B.Ed. 1st Year : Compulsory English - English for the New Millennium : General English (Eng. Ed. Code- 411) 4 Years Programme :
B.Ed. 1st Year - 4 Year Programme
(English for the New Millennium :General English)
Unit- 1. Legend, Lore and Education - (Eng. Ed. 411)
2. The Mirror of Matsuyama - From Myths and Legends of Japan by F Hadland Davis
3. Whole Child Education -Source:http://newsglobaled.org/whole_child_education.html
4. The Five Dimensions of Education - From Freedom from the Past by Osho
5. The Essentials of Education - From Essays, Short Stories and One-Act Plays by Sir Richard Livingstone, in RK Kaushik and SC Bhatia, Eds.
- First, the education system of Nepal does not nurture the development of child as a whole including physical, social, cultural, linguistic, intellectual, emotional, moral and spiritual aspects. It does not make them ready for the challenges of present and future.
- Secondly, the curriculum is written as the child based but its implementation phase, there is wider gap.
- Thirdly, Monologue is dominant in teaching and learning in the classroom where teacher’s voice remains dominant. The students’ voices, experiences and knowledge are still ignored. Thus, they become alienated and passive in the classroom.
- Fourthly, there is distant relationship between home and school because parents and community members do not actively participate in the school activities which gap between relation of teacher and students, too.
- Fifthly, the examination system conducted in Nepal doesn’t develop the whole aspects of learners. It only focuses on their intellectual development. Learners are evaluated one year based on 3 hours paper pencil test which is complicated and not appropriate.
- Lastly, there is less use of ICT or IT in the classroom teaching-learning even in this era of science and technology.
5. The Essential of Education
(From Essays, Short Stories and One-Act Plays by Sir Richard Livingstone, in RK Kaushik and SC Bhatia, Eds.)
Summary:
The essay “The Essential of Education”, taken from a lecture delivered by British educationalist Richard Winn Livingstone at the American International College, Massachusetts during his one of the visits to the United States, gives us a clear idea of what education is for and what attitude of an educated man should be towards the problems of life.. Here, he focuses on theology, philosophy, literature, history, anthropology, psychology, languages, politics and social studies.
According to Livingstone, it is difficult to make decision in education because most of us are taking education without definite purpose. Some of them go to school based on their parents’ wish and some of them consider it as compulsory to get success in society.
It is difficult to make decision in education because there are many faculties and choices of education. Its field is like a world topography such as theology, philosophy, literature, history, anthropology, psychology, language, politics and social studies. As a result, education will be incomplete and irrelevant if we attend education without any reasons. The writer says that the common aim of all education is to know the first rate in any subject or field of study.
The whole capacity of the brain cannot be measured by the examination of two or three hours. The students who fail feel inferior. They consider themselves weak and never hope to do good in their life. Students who pass the exam become proud. They consider themselves superior. This feeling may also damage their life. So it is a disease.
The author thinks that vocational education is good for many people because it is related to job/employment. People are studying this field such as engineering, medicine, commerce, technology, nursing, or hotel keeping etc. because they find them more practical based.
The great people like Plato and Shakespeare, Michelangelo and Raphael, Ictinus and Bramante are still remembered today because of their painting, poem, books etc. and they are among few in the world who are immortal. Similarly, when we went to learn about more than two thousands earlier time great books, poems, paintings, music, and great buildings, we always remember them. Livingstone claims that literature, music, and art are very essential as they make people remembered. Our education is incomplete if we do not know what is excellent in human nature and in life.
According to Livingstone, films, advertisements media, radio and newspapers are equally responsible for good and bad aspects of education. We learn the first rate and the second rate by knowing that what is relevant and good as the first rate and irrelevant and bad is the second rate. There are several fields related to our. The history tells us about the record of man as a social being, his contribution success or unsuccess, good or bad, mistakes or greatness etc. Thus, it is the record of man as the fortunes of societies, their success and failure, the wisdom and fully and the virtues and vices. Likewise, literature offers us to learn the wider experiences of human nature. It pleases human mind and heart by providing thought, emotion and experience. It records every thought, every vision, every fancy etc. It gives us a portrait of human excellence and nature. Literature and history affect our outlook and even our conduct.
Above all, the present education is superficial so it does not tell us anything of its depth. Any education which conceals or rejects first-rate in human personality and human character of goodness and greatness is incomplete and a very inadequate preparation for life. It can never fulfill the aspects of human life. Thus, vocational and practical education is required for uplifting the life of everyday people and making their life fruitful and prosperous.
Question-Answer:
a)Why is it difficult to make decision in education?
It is difficult to make decision in education because there is bewildering profusion of courses and choices of education such as theology, philosophy, literature, history, anthropology, psychology, language, politics and social studies and which one is the best, is hard to choose.
b) What happens if we attend education without any definite reasons?
If we attend education without any definite reasons we will achieve incomplete and irrelevant education. In other words, we don’t get anything relevant from education.
c) What is the common aim of all education?
The common aim of all education is to help the students in learning first-rate education. For instance, English students should know the goodness of English language and agriculture students should the best way of farming.
e) Why does the author think that vocational education is good for many people?
The author thinks that vocational education is good for many people because it is related to job/employment. People are studying this field such as engineering, medicine, commerce, technology, nursing, or hotel keeping etc. because they find them more practical based.
f) Why are great people like Plato and Shakespeare, Michelangelo and Raphael, Ictinus and Bramante still remembered today?
The great people like Plato and Shakespeare, Michelangelo and Raphael, Ictinus and Bramante are still remembered today because of their painting, poem, books etc. and they are among few in the world who are immortal. Though they are physically dead, their genres have revived them among the people and they are still remembered today.
g) What is the second-rate in educational context?
The second rate in education refers to education which does not provide job or employment. It is not practical and it is such education which makes our life incomplete and irrelevant.
i) How do we learn the first rate and second rate ? Illustrate your answer.
We learn the first rate and the second rate by knowing that what is relevant and good as the first rate and irrelevant and bad is the second rate.
h) What does literature offer us?
Literature offers us to learn the wider experiences of human nature. It pleases human mind and heart by providing thought, emotion and experince. It records every thought, every vision, every fancy etc. It gives us a portrait of human excellence and nature.
Writing:
c. In your observation, what are the main human qualities that education should offer?
In my observation, education should offer following basic human qualities:
· It should be relevant to life.
· It should be practical and skill based.
· It should be able to solve daily life problems.
· It should deal with the issues and realities of life.
· It should provide quality education.
· It should deal with definite purpose for education.
· It should forward technical, vocational or practical subjects.
· It should prepare skilled and semi-skilled human resources at national and international level.
· It should avoid discrimination, injustice, partiality etc. and teach social norm and values and feelings of nationality.
· It should generate moral, emotional, physical, social, cultural, psychological spiritual values etc. in the child.
· It should prepare students for the modern upcoming challenges and complexities.
· It should provide less information and encourage them to investigate remaining progressive parts in collaboratively.
