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Introduction

The Great Sage Gaurishankar Govard Handa’s short tale “The letter” was penned by Josh. The purpose of this chapter is to shed light on why our feelings matter. After Miriam’s wedding, Ali went to a new location and began living alone. He used to go to the post office every day in the hopes of finding a letter from his daughter. In the meantime, the postmaster’s daughter fell ill, and while looking for a letter for her, he came upon Ali’s.

Summary of the chapter

It has been five years since Coachman Ali, a sick and old hunter, visited the post office regularly. No matter how unfavourable the weather or how ill he is, he will always go to the post office. He has only a daughter named Miriam who had left him after marrying a soldier, so he visited there religiously in hopes of receiving a letter from her.

Although he was always the first to arrive and the last to leave, he never received a letter in his name. Those around him would call him mad and enjoy tormenting him. During his earlier years, Coachman Ali was a famous hunter. He realized the pain of separation and suffering when Miriam went far away and did not answer for many years. Therefore, he stopped hunting completely. 

In the course of his normal routine, Ali arrived at the post office one day. Due to his poor health, he makes a lot of effort to reach there that day. An argument ensued between Ali and the postmaster. The irritated postmaster called him a pest. However, Ali does not lose hope of ever receiving a letter from his daughter despite the humiliation. The clerk Laxmi Das, receives five guineas from Ali while leaving that day. From Laxmi Das, Ali took a promise to deliver the letter from his daughter to his grave. Afterward, no one sees Ali for some time. 

Due to the coincidences of life, the postmaster faces the same situation as his daughter is sick in another town and he does not know where she is. Miriam’s father’s letter catches his eye while he awaits his daughter’s letter. Due to his separation pain, he decided to hand-deliver the letter to Ali personally. As soon as he reaches Ali’s home, he discovers that he has passed away three months ago. The clerk Laxmidas remembers his promise to Ali. The postmaster accompanies the clerk to Ali’s grave as a measure of compensation for his bad behaviour and places Miriam’s letter on his grave.

Postmaster realizes that letters are more than envelopes and postcards and that their meaning and emotions go beyond their physical appearance. When the postmaster is waiting for a letter from his daughter, his fate is to spend another sleepless night in anxiety, being cursed by his heart for mistreating Ali.

About the author

The Gujarati short story genre was pioneered by Gaurishankar Govardhandas Josh under the pen name Dhumaketu, a prolific writer. Human emotions are powerfully portrayed in his poetry and songs with romanticism.

Conclusion

The protagonist of “the Letter” comes to the realisation through hardship that “human beings” may become better people. In the end, “The Letter” resolves with Sudha choosing to remain with her new spouse and turning down her estranged husband’s reunion proposal. That chapter of her life is over, and she is ready to devote herself to her new partner.

Textbook Questions and Answers

Answer the following questions by ticking the correct options: 

(a) Ali’s walking to the Post Office daily even in biting cold weather shows his __________. 

(i) courage

(ii) optimism 

(iii) foolishness 

(iv) strength of will

Ans. (iv) strength of will

(b) The Post Office is referred to as Ali’s “place of pilgrimage” as he__________. 

(i) visited it daily 

(ii) came there to pray for a letter from his daughter 

(iii) went there with faith and hope 

(iv) believed God would bless him if he went there

 Ans. (iii) went there with faith and hope

(c) The Post Master’s rudeness to Ali reveals his ____________________________. 

(i) lack of empathy 

(ii) preoccupation with his work 

(iii) preconceived notions 

(iv) sensitivity 

Ans. (i) lack of empathy

(d) Ali did not come to the Post Office for several days as _____________________. 

(i) he had given up hope 

(ii) he was upset by the Post Master’s rebuke 

(iii) he was unwell and not able to walk to the post office 

(iv) he was busy hunting

Ans. (iii) he was unwell and not able to walk to the post office 

(e) “Tortured by doubt and remorse, he sat down in the glow of the charcoal sigri to wait.” The PostMaster was waiting for____________________________. 

