A summary of “Romeo and Juliet”

The extracts from William Shakespeare’s play “Romeo and Juliet “express the implicit feelings of Romeo and and Juliet
for each other. These verses are known for their rich imageries laced with powerful emotions.

Romeo though uninvited, makes his presence at the Grand Supper hosted by Old Lord Capulet, just to meet Roseline. He
finds Juliet on the dance floor so attractive that he is overwhelmed with strong emotions. He wonders if her beauty
teaches the torches to burn bright. He follows his exclamation with two lovely comparisons: Juliet’s beauty is compared
to that of a jewel that shines bright in an Ethiope’s ear which is too expensive and very rare to find on earth. She is also
compared to a snowy dove seen in the company of crows. The contrasting imageries used in earlier contexts highlight the
sparkling beauty of Juliet. Romeo wishes to meet her once the dance is over and wants to shake hands with her in order
to make his rude hand blessed. At this instance, he is struck by the feeling, if he ever loved, for her beauty and her
presence had blinded him. So, he wants to forget all that he has seen in the past under the glowing beauty of Juliet. Thus,
Romeo expresses his admiration for Juliet’s beauty.

Juliet invites night, for Romeo can only be seen then. She is attracted to his charming aspect, so she compares him to day
in night. He looks whiter than new snow on a raven’s back. Juliet praises night with sweet words so that night brings
Juliet her charming hero, Romeo. She asks night to cut him into little stars if she should die. With this appeal, she wishes
to immortalise her love for him. She is sure that the starlit sky then glows even richer than the shining beauty of the day.
The world then starts admiring the beauty of night and stops glorifying the bright day. This is how Juliet is also full of
praise and fascination for Romeo.

Comprehension II

Q. 1 What similes does Romeo use to convey Juliet’s beauty and to what effect?

Ans: William Shakespeare is known for his deft use of language in his works. In “Romeo and Juliet” through the
character of Romeo we come to know how effectively similes are used to convey the message. Romeo in his speech uses
two similes to describe the beauty of Juliet. First simile compares her beauty to a rich jewel worn by an Ethiopian. The
comparison here is so effective that the jewel shines brighter against the dark skin background. Such a beauty is very
expensive and rare to be seen on earth. The second simile is used to compare Juliet’s beauty to  a snowy dove which
stands out as it troops with crows referring to her companions. They are outshone by her heavenly beauty. This is how
Romeo conveys Juliet’s beauty.

Q. 2 How according to Juliet, would Romeo be immortalized to the world?

 Ans: Shakespeare’s characters are timeless and his works are universal in appeal. The English language and literature
continue to grow mightier in his legacy. This element is manifest in “Romeo and Juliet”. Juliet is fascinated by the
charming personality of Romeo. She beseeches night to arrive so that she can meet her Romeo. She calls night ‘gentle
and sweet’, for it brings charming Romeo to her. Juliet is so much charmed by him that supposing she dies without him,
she wishes night to cut Romeo in little stars and decorate the sky beautifully. Thus Romeo would be immortalized.
People will then fall in love with the starlit heavens of the night and pay no attention to the Sun. 

Comprehension III

Q. 1. Comment on the imagery of ‘night-day, black-white’ in the poem. What purpose do they serve in highlighting the
intensity of love?

Ans: This is from the extracts of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ , the most popular  romantic tragedy written by William
Shakespeare, an  English playwright and poet, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English Language and the
world’s pre-eminent dramatist. He is well-known to the world through his timeless characters that are universal in their
appeal. The themes that he deals with also touch the human lives across the globe. Love is the most recurring theme in
his works. Here, in this poem, he presents Romeo and Juliet as the epitome of true love emanating from eternal beauty.
The poem is replete with a series of imageries. The contrasting imageries of night-day and black-white underline the
poetic techniques employed by William Shakespeare to portray the unparalleled beauty of Juliet against the charming
presence of Romeo.
The Night with its darkness is imposing throughout the poem. The contexts of Romeo’s meeting with Juliet at a supper
party and Juliet’s appointment with Romeo at her orchard at night signify the prominence of night. For example, Romeo
discovers the best beauties comparable to night: cheek of night, rich jewel in an Ethiope’s ear. The night-day imagery is
more vibrant in Juliet’s words as she compares Romeo’s charm to the day against night’s evident darkness. She further
heightens the importance of night when she wishes that the night sky be bedecked with the images of Romeo in a
constellation, thus reducing the day’s brilliance with the Sun.

The black-white imagery is elaborate in the words of Romeo and Juliet. The beauty of Juliet is glorified as she hangs like
a bright jewel on the cheek of night. This contrasting description continues with reference to snowy dove in the company
of crows. Even in the eyes of Juliet, Romeo appears like a new snow on a raven’s back. These imageries not only
highlight the charm and beauty of Romeo and Juliet but also culminate in an intense love.

Q. 2. Between Romeo and Juliet, whose love, do you think, is more passionate and intense?

Ans: This is from the extracts of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ , the most popular  romantic tragedy written by William
Shakespeare, an  English playwright and poet, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English Language and the
world’s pre-eminent dramatist. He is well-known to the world through his timeless characters which are universal in their
appeal. The themes that he deals with also touch the human lives across the globe. Love is the most recurring theme in
his works. Here, in this poem, he presents Romeo and Juliet as the epitome of true love emanating from eternal beauty.

In this poem, Romeo’s love is more intense which is explicit in his words. “Did my heart love till now?” He saw such a
beauty at the grand supper that his heart immediately surged with powerful emotions. In his soliloquy, he makes lovely
comparisons of Juliet’s beauty. She appears to surpass the burning torches in her radiance. Her beauty is compared to a
rich jewel in an Ethiope’s ear. Romeo further strikes a beautiful contrast by showing her as a snowy dove trooping with
crows. Romeo is so overjoyed to see this rare beauty on earth that he wants to touch her hand so that he would be
blessed. He wants to reject the fact that he had ever seen any beauty before. He calls that true beauty and his love, true
love. In fact, Juliet also comes up with the same emotions when she later sees Romeo. However, he first comes across
this divine beauty on the dance floor and instantly falls in love.  His love is more intense and passionate. 

on children

Kahlil Gibran is a Lebanese-American poet who brings out high philosophy of life in his simple and beautiful poetic
essays. His “On Children” is a critique of the usual expectations of parents about their children. Through this poem he
offers to guide parents on the essence of parenting with love much against the mundane expectations. In this poem, a
mother approaches the Prophet to know about his perspectives on children.  He captures the attention in his shocking
declaration, “Your children are not your children”. He beautifully brings up the concept of Life’s creations and its
aspirations. Contrary to the accepted notion of parents making claims, the prophet says that they are just biological means
and the children do not belong to them. Children live with their parents but they do not belong to them. Parents may give
their love to children and they should never force their ideas on children. Children have their own ideas and identity. The
Prophet says that parents have a biological bond with the children now. However, souls of the children lie in future which
cannot be reached by parents. So, the advice here to parents is they shall not pressurise children with their thoughts.
Parents are suggested rather to follow the ways of children than trying to change children to be like them. The Prophet
says that this is because Life keeps moving forward and never retracts. He further substantiates his philosophy by making
metaphorical references. Parents are compared to bows and children are compared to arrows. The archer, God himself
sets His eyes on the target which is infinite and sends His arrows swift and far by bending the bow with His might.
Parents should take delight in this act of bending that involves great strain. The Prophet strikes a perfect conclusion by
referring to the Law of creation where God loves both the bow and the arrow as they complement each other on Life’s
infinite journey. Kahlil Gibran stresses here the importance of children’s individual views and independent ideologies not
influenced by their parents.

Comprehension II

1. Why does the prophet categorically state ‘Your children are not your children’?

Ans: Kahlil Gibran is a Lebanese-American writer, poet and visual artist. He is best known for his great work “The
Prophet.” This poem “On Children” is a selection from “The Prophet,” which is a critique of the expectations of the
parents about their children. The prophet while preaching a woman, who sought to know how much one must be
possessive of one’s children, firmly makes the statement above.  According to him, they are the wonderful creations
of Life. Parents are just the means; children come through them. Though they are with their parents, yet they do not
belong to them. They have their own thoughts and identities. So, the prophet asks parents to give the children just
 their love.  He stresses on the point that parents only house their bodies whereas their souls live in the house of
tomorrow. Parents should rather try to become like the children than moulding them. Thus, the prophet says that
children do not belong to their parents.

2.       What does the metaphor, bows and arrows signify with regard to parent-children relationship?

Ans: Kahlil Gibran is a Lebanese-American writer, poet and visual artist. He is best known for his great work “The
Prophet.” This poem “On Children” is a selection from “The Prophet,” which is a critique of the expectations of the
parents about their children. Here in this poem, the metaphors ‘bows’ stand for parents while ‘arrows’ stand for children.
These two are part of God’s beautiful creation of life. He as an archer bends the bows to send the arrows into the infinite.
Both of them have an important role to play. Bows should be steady and take all the pain in order to issue forth the
arrows of Future. Parents should be happy in taking more pain for the children. God loves both the bows and arrows
equally.

3.       According to the prophet, what attitude should parents have towards their children?

Ans: Kahlil Gibran is a Lebanese-American writer, poet and visual artist. He is best known for his great work “The
Prophet.” This poem “On Children” is a selection from “The Prophet,” which is a critique of the expectations of the
parents about their children. According to the prophet, parents should not be possessive of their children, which is natural
though. The stress is laid on children’s individuality and independent ideas without any influence of the parents.
Apparently enough, parents try to realize their unfulfilled dreams through the children which should not be done
according to the prophet. He wants parents to be more loving towards them. He does not want parents to fill the children
with their ideas, for children have their own thoughts.  