· It doesn’t mean escaping reality. It means getting in touch with it.
UNIT-2
(Short Fictions)
6. The Three Dancing Goats – Kaushik and Bhatia
(Source:http://newglobaled.org/whole_child_education.html)
Summary:
Theme: One who is good at heart and has faith and patience gets a good fortune sooner or later.
Characters:
o
Sindhu- a boy
o
A widow mother- Sindhu’s mother
o
The old lady
o
The landlord
o
A beautiful daughter of the owner
o
The priest
“The Three Dancing Goats” is a typical Indian
folktale of a poor and hard working youth named Sindhu who succeed
in marrying the beautiful daughter of the landowner.
Sindhu lived with his widowed mother
in a small hut. Ha had a small pot of grazing land and two cows. There was a
severe drought for the survival. His mother wanted to get rid of their cows because
she wanted to solve problems of eating food by selling them. On the way to the
town, he met an old woman who offered to exchange her three dancing goats with
Sindhu’s cows. The old advised him that the goats will bring fortune to him
oneday. When she played the flute, the three goats began to dance to its tune
which amused him very much.
Sindhu thought that the goats might
not bring fortune but he will certainly earn few pennies by entertaining the
village folk. So, he accepted the bargain. His mother was unhappy at the
bargain because she thought that he had been cheated.
Sindhu’s landlord’s daughter heard
of three dancing goats and she invited him to him to his house and was very
pleased of seeing the dance of the goats. The landlord’s daughter wanted to buy
a goat because she was so much
attracted by looking at goat’s dance. Sindhu asked the girl to visit his
widowed mother and give a barrel of food stuff for the price of the goat. He
was attracted to the girl because she was very beautiful and was from a rich
family. In suggestion of the village priest, she asked for another goat as it
needs a companion for dancing. So, he took a gold ring on her finger and a
barrel of food stuff for second goat. When they didn’t dance, she asked for
third goat and the flute when he played the flute, the goats started dancing
merrily.
The girl
disclosed the secret to Sindhu that there were three strange strands of hair
hidden among her black silken tresses: pure white stands for diamond, dark red
for ruby and bright green for emerald. One day, the landlord announced that
anyone who knew the correct answer of the three strands of hair black silken
tresses, he could marry his daughter. Many people wanted to marry but they
couldn’t give correct answer but Sindhu with an attractive dress and already
knowing correct answer entered to the manor house and replied the correct
answer and then married her. His success owed party to magic of the fiute stroke
of luck.
Match collective nouns with their drscriptions.
- a. flat – a number of rooms.
Questions:
b). Why did his mother want to get
rid of their cows?
His mother
wanted to get rid of their cows because she wanted to solve problems of eating
food by selling them. She thought that
she might get some money by selling those cows which would help her to solve
her daily life problems. Therefore, she desired to get rid of their cows.
c) Why did the boy not want to sell
his cows to the butcher?
The boy
didn’t want to sell his cows because he loved the cows very much. He knew that
the butcher would kill them and sell meat. Infact, he was looking for a
purchaser who could take care of the cows.
d). Why did Sindhu accept the
bargain after seeing the dance?
Sindhu accepted the bargain after seeing the
dance thinking that the goats might not bring fortune for his family but he could certianly earn
few pennies by entertaining the village folk as they danced merrily with the
sweet tune of the flute. Therefore, he
accepted the bargain.
j).What were the colours of the
three strands of hair? What did these colours stand for?
There were
three strange strands of hair hidden among the black silken tresses. One was
pure white stands for diamond; the second was dark red stands for a ruby and
third was bright green stands for emerald. And these three secrets were kept in
her ring as secracy in forms of three stones of similar colourr.
n) Did the goats really bring luck
to Sindhu? How?
Obviously,
the goats brought luck to Sindhu because by selling goats, he was able to
provide barrel of food stuff to his widowed mother and make her happy.
Furthermore, the goats helped him to marry the daughter of the landlord who was
very beautiful and rich.
Sketch the character of Sindhu
o
Sindhu is the
protagonist of the story “The Three Dancing Goats” who is depicted as a very
good, caring, hard working and innocent person.
o
He is a religious
person as well as a pet loving person. He is innocent enough to believe the old
woman’s words.
o
He is charmed and
attracted by the beauty of the landlord’s daughter and is a complete believer
in faith. His last line in the story ‘the triumph of faith, love, and
patience‘prove this point.
o
It is the
Sindhu’s innocence which compels the old woman to give him the dancing goats at
first place due to which he is able to earn his livelihood and also get married
to his love.
o
Sindhu enteres
into the palace with an attractive dress and replies the right answers and then
marries the beautiful daughter of the landlord at the end.
o
This is all due
to the magic of flute and stroke of luck. Thus, he is a fortunate person with
good fortune.
Writing:
b). Describe the various ways of
marriage in Nepal
Various Ways of Marriage in Nepal/ Marriage in Nepal
‘Wedding is a custom which varies as per the caste and their rituals. Generally, First the boy and the girl see each other through a match-maker. A priest fixes the date and conducts the engagement and fixes the wedding day when the marriage party from the groom’s (the boy) side go to the bride’s (girl’s) house with his relatives and friends. The bride’s side welcomes them and gives them a party. The priest conducts Pooja for Swayamvara, i. e. garlanding to each other by the bridegroom and the bride, and Kanyadaan, i.e. the bride’s father hands over his daughter to the boy. The bridegroom with groom, his relatives and friends returns to his house and has a grand party.
Wedding
in Nepal generally take place in tender ages. The marriage venue is decorated
through colorful paper plants and twinkling lights. In a village the couple
reaches the marriage venue on horses or baskets, while in a town marriage the
couple arrives at the venue in a decorated car. Music is an integral part of
marriage. Nepalese bride dresses in the bridal shade of red and is bejeweled
with gold and treasured gems.
One of
the essential occasions in our regular wedding ceremony is that the groom puts
a pinch of red-coloured powder on the bride's forehead. In a love marriage, it
is the boy and the lady who pick their mate and they consent to the marriage. Some
marriages even take place at courts as well. Any way, it varies as per the
castes, systems, religions and persons in Nepal.
c). Write a letter to your friend
who lives in a foreign country describing the marriage custom of your country. (see above writing)
7. The Necklace
(From Popular Short Stories by Guy
de Maupassant in Board of Editors, OUP)
Summary,
“The
Necklace” is a story about a poor family which faces many challenges and
problems in the whole life as they imitate the life of others and don’t
understand the reality of life.
Matilda
Loisel is a pretty and charming lady from a poor family was married to a clerk
in an office of the Board of Education. Metilda feels the burden of her poverty
inrensely. Therefore, she weeps whole day because she lacks jewellery and
clothes which she likes very much.
