him a monster who has the courage to propose. Chubukov tells Natalya the Purpose of Lomov's Visit As soon as Lomov leaves their home, Chubukov telis Natalya that he came to propose her Hearing the word propose, Natalya enquires him, Chubukov tells him that Lomov had come there to propose Natalya for marriage. Hearing this Natalya starts crying She asks Chubukov to bring Lomov back at once Fight Over the Dogs Lomov enters again. Natalya begs to be excused. They shift their talks to the dogs as Natalya tells him that the Oxen Meadows are his. They now talk about the dogs. Lomov tells Natalya that his best dog casted him 126 roubles. Natalya says that itis to much. She tells him that her father had given just 85 roubles for the Squeezer (her dog). She says Squeezer is better than his dog. Lomov refuses and says that his lower jaw is shorter than his upper jaw. Natalya Says that Squeezer is of the finest pedigree. They both continue fighting over the breed ot their dogs. Chubukov enters and enquires about the matter Chubukov also says that Lomovs dog is ald and shortLomov Drops to the Ground Lomav suddenly falls. Natalya asks her father what has happened to him Chubukov thinks that he has difficulty in breathing. Natalya says that she feels Lomov is dead. 3 Chubukov then calls for water as well as a doctor. Chubukov asks Lomov to Marry Natalya Chubukov seems helpless. He starts accusing himself. He asks for a knife and a pistol. He calls himself the most unhappy of men. Lamov starts reviving. Lomov says he sees stars. He asks where he is. Chubukov says that he should hurry up and marry Natalya. He also tells him that she is willing to marry him. Natalya becomes extremely happy on hearing this. Chubukov also feels happy and offers some champagne for this occasianDust of Snow Central Idea of the Poem The ‘Dust of Snow’, by Robert Frost is a small and simple poem with a deep meaning’. \t expresses the significance of small things in changing one’s attitude. The poem reiterates that the little things in life can make huge changes in our future. 't also shows that if we take the hard times of life in stride eventually something will happen to change our situation into happier times EXPLANATION OF THE POEM Stanza 1 The way a crow Shook down on me The dust of snow From a hemlock tree WORD MEANINGS dust of snow ~ particles of snow hemlock tree ~ a poisonous plant (tree) with small white flowers Exp - The poet, Robert Frost, recounts a small incident that changes his mood. It seems very ‘ simple but it has great significance. The poet was once very depressed and hopeless. He was in a state of sorrow and was lost in his thoughts, He was standing under the hemlock tree. Suddenly a crow, that was sitting on the tree, shook the tree and the fine particles of snow from the tree fell on the poet Stanza 2 Has given my heart Acchange of moad And saved some part Of a day | had red WORD MEANINGS mood —a state of mind rued ~ held in regret Exp - When the soft and cold snow fell on the poet it changed his mood from sad to happy. He started feeling soothed and refreshed. This simple incident helped him enjoy the remaining part of the day. He, thus, became happy as it saved his rest of the day from being wasted and held in regret. Poetic Devices Used in the Poem + Rhyme scheme - abab + Symbolism - Hemiock tree, CrowFire and Ice Central Idea of the Poem The poem, ‘Fire and Ice’ by Robert Frost revolves around the theme that human emotions are destructive when allowed to run amok (out of contral). They can destroy a person morally, mentally and physically, The poet impresses upon the readers, the destructive results of bearing ill feeling like-greed, avarice, lust, conflict, fury, hatred, intolerance, etc EXPLANATION OF THE POEM Stanza 1 Some say the world will end in fire Some say in ice From what |'ve tasted of desire | hold with those who favour fire. WORD MEANINGS desire - wish hold - to take side, favour favour ~ incline towards Exp - The poet considers the age-old question of whether the world will end in fire or in ice. He is analysing about the end of the world, The poet provides and deals with two possible causes for the end of the world. Both the two reasons contrast each other and are equally opposite to each other. On one side of the debate are those people who are in favour of fire. They believe that it wil be the heat and the passion, which wil lead the humanity, the world’ to end. On the other side of the debate are thase who favour ice and feel that it will be the ‘ice’ which will freeze the world. in other words, either deep heat or fire under the Earth beds will lead to natural calamities like volcano eruptions, earthquakes, etc, which will one day end the world or the melting of the ice from the snowy mountains due to global warming will shrink the world and one day the entire world will die of the icy water Frost is providing a powerful statement on the subject of greed and jealousy’. He is saying that abave all else, even hatred, which is the