Comprehension III

1.       In this poem, ‘parents’ could stand as a metaphor for

a.       the older generation.

b.      leaders.

c.       religious heads.

d.      teachers.

Having considered the above options, offer different readings of the poem.

Ans: This is from the poem, “On Children” written by Kahlil Gibran, a Lebanese-American writer, poet and visual artist.
He is best known for his great work “The Prophet.” This poem “On Children” is a selection from “The Prophet,” which
is a critique of the expectations of the parents about their children. With reference to the options above, we can give
different readings.

a.       Parents as the older generation

The older generation generally think that they are more experienced and expect the younger generation to follow their
ideas. They even think that their times were very ideal and are very apprehensive about the impressionable youngsters.
As model individuals they try to mould their following generation.

b.      Parents as leaders

Leaders want to lead people. They force their views on the youth. They feel that in order to achieve their goals, they
should control the youth. So, they do not allow the young minds to think independently. In a bid to prove their power and
influence, leaders often snub the tender minds.

c.       Parents as religious heads

Religious heads use faith and belief as strong weapons to control the innocent minds. They rather want the devotees to
accept the practices unquestionably. Here, thinking takes the back seat and believing occupies the mind overall. These
heads capitalize on this laid-out principle. They continue to conquer the young minds in a society dominated by beliefs.
d.      Parents as teachers

Teachers command more respect than any one in every society as they nourish young minds with love and help students
acquire knowledge. Though they facilitate to develop independent thinking, students are largely controlled. Instead, they
should be appreciated for their innovative and independent ideas. They need to be encouraged to make their own path.

2.       In the light of the poem, think of different levels of freedom children must have shaping their lives.

Ans: This is from the poem, “On Children” written by Kahlil Gibran, a Lebanese-American writer, poet and visual artist.
He is best known for his great work “The Prophet.” This poem “On Children” is a selection from “The Prophet,” which
is a critique of the expectations of the parents about their children. A child is creative by birth. It learns by exploring the
world around; it experiments with everything it meets in the process of its physical and mental growth. Children need
support and encouragement at all levels: from parents at home; from people outside and from teachers at school. They
ought to enjoy greater degree of freedom so that their creativity flourishes. Parents are always concerned about their
children’s future. They influence children with their ideas and forget to understand that children have their own ideas.
Some are too protective that they don’t give children needed freedom. Teachers need to give children more space to learn
on their own instead of strict adherence to the curriculum. Society plays a key role in shaping the lives of children. There
should not be too many restrictions for the young minds. Thus, children need more freedom to excel in their individual
lives.

3.       The poem does not focus merely on the lives of children, but also talks about the responsibility of parents. Discuss.

Ans: This is from the poem, “On Children” written by Kahlil Gibran, a Lebanese-American writer, poet and visual artist.
He is best known for his great work “The Prophet.” This poem “On Children” is a selection from “The Prophet,” which
is a critique of the expectations of the parents about their children. The poet surprises the parents through his words,
“Your children are not your children.” He then continues to explain what should be the attitude of parents towards their
children. He says that parents are only the means in the life of children. They don’t belong to the parents. They are rather
the most beautiful creation of Life itself. The responsibilities of parents lie in giving unconditional love to children and
not changing their thoughts. Since the souls of the children belong to the future, parents cannot control them. Like bows
in the hands of the Archer, they should take the pain happily to bend and send the children into the future. God loves
those responsible parents who take all the pain to remain stable. Thus, this poem is not just about children and their
independent ideas; it is also about a much better attitude of parents towards their children and a new perspective about
the responsibility of parents.

Everything I Need To Know I Learned In the Forest

- Vandana Shiva

Vandana Shiva is an internationally renowned activist for biodiversity and against corporate globalization. In the essay
“Everything I Need To...” she reveals to the readers all about her early lessons of environmentalism. She further tells us
how she learnt all the major ideals of a good life from the forests such as diversity, freedom and co-existence.

Vandana Shiva’s ecological journey started in the forests of the Himalaya. Her involvement in the contemporary ecology
movement began with “Chipko”.

Chipko Movement

It was a nonviolent response to the large scale deforestation in the Himalaya region. In the 1970s peasant women in the
Garhwal, Himalaya had come out in defence of the forests. Vandana Shiva noticed a steady loss of forests in this region.
She decided to become a volunteer for the movement.

Bio-diversity - Navadanya Farm / Navadanya Movement

Chipko Movement taught Vandana Shiva about biodiversity. She realized the importance of biodiversity based living
economies. She started Navadanya, the movement  for biodiversity conservation and organic farm in 1987.  Vandana
Shiva has worked with farmers to set up more than 100 community seed banks across India. They have saved more than
3000 varieties. This is a transition from monocultures to bio-diverse ecological systems.
To demonstrate her experimentation she started Navadanya Farm in 1994 in the Doon Valley in the lower elevation
Himalayan region of Uttarakhand Province. They are now able to conserve and grow 630 varieties of rice, 150 varieties
of wheat and hundreds of other species. Thus they practise and promote a biodiversity intensive form of farming that
produces more food and nutrition per acre.

Rights of Nature / Separatism - eco-apartheid

Vandana Shiva interestingly talks about how the UN General Assembly organized a conference on harmony with nature
as part of Earth Day celebrations inspired by the constitution of Ecuador and the Universal Declaration of the Rights of
Mother Earth initiated by Bolivia. This emphasises the significance attached to the mother earth much against human
domination over nature. She upholds the view that human beings are an inseparable part of nature. So, she feels that
today, we do not need an apartheid situation which once divided people based on colour. Our challenge now is to
overcome eco-apartheid based on separateness of humans from nature.

The Dead Earth / Industrial Revolution - Capitalism - Exploitation

 This separateness paved way to industrial revolution replacing vibrant earth and turning it into a dead matter. This has
further led to Capitalism and Consumerism which exploit natural resources indiscriminately. Thus Terra Madre (Mother
Earth) was replaced by Terra Nullius (the empty land / the dead earth).

The Earth University / Earth Democracy

The Earth University located at Navadanya biodiversity farm is an inspiration from Rabindranath Tagore which teaches
Earth Democracy; to recognize, protect and respect the rights of other species. It is a shift from anthropocentricism
(human centric) to ecocentrism (nature centric).

Forest and Freedom / Enoughness - principles of equity

The last section of this essay is adapted from “Forest and Freedom” written by Vandana Shiva published in the May /
June 2011 edition of “Resurgence”. This highlights Tagore’s view of forest as the source of beauty and joy of art and
aesthetics of harmony and perfection. The forest teaches us union, compassion and enoughness. It teaches us enjoyment
through renunciation and not through greed of possession. Thus Vandana Shiva concludes that it is this forest that can
show us the way beyond this conflict.
Comprehension II

1.       How did the women led by Bachni Devi put up resistance to felling of trees? Do you think it was effective?

Ans: This is from the essay “Everything I Need To Know I Learned In The Forest” by Vandana Shiva, an internationally
renowned activist for biodiversity and against corporate globalization. Bachni Devi, a woman from the village of Adwani
in the Himalaya led resistance against her own husband, who had obtained contract to cut trees. When officials arrived at
the forest, the women held lighted lanterns although it was broad daylight. They ironically told the officials that they had
gone there to teach them forestry. This, in fact, enraged the forester who further said that the forests produce profit and
resin and timber. The women sang back in chorus reminding the officials that the forests bear soil, water and pure air.
Yes, the resistance was effective, for it made them realize the seriousness of the situation. The officials also came to
know that there was awareness among the local women over indiscriminate logging.

2.       Why is it important to promote biodiversity intensive farming? How did the author achieve it?

Ans: This is from the essay “Everything I Need To Know I Learned In The Forest” by Vandana Shiva, an internationally
renowned activist for biodiversity and against corporate globalization. It is very important to promote biodiversity
intensive farming because there lies the answer to the food and nutrition crisis. As the population increases, there is a
tremendous need to produce large quantities of food. Besides, to increase the yield of the crop and to retain the quality of
the soil, biodiversity intensive farming is the present necessity. Vandana Shiva achieved this by starting ‘Navadanya’, a
biodiversity conservation and organic farming movement in 1987. She has worked with farmers to set up more than 100
community seed banks across India. They have saved more than 3,000 rice varieties. They also help farmers make a
transition from fossil-fuel and chemical-based monocultures to bio-diverse ecological systems nourished by the sun and
the soil.

3.       “Rights of Nature” means

a.       the right of people to use nature.

b.      the duty of human beings to conserve nature.

c.       preserving nature for self-protection

Ans: This is from the essay “Everything I Need To Know I Learned In The Forest” by Vandana Shiva, an internationally
renowned activist for biodiversity and against corporate globalization. “Rights of Nature” refers to the duty of human
beings to conserve nature in its broader sense. We must understand that we are an inseparable part of nature and that we
cannot damage it without damaging ourselves. The examples of Ecuador and Bolivia which have recognised rights of
nature made the U.N. General Assembly organize a conference in April 2011. It discussed ways to transform systems
based on domination of people over nature, men over women, and rich over poor into new systems based on partnership.
The U.N. General Secretary’s report stressed the importance of reconnecting with nature. So, separatism causes violence
against nature and people. We should respect the values of Indian civilization attached to the culture of the forest. We
have long co-existed with nature and its pristine presence. Our scientific advancements and technological growth should
go hand in hand with the conservation of nature.

4.       What does the idea of the Earth University convey? How is it different from other universities?

Ans: This is from the essay “Everything I Need To Know I Learned In The Forest” by Vandana Shiva, an internationally
renowned activist for biodiversity and against corporate globalization. The idea of Earth University considers freedom
for all species to evolve within the web of life.  It also means freedom and responsibility of humans, as members of the
Earth family, to recognize, protect and respect the rights of other species. Earth University teaches Earth Democracy,
which is a shift from anthropocentrism to ecocentrism. Unlike other universities, here participants learn to work with
living seeds, living soil, and the web of life. Participants include farmers, school children and people from across the
world.