Oneday,
M. Loisel was happy to get an invitation by Minister of Education but she
refused to go to the party because she didn’t have beautiful clothes or frocks and
jewels. She thought that she wouldn’t go to the party with poor look. He gave
400 Francs to his wife for dress but she still lacked jewels. In this case, she
borrowed a diamond nacklace from her friend, Mme Forestier after her husband’s
suggestion.
At
the party, Matilda looked the most beautiful woman in the attendance. Everybody
loved her including the minister. When they were backing home in a cab, they
were horrified to discover that tha diamond was gone.
M.
Loisel spent all of the next day and even next week searching the street and
city for necklace but found nothing. Then, they visited to a jewellery store to
buy a new diamond necklaxe for Mme. Forestier and found the same necklace.
Unfortunately, it’s 36 thousand francs exaclty twice amount of all the money
they have. Then Loisel went massively into debt and returned the necklace to
Mme. Forestier who didn’t notice about it.
However,
buying the new diamond necklace leads them into poverty for ten years. They
lost their house, their maid, and their comfortable lifestyle. After ten years,
all debts are finally paid. Matilda became too old due to hardwork. Once, she
met her friend Mme. Foresteir who was still rich and beautiful and told her the
sad story of necklace who was surprised to know about her ten years’ hard work
and poverty. Mme. Foresteir revealed the fact that the necklace she lost was just
a fake one which was worth of only five hundred francs.
Questions:
a). What does the expression ‘error
of destiny’ mean in the story?
-
The expression ‘error of destiny’ (भाग्यको
गल्ती) in the story tells that Matilda is a pretty and charming
lady but she was born in a family of poor clerks (लेखन्दार). Even she was married to a petty
clerk. She has no hopes, no dowry and no means of being appreaciated. That’s
the error of destiny for Matilda.
c). Why does she refuse to go to the
party?
-
She refuses to go to the party because she didn’t have beautiful clothes or
frocks and jewels to wear for the party.
e). How did the husband suggest his
wife to have the jewellary for the party?
He
gave 400 Francs to his wife for dress but she still lacked jewels. In this case,
he suggested her to borrow a diamond necklace from her friend, Mme Forestier
for the party.
i). How did they refuse the
necklace?
After great difficulty, they found exactly
similar necklace in the jewellary shop. They purchase it paying thirty thousand
francs. Then, they replaced with the old one to her friend. It took almost ten
years for both the wife and the husband compensate the loss of the necklace.
k). Why did’t Mme Forestier
recognize Mme Loisel?
-
Mme. Forestier didn’t recognize Mms Loisel because she looked very old after
her hard working life for the last ten years to compensate the loss of the
necklace. Her hair was badly dressed; her hands were red; and she had already
lost beauty in her face. She spoke in a loud voice. These were the reasons that
Mme. Forestier didn’t recognize her.
Writing:
b. Someone stole your mobile phone.
Write a short note to the police reporting the detail of the incident and
describing the model of your mobile phone.
2nd
Jestha, 2078
To,
The
Police Officer,
Nepalgubj-1
Banke
Subject: About the lost of my SUMSUNG
J7 Mobile
Sir,
Yesterday
evening, I was returning back from Kohalpur to my house, Nepalgunj by bus. The
bus was crowdy and I was also coming by standing more. Many passengers entered
into the bus from Ranjha to Nepalgunj. There was no empty place to move forword
or back then. I got down from the bus at Pushpalal Chowk and noticed that I had
lost my SUMSUNG J7.
I
made the driver stop the bus. Many passengers were helping me in searching of
cellphone but some of them were in hurry and got down from the bus. I searched
here and there and even checked the bags and pockets of most of the passengers.
But unfortunately some of them escaped without checking.
I
couldn’t sleep the whole night. I had just bought it at Sumsung Plaza paying
Rs. 30000/- two weeks ago. It was working well. The mobile was last with all my
contact list and SIM Card Number: 9848000011. The mobile is switched off now.
I
would be very grateful if you help me to search and find out the lost mobile as
quickly as possbile.
Sincerely,
ABC Shrestha
o Della- a beautiful lady and the wife of Jim
o Jim – a handsome guy and the husband of Della
o Mrs. Sofronie- a lady who buys Della’s hair
Summary,
“The
Gift of the Magi” is a love story about two lovers who exchage special Christmas
gift to each other of their best choice thinking their love is more meaningful
that what they own.
Jim
and Della are the husband and the wife. They are poor economically but they
truly love each other as rich. Della counts the money three times she has. She
has only $1.87 cents. She counts the money so to buy a special gift for her
husband, Jim. She has insufficient money. Therefore, she plans to sell her hair
to buy a nice gift for Jim. The James Dillingham were proud of two things:
Della’s long hair and Jim’s watch
without chain.
Della
visits to the shop of Mrs. Sofronie and sells her hair for 20 dollars. Now, she
has 21.87 dollars. She buys a gold watch chain with the price 21 dollars.
Excited by the gift, Della returns home. She looks into the mirror and finds
herself as a school boy in her too short hair.
At
7 p.m., Jim arrives home and gives Della a gift, the set of fancy comb's of her
choice which she has wanted for ages. She cries in joy and bursts into tears
immediately afterward because at present she has no hair. Jim nurses Della out
of her sobs. As she has recovered, she gives Jim a gift i.e. the golden watch
chain. Jim smiles and explains that he has sold his watch to buy Della’s combs.
He recommends that they should put away their presents and have dinner.
In
the story, Della and Jim are the magi because they are the wise men and they
come to know that love is more important than the things. Both of them exchange
gift and emphasize on good relationship and unity. They truly love each other.
Questions:
d). Who are the Magi and why?
-
Della and Jim are the magi because they are the wise men and they come to know
that love is more important than the things. Both of them exchange gift and
emphasize on good relationship and unity. They truly love each other.
f). What gift does Jim bring to his
wife? Explain the reason behind buying the gift?
Jim
brings the fancy combs as a gift to his wife. She had seen them in a shop and
loved for a long time. Thus, the main reason behind buying the gift is that she
has wanted the combs for ages. Besides, she has a long and beautiful hair
sothat Jim thinks that they are essential to her.
Writing:
d. Write an essay on “Love is
just giving, not taking.”
Love
is essential part of life. People in the world who don’t understand importance
of love are engaged in war, violence and killing to each other. Thus, it is
love which needs to keep the society peace, make people united and cooperation.
According
to Krishnamurti, love is neither possession (taking) not sentimental; rather it
is giving and qualitative. Love exists only in the absence of jealousy, evil,
domination etc. Without love, our problem increase, multiple endlessly. Infact,
love is just giving, not taking. In other words, when we love people, we give
our love rather than taking it. For example, our father and mother love us, we
love our fathers and mothers as well our friends and other relatives and dear
ones. Taking love isn’t love at all because love can’t be bought or sold.
Events from the story:
a. Della shops for Jim’s Christmas present.
b. Jim sees Della’s hari cut.
c. Della gives Jim his Christmas present.
d. Della decides to sell her hair.
e. Jim gives Della the combs.
f. Della buys a watch chain for Jim
g. Della has saved only $1.87 to buy Jim a Christmas present.
h. Jim arrives home from work.
i. Della sells her hair for $20.