trait of humanity is most likely to lead toits demise. To Frost, desire represents the greatest problem that the world faces. Desire is a kind of intense love or want that focuses people on getting and possessing and acquiring This kind of desire can lead people to destruction Stanza 2 Butt it had to perish twice, | think, | know enough of hate To say that for destruction ice Is also great And would suffice WORD MEANINGS perish - die suffice - be sufficientExp = The poet is very much sure of the destruction of the humanity. He first talks about the destruction caused by fire and in case this fails, then ice will result into hatred that will end humanity one day. Frost goes on to discuss, in a more understated manner, the power of hate, which is symbolised in the poem by ice. Hate, according to the speaker, is just as powerful as desire. While desire consumes, quickly, hate is just as great and powerful. Infact, by ending the poem with the concept of hate. ‘Frost directs the reader to the shy yet restrained devastation that hate can produce. Hate can occur and finger in people's minds and hearts for years’, sometimes even lifetimes. Hate consumes the hater perhaps even more than the person or group hated; it can ruin lives. Hate is destructive and sinful. Hate is presented as having the ability to lead to the destruction of the world if it were to happen for a second time, again providing a powerful warning against this human fallacy. Poetic Devices Used in the Poem Alliteration ‘Some say the world will end in fire Some say in ice | hold with those who favour fire Paradox But if it had to perish twice Symbolism Fire - a symbol for desire ice - a symbol for hate ' Fire and ice carry deep connotations, j Fire elicits the feeling of heat and light, but also burning J and pain \ce elicits the feeling of coldness, but also indifference and j intolerance Rhyme Scheme abaabcbcbA Tiger in the Zoo Central Idea of the Poem The poem’A Tiger in the Zoo’ by Leslie Norris. In this poem, the poet tries to depict the mental condition of a caged tiger. He compares the life of a tiger in the zoo with its life in its natural habitat. The poet conveys an important message that the wild animals should be in their natural habitat. in the poem, he heightens the contrast between freedom and captivity. He, very impressively, shows us how love for freedorn is the natural instinct of every living being EXPLANATION OF THE POEM Stanza 1 He stalks in his vivid stripes The few steps of his cage, On pads of velvet quiet, nhis quiet rage WORD MEANINGS stalks — stride, to move quietly and slowly in a threatening way vivid - bright stripes - long narrow bands pads - the soft part under the foot of the tiger rage - anger Exp — The poet sees a tiger locked in a concrete cell in the zoo. It is a very small cage. The tiger can hardly take a few steps along the length of the cage. He looks majestic as he slawly moves up and down in his cage. The sharp and clear stripes on his body are of strong bright colour His pads are velvet soft. Inspite of all his strength, he now lies imprisoned behind the bars. The caged tiger is angry. He is full of rage, but is quiet because he knows that he is helpless here Stanza 2 He should be lurking in shadow, Sliding through long grass Near the water hole Where plump deer pass. WORD MEANINGS lurking - hiding sliding - moving hole = pool plump - chubby Exp — Looking at the imprisoned tiger, the poet is filled with pity, He says that the poor tiger should have been in his natural habitat i.e. the jungle, hunting and resting, Then, at this hour of the night, he would have been lying in the shadows of trees and sliding quietly through the long grass. He would, then, near the water hole, wait for same fat andhealthy deer to pass that way Thus, he would be lying there in expectation of a heavy feast Stanza 3 He should be snarling around houses At the jungle's edge. Baring his white fangs, his claws, Terrorising the village! WORD MEANINGS snarling - to make an angry and warning sound. baring - showing fangs - two long sharp teeth at the front of the mouths of some animals Terrorising — frightening or threatening Exp - in these lines, the poet imagines what the tiger would be doing in case he failed to find any prey in his natural habitat, He says that the tiger would be angrily moving around the houses in a nearby village. He would be growling at the edge of the jungle near some village. He would be Showing his white fangs and terrible claws while moving here and there. He would, thus, become a cause of terror for the villagers. The poet here gives a hint that if we continue to destroy the forest cover and the natural habitat of the tigers, they will be forced to turn to cur towns and villages to find their food. Stanza 4 But he’s locked in a concrete cell, his strength behind bars, Stalking the length of his cage, Ignoring visitors, WORD MEANINGS concrete cell - a very small and unpleasant cage stalking ~ moving slowly and quietly in a threatening way