Comprehension III

1.       “Tagore sees unity with nature as the highest stage of human evolution.” Do you think consumerism and
accumulation of wealth comes in the way of realizing Tagore’s vision of human evolution?

Ans: This is from the essay “Everything I Need To Know I Learned In The Forest” by Vandana Shiva, an internationally
renowned activist for biodiversity and against corporate globalization. When Tagore started Shantiniketan in West
Bengal, he drew inspiration from nature. Tagore saw the sacred bond between man and nature. He says that India’s best
ideas have come where man was in communion with nature. The forest teaches us enoughness; how to enjoy the gifts of
nature without exploitation and accumulation. Yes, consumerism and accumulation are deterrents to Tagore’s view of
human evolution. He attempted to create an Indian cultural renaissance through his words and actions. But the continuing
generations have declined to adopt his ideals. Under the influences of fast cultures and new media in particular, the
modern world is more prone to accumulation. There is good education and awareness about global issues these days.
Conservation of nature has become much more comprehensive, yet the presence of supermarkets, worldwide market
outlets and the latest online stores continue to lure the impressionable youth. Thus, Tagore’s vision is yet to be
accomplished.

2.       “The conservation of bio-diversity is the answer to the food and nutrition crisis.” Discuss.

OR

3.       “Conservation of diversity is crucial for the sustenance of both nature and human society.” Discuss.

Ans: This is from the essay “Everything I Need To Know I Learned In The Forest” by Vandana Shiva, an internationally
renowned activist for biodiversity and against corporate globalization. The conservation of bio-diversity is key to solving
the problems of food and nutrition. Monoculture is the cause of impoverishment of nature and culture. Most of India’s
traditional farming consisted of growing a single crop on the field. Though commercial approaches  benefited the farmers
instantly, they do not help a nation in the long run. Vandana Shiva realized the importance of bio-diversity very early and
started saving seeds from farmers’ fields. Navadanya Farm resulted in the Doon Valley, in the lower elevation
Himalayan region in 1994. They now conserve and grow 630 varieties of rice, 150 varieties of wheat, and hundreds of
other species. They practice and promote a bio-diversity intensive form of farming that produces more food and nutrition
per acre. They also help farmers make a transition from fossil-fuel and chemical-based monocultures to bio-diverse
ecological systems nourished by the sun and the soil.  That is how the conservation of bio-diversity is the need of the
hour.
4.       In the light of this essay how does one synthesise the wisdom of the past with the modern knowledge systems?

Ans: This is from the essay “Everything I Need To Know I Learned In The Forest” by Vandana Shiva, an internationally
renowned activist for biodiversity and against corporate globalization. The early Indian civilization was largely
influenced by the tree culture and nature. The peace of the forest has helped the intellectual evolution of man. The culture
of the forest has fuelled the culture of Indian society. The unifying principle of life in diversity, of democratic pluralism
became the principle of Indian civilization. This premise was bypassed during the days of Industrial revolution. Since
those days the world has been in an illusion to create luxury by exploiting nature. The modern knowledge systems should
enlighten the current generation against its tendency to be separate from nature. We need to overcome this crisis of
separateness of humans from nature.  We should reconnect with nature to move forward. The past wisdom always guides
us to live in harmony with nature. The forest teaches us union and compassion. The progress of human society depends
greatly on co-existing with nature. It is only by concurring with the wisdom of the past that we can evolve.  

too Dear!"

-                                                                                                                              - Leo Tolstoy

“Too Dear!” is a story written by count Leo Tolstoy, a famous Russian writer, master of realistic fiction and is widely
considered one of the world’s greatest novelists. The story “Too Dear!” is a parody of one of the modern systems of
governance. It ridicules the ways of punishing criminals and dispensing justice in modern states. The story is narrated in
a matter-of fact-tone but with an undercurrent of sarcasm. Leo Tolstoy satirizes the thirst for power, exercised by men of
upper class, and how it affects society. In addition, it also raises a serious question on capital punishment.

All is well in the kingdom of Monaco until a man commits a murder. The king had never had to deal with the murder
until the man was sentenced to death.  He runs into considerable trouble trying to carry out the sentence. Monaco had
neither guillotine nor an executioner, so they requested the government of France. France agreed to send the
requirements for the sum of 16000 francs. This would require imposing more tax on people. So the king requested for
help from the king of Italy who agreed to provide the requirements at the cost of 12000 francs. As the King found the
expenses unaffordable, the death sentence was altered to imprisonment for life.

Life imprisonment however presented its own set of problems. There needed to be a guard to watch the criminal and
provide him food. The costs came to be 600 francs, which would still require an increase of taxes. It was decided that the
guard should be dismissed, at the risk of losing the prisoner.

The prisoner however did not try to escape and continued to stay in the prison. It was then agreed to pay an annuity of
600 francs by the government and he left the King’s domains.

In the concluding paragraph the narrator comments that it is good that the prisoner did not commit his crime in a country
where they do not grudge expense to get a man’s head off or to keep him in prison for life. The author seems to question
the very conviction of the rulers and about the system of law and governance instituted by them.

The author seems to appreciate the courage and open-mindedness of Monaco and acknowledging their limitations and
letting the prisoner free on humanitarian grounds. It is worth noting that the writer puns on the title “Too Dear!” which
means either too expensive, or of great value. The author leaves it to the reader to decide whether “Too Dear!” refers to
executing the criminal or saving the criminal’s life.

Comprehension II

1.       Though gambling is a dirty business, why does the king of Monaco resort to it?

OR

‘You can’t earn stone palaces by honest labour’. In what context is this statement made?

Ans: This is from the story “Too Dear” written by Count Leo Tolstoy who is a master of realistic fiction and widely
considered one of the world’s greatest novelists. This story is a parody of one of the modern systems of governance. The
king of Monaco ruled a tiny kingdom with a small population of about seven thousand. In that kingdom he was a real
kinglet. He had a palace, courtiers, ministers, a bishop, generals and an army to take care of. However, he had very
limited sources of income: a tax on tobacco, wine, spirits and a poll-tax. These sources were insufficient. So, he found a
new source of special income; a gaming house where people played roulette. This was the only place in the whole of
Europe where people would come to play. Whether they would win or lose, the Prince gained by it. It is like, ‘You can’t
earn stone palaces by honest labour’. This statement is true with reference to the context the king of Monaco lived in. He
knew it very well that gambling is a dirty business. He also understood that by levying taxes on drink and tobacco for
revenue was not a good idea. But, he had to resort to it for the survival and sustenance of his kingdom.

2.       Why did the king of Monaco keep changing his mind in dealing with the criminal?

Ans: This is from the story “Too Dear” written by Count Leo Tolstoy who is a master of realistic fiction and widely
considered one of the world’s greatest novelists. This story is a parody of one of the modern systems of governance.
When the criminal was sentenced to death, there was only one hitch in the matter; they had neither a guillotine nor an
executioner. The ministers then sought the French Government for assistance. They said that they could arrange for the
same with a cost of 16000 francs. Finding the cost more expensive, the Council decided to write a letter to the King of
Italy. Though the cost quoted stood at 12000 francs, it still seemed too much. Even the suggestion of asking one of their
soldiers to execute the criminal did not yield results. Later, it was decided to alter the death sentence to one of
imprisonment for life. The Prince agreed to this. But exactly after a year when he looked over the account, he noticed a
new item of expenditure for the keep of the criminal. It came to more than 600 francs a year. So, they dismissed the
guard so that the criminal might run away. But this did not happen as he remained inside. When brought before the
Prince to explain why he did not run away, he complained that they had spoilt his character by their sentence. Finally, a
Council was called and it considered offering him a pension of 600 francs to get rid of him. Thus the matter was settled.
This is how the King of Monaco kept changing his mind dealing with the criminal.  

3.       Why was the criminal reluctant to go out of the prison?

Ans: This is from the story “Too Dear” written by Count Leo Tolstoy who is a master of realistic fiction and widely
considered one of the world’s greatest novelists. This story is a parody of one of the modern systems of governance. The
criminal was reluctant to go out of the prison because he had nowhere to go. He complained that by their death sentence,
they had ruined his character. He was afraid that people would turn their backs on him. Besides, he had lost touch with
the way of working. He said he had been treated badly which was not fair. After he was sentenced, he should have been
executed. Instead, they changed it to life imprisonment, put a guard on him and then took him away again. He had to
fetch his own food. Though he agreed to all these changes without complaining, he was not willing to go away from
prison as he thought he would be rejected by society as a normal citizen. He would not earn any respect. So, he declined
to go out of the prison.

4.       How did the criminal lead his life after his release?

Ans: This is from the story “Too Dear” written by Count Leo Tolstoy who is a master of realistic fiction and widely
considered one of the world’s greatest novelists. This story is a parody of one of the modern systems of governance.
After the criminal was released, he received one-third of his annuity in advance, and left the King’s territories. He
emigrated and settled just across the border where he bought a bit of land, started market-gardening and lived
comfortably. He always went at the proper time to draw his pension. After collecting, he would go to the gaming tables
and stake two or three francs. Sometimes he would win and at times, he would lose and return home. Thus, he lived
happily.

Comprehension III

1.       Though the trial and imprisonment of the criminal is depicted in a comic mode in this story, it does give rise to
serious questions. What are they?