Order:
g. Della has saved only $1.87 to buy Jim a Christmas present.
d. Della decides to sell her hair.
i. Della sells her hair for $20.
a. Della shops for Jim’s Christmas present.
f. Della buys a watch chain for Jim
h. Jim arrives home from work.
b. Jim sees Della’s hari cut.
c. Della gives Jim his Christmas present.
e. Jim gives Della the combs.
8.The Library – by Romesh Gunesekera
Characters;
➢Donald - a Ceylon ancestry person and the major character
➢Tambimuttu- one of the greatest English Poets
➢Jenice Conaway- a married woman and Donald's friend
Summary,
“The Library” is a story about the life experieces of Donald and loss of ancestry that brings a great anxiety to his life.
Donald, the main character is very short, damp man by height. He usually puts his cap and pulls on pair of red and yellow knitted gloves. He puts his father’s coat which is bigger for him.
Donald’s ancestry belongs to Ceylon (Now Sri Lanka). His father and mother got already died. Now, he is alone. He has no contact with his relatives. He feels frustration, alienation and anxiety. He lived in Luton before he came to London with his parents. He starts reading great books and poems and reads novel ‘The Village in the Jungle’ by Leonard Woolf. Then, he talks about Tambimuttu, the great English poet but he is not from London but from another countries. The only clue available regarding Tambimuttu is that he is known as the first to celebrate the new diversity of English poetry.
Donald starts his job at Welfare Organization with few false starts. He works very hard in the office. But his boss always drinks Vodka. As he starts his work with fault at the beginning, he is proved to be a wizard (mystical). Then, it is announced that he is not promoted until 10 years. This event saddened Donald.
Both Jenice and Donald live in London. However, their life is different. Jenice is a married woman who is tall and who posses her own car. She has her family and relatives. Thus, she seems to be happy in life. In contrast, Donald is a bachelor who has no family and no contact with his relatives. He is very short but fat. Thus, he seems to be alienated and unhappy more with his life.
In Sunday morning, Donald goest to Library which is situated in hill, while returning, he is late but fortunately, he finds a car of Jenice Conaway who helps him by providing a lift.
While returning back home in the car of Jenice Conaway, Donald saw the natural beauty of the woods on the way. There was so peaceful environment lying on the woods at the side of the road. He became fresh in this environment and remembered the London city where he lived. As he didn’t live anyone there, he wanted to spend his life in such a beautiful natural world.
Questions:
a. Describe briefly the physical features of Donald.
– Physically, Donald is very short, damp man by height.
b. Describe Donald’ ancestry.
- Donald’s ancestry belongs to Ceylon (Now Sri Lanka).
e. Narrate the life of Tambimuttu and explain how he is connected with Donald.
-Tambimuttu is one of the great English poets popular for his genres. He is known as the first to celebrate the new diversity of English poetry. He is connected with Donald because he is also not from London as same as Donald rather from another country.
f. What is only clue available regarding Tambimuttu?
- The only clue available regarding Tambimuttu is that he is known as the first to celebrate the new diversity of English poetry.
g. What is Donald’s job? Why was he not given promotion? Explain.
He was working in the downstairs registry of a Welfare Organization. His job was to register the files and order the files from H to P. As he started his work with fault at the beginning, he was proved to be a wizard (mystical) and said not to be promoted till 10 years.
j.Compare Janice Conaway’s life with that of Donald.
Both Jenice and Donald live in London. However, their life is different. Jenice is a married woman who is tall and who posses her own car. She has her family and relatives. Thus, she seems to be happy in life. In contrast, Donald is a bachelor who has no family and no contact with his relatives. He is very short but fat. Thus, he seems to be alienated and unhappy more with his life.
p. Describe the natural beauty of the woods Donald experienced on the way.
While returning back home in the car of Jenice Conaway, Donald saw the natural beauty of the woods on the way. There was so peaceful environment lying on the woods at the side of the road. He became fresh in this environment and remembered the London city where he lived. As he didn’t live anyone there, he wanted to spend his life in such a beautiful natural world.
Vocabulary:
Consult a dictionary and give contextual meanings of the following words and phrases.
a. Pervy- strange and unpleasant
b. Frowned- to bring eyebrows together
c. Dumpy- short and fat
d. Hatcher years- planning the years
e. Flirted with- attracted someone.
f. Prodigious- strenght
g. Penchant- enjoyment
h. Eluded- sth you want to buy not success
i. Inexplicable- unable to be explained
Writing:
B. “Loss of ancestry is a very deep anxiety.” Elaborate
- Of course, loss of ancestry is a great anxiety. This statement is relevant to everyone and Donald in the story “The Library.” It is because all the people in the world want to live and become happy with his/her family and relatives.
When one remains far from his/her ancestry and there is no contact and meeting with family members and kins, it leads him/her alone and feel anxiety. No matter, whereever he/she goes, it is his blood relation which gives identity. He/she is proved of his/her ancestry where sense of love, relation, affection, unity and cooperation, she/he learns and adopts.
10. The Open Window
(From Literature in English by Saki (H.H. Munro) in Luella B. Cooky Eda)
Gist: “Romance at a short notice was his specialty” is the last line of the story which reveals both the theme of the story and the character of Vera.
Characters:
➢ Vera- a 15 year old girl
➢ Framton Nuttel- a nervous disease man
➢ Mrs. Sappleton - one of the neighbours of Nuttel
➢ Mrs. Sappleton's Husband and two younger brothers
Summary,
“The Open window’ is a story about Framton Nuttel’s visit to Mrs. Sappleton, one of his new neighbours by fifteen year old girl, Vera where Nuttel finds himself in a strange situation that ultimately has negative effects on his apparently nervous personality.
Fromton Nuttel, who suffers from nervous disease, visits to her sisiter’d village for refreshment as prescribed by the doctor. He meets to a 15 year old girl, Vera the neice of Mrs. Sappleton when he visits to the Sappleton family. Vera conveys Nuttel information about Sappleton family saying that 3 years ago, Mrs. Sappleton’s husband and his two younger brothers had gone on a hunting trip out through window and they never came back and they all three engulfed in a treacherous pieace of bog. Their bodies were never recovered. She says that her grief stricken aunt keeps the windows open and watches out window expecting their return.
Coming down stairs, Mrs. Sappleton tell Nuttel that her husband and brothers to return at any moment and suddenly she tells that they are returning from hunting. Nuttel looks at Vera and sees a shocked look on her face as if she has seen the ghosts. These three figures appered approaching towards the same window. Her husband has his white water proof coat over his arm and Ronnie, her youngest brother singing “Bertie, why do you bound?”
Nuttel becomes frightened and leaves the house in a rush. Mrs. Sappleton doesn’t understand Nuttel’s strange behaviour but Vera explains the reason for his behaviours i.e. he is deathly afraid of the dogs.