(i) a letter from Miriam 

(ii) a letter from his own daughter 

(iii) a letter from Ali 

(iv) Ali to deliver Miriam’s letter to him.

Ans. (ii) a letter from his own daughter

Answer the following questions briefly. 

(a) Who was Ali? Where did he go daily?

 Ans. Ali was a coachman who was old and sick. He used to go to the post office  daily.

(b) “Ali displays qualities of love and patience”. Give evidence from the story to support the statement.

 Ans. Ali went to the post office every day to inquire about his daughter despite the bitter weather and sickness. Despite being on the verge of death, he tells one of the clerks to keep Miriam’s letter near her grave because he exhibits great patience for their touching taunts.

(c) How do you know Ali was a familiar figure at the post office?

Ans. He became accustomed to being called a madman by all the clerks and the postmaster. It had been five years since he had come to the post office every day.

(d) Why did Ali give up hunting?

Ans. The only daughter Miriam he ever had got married and left him. After Ali learned the true meaning of love and separation, he stopped going hunting.

(e) What impression do you form of the postmaster after reading the story ‘The Letter’?

Ans. It took a certain situation to bring out the compassionate and emotional qualities of the postmaster. Ali’s suffering was brought to his attention as he was concerned for his daughter. The letter from Miriam was laid on Ali’s grave by him and Laxmi Das with him. He acknowledged his behavior was unkind and regrettable.        

(f) The postmaster says to Ali, “What a pest you are, brother!” Do you agree with the statement? Give reasons for your answer. 

Ans. I do not agree with the statement. These actions speak volumes about the indifference and irresponsibility of the people with power toward ordinary citizens. In search of refuge from his daughter Miriam, Ali kept returning to the post office. The postman should have some mercy over Ali instead of calling him a pest.      

(g) “Ali came out very slowly, turning after every few steps to gaze at the post office. His eyes were filled with tears of helplessness, for his patience was exhausted, even though he still had faith.” Why were Ali’s eyes filled with tears of helplessness? What had exhausted his patience but not his faith? 

Ans. Ali’s eyes were filled with tears of helplessness because he could not do anything but go away from the post office without getting the letter. Even though he was waiting for the letter for the past five years he could not get the letter, so he lost his patience. However, he did not lose his faith in receiving a letter from his daughter. 

(h) “Tortured by doubt and remorse, he sat down in the glow of the charcoal sigri to wait.” Who is tortured by doubt and remorse? Why? What is he waiting for?

Ans. The postmaster is now tortured by doubt and remorse. Even though Ali was dead three months ago, the postmaster saw him in the morning. The postmaster regrets not understanding the situation of Ali when he was waiting for his daughter’s letter. Now the postmaster is in the same situation as Ali and waiting for the news of his daughter.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the resolution of “The Letter”? 

Ans. The resolution of “The Letter” is that Sudha ultimately decides to stay with her new husband and reject her estranged husband’s request for a reunion. She realizes that she has moved on with her life and is committed to her new relationship.

2. What is the significance of “The Letter” in Gujarati literature?

Ans: “The Letter” is considered one of the most important short stories in Gujarati literature and is widely taught in Gujarati literature courses. It is also notable for its exploration of modern themes in Gujarati literature, which was often focused on traditional themes and motifs.

3. What is the pen name of Gaurishankar Govardhandas Josh ?

Ans. The Gujarati short story genre was pioneered by Gaurishankar Govardhandas Josh under the pen name Dhumaketu, a prolific writer. Human emotions are powerfully portrayed in his poetry and songs with romanticism.

Introduction 

Having been named after and living in the shadow of his famous great-grandfather, William Clark Falkner, the 1897 New Albany, Mississippi-born author William Faulkner became a famous author in his own right. While he was a young boy at Oxford, William liked reading and drawing, and he soon began composing poetry in the style of the Romantic poets of English literature, such as A.C. Swinburne and Robert Burns. He relocated back to Oxford in June 1962, and on July 6 of that year he passed dead from a heart attack.

Biography 

William Faulkner was an immensely popular writer who tried to keep a low profile while he