Ans: This is from the story “Too Dear” written by Count Leo Tolstoy who is a master of realistic fiction and widely
considered one of the world’s greatest novelists. This story is a parody of one of the modern systems of governance.
Though the writer presents the trial and punishment of the criminal in a comic manner, he raises very serious questions.
The very method of trial is attacked: how can the jury ignore the practical aspect of judgement while awarding death
sentence to the criminal when it does not have the required machinery and man power? Both the crime and punishment
are interlinked here to mock at society and its legal and administrative system. For example, in the story crime takes
place because of gambling. Ironically, the tiny kingdom does not support crime, but allows gambling. This is very true
even with modern governments and with their law and administration. In this context, how can a criminal who is
sentenced to life imprisonment reform or face society again because of lapses in legal system? Finally, when the story
ends, the criminal after his release, leads a happy life and often visits the gaming house. Isn’t there a possibility of the
freed man turning criminal owing to gaming again?
2.       Were there other ways of dealing with crime and the criminal? Discuss in the light of the story?

Ans: This is from the story “Too Dear” written by Count Leo Tolstoy who is a master of realistic fiction and widely
considered one of the world’s greatest novelists. This story is a parody of one of the modern systems of governance. The
Prince of Monaco could have dealt with crime and the criminal in other ways also. First of all, when he found out that
gaming houses were forbidden in the entire Europe, he could very well have banned one in Monaco too. It was his risk
with the monopoly over the game. Then, when the crime took place in his domains, the criminal was sentenced to death.
Here, at this point, he could have used his wisdom and come up with a practical solution to deal with the punishment.
Life imprisonment would have been a much better option giving an opportunity for the criminal to reform in the process.
Instead of releasing him with an assured pension, the King could have employed him suitably.

A Sunny Morning

Introduction

“A Sunny Morning” is a one act play by Serafin and Joaquin Alvarez Quintero, brothers and celebrated Spanish
playwrights of the early twentieth Century.  The story is centred on two old lovers now in their 70s meeting at a park and
trying to recall their romantic past. The man is Don Gonzalo and the lady is Dona Laura.

Meeting of Don Gonzalo and Dona Laura / Background / Setting

The Autumn season in the background presents the baldness of life coinciding with the entry of two key characters in the
play Don Gonzalo and Dona Laura who have also lost their prime youth and attraction. They meet at the park but they
are not able to identify each other at the beginning. Don Gonzalo angers Dona Laura as he scares away the birds she was
feeding. Laura picks up a verbal combat attacking him with a barrage of words. He retorts though, gives up soon and
offers her a pinch of snuff and reconciles with her.

Flashback / The past

When Don Gonzalo reads from Campoamor’s ‘Twenty years pass. He returns’, both feel that they were the lovers in the
past. But they choose to pretend to hide their identities. Don Gonzalo tells Laura that he was Gonzalo’s cousin and she
says that she heard about Dona Laura’s story through her friend.

Their Love story - Dona Laura’s version

Laura Llorente lived at Maricela in Valencia. She was known as ‘The Silver Maiden’ in her locality. Gonzalo would pass
by on horseback every morning down the rose path under her window and would toss up to her balcony a bouquet of
flowers. Later in the afternoon he would return by the same path and catch the bouquet of flowers she would toss him.
Laura’s parents wanted to get her married to a merchant. A duel followed and the merchant was badly wounded by
Gonzalo. He fled away fearing the consequences. Laura waited for days and months and not hearing from him for long
she left her home one afternoon and went to the beach. While she was engrossed in his thoughts she was washed away by
the waves.

DonGonzalo’s version

Gonzalo loved her intensely too. After injuring the merchant seriously, fearing the consequences, he took refuge in
Seville and Madrid. He wrote many letters to her but they were intercepted by her parents. As there was no reply, in
despair, he joined the army and met his death in Africa.

Conclusion / Reality

Two years later Laura married someone and settled down in her life. Similarly, Gonzalo disappointed over his lost love,
three months later married a ballet dancer and settled down in Paris. Though they were separated, in their hearts their
yearning for the romantic love continued. When they meet in the park after nearly 50 years, both of them were able to
recall their intense romantic affair. Although they came to know about each other in reality, they did not want to reveal,
for they had lost their charming youth.
Comprehension II

1.        Precisely at what point of time, do you think, Laura and Gonzalo begin to recognise each other?

Ans: Serafin and Joaquin Alvarez Qunitero were the celebrated Spanish playwright brothers in the early twentieth
century. In this play, “A Sunny Morning” they bring in the theme of long lost love rediscovered on a sunny morning.
Though the passage of time has taken away the physical charm in the protagonists, yet, their yearning for love and
friendship remains strong. Dona Laura and Don Gonzalo are in their 70s when they chance to meet at a park. Like
anyone at their age, they show their anger, frustration and hatred. Amid initial verbal exchanges, a pinch of snuff changes
their tone and mood. When Dona Laura takes the book from Don Gonzalo and reads aloud, “Twenty Years Pass”, exactly
at this point both of them begin to recognize each other.

2.       What were the circumstances that led Gonzalo to flee Valencia? 

Ans: Serafin and Joaquin Alvarez Qunitero were the celebrated Spanish playwright brothers in the early twentieth
century. In this play, “A Sunny Morning” they bring in the theme of long lost love rediscovered on a sunny morning.
Don Gonzalo was in love with Dona Laura, the Silver Maiden. He used to pass by on horseback every morning down the
rose path under her window and tossed up to her balcony a bouquet of flowers which she caught. Later in the afternoon,
the gallant horseman would return by the same path, and catch the bouquet of flowers she would toss him. One night,
when he waited under her window, the local merchant whom Laura’s parents wanted her to marry showed up and
insulted Gonzalo. This led to a quarrel and later led to a duel. Don Gonzalo badly wounded the merchant. Fearing the
circumstances, he fled Valencia.

3.       Did Laura and Gonzalo pine for each other after they were separated by circumstances? Who is more passionate?
How do they react to each other now?

Ans: Serafin and Joaquin Alvarez Qunitero were the celebrated Spanish playwright brothers in the early twentieth
century. In this play, “A Sunny Morning” they bring in the theme of long lost love rediscovered on a sunny morning.
Laura and Gonzalo did pine for each other. Both of them express in their created stories how much they felt the loss.
Gonzalo tells her that he wrote letters to Laura from Madrid but she never answered them at all s they were intercepted
by her parents. Disappointed, he joined the army and met a glorious death in Africa. He later admits that in three months
after he left Aravaca, he fled to Paris with a ballet dancer. On the other hand, Laura says that she waited for months and a
year without any letter. One afternoon she went to the beach where her beloved had risked his life and sat on a rock with
her gaze fixed on the horizon. She was swept away by the waves. In their words of their tales, Laura seems to be more
passionate. Now, both of them came to know about their real identity. However, they do not want to disclose their real
self. They are rather happy to meet on more sunny mornings as good new friends.

4.       What makes Dona Laura conclude that Don Gonzalo is an ill-natured man?

Ans: Serafin and Joaquin Alvarez Qunitero were the celebrated Spanish playwright brothers in the early twentieth
century. In this play, “A Sunny Morning”, they bring in the theme of long lost love rediscovered on a sunny morning.
Don Gonzalo comes to a park in Madrid. He wanted to sit on the bench Laura was sitting. She got annoyed because he
dragged his feet while walking; scaring away the birds she was feeding. Besides, he replied to her indignantly upon being
asked for rude actions. This is when Dona Laura concluded that Don Gonzalo was an ill-natured man.

5.       Laura and Gonzalo create stories about themselves so that they can

a.       fool each other.

Ans: Serafin and Joaquin Alvarez Qunitero were the celebrated Spanish playwright brothers in the early twentieth
century. In this play, “A Sunny Morning” they bring in the theme of long lost love rediscovered on a sunny morning.
Laura and Gonzalo create stories about themselves so that they could fool each other. When they meet at a park, they are
unknown and unwelcome to each other. Both of them express their share of emotions which are characteristic of their
senile age. This story takes a twist when they share a pinch of snuff. They then mellow down to talk about interesting
things. The reading of a poem “Twenty Years Pass” ensures that they were the star-crossed lovers once in their prime
youth, but now destined to meet at a park. Though they have similar feelings, their grotesque and time worn physical
appearances keep them their identities under cover. Digging into their past, they just create stories to fool each other so
that they could continue on a new discovery of happiness.

Comprehension III
1.       Trace how the irony is built in the play. Did you guess the characters’ past even before they did so?

Ans: This is from the one act play “A Sunny Morning” written by Serafin and Joaquin Alvarez Qunitero the celebrated
Spanish playwright brothers in the early twentieth century. In this play, they bring in the theme of long lost love
rediscovered on a sunny morning. This play has elements of humour and irony in it. Don Gonzalo and Dona Laura are
the protagonists who accidentally meet at a park as two strangers throwing banters at each other and eventually making
amends.

Both of them at their old age show different disposition as the play opens. While she is feeding the birds, Gonzalo scares
away the birds inviting Laura’s wrath involving verbal exchanges. She attacks him picking on his mannerism while
Gonzalo tries to defend his actions. Ironically enough, a pinch of snuff irons out their differences. Then the book Gonzalo
was reading takes them on a time trail into the past. Their references to the location and sequence of events and their
association clearly hint that they were once lovers each other. It is ironical that they do not want to disclose their
identities, for they fear that their unpleasantly changed looks could be deterrents in their newly found joy. The play has a
beautiful plot with well-crafted characters and situations that one cannot guess the past of the characters before they
actually do. 

2.       Why do Dona Laura and Don Gonzalo spin fictitious stories about themselves?

Ans: This is from the one act play “A Sunny Morning” written by Serafin and Joaquin Alvarez Qunitero the celebrated
Spanish playwright brothers in the early twentieth century. In this play, they bring in the theme of long lost love
rediscovered on a sunny morning. This play has elements of humour and irony in it. Don Gonzalo and Dona Laura are
the protagonists who accidentally meet at a park as two strangers throwing banters at each other and eventually making
amends.