Questions:
a. When did Mrs. Sappleton’s tragedy happen and how?
Mrs. Sappleton’s tragedy happened 3 years ago when her husband and two younger brothers had gone on a hunting trip out through window and they never came back and they all three engulfed in a treacherous pieace of bog.
b. What did the doctors agree about Framton?
The doctors agreed about Framton that he needed to take rest in a peaceful environment. He is to be an absence of mental excitement.
d. What has the window got to do witht the tragedy?
The window has got to do with tragedy because three years ago, Mrs. Sappleton’s husband and her two younger brothers went out through that window off their days shooting. They never came back. They were engulfed in a treacherous piece of bog. Then, the window was kept open to see their arrival. And in presence of Framton, three figures appeared and they coming towards the same window. Framton was naturally very frightened and he left the place immediately in fear.
f. Explain how did these figures disappear ad how they returned?
3 years ago, Mrs. Sappleton’s husband and his two younger brothers had gone on a hunting trip out through window and they never came back as it was believed that they all three engulfed in a treacherous pieace of bog. It means they disappeared. The grief stricken Mrs. Sappleton keeps the windows open and watches out window expecting their return. And after 3 years, the three figures were found approaching towards the same window that means they returned.
Writing:
b. Imagine that a person in your locality disappered without any reason and returned after a fortnight. Write in detail what the members of his/her family did to know his where about.
11.The Gateman’s Gift
(From Popular Short Stories by R.K. Narayan in Board of Editors 1992)
Characters:
o Govind Singh
o The ex-compounder
Summary,
“The Gateman’s Gift” is an interesting story about a man named, Govind Singh who couldn’t believe that anything good could happen to him. The story also captures the thoughts of poor class employee as well as class discrimination which still exist in India.
Govind Singh, an ex-gateman worked for 25 years as the gateman of Engladia. Ex-compounder suggests Govind Singh to go to x-ray Institute to find out the content of the envelope without tearing it apart.
Govind Singh thought that the registered letter was for his ruin. He had psychological effects of it. He thought that his general manager had bad effects of his clay figures. So, his boss might have stopped his pension or he might be going to face some other problems as well. Therefore, he didn’t like to open the letter. When he enrolled in the job of the fate keeper, he got Khaki Uniform and short stick.
After receiving the registered letter, he had both psychological and social effects. As a psychological effect, he thought the letter was sent to him to end his pension and start of his ruin. He remembered the past two letters which were not good for him. He suffered day and night with his mental disturbances. He behaved like a mad man so people teased him calling a mad man. Police asided him when stopped at the middle of the road. The ex-compounder sent him to X-ray Institute to see its content.
Title:
Govind Singh, the main character of the story, the ex-gate man makes the clay doll and gives it to the general manager. In response, he is sent the registered mail which he couldn’t open because he thinks something wrong to his work. He goes everywhere and asks people what is inside without opening it. Then, he is called mad. Finally, the Accountant comes and tells him that inside the letter he is sent 100 Rs. as the gift or appreciation of his work by the general manager.Thus, the title “The Gateman’s Gift” is justified.
Questions:
a. What does the ex-compounder suggest to Govind Singh?
The Ex-compounder suggests Govind Singh to go to x-ray Institute to find out the content of the envelope without tearing it apart.
b. Why did he refuse to open the letter?
He refused to open the letter due to his psychological effect as he thought that the letter from his boss might stop his pension or he might be going to face some other problems through the letter.
c. Why did he go to City of X-ray Institute at Race Course?
He went to City of X-ray Institute at Race Course to see the content inside the registered letter without tearing it apart.
d. What was there in letter that Govind Singh received?
There was 100 Rs. as a gift or appreciation of his work from his boss in the letter that Govind Singh received.
e. Explain the psycho socio condition of Govind Singh after receiving the letter?
After receiving the registered letter, Govind Singh had both psychological and social effects. As a psychological effect, he thought the letter was sent to him to end his pension and start of his ruin. He suffered day and night with his mental disturbances. He behaved like a mad man so people teased him calling a mad man. Police asided him when stopped at the middle of the road.
Writing:
c. Justify the title “The Gateman’s Gift” of the story. (For answer, see above)
b. Write a character-sketch of Govind Singh.
Govind Singh, the major character in the story “The Gateman’s Gift” by R.K. Narayan, is a psychologically disturbed person. He is innocent in the sense that he doesn’t know anything wrong side of the life. As a gentle guard, Govind Singh knows only how to salute his seniours. He is ignorant fellow that he rushes to City X-ray Institute for the letter to be x-rayed to see the contents. He is a poor man. His poverty also develops his social disturbance. He has fear that the registered letter will cease his pension or he will get some punishment. People call him mad. But luckily he was safeeeee. His character proves that goodness always suffers without any reasons.
12. The Martyr
(From Life in Words and Words in Life by Vishnu S Rai in A. Maley et al Eds)
Characters:
o Sunil- the only son
o Sunil’s father- an educated Dalit
o Sushma- The Kanchhi or Sunil’s mother
o Gopichand
Summary,
“The Martyr” is set in the background of people’s movement against autocratic rule of the king. The story shows how family sacrifices its two members (Sunil and his father) for the sake of the nation. It depicts pathetic condition of the life the Nepalese people during the revolution time and dramatizes how deeply the caste system is rooted in Nepalese culture.
“The Martyr” is a story of a Nepali boy named Sunil, the only child of his widow mother, Kanchhi. Sunil wanted to go out to participate in demonstration but his mother didn’t want him to go out because there was demonstration against government outside and anyone could be beaten or killed by the security forces.
They lived in a small room which had no luxurious items but many pictures of gods and goddess. His mother prayed most of the time but he never believed in them. Even his classmates disgraced him, he was bold enough. Infact, his father didn’t get a job because he was a Dalit rather he was died in an encounter with the army. He was proud of his father because he fought for the country and country people. She didn’t return to her parents home even his father died because she was outcasted by her parents after she married to a Dalit.
Gopichand didn’t want to go in the procession because he thought nothing would change by revolution. Only the leaders would get benefits. As a result of this, many other Andolans failed. There were rallies, slogans and people marching ahead with banners. A young boy fell and police beat with boots and there were shots and bangs. Sunil fell on he ground and heavy boots passed over him and finally everything became dark for him.
Questions:
a.Why didn’t Sunil’s mother want him go out?
Sunil’s mother wanted him go out because she thought that it was a demonstration against government outside where anyone could be beaten or killed by the security forces.
b. Why did Sunil want to go out?
Sunil wanted to go out to participate in demonstration
c. Wy didn’t Gopichand want to go in the procession?
Gopichand didn’t want to go in the procession because he thought nothing would change by revolution, only the leaders would get benefits from it.
d. Who was Sunil’s father? Do you think Sunil is proud of his father? Why?
Sunil’s father was an educated Dalit. Ofcourse, Sunil is proud of his father because his father fought for the sake of the nation and its people and secrified his for the welfare of the country.
e. Why did Sunil’s mother not go back to her parents home even after his father died?