Exp - The poet sees the tiger looked in a conorete cell in the zoo. Inspite of all his ‘strength, he now lies imprisoned behind the bars. Very slowy and silently, the tiger moves up and dawn along the length of the cage. He maves in an angry and threatening manner He takes no note of the visitors, who had come to the 200 to have a look at him, He completely ignores them as none of them thinks of releasing him from his prison Moreover, due to their presence, he hardly gets any rest during the day. Stanza 5 He hears the last voice at night, The patrolling cars, ‘And stares with his brilliant eyes At the briliant stars WORD MEANINGS patrolling ~ to go around an area at regular times to check that itis safe biilliant = very bright Exp - Due to the visitors, the tiger gets no rest during the day Even at night, he remains disturbed due to the noise that comes from the patrolling cars. The tiger has, thus, lost all hope and feels very helpless. He, thus, stares at the briliant stars shining brightly in the sky It seems that he is looking for some sort of comfort and hope in these stars. His billiant eyes show that he e81 hopes forthe day when he woud be able to run free inthe forestHow to Tell Wild Animals Central Idea of the Poem The poem ‘How to Tell Wild Animals’ by Carolyn Wells revolves around the dangerous ways to identity the wild animals. The poet tries to distinguish one animal from the other in a humorous way The poet suggests that its very risky to be in such a close proximity to these wild beasts. The poemis, thus, very educative as it tells us about various features of wild animals EXPLANATION OF THE POEM Stanza1 If ever you should go by chance To jungles in the east; And if there should to you advance Alarge and tawny beast, If he roars at you as you're dyin’ You'll know it is the Asian Lion WORD MEANINGS advance - to move forward towards sb/sth, often in order to attack or threaten tawny — brownish-yellow in colour beast -a dangerous animal Exp - The poet here cautions the readers against the wild beasts found in the jungle. Ke says that if by chance you happen to go to any forest in the east, you are likely to encounter a huge and terrible animal moving forward towards you. You will notice that it is brownish-yellow in colour, And if that beast roars ioudly at you and you feel that you are going to die due to fear then you will come to know that it is the Asian lion Stanza 2 Or if some time when roaming round, Anoble wild beast greets you, With black stripes on a yellow ground, Just notice it he eats you This simple rule may help you learn The Bengal Tiger to discern WORD MEANINGS noble — here, very impressive in size ground ~ background discern — make out, identify Exp — The poet says that itis very lixely that while roaming in the forest, you are greeted by a wild beast. This wild animal is very impressive in size and his majestic body is covered with black stripes on a yellow hide. The poet cautions that if the readers notice this beast and that if he eats them, then this simple rule will teach them that its is a ‘Bengal Tiger’Stanza 3 if strolling forth, a beast you view, Whose hide with spots is peppered, ‘As soon as he has lept on you, You'll know it is the Leopard “Twill do no good to roar with pain, He'll only lep and lep again. WORD MEANINGS stolling - to walk somewhere in a slow relaxed way forth - forwards, away from a place peppered — here, covered with spots lept (leap) ~ to jump high or along way hide - animal skin Exp - The poet here helps the readers to identity a Leopard. He says that if you happen to walk in the forest, you might encounter a beast with spots on his skin. When this wild beast will jump at you, you will understand that it is a Leopard as he will keep jumping on you and will tear you apart. Moreover, it will be of no use then to shout or cry with pain because he will continue pouncing on you. So, be careful and don't allow it tc leap on you. Stanza 4 if when you're walking round your yard You meet a creature there, Who hugs you very, very hard, Be sure itis a Bear if you have any doubts, | guess He'll give you just one more caress. WORD MEANINGS yard ~ a piece of land next to or around your house caress - a gentle, loving touch Exp — The poet says that while you are walking in your yard, you may encounter a creature there When this creature hugs you very very tightly, then believe that it is a Bear. Bears are thought to be good wrestlers and can give a really tight hug, Although a friendly hug is referred to as Bear hug, if a real Bear hugs you, then it may not feel friendly at all. The Bear hugs a man to kill him. The poet further says that in case of any doubt you will find that the Bear will embrace you once again till death. Stanza 5 Though to distinguish beasts of prey Anovice might nonplus The Crocodile you always may Tell from the Hyena thus: Hyenas come with merry smiles; Butif they weep they're CrocodilesWORD MEANINGS beasts of prey - an animal, a bird etc, that is hunted, killed or eaten