 Dona Laura and Don Gonzalo make up their differences on sharing a pinch of snuff. From this point onward they soften
in their tone and feeling towards each other. Talking about various things of their interest they stumble upon reading
books. This paves the way for the next twist in their story. Dona Laura reads a poem from a book given by Gonzalo
which surprises both of them that the two lovers of several decades that they were talking about were actually they,
themselves. However, they do not want to disclose their true identities since they have lost the sheen of their early youth.
They fear that it might be embarrassing to know about each other in real. So, they spin fictitious stories where Laura
identifies herself as the friend of the Silver Maiden while he identifies himself as the cousin of Don Gonzalo.

.       Bring out the feelings of Laura and Gonzalo as they leave the park. Is it different from what they felt about each
other in the beginning of the play?

Ans: This is from the one act play “A Sunny Morning” written by Serafin and Joaquin Alvarez Qunitero the celebrated
Spanish playwright brothers in the early twentieth century. In this play, they bring in the theme of long lost love
rediscovered on a sunny morning. This play has elements of humour and irony in it. Don Gonzalo and Dona Laura are
the protagonists who accidentally meet at a park as two strangers throwing banters at each other and eventually making
amends.

Dona Laura and Don Gonzalo are overwhelmed with newfound joy. They are so thrilled by the same feelings that
harboured their love several decades ago. Their urge to relive these moments is manifest, though they do not want to
disclose their true identities. As they leave the park, they are keen to wait for the next sunny morning. Thus, a new spirit
is infused into them in their twilight years.

Their feelings now are more amiable. When they know that they are the ones who treasured each other’s company in the
past makes them yearn for their togetherness yet again. It is interesting to know that they try to fool each other creating a
new story for each other over their deranged love story.

4.       What do you think would have happened I they had revealed their identity? Do you think they know who they are
towards the end of the play?

Ans: This is from the one act play “A Sunny Morning” written by Serafin and Joaquin Alvarez Qunitero the celebrated
Spanish playwright brothers in the early twentieth century. Don Gonzalo and Dona Laura are the protagonists who
accidentally meet at a park as two strangers throwing banters at each other and eventually making amends.

It is universal to a large extent that if secrets are kept, they keep the interest, spirit and excitement. Here again, on the
same principle, the playwrights have anchored the protagonists from drifting towards each other with their true identities.
The only deterrent, perhaps, is their age and looks. Both the characters fear revealing their true identities since they have
lost their charming aspect of youth that had been their constant source of their love.

Had they revealed at all, it would only be regret for them which would either make them get closer or it could still spell a
doom on them. Interestingly towards the end, they are sure who they are.

5.       How is the title  ‘A Sunny Morning’ justifiable? Discuss.

Ans: ‘A Sunny Morning’ is a beautiful one act romantic comedy. Serafin and Alvarez have spun the characters and
situations so remarkably that they remain etched in our memories. This play which shuttles between past and present
comes with youthful romance of the lead characters’ past and romantic aspects of love in the guise of new friendship for
the veteran souls.

Here in this play, comedy takes precedence over romance which can be witnessed in the opening scene of the play. The
comic sense of Laura is admirable when she quips at Gonzalo’s walking. “A carriage would not raise more dust than his
feet.” Her words create such ringing laughter that they are delectable. When she asks him, “Do you use your
handkerchief as a shoe brush?” adds to the perfect timing of comedy. The snuff bridges their rift; reading brings them yet
closer; the poem takes them to their past love story. By now, they have a strong desire to get along well. They admire
each other’s interests. The title is befitting considering ‘A Sunny Morning’ contrasting their late evening years. They just
want to relive the past romantic moments when Gonzalo stoops with great difficulty to pick up the violets Laura dropped
while leaving the park. 

To the Foot from its Child

                                                                                                                                                - Pablo Neruda

Pablo Neruda is a Chilean poet, diplomat and politician. He has written in a variety of styles. He won the Nobel Prize for
Literature in 1971. This poem is richly filled with meaning and striking imageries.  It is a criticism on how an individual
is reduced to be an object of suppression under varying circumstances. Neruda rightly makes his observation in the
beginning of the poem that the child is not aware of the reality but dreams to be a butterfly or an apple. Then the passage
of time exposes the foot to such hardships of life that it loses the battle and remains condemned to live in the shoe. Here
the poet shows how an individual is conditioned by society. The foot then starts to understand its limits and live
accordingly like a blind man out of touch with its fellow. As the foot grows, its soft aspects start to change and grow
hard. Neruda effectively uses the imagery of eyeless reptiles to describe the state of the foot. Though life comes hard as
volcanoes of death, it is to be accepted. The later half of the poem describes the presence of the foot in every order of life
- “the one foot, the other, now the man’s , now the woman’s.  The foot has had such a life without any respite. It is a lone
and arduous course for the foot “until the whole man chooses to stop”.  It continues to dream beyond its confines even
when it is buriried. In other words, society overpowers an individual from immense possibilities of life.

Comprehension II

1.       We think of a foot as belonging to a person; but Neruda says ‘To the Foot from its Child’. Explain.

Ans: Pablo Neruda views child as a part of society or system. Now the foot is part of the child and dreams of becoming
either a butterfly or an apple. This poem ‘To the Foot from its Child’ is a symbolic poem of contrasting thoughts.  
Neruda uses child as a symbol of innocence and full of imagination. As life begins, a child has only present and future. It
does not know how life comes very hard with stones, bits of glass and difficult paths. In course of its journey the child is
exposed to all the hardships.  All these make the foot realise that it cannot translate its dreams into reality.

2.       Pick out the expressions that suggest the child’s imagination is fertile.

OR

What contrasting descriptions of the foot does the poem offer? Why?

Ans: Pablo Neruda is a Chilean poet diplomat and politician. He expresses his revolutionary ideas through his abstract
poetry. His poems are deep in thought and rich in imagery. In this poem “To the Foot from its Child”, he presents the
dreams of an individual against the hard realities of life as part of a system or society. As the poem begins with the lines
“The Child’s foot is not yet aware it’s a foot, and would like to be a butterfly or an apple”, it describes the innocence of
the child with unparalleled imagination. The child is filled with colourful dreams of becoming either a butterfly or an
apple. In contrast with this, stones, bits of glass and the paths in the rough earth go on teaching the foot that it can neither
become a butterfly nor a fruit. Neruda through this presents the realities of life.

3.       The poem begins with the idea that child’s foot is not yet aware that it is a foot; at the end the foot is unaware that
it had ceased to be a foot. What is the poet trying to convey through these statements?

OR

How can the foot fly or become an apple after it is buried?

Ans: Ans: Pablo Neruda is a Chilean poet diplomat and politician. He expresses his revolutionary ideas through his
abstract poetry. His poems are deep in thought and rich in imagery. In this poem “To the Foot from its Child”, he
presents the dreams of an individual against the hard realities of life as part of a system or society. This is a remarkable
poem about an individual’s struggle to become one that he dreams to be in a controlled society. There are aspirations on
one hand and the realities on the other which render him defeated. Though it looks like he cannot become one that he
wished to be, yet the foot is optimistic. When the foot begins its journey of life, it’s not aware that it is a foot and when it
meets its end, it does not know that it has just ceased to be a foot. But the hope remains. Neruda concludes on an
optimistic note that even when the foot is buried, it hopes to become a butterfly or an apple.

 Comprehension III

1.       Examine how Neruda’s poem works out the contrast between colourful dreams and humdrum reality of life.

OR

Is Neruda criticising how society crushes childhood dreams and forces people into rigid moulds?

Ans: Pablo Neruda is a Chilean poet diplomat and politician. He expresses his revolutionary ideas through his abstract
poetry. His poems are deep in thought and rich in imagery. In this poem “To The Foot From Its Child”, he presents the
dreams of an individual against the hard realities of life as part of a system or society. As the poem begins with the lines
“The Child’s foot is not yet aware it’s a foot, and would like to be a butterfly or an apple”, it describes the innocence of
the child with unparalleled imagination. The child is filled with colourful dreams of becoming either a butterfly or an
apple. In contrast with this, stones, bits of glass and the paths in the rough earth go on teaching the foot that it cannot
become a butterfly not can it be a fruit. The foot is defeated and imprisoned in a shoe. It is not even in touch with the
fellow foot. It is imprisoned by the forces of society and loses its form. The foot becomes an eyeless reptile. It becomes
callused. However, its struggle continues; without respite till it chooses to stop. 

hen You Are Old

- W.B. Yeats

William Butler Yeats is an Irish poet and one of the greatest poets in the English Language in the 20th century. He was
awarded Nobel Prize for literature in 1923. He is one among the great love poets of the world.

This is a love poem addressed to the poet’s beloved Maud Gonne who was the most beautiful young lady of his time. She
is believed to be the inspiration behind this poem.  The tone of the poem is one of melancholy. W.B. Yeats imagines her
future years and his true love in future. He repents over her divergent attitude who fails to understand his spiritual love. 
The poet begins the first stanza addressing her imagining her to be in her old age. The lady will be very old approaching
her peaceful years. She then opens the book of poems penned by the poet. As she starts to read slowly, she is taken back
in time to recollect her past when she had innocent looks in her eyes and sadness hidden in the looks of her eyes.  The
poet  also says that his beloved would also regret how many  loved her physical grace but only the poet worshipped her
Pilgrim soul even as her face changed. At last, the lady will grieve over the loss of her True Love fleeing from her and
joining a crowd of stars very distant from her. Thus the poet expresses his true intentions while his beloved fails to
understand.

Comprehension II
1.       How is the ‘one man’ different from the many others who loved the lady?