Sunil’s mother didn’t return to her parents home even his father died because she was outcasted by her parents after she married to a Dalit.
f. Why did other andolans fail?
Other andolans failed because only political leaders only benefitted from the revolution and the common citizens got nothing from it. As a result, many andolans failed as per Gopichand.
Writing:
a. What is a martyr? Do you think Sunil is really a martyr? Give reasons in support of your answer.
A martyr is a person who fight and dies for the sake fo the country and country people. Yes, Sunil is a martyr. He has deep interest in the procession. Despite his mother’s refusal, he takes part in the revolution with his political belief to throw away kingship and establish the Republic. He has passion for freedom. He feels proud of his father who died for the sake of the country people. He is not discouraged by the person Gopichand rather he takes part in revolution and is killed. He sacrifices his life for the country’s benefits. Therefore, he is a martyr.
b. Write a couple of paragraphs describing the character of Sunil’s mother. Or,
Describe the memorable character(s) in the story The Martyr.
"The Martyr" is a short fiction, based on People's Movement-II took place in 2062/063 B.S. in Nepal. The memorable characters of this story are as follows:
Sunil:
o He is a 16 year old boy and the protagonist (hero) of this story. He is an orphan. He is the only child of his widowed mother. His mother's name is Sushma. He has no memory of his father because his father had died before he was born. He was very proud of his father’s deeds and sacrifice.
Sunil’s Father:
o Sunil’s father was an educated person but he couldn't get a job because he was a Dalit. Sunil's mother had eloped with his father without her parent's consent who belonged to the upper caste and they never forgave her for this outrageous deed.
Even after his father’s death, she was not called back home. Sushma looked after Sunil by doing all works of odd kinds from carrying bricks on a doko to working as a housemaid in several families. Sunil suffered a lot due to the extreme poverty in his family.
Sushma (Kanchhi):
o Sushma is Sunil's mother. She was a lady of upper class family, married to a Dalit. As she was outcasted by her family members, She worked as a house-maid. She is a widow. She represents all the modern who suffers from inter-caste marriage.
o Sushma is a typical Nepali character. She has deep faith in Gods and Goddesses. She suffers a lot due to poverty. She persuades her son, Sunil not to participate in the march. She works as a house maid in several houses to grow up her son and to run her family expenses. She was addressed as “Kanchhi” though her name was Sushma.
Gopichand:
o He was a leader in his own time but as he was deceived by his own party colleagues, he is a cynical about the government and the political leaders. He didn’t believe in the procession as he thinks that only political leaders take benefits of such march and revolution.
A school teacher:
o The school teacher whom Sunil meets along the way to take part in the andolan. He encourages Sunil not to believe on Gopichand's words and performs some task for the sake of the nation and nation’s people.
c. You might have participated in the andolan. If not you must have heard about it from your parents or elders. If you haven’t heard about it al all, go to the library, collect information from the newspapers of that time, make note and then write an essay including how it happened and how it ended and what new changes it brought.
Janandolan-II/ People’s Movement-II
Nepal became a republic country after the revolution of 2062/063 B.S. It was the movement against the rule of King Gyanendra. It abolished monarchy in Nepal,which ruled for 240 years. This revolution is also known as People’s Movement-II.
In the month of Chaitra, 2062 B.S. , the revolution began in all major parts of Nepal including major cities like KTM, Pokhara, Butwal, NPJ etc. All the seven political parties and Maoist signed an agreement in India. They decided to fight agaisnt monarchial system. When the agreement was signed, all the political parties began the protest against the king. Large number of people marched onto the streets of the cities. All of schools, offices, shops, remained close. Doctors, lawyers, teachers, students, businessmen, workers, farmers, and other citizens expressed their unity against monarchy. From every corner of Nepal, people came to the street. The government was afraid of the power of the people. The government ordered curfew in most of the major cities. Communication system was blocked. Many people were arrested, wounded and even killed. Tear gases and shooting guns were heard frequently. The demonstration developed day by day. So, the king realised his defeat or the power of the common citizens and declared that people could choose the system they liked.
After revolution ended, Nepal was declared as republican country. The government was formed under the leadership of late PM Girija Pd. Koirala. He became the prime minister and the government seized all the power of the king. The king became the common people like us. The country was declared as the secular democratic country. These major political parties approved the interim constitution and conducted election fo the constituent assembly. The election was held. All the political parties took part in the process of constitution making process. This Janandolan brought vital change in the country.
7. THE JOYS OF MOTHERHOOD
Characters:
o Nwa kusor- an Ibotran /a dockor
o Nnu Ego- a barren Woman
o Her husband - Nnaife
o A woman who slapped on her cheek
o Nwakusor's wife- who has gone to market to buy fish.
Summary
The joys of Motherhood" is a post- colonial writing which reveals the existence of gender discrimination against African Women like Nuu Ego in their communities. The society also reflects that committing suicide is a sin.
‘The Joys of motherhood’ is an African story based on the life of an Ibo woman, named Nnu Ego who is victimized by her culture's attitudes to motherhood which considers a childless woman a failure.
Nwakusor, an Ibo man was a docker in Logos for more than ten years. He belonged to an African tribe called Ibo. He had a hard life. After the whole night duty, he was passing through Logos Bridge on his bicycle to his home at Ebute Metta where he lined with his wife. He felt quite tired & sleepy. It was damp weather & the coconut tree were guarding the city of Lagos. The driver of a kia bus swerved it dangerously to avoid the possible accident & he even shouted at him not to come on his way. He apologized & told that he was working the whole night. He quickly picked up twisted bicycle & walked rolling in along the side walk.
He saw a crowd on the other side of the bridge & went there & saw a woman trying to jump into the lagoon. she pushed the man away who Stopped her from jumping. He recognized the woman, Nnu Ebo and he left the bicycle & jumped towards her & both of them fell on the cemented ground. He scolded at her and asked the reason of her suicide. she could not utter a word. A woman came and slapped her.
Nnu Ebo cried very loudly and told that her son was dead & she was a failure. The woman told her that Nnu Ebo was not a barren because she could have another baby.
Finally Nwakusor her husband Nnaife. The writer condemns considers a childless woman a failure.
Questions:
1. What is the culture's attitude to women?
-Ibo Culture's attitude towards women is negative. They take a barren woman as a cursed woman they don't behave with them in proper manner. They believe that if a woman is unable to give birth to any child, she is considered as a failed Woman.
2. Why is Nnu contemplating suicide?
Nnu is contemplating suicide because her son dies and she becomes a childless woman. The society also consider a woman who is childless as failure woman. She hopes that she is unable to give birth to any son Thus, she is a unworthy mother. So, she should take suicide.
3. Where does Nirakasor work ? What is his job?
Nwakusor works with the ship in Lagos. He is a docker. He worked there for ten years. He is a hard working man. He has to work whole night. He is in between thirty and forty. He is an Ibo man.