by another. novice ~ someone new to a job nonplus - be puzzled, confused, surprised Hyena - a wild animal like a dog, that eats the meat of animals that are already dead and has a cry like human laugh Exp - The poet here says that a ripvice may be puzzled and confused and thus might Not be able to distinguish between the difterent wild animals. Hence, the poet helps to differentiate the Crocodile from the Hyena He says that a Hyena always laughs as it swallows its victim. A laughing Hyena’s voice resembles human's laughing sound. A Crocodile on the other hand, is said to shed tears while eating its prey. The poet, thus, warns the readers to not wait for a Hyena to laugh or for a Crocodile to weep Stanza 6 The true Chameleon is small, Alizard sort of things; He hasn't any ears at all, And not a single wing, if there is nothing on the tree, ‘Tis the Chameleon you see WORD MEANING Chameleon — a small lizard that can change colour according to its surroundings Exp — The poet describes a Chameleon in this stanza. He says a Chameleon is a small garden lazard. it doesn't have ears or wings. The poet, further, says that if you are unable to see a thing on the tree, then chances are that a Chameleon is sitting there. A Chameleon is an expert at camouflage. It changes colour as per its surroundings and is. therefore difficult to see. This capacity of camouflage helps the lizard in saving it from hunters Poetic Devices used in the Poem + Poetic License + As soon as it has lept on you . He will only lep and lep again * Tis the chameleon you see \n the first instance it should have been “leapt” instead of “IEpt”. in the second stanza, the term ‘lep’ should have been spelt as “leap”. Inthe third instance, the line should have begun with “it” instead of T + Alliteration © roaming round + lep and lep again + Who hugs you very very hard * Anovice might nonplusThe Ball Poem Central Idea of the Poem The poet, John Berryman in The Ball Poem’ describes the grief of a bay over the loss of his ball. With that loss he senses his first responsibility in a materialistic world, where those whom yau love and your worldly possessions will not be with you forever. The poem shows how, all through your life, you will be forced to da things that you don't want to do and you will lose or have to give up the things, that you love. But, despite this, you have to learn to stand up, to be strong and get on with your life ~ no matter how much it hurts inside. Because that is the only way you will survive It thus, teaches us to learn to accept and let go and nat cling onta something that you can never have EXPLANATION OF THE POEM Stanza 1 What is the boy now, who has lost his ball, What, what is he to do? | sawit go Merrily bouncing, down the street, and then Merrily over ~ there it is in the water! No use to say‘O there are other balls’: WORD MEANINGS merrily - happily ‘O there are other balls’ - the words suggest that the loss is not important enough to worry about Exp - The poem is about alittle boy. For the first time in his young life, he is learning what it is like to experience grief at the loss of a much loved possession, that is, his ball The balll is here symbolic of the sweet memories of his childhood. The boy loses his ball and watches it bouncing down the street into the water. To us, the loss of a ball is of minor consequence but to the little boy, it was a valued possession The poet here, deters himself from saying that there are other balls because the bay wants the same ball, The ball had been with him for a long time and it was linked to the memories of the days when he played with it, Stanza 2 An ultimate shaking grief fixes the boy As he stands rigid, trembling, staring down Al his young days into the harbour where His ball went. | would not intrude on him Aime, another ball, is worthless. WORD MEANINGS ultimate - final shaking grief - sadness which greaily affects the boy rigid ~ stiff trembling - shivering harbour - place intrude on — here, to enter a situation where one is not welcome a dime - ten cents (U.S)Exp — When the young boy loses his ball, it bounces away and lands in the harbour The boy is very much troubled at the loss of his ball and plunges into grt, He stands stiff and trembiing while staring at his ball He is upset as he looks into the gloomy water because he cannot find the ball. The boy is profoundly affected by the loss of his ball because it has been with him for a long time. When the ball bounces into the water, all his memories of the childhood days flashes in front of him. This leads toa realisation that those moments would not come back, just like the ball. Moreover, the poet says that he does not want to intervene the boy's thoughts as through this experience the boy will learn the meaning of loss on his own. Further the poet doesn't offer him money to buy another ball because that would be worthless. Stanza 3 eee NOW He senses first responsibility Na world of possessions. People will take Balls, balls will be lost always, little