Ans: William Butler Yeats is an Irish poet and one of the foremost figures 20th century literature. The speaker of the
poem addresses the most beautiful lady of his time who does not reciprocate his love. The poet visualizes her old age and
thinks that, by then, the lady will be left with none but only with his book of poems that express his true love for her. He
now feels that the young lady whom he loves so intensely is surrounded by many young love aspirants who are merely
drawn to her physical beauty. He doubts if their intentions of love is true or false. In contrast, he says that he is the one
man different from them as he has loved the pilgrim soul in her.

2.       Does the poem bring out the transient nature of beauty as against permanence of love?

Ans: William Butler Yeats is an Irish poet and one of the leading writers of 20th century. His poem, “When You Are
Old” mainly speaks about two important combinations: beauty and love and time and regret. Shakespeare in one of his
poems said, “Love is not Time’s fool”. That means time cannot control love. True love does not change. However,
beauty is subject to change and lose its grace as time passes. Similarly, W.B. Yeats in this poem says that the young lady
is surrounded by many who are attracted to her physical beauty. Once it wears off, what remains will be nothing.  He
states that she does not understand his true love. He loves her spiritual soul rather than her physical self. The poet thus
says that the lady who now enjoys attention hardly understands that in future she will be left only with regret.  The poem
emphasises the fact that beauty is transient against permanence of love.

Comprehension III

1.       Comment on the usage of time frame by the poet.

OR

“When You Are Old” is a poem of contrasts.  What purposes do they serve?

Ans:  “When You Are Old” is a short love poem written by one of the best known Irish poets W.B. Yeats. Here the poet
addresses the most beautiful young lady of his time whom he loved. The poem has a time frame of present and future.
Besides, it presents striking contrasts. In the poem the poet feels that his pure love for her is not reciprocated by her, so
he asserts his spiritual love. The poem sets up a time frame of present and future in comparison with youth and old age.
The lady seems to bask in her stardom as understandably, there are many who just adore her glamour and beauty. The
poet has found the pilgrim soul in her which appeals to his heart. The opening stanza presents the picture of the future
years when the lady will be left with none but only the lines of the poet. He says that the lady will only regret the loss of
her spiritual love and youth.

The poem shifts to the present in the second stanza where the poet brings us the picture of the lady surrounded by love
aspirant youth. He regrets that she does not perceive his real spiritual love. The poem concludes with a shift to the future
years where she will have lost her beauty and love.  The poet sadly concludes that his soul will have traversed beyond her
reach over the mountains.

The poet has used wide contrasts in terms of present and future and beauty and time.  He takes a conservative stand in his
spiritual love in contrast with the many who loved her glad grace. He does not overtly convey his concerns to her while
she is engrossed with her role in serious political and social issues.

******

“The Gardener” P. Lankesh

P Lankesh is an Indian writer who has written in Kannada language. His story “The Gardener” is a narrative of human
competition that turns into rivalry, thanks to greed. The writer has adopted two different modes of narration: the writer
sets the tone while the character, Tammanna narrates the whole story.

An old man takes up work on a coconut farm near Chennarayapatna after walking several hundreds of miles. He was a
labourer, overseer and philosopher, all rolled into one. This well-versed farmhand was very useful whose work made the
income from the garden improve dramatically. While he worked hard, the owner changed his lifestyle. He became
crowded with colourful events in the company of new friends. When the landlady was in a fix, the gardener narrated a
convincing story to make her understand the reality.
Tammanna, a rich man owned 1000 acres of land whereas his rival Basavaiah had 800 acres of land. He wanted to buy
another 200 acres from Tammanna. As he was not willing to sell, Basavaiah encroached upon the lands of Tammanna.
Though advised to approach the court of Law or the Police, Tammanna found an innovative way to compose all of his
achievements in the form of ballads which became very famous. Basavaiah in turn amassed huge wealth and tried to
increase his popularity by appointing people to praise his glories but in vain. Tammanna wanted to punish Basavaiah
through another method, that was his death. So, he gave up everything and left the village causing the absence of a rival
in Basavaiah’s life. Basavaiah died soon finding life boring without a rival.

Comprehension II

1.       How did the owner’s life change after the arrival of the man?

Ans: This is from the story “The Gardener” written by noted writer and journalist P. Lankesh. The story narrates how
rivalry can divide people and relationships leading to revenge. The owner’s life changed dramatically after the entry of
the man on his farm. The petty thefts in the garden came to an end, income from the garden improved and the plantation
expanded. However, the owner became lethargic and shied away from hard work. His wealth and social prestige had
risen higher. He went on to acquire new friends in the next town and in his own village as well. He became crowded with
colourful events. He was also involved in adultery through his newly acquired clout.

2.   What advice did the supporters of Tammanna give for getting his land back?

OR

How did Tammanna react to Basavaiah’s encroachment of his land?

Ans: “The Gardener” is a story written by P. Lankesh, an Indian writer and journalist who wrote in the Kannada
language. This story brings out rivalry between Tammanna and Basavaiah resulting in revenge and loss of relationships.
As two of the rival characters continued to acquire land until there was nothing left for each of them, Basavaiah forcibly
acquired two hundred acres of Tammanna’s land. This infuriated Tammanna and his supporters advised him on various
options available for getting back his land. There was the court of law. One could also take recourse to the police.
Besides, there were many who were ready to attack Basavaiah. But Tammanna was in search of a method that could
annihilate Basavaiah completely. He hit upon the idea of composing all his experiences in the form of ballads and singing
them.

3.   How did Basavaiah try to overcome his humiliation?

Ans: This is from a very simple but very unique story “The Gardener” by well-known Indian writer and journalist who
wrote in the Kannada language. The story is centred on rivalry between two main characters who crave for supremacy
and harbour revenge to appease their desire. Basavaiah by acquiring two hundred acres of Tammmanna’s land forcibly
paved way for Tammmanna to search for a unique method to completely destroy Basavaiah. He started to compose all
his experiences in the form of ballads and sing them. Basavaiah had no answer, though he tried to sing yet he failed.
Tammanna’s reputation spread all around. He was felicitated as the best poet of his times. Basavaiah shrunk in
humiliation. He tried to fill his life with all kinds of material wealth. He built a palatial mansion for himself, appointed a
number of persons just to praise him, and wore gold, diamonds and other precious stones. But his house looked dull
without Tammanna’s books. Therefore he started inviting scholars, poets and musicians to his place. Thus, he tried to
overcome his humiliation.

Comprehension III

1.  The rivalry between Tammanna and Basavaiah keeps moving from the visible domain to the invisible. Comment.

OR

       How does Tammanna adopt counter strategy to challenge the material wealth of Basavanna?

Ans: The story “The Gardener” written by P. Lankesh, a well-known Kannada writer and journalist is about competition,
rivalry and revenge. It tries to broaden the perspective of a simple theme with a simple background. Through the
characters of Tammanna and Basavaiah, the author presents more complexities involved in dealing with human
emotions. Tammanna goes on acquiring land in competition with Basavaiah while the latter also puts up an equal show
until there is no land left. If one had ten friends, the other made fifteen friends. All that began as a mere competition
reaches another level when Basavaiah acquires two hundred acres of Tammanna’s land forcibly.

There were many options before Tammanna: the court of law, the police and even a physical assault on Basavaiah. But
he was in search of a method that could end Basavaiah completely. He moved away from material to abstract domain. He
started to compose all his experiences in the form of ballads and sing them. Tammanna became very popular. He was
felicitated as the best poet of his times. Basavaiah had no answer to this. He tried to sing, but could not. Though he
shrunk in humiliation, it did not stop him from owning a palatial mansion. He got everything he wanted but his house
looked dull and empty without Tammanna’s books.

2.       A manipulator like Tammanna turns reflective towards the end of his life. What does this tell us about human
nature?

OR

How does the reference to Russia and America provide another dimension to the story?

Ans: P. Lankesh, noted Indian writer and journalist portrays complex human emotions through his story “The Gardener”.
Human relations take place just accidentally and crumble owing to material challenges. Life is a beautiful web of
unexpected encounters. Tammanna becomes reflective when he finds that in life there is no end at a physical level for
rivalry. He amassed huge wealth and property only to fuel rivalry further with Basavaiah. There were more supporters
and social prestige soared to dizzying heights. He had to look out for new methods to take revenge against the charging
opponent. His    innovation with singing ballads took his fight into a new domain and finally to a point where death
offered the summit of human rivalry.

The reference to Russia and America moves on the same plain that Tammanna and Basavaiah stand. When Russia
declared that it would not fight America any more, it was unbearable to the latter. The sworn enemy of America
withdrawing from war is too hard to accept. Without war America felt bored. Even now America needs someone to war
with. Hence, we experience these tendencies quite often on the global scene. Thus, Tammanna gave up everything and
started off. Soon after, Basavanna died without any reason to live. Tammanna became a non-entity and avenged himself. 

Heaven, If You Are Not Here On Earth

- Kuvempu

“Heaven, If You Are Not Here On Earth” is written by K.V. Puttappa popularly known  by his penname Kuvempu. He is
considered to be the greatest poet of the 20th Century Kannada Literature. He is immortalized particularly for his
contribution to Universal Humanism - Vishwa Maanavataa   Vaada.

The poet here attempts to demystify human notion of heaven.  It is that blissful state that makes the poet realise the
heavenly experience in the company of Nature on earth. He shares his emotions with readers. He finds divine creation all
pervasive that he can’t stop glorifying the beauties on earth. So, Kuvempu wonders in this state, if Heaven is not on
earth, where else can it be! As he finds it, the experience of God is within us - just an extension of good qualities. If we
fail to imbibe these virtues, there can be no Gods. The most beautiful heavenly maids are amidst us and within. If we can
see such nymphs right around us, then they are nowhere else. Nature’s creations have such an eternal influence on the
poet’s mind that the roaring stream, rolling waves and the verdant gardens look gilt under the tender sun. The poet
captures the splendour of harvest under the moon light that spills all over the earth turning it into a heaven! Kuvempu
who is the high priest of Nature is filled with this joyful experience of heaven. The poet rightly says that only one who is
soaked in this experience can create heaven on earth. This poem is beautiful and delightful.