4. Describe the morning scene in Lagos city.
The weather in the morning in Lagos city is damp. There are
ful some palm trees & coconut plants that surround the shores of lagos. But because of mist, they are not clearly seen, but because of mist, they are not clearly seen. People are seen to going to the market. The coconut trees look beautiful.
Writing:
5. Compare a Nepali women's condition with that of Nnu ego.
Like Nnu Ebo, Nepali women are not free from manmade restrictions. The main reason for Nnu's committing suicide is her son's death. After her son's death, she becomes childless mother. The Society considers a child less woman as a failure woman. In the same way, in our Nepalese society, if a Nepali woman fails to give birth to a child or her all children die, she is not accepted by the society. The family members of the society people hate her when women are unable to produce or give birth to any child. She has to bear many problems in life. The whole family members torture her. The society people take her as a cursed woman. Like in Nigerian society people in Nepal imagine a woman without child as a futile.
In case of Nnu, all her family members get angry at her effort of suicide. She contemplates to have suicide because her son is dead on the mat. Thus in my view, giving birth to a child is depend on both husband and mother. She should not be mistreated in society because of her infertility or inability to give birth to a child.
8. Grief
(From Essays, Short Stories, and One-Act Plays by Anton Chekov in R.K.Kaushik and S.C. Bhatia, Eds)
“Grief” is a story about the self-centered irresponsible feelings or nature of human beings in this world where Anton Chekov portrays the over whelming grief of Iona Patapov, the old cab driver over the loss of his son and his futile attempts to share it with fellow travelers in his cab.
Characters:
— Iona Potapov: a cab driver
— Barin: his son who dies because of fever
— Anissia: his daughter
— The officer
— Three young boys
Summary,
— “Grief” is a story of Iona Potapov and his grief over son’s (Barin) unfortunate death. The grief is with in him. He wants to speak about it to lighten his burden of misery but no one is ready to listen him.
— Iona Patapov is a cab driver (horse drawn cab). He is quite white ad looks like a ghost. His little horse is also quite white and remains motionless. Iona was not sure but he heard from others that he was died of high fever. He was three days in the hospital and then died.
— The first passenger is an army officer who is contrast to Iona in every respect. He is young, full of life who jokes in a light hearted mood. He tells his grief to him but he is indifferent and seats with his eyes and his ears closed.
— The second group of passengers on the cab is a group of three young and noisy people. They behave as if they are drunk. One of them is hunchback evenif he feels superior to the old man. They have no sympathy for the old man and do not listen to him.
— Finally, he goes to stable to narrate his story of grief to the horse because no men were ready to hear his story. He tells his horse the story of death Barin and gives an example that if the horse (mare) had a foal and suddenly the foal was dead and left her to live after him. It would certainly be sad for her. So is the situation he has.
Writing:
a. Death mistook the door…instead of coming to me, it went to my son. Explain this statement made by Iona in the story. Or,
b. b. Explain why Iona made the remark that “ the death had gone to wrong door.” why is he making such remark? Justify it.
Ø Iona is an old cab driver. He survives on the fares that he earns by working hard even in extremely cold weather. He tolerates swearing from passengers. His young son was a first rate cab driver but he died suddenly. The hospital staffs said that he was died of high fever. He was three days in the hospital and then died. His young son was in grave but he is very old but alive. Therefore, he says that that’s not a good justice from God. Iona says with a surprise and natural grief- “ A wonderful thing, death mistook the door….instead coming to me, it went to my son …”. The death had gone to wrong door.” No doubts, it is a painful remark that he makes in the story.
UNIT : THREE
NON FICTIONAL/FACTUAL WRITING
15. Decayed Teeth
16. Women's Empowerment and Identity
17. The Strange Looking man
18. The Spanish Church
19. I Once was Lost
20. Albert Einstein
21. Music and Science
15. DECAYED TEETH by- Khalil Gibran
(- a Lebanese American artist, poet, and writer)
Decayed Teeth: Main Points
“Decayed Teeth” is about the painful experiences of the writer Khalil Gibran after he had decayed teeth and the way of its treatment in Syria. It is an example of allegory having double meaning.
The writer had a decayed tooth and went to dentist to extract it. The dentist suggested him not to extract his teeth instead he drilled the tooth’s side, cleaned its cavities and filled it with pure gold. After few weeks, he had the same problem and went to another dentist and the dentist suggested to extract the tooth. It is a factual writing which satirizes the bad manner people of the society. As decayed teeth in our mouth give trouble to us so that we don’t get the joy of sleeping in the night due to decayed teeth. Similarly, the decayed teeth of the society do not lead the society to prosperity and development but give trouble only. In the mouth of society there are many diseased teeth and many of the dentists treat the decayed teeth of society with glittering gold. The decayed teeth must be taken out rather than treating.
The writer talks about Syria where are many rotten, black and dirty teeth but the dentists try curing the teeth with gold filling instead of extracting. So the nation is facing a long term problems. Here, decayed teeth in the society refers to poverty, ignorance, cowardice, conceit, falsehood, hypocrisy, corruption etc
Finally, after his personal experiences, the writer argues that in Syrian society, people as well dentists prefer to fill the decayed teeth with gold. he concludes that there are many dentists/politicians in the world, but they lack vision to settle the contemporary issues such as poverty, terrorism, ignorance, corruption ethnic and religious wars and many others decayed teeth. The political leaders save such corrupted people as dentists fill the teeth and give tranquilizers. The decayed teeth must be extracted for civilized prosperous society
.
Antonyms: Opposite Words
— Dormant (inactive)- active
— Tranquility (peace)- conflict
— Damned- testable
— Slumber (sleep)- waking up
— Inflict- please
— Enticement- hopeless
— Fester- pullout
— Purveyor -buyer
— Afflict –enjoy
Questions:
a. Why didn’t the writer enjoy the sleep?
The writer didn’t enjoy the teeth due his decayed teeth rather he kept on crying because of the pain.
b. What was the first doctor’s reply and how it was cured?
The first doctor’s reply was that it was foolish to have the tooth extracted if they could cure it and he cured it by drilling its sides and cleaning its cavities and filling it with pure gold.
c. Explain “ The Person who receives the blows is not like the one who counts them.”
This statement reveals the fact that the person who receives the blows suffers from pain, swollen muscles and even wounds and the person who counts the blows doesn’t suffer from such pain or tortures. But the person who counts the blows does not suffer from such pain. Therefore, there is much differennce between the dentist and the person having toothache. Here, the patients receive the blow but the dentists can’t realize the pain of the sufferers. They try to take benefits of patients’ pain as far as possible without carrying even the tortures of the patients.
d. Why do they prefer concealing the teeth than extracting them?
The reformers prefer concealing the teeth than extracting them because they only think of their benefits. If they are asked to extract, they will laugh at us and reply that the noble art of dentistry is to conceal the disease but not to extract the teeth. Therefore, they want to fill the tooth with gold (tranquilizers).