boy. ‘And no one buys a ball back Money is external, WORD MEANINGS Possessions - something that is owned or possessed external - superficial, extrinsic Exp - The boy is upset when he looks into the gloomy water because he cannot find the ball. This is when he gets his first sense of responsibilty. The poet suggests that from the loss of the ball, the boy is learning what it means to lose something in a world of possessions, where he will lose things, will buy some more to replace the ones lost. but would never be able to buy back the thing that he had lost. In this poem, the boy's ball personifies his young days and happy innocence In this world, people will take balls just as they will take away your innocence, and force you ta grow up. And once yau lose this innocence, you can never get it back. Balls will be lost always and no one buys a ball back The poet, thus, makes the boy understand about his responsibilty as the loss is immaterial. Voney is external as it cannot buy memories, nor can it replace the things that we love, the things that really matter. Stanza 4 He is learning, well behind his desperate eyes, This epistemology of loss, how to stand up Knowing what every man must one day know And most know many days, how to stand up WORD MEANINGS desperate - hopeless epistemology af loss ~ understanding the nature of loss ~ what it me/ns to lose something epistemology - The greek word ‘episteme’ means ‘knowledge’ (it comes from a word Meaning to understand, to know’). Epistemology is the study of the nature of knowledge itselt Exp - The poet suggests that from the loss of the ball, the boy is learning how to stand up in a world of possessions. The boy is learning what it means to lose something. The poet says that knowing that every man has to stand up after such losses, the boy too will learn how to stand up and leave the losses behind as he would have understood the true meaning and nature of loss.Amanda Central idea of the Poem The poem deals with the upbringing of a small child, Amanda. it highlights the stuggles faced by the child. Foet Robin Klein makes an important point that a child should never be denied freedom. Though it is parents who are responsible for proper upbringing of their child but that should not make a child feel trapped. Here, Amanda is prepared to be acceptable in scciety, and this training needs her freedom to be cut short. Her imagination is not given enough space, thus making her 0 angry that she wishes to be an orphan. The continuous nagging has, thus, made her moody. EXPLANATION OF THE POEM Stanza 1 Dont bite your nails, Amanda! Don't hunch your shoulders, Amanda! Stop that slouching and sit up straight, Amanda! WORD MEANINGS Hunch — Bending the upper portion of body in forward pesiticn Slouching - To stand, sit or mave in lazy and downward direction Exp — in the above lines, Amanda is getting instructed, most probably by her parents for biting nails and sitting lazily with her shoulders bent. The tone of instructions here is not a friendly one and thus fails to make any sense to Amanda. The pcet here, focusses on the aspects related to the upbringing of a child (girl) and how parents go to any limit to bring proper sense to their child. ‘Amanda is thus, getting trained for the society she is a part ol. The pressure of making cneselt presentable to the society triumphs over every other behaviour and manners. The last phrase or word ‘Amanda’ Is used with an exclamation mark which shows the irfitation and frustration of the parent ‘Stanza 2 (There is a languid, emerald sea, where the sole inhabitant is me— a mermaid, drifting blissfully) WORD MEANINGS Languid - Without any force or interest Mermaid ~ An imaginary sea creature having a woman's head and body with a fish’ tail instead of tegs Drifting - A slow and steady movement Exp — It is to be noted that the above lines are given within brackets. Brackets are used to provide ) more meaning to the phrase. Here poet uses it to present the imagination of the litte girl, the free-flow of pure thoughts. Amanda uses her imagination as an escape point from day to day commands cf her parents. She feels suffocated in the real world and thus finds peace in her very own created world where there are no restrains. Amanda is lost in a worid of her own away from the disorders and principles of the society She imagines herself to be a joyful mermaid sailing without any confines alongside soft waves of the green sea. This world of Amanda is free and contained in itself and her happiness doesnt require any other human being |Lis important to note that Amanda not requiring her father or mother points that she is being tortured by both of them. Her le is not going the way she wants, and there is no one to support her. For a child, metmaid is a symbol of freedom and wonder. Another meaning that is attached with mermaid is that they don’t wish to be disturbed as they live in their cwn environs and would do anything to be like that. For this reason Aranda wishes to be a mermaid