Questions and Answers

Comprehension I

1.       According to the poet, ‘heaven’ is

Ans: On earth

2.       The poet finds god in

Ans: Nature

3.       What does the line ‘Heaven lies all over’ suggest?

Ans: On earth in nature everywhere.

4.       Who creates ‘heaven on earth’?

Ans: The poet

Comprehension II

Common Introduction

Kuvempu is the pen name of the greatest poet of the 20th century Kannada literature, K.V. Puttappa. He rose to eminence
with his pen name creating great literature. Kannada language, literature and heritage assumed prominence through his
works. His work ‘Sri Ramayana Darshanam’ is regarded as revival of the era of Mahakavya (Epic poetry) in a
contemporary form and charm. He has been honoured with a number of prestigious awards for his literary acclaim and
academic excellence. The poem ‘Heaven If You Are Not Here On Earth’ demystifies the myth of heaven. It also
celebrates the gift of the poetic genius.

1.       Describe the beauty in nature that makes the earth a heavenly place.

Ans: Nature had enormous influence on Kuvempu throughout his life which is reflected in his works. As a child he was
charmed by its magnificence and as a poet he worshipped Nature’s beauty. He tries to unravel its mystical character in
his works. Heaven which is often thought to be imaginary and distant beyond our reach is served to us in real by the poet
in his poem, ‘Heaven If You Are Not Here On Earth’. The presence of nature in varied images on earth makes it a real
heaven. When the stream with its sparkling water rushes fast, as the waves after waves rolling back on the shore create
beauty, the tender sunshine leaning on the lush green forests add splendor to the beauty while the gentle sun makes the
earth a heaven. Kuvempu’s portrayal of sun-soaked nature at sunrise is always mesmerizing. The heaven is where the
moonlight envelops the world in its majesty. This experience can never be anywhere but on the earth which is best
experienced and expressed by the poet alone. Imbibing this opulence of heaven on earth the poet shares his song of
sweetness. Anyone who feels this has the poet’s sensibility and discovers heavenly joy.    

2.       Why does the poet feel that earth is more beautiful than heaven?

Ans: Kuvempu is the most eminent poet in Kannada literature who has glorified the beauty of nature in his poetic works.
He is known as nature poet; he celebrates nature’s beauty in all of his works. Here in the poem, ‘Heaven If You Are Not
Here On Earth’ the poet creates heaven on earth through his beautiful portrayal of natural imagery. Besides, Kuvempu
puts forward his rational perspective on heaven as something which is in our perception. The poet makes the earth look
resplendent teeming with roaring streams and rolling surf of water. The tender sunshine and the gentle sun would make
earth look a perfect heaven. It is best found in the splendor of harvest and of moonlight. Overwhelmed with this sweet
experience the poet creates heaven on earth that looks more beautiful.    

Comprehension III

1.       How does the poet break the myth of heaven in this poem?

Ans: The poet Kuvempu was deeply awed by nature’s divine beauty as a child. As he grew up, he went on to discover
different aspects of nature. No other poet celebrated Mother Nature as gloriously as Kuvempu did. For him, the very
sunrise brings joy to the world. He has contributed to Universal Humanism through his works. In his poem, ‘Heaven If
You Are Not Here On Earth’ demystifies the myth of heaven. It is commonly thought that one can go to heaven only
after one’s death. Kuvempu differs to say that if we cannot find heaven on earth we cannot see it anywhere else! It does
not exist beyond clouds and the sky. If we cannot become gods ourselves with our actions, gods cannot be found
ourselves. If we are not nymphs ourselves there could be no nymphs in heaven.

Nature for the poet in its varied images makes the earth look like a real heaven. The roaring streams, rolling surf and
tender sunshine are part of this heavenly experience. It is experienced best in the splendor of harvest and moonlight.
Kuvempu who is overwhelmed with this sweetness shares it with the readers thus creating heaven on earth.

2.       How does the poem celebrate the power of the poet?

Ans: Kuvempu hails from the land of verdant gardens in Malnad of Karnataka. The rich diversity intrigued the tender
heart of the poet from his childhood. His poetic talent and power of imagination conceived the greatest ideals in literary
expressions. The poem ‘Heaven If You Are Not Here On Earth’ captures the power of his words that glorify nature.
While singing the beauty of divine nature, he creates magic. This poem is short but rich in imagery. It gives a view of
Kuvempu’s rationalization of heavenly beauty in nature. When the poet watches roaring stream and rolling surf, his spirit
becomes one with them. The sunshine on the lush gardens gives him the heavenly experience. Kuvempu is overjoyed by
the splendour of harvest and of moonlight. Here the poet draws the sweetest moments from nature and creates heaven for
the readers. All of his works are proof of his immense talent as the most gifted poet with power of words that create not
just magic but heaven!

Interview with Jorge Luis Borges 

 “I Believe That The Books Will Never Disappear” is a part of excerpts from “Twenty Four Conversations with Borges”,
interviews of Jorge Luis Borges by Roberto Alifano.

Jorge Luis Borges is an Argentine short story writer, essayist, poet and translator. Here he talks about his early years of
reading, his family, his blindness, books, poetry, metaphors and literature. 

First Reading / on his mother

Borges proudly says that he was educated at his father’s library where he first read Grimm’s Fairy Tales. His mother,
according to him, was an extraordinary person but he regrets having not been understanding of her. Besides, his mother
was an intelligent and a gracious woman.  

On blindness

Blindness to Borges is a way of life. He calls it a resource and that all things have been given to us for a purpose.
Humiliations, our misfortunes, our embarrassments are given to us as raw materials so that we may shape our art. 

On reading - books

Borges says that he still buys books. In every book he finds a need for something more. A book can be full of errors, but
the book always retains something sacred, something mortal, something magical which brings happiness. 

On Poetry

He believes that poetry is something so intimate, so essential that it cannot be defined without oversimplifying it. Poetry
is the aesthetic act. It is the poetic act that takes place when the poet writes it and the reader reads it. Poetry is a magical,
mysterious and inexplicable event.

On metaphors

Metaphors exist from the beginning of time. He seems to reduce all metaphors to five or six which are essential
metaphors. They are: time and a river; life and dreams; death and sleep; stars and eyes; flowers and women.

On disappearance of books
Borges believes that modern developments in communications can not replace books and that the books will never
disappear. He says that book is the most astounding of many human inventions. All the others are extensions of our
body.  Only the book is an extension of our imagination and memory. 

On literature

He says that Literature is a dream, a controlled dream. Our past is a sequence of dreams. Books are the great memory of
all centuries. He concludes that if books disappear, surely history would disappear, and surely man would disappear. 
Common Introduction

Jorge Luis Borges was an Argentine story-writer, essayist, poet and translator from Buenos Aires. A highly talented poet
became blind completely at the age of 55. However, his spirit in life and literature never diminished. He took his
challenge as an opportunity to excel and proved that one’s determination in life enables one to realise one’s dreams. In
this interview, Roberto Alifano unravels Borges’ personality, his passion for life and literature.

Comprehension II

1.       Why does Borges feel remorseful after his mother’s death regarding his relationship with her? Can this experience
be generalised?

Ans: Borges feels guilty for not having given his mother a deserved happiness. He is remorseful about that. He regrets
that he should have been more understanding of her. He generalises this experience when says that it is true of all
children that when the mother dies, the children then realise the importance of their mother. They begin to feel that they
had taken her for granted and abused her. Mother in every individual’s life is integral with her unconditional love to her
children. A mother is kind, forgiving and divine even when her children do not treat her well. She takes all the pain to
ensure that her children get a better future. She sacrifices her life for the sake of her younger ones. Borges’ mother stood
by him throughout his writing career.  

2.       How does Borges elaborate on Goethe’s words, ‘all that’s near becomes far’?

Ans: Borges loses his eyesight and it is dark world to him. But, his acceptance of the reality gives the bliss of his life. He
quotes Goethe, ‘all that’s near becomes far’ meaning all of us are sure to experience the physical loss at one stage with
which we are so attached. This does not merely refer to the sunset but to life which leaves us. The best gifts of nature will
move away from us one day and for any ordinary human being such a loss is next to nothingness in life. But, for an
extraordinary poet like Borges, the other avenues open themselves with his untrammeled spirit to accept the realities of
life. He says that it is one’s duty to embrace life with things as they are and enjoy. The will to live like a normal person
keeps one moving. He never thought that he was blind and continued to read, write and buy books.

3.       What according to Borges should one think of humiliation and misfortune?

Ans: Luis Borges was an extraordinary individual and a gifted poet who never thought that his blindness would be an
obstacle in his life. He says that we must think that whatever happens to us is a resource. All things have been given to us
for a purpose. Humiliation, our misfortunes and our embarrassments are all given to us raw materials as clay so that we
may shape our art. He further says that humiliation, misfortune, discord were given to us so that we may transmute them
so that we may make from the miserable circumstance of our life eternal works. Borges is happy that his misfortune has
been replaced by other things. He says that if one accepts the realities, one will start enjoying life. He continued to
pretend that he was not blind. He bought books and continued to enjoy their company.

4.       Discuss Borges views on poetry and poem.

Ans: Borges says that poetry is something so intimate, so essential that it cannot be defined without oversimplifying it. It
would be like attempting to define the colour yellow, love and the fall of leaves in the autumn. He views poetry as the
aesthetic act. On the other hand, he says that the poem is nothing more than a series of symbols. He believes that poetry
is the poetic act that takes place when the poet writes it, when the reader reads it and it always happens in a slightly
different manner. He further says that poetry is a magical, mysterious and unexplainable but comprehensible event. If one
doesn’t feel the poetic act upon reading it, the poet has failed. 