Essay on “Decayed Teeth in Syria and in Nepal
Everywhere in the world, people suffer form decayed teeth. They feel pain and sickness and sometimes it leads to death. The situation of decayed teeth in Syria and Nepal is more or less similar.
According to Khalil Gibran, Syrian people who suffer from decayed teeth usually consult dentists. When they go to hospital, dentists treat them not by extracting their teeth rather they fill it with gold. Thus, they are treated and their disease still remain and they can’t get rid of troubles. The case is similar found in Nepal.
Nepal is a developing country where the political leaders in the state in ground level are of corrupted mind so we cannot expect good governing, education, employment, and social harmony as same as dentists in Syria. A nation is a stomach and if we save the decayed teeth means indigestion or corrupted men then the whole country paralyzes.
Both in Nepal and in Syria, there are many reformers who hold conferences and deliver public speeches in order to improve the condition of decayed teeth. However, there is nothing change found in the ground or practical level. Both of the nations face same decayed teeth. In Nepal also the decayed teeth are making the stomach sick. So they must be extracted rather than filling gold and using tranquilizer or saving them.
Taslima Nasreen is a Bangladeshi author and former physician who has lived in exile since 1994. She is known as the poetess in 1980s. She raised the global attention through her essays and novels with feminists’ views and severe criticism of religion. Because of this, she has been frequently threatened with death by radical Islamists and extremists like Al Queda. She lived in her home country but after threat, she lived in West Bengal (India) and now she is in the United States.
Taslima begins the background of the story with the Prime minister of Bangladesh and the opposition leaders both are women. She criticizes these women leaders who have now become the top position of the country but hold these positions in favour of males. (their husbands and fathers).
The writer charges these women leaders of Bangladesh for being elected for respectable positions for example, the PM and leaders of opposition because they are in that positions by their husbands and fathers.
According to the writer, females are religiously opposed. For example, through Islam asks both men and women to cover their heads but only women are forced to follow religious rules. This is taught at University and even decided in Parliament. She further says that women from Islam community who are in power/cabinet or colleges need not cover their heads in Bangladesh. It is because minister in cabinet and male colleges teach them to do so to win votes. Similarly, University women and wives of army men like that of lieutenant general do not need to cover their heads in Bangladesh.
Finally, the writer argues that it is difficult to change the system though few females are in top position because still the decision is done in favour of males.
Questions:
1. Why does the writer charge the women leaders of Bangladesh for being elected for some respectable position?
The writer charges these women leaders of Bangladesh for being elected for respectable positions for example, the PM and leaders of opposition because they are in that positions by their husbands and fathers.
2. What is background of this story?
Taslima begins the background of the story with the Primeminister of Bangladesh and the opposition leaders both are women. She criticizes these women leaders who have now become the top position of the country but hold these positions in favour of males. (their husbands and fathers).
3. What sort of women need not to cover their head in Bangladesh? Why?
Women from Islam community who are in power/cabinet or colleges need not cover their heads in Bangladesh. It is because minister in cabinet and male colleges teach them to do so to win votes. Similarly, University women and wives of army men like that of lieutenant general do not need to cover their heads in Bangladesh.
Writing:
1. Give a detailed introduction to Taslima Nasreen.
2. Taslima Nasreen is a freedom fighter for women’s emacipation. Discuss.
(For both questions : See – Summary)
Characters:
o The mother
o The small boy or the child
o The complete man – the strange looking man
Summary,
“The Strange Looking Man” is a story written by F.K. Johnson who here depicts the dreadful picture of the First World War (1914-1918 AD) and its impact on the people who were involved in the war and who did not indulge into the battlefield.
One morning, the child’s mother was busy in washing clothes, and the boy went to the bank of the river through mountain to throw stones. There he saw a complete young man diving into the pool. The boy wondered as the man was singing loudly. The boy saw the man was a complete man with both hands, legs, eyes, ear and he could speak and listen. The man’s skin was smooth. By looking the man, the boy began to weep as he hadn’t seen such a complete man before. The man went near the boy and he wanted to give some pennies (money) to the boy but the boy was afraid of the man and ran away to his mother and she embraced him.
a. Describe the dreadful picture of the war and its effects in the story?
The writer creates a very dreadful picture of the war and its effects on the human psychology and human life. The village was on the war for four years. Only few survived but they were disfigured but they were disfigured. Those who returned were not whole. The mothers were afraid of giving birth to sons and even if they gave birth, they gave birth to crippled and disfigured child. Consequently, the child was badly frightened and screamed out in terror.
Before the war, the village looked complete and beautiful in all aspects. There were windows, public house, church, colleges, waterfall, and several animals like goats and cows. All these were quite good before the war. But all these turned into ugly after the war. Only few survived but they were disfigured. Many of these were destroyed after the war and few remained looked ugly after war.
The writer endeavored to picture out a man as a whole man to satire on the effects of war. Only few survived but they were not complete and whole. Therefore, he pictures out a man with complete bodily structure, having two arms, two legs, a whole face with eyes, nose, mouth, chin and ears complete. He was finally dressed and sang loudly. This was a strange looking man for the child due to effects of the war. Thus, it is necessary to for the people to understand the concept of a whole or a complete man.
Johnson describes the strange man as a complete man having two arms, two legs, a whole face with eyes, nose, mouth, chin, and ears - all complete. By this, he means that such a man who could see, hear, speak, and feel properly with good senses.
Writing
- Innocent people get victimized and children suffer a lot without any specific reason.
- The most common negative impacts of war include loss of human lives and economic losses.
- Disruption of trade, human suffering, the spread of diseases, displacement of people, destruction of the environment and many more take place.
- Hungry leaders use it for their personal benefits.
b. Your cat died after months of sickness and suffering. Describe her condition before death.
I had a cat. I called it Dolly. She was white in colour. I had kept her for two years. She was my close companion. Most of the time I played with her. Once, I went outside for 15 days in a historical tour from my college. But when I returned from tour, I found her very sick and weak. I asked the reason to mother. She replied that the cat jumped from the wall to catch the rat. She didn’t eat anything. She was coughing and coughing. Her health condition was being weak day by day.
After few days, she started coughing blood. Then, I feared and I called a doctor. He gave some medicines when I gave her medicine, she vomitted out. She became so weak that she dragged her legs as she walked or moved. She cried the whole night and day. After a week of sickness, she mewed one night terribly and in the morning, I found she was out of breath.
I was very shocked. I didn’t take my meal for two days. But my mother convinced me a lot and promised me to bring another pet in a few days.
c. Write a summary of the text in about 300 words.
(See the summary above)
18. The Spanish Church
- by Catherine Watson
(From A Woman's Passion for Travel by Catherine Watson in Marybeth Bond and Pamela Michael, Eds.)
Characters:
- The Narrator : Catherine Watson
- Her friends
- A handsome boy of 22 years old
- Porto Marin- the Chapel/ the Church
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