5.       Why is it important to use language precisely? What example does Borges use to determine this aspect of poetic
language?
Ans: It is very important to use language precisely, especially in poetry. Borges says that it is the precise words that elicit
the needed emotion. He quotes Emily Dickinson words to demonstrate this aspect of poetic language. She writes in one
of her poems, “This quiet dust was gentlemen and ladies”. The idea of dust referring to death is a cliché, but her use of
words ‘gentlemen and ladies’ create magic and poetic effect. If she had written “men and women” instead, it would have
failed as poetry. She used precise words to create perfect emotion. He further says that in order to evoke the best
emotions, metaphors should be reduced to five or six which are essential. The best books of the world contain these
essential metaphors. Thus Borges stresses on precise language.

6.       In spite of modern modes of communication, Borges believes that books will not disappear.”  Illustrate.

Ans: Borges experienced the urge of 20th century to advance in science and technology changing the face of modern
century. At the same time, there was an ostensible change taking place in modes of communication. When asked if the
books would disappear replaced by other means of modern communication, he says, “I believe that books will never
disappear. It is impossible that that will happen.” He is of the view that among the many inventions of man, the book is
the most astounding invention. All the others are just extensions of our body whereas the book is an extension of our
imagination and memory. Books are the great memory of all centuries. Their function is irreplaceable. If books
disappear, surely history would disappear, and surely man would disappear. This is true to the most as we continue to
read books even amid other attractions of social media and digital revolution in information and entertainment.

Comprehension III

1.       Poetry is magical, mysterious and unexplainable’. How does Borges explain the strange aspect of poetry?

Ans: Borges views poetry as something intimate and very essential. According to him, it is the aesthetic act. Poetry is the
poetic act that takes place when the poet writes it and the reader reads it. It always happens in a slightly different manner.
When the poetic act takes place, we become aware of it. He says that poetry is magical, mysterious and unexplainable. If
one doesn’t feel the poetic event upon reading it, the poet has failed. 

Luis Borges quotes Emily Dickinson, the finest American poet who brought these emotions precisely in her poetry. In
one of her poems, she writes about death. The line, “This quiet dust was gentlemen and ladies,” creates such a poetic
magic that the reader is arrested by the effect. There are great poets who continue to recreate this magic with their
selection of precise words.

One of the most distinguished poets of Kannada, Kuvempu creates heaven on earth. His words are magical. When a bevy
of birds flies overhead in the vast expanse of the sky, the poet describes it as the god’s signature: ‘‘Devaru ruju
madihanu”.  This is how the best poetry comes with magic and imagination with precise language.   

2.       How does Borges value literature? Why is it important for the future of mankind?

Ans: Literature, as Borges views is a dream, a controlled dream. He owes literature almost everything we are and what
we have been and what we will be. Our past is nothing but a sequence of dreams. He says that books are the great
memory of all centuries. Their function is irreplaceable. If books disappear, history would disappear and man would
disappear. Literature is the treasure house of mankind’s glorious past. When we read an ancient book, it is as if we were
reading all about the time that has passed since the day it was written to the present day. Literature is something sacred,
something mortal and something magical which brings happiness. Literature reflects the past life and leads mankind to
live better.

Literature is important, for it is an extension of our imagination and memory. Every human society preserves its rich
history of literature as it guides generations to create a much better civilization.

Japan And Brazil Through A Traveler's Eye  

                                                                             - George Mikes

George Mikes is a Hungarian artist, author, publisher, illustrator and journalist.  These excerpts are from ‘The Rising of
The Yen’ and ‘How To Tango’. Here he writes about his travelling experiences from two different places of the world,
Japan and Brazil.

Travel writing is about writing one’s experiences of travelling and visiting alien places. Travel writing has become very
popular as more number of people have begun to explore new places on the globe.  Though much of the earth has been
explored, and almost everything has been written about, the popularity of travel writing is still growing.  There are
exclusive channels on travel and the influence of new media has further increased its popularity. The travel narratives are
telling comments on how a culture gets represented by another. 

Japanese Manners / Courtesy - substitute privacy

The writer observes that Japanese are well-mannered people.  They respect one another’s privacy immensely. Courtesy
has a double function there: it is courtesy and it is substitute privacy. They conduct their most confidential business
transactions, their love -quarrels in public in perfect privacy. 

Bowing

Everybody in Japan keeps bowing to everybody else. It’s a mania. Bowing is quainter; more formal, more oriental and
infectious too.  Japanese have a complicated hierarchy in bowing:  who bows to whom, how deeply and for how long.
Though a little complicated to us, they manage it effortlessly. Even the smallest difference in rank, standing, age, social
position will be subtly reflected in that split second. The wife bows to her husband, the child bows to his father, younger
brothers to elder brothers, and the sister bows to all brothers of whatever age.  The writer notes that despite with their
distinct manners, Japanese can turn into savages as soon as the bus arrives. 

Eating Soup

One must make a fearful noise while eating soup in Japan, for it is a sign of appreciation.  It must be according to the
expected levels of approval or it is thought to be an example of ill manners. 

Brazilians’ sense of beauty / Traffic in Brazil 

Life in Brazil looks slow paced to the writer. He appreciates their aesthetic sense in decorating the grey pavements in
Copacabana with beautiful black mosaics. But the same leisurely characters speed madly when they get to the steering
wheel.  They are highly passionate about cars, though motor cars are extremely expensive. As soon as a driver notices a
pedestrian step off the pavement, he targets him and accelerates in a fair game. The pedestrian has to run for dear
life.  It’s a driver and pedestrian - hunter and prey game. They smile at each other amicably and move on.  Even the war
between the drivers is murderous but good tempered. There is no anger, no hostility, no mad hooting. 

Questions and Answers

Comprehension II

Common Introduction

George Mikes is an artist, author, publisher, illustrator and journalist from Hungary. ‘Japan and Brazil

Through A Traveler’s Eye’ are excerpts chosen from his ‘The Rising of the Year’ and ‘How To Tango’.

1.       Why is bowing in Japan a complicated process?

OR

Why does bowing, a natural practice in Japanese culture, look so ‘quaint’ and puzzling to the author?

Ans: The present world we live in is a global village, thanks to advancements in science and technology. People want to
travel places and experience different cultures like never before. Certain practices and customs of a country are peculiar
to it and to an outsider from different cultural backgrounds they look strange and often complicated. We see similar
instances in “Japan and Brazil through a Traveler’s Eye’. George Mikes on his visit to Japan finds bowing quainter and
more formal.  But, for the Japanese bowing is a natural practice in their culture. He says that it is so infectious that after a
few hours we also start bowing ourselves. To the author it all looks puzzling; if one bows to the wrong man at the wrong
time etc., He further adds that Japanese have a complicated hierarchy in bowing: who bows to whom, how deeply and for
how long. It is hard to understand when two Japanese meet, they bow, neither is to straighten up before the other stands
erect in front of him. They manage it in a split second without difficulty. Even the smallest difference in rank, standing
age, social position is reflected subtly in that split second. Mikes says that there are clear-cut differences in position and
basic rules in the family. The wife bows to her husband, the child bows to his father, younger brothers to elders and the
sister bows to all brothers.  Thus, bowing in Japan is a natural process while it is quaint and puzzling to the author
2.       Do you think the author is finding fault with / making fun of the culture of bowing in Japanese and speeding cars
in Brazil?

Ans: No, the author is not finding fault nor is he making fun of any culture. He rather presents his experience in a
humorous style. As an outsider from Europe when he descends on Japan, the Japanese complicated manners and ways of
greeting puzzle him. On observing closely he remarks, “Bowing is neither less nor more silly than shaking hands or
kissing the cheek, but it is quainter, more formal more oriental; it is also infectious.” The writer is astonished to see the
Japanese following a hierarchy   in bowing perfectly; the young to the elderly and women to men. Even a deer seemed to
bow to the author at a park. Ironically enough, the writer also expresses his disbelief when he notices the bowing
gentlemen transform into savages as soon as the bus arrives. Thus, the author gives us the real picture of some practices
peculiar to a culture. Writing about the Brazilians’ craze for cars and speed he says that motor cars are extremely
expensive in Brazil, but the number of cars is growing enormously. The driver takes pedestrians as fair game while he
jumps, leaps and runs for dear life. The author finds the war between the driver and the pedestrian amiable. The author
finds all these strange but humorous.

Comprehension III

1.       Bowing in Japan is quainter; more formal, more oriental.’ Do you agree?

OR

       What aspects of our social life, do you think, would appear quaint and odd to a foreign tourist?

Ans: Travelling is a wonderful activity that takes one places unseen and unknown. There are many things that excite,
surprise, shock and amuse the traveler. One discovers new people, strange languages, rich culture, unique life styles, and
varieties of food and fashion. For George Mikes, a European visitor, two countries offer different experiences. It is quite
natural for a traveler from the west to the east and one from the east to the west to experience things that are often
quainter and puzzling. When the author visits Japan, bowing seems to be very ceremonious, more oriental and infectious,
though quainter to him. He says, “Japanese have a complicated hierarchy in bowing. Though a little complicated to an
outsider, they manage it without difficulty.” There are basic rules inside the family: the wife bows to her husband, the
child bows to his father, younger brother to elder brothers and the sister bows to all brothers. The author finds it strange
when a baby in the saddle bows imitating its mother.

The writer notices the bowing gentlemen turning savages as soon as a bus arrives. His experience in Japan and
observations of car-crazy Brazil offer us different glimpses of a highly civil social order crumbling against the need of
the moment. Besides, a sea of motor cars in Brazil targeting the pedestrians gives us a sense of life we live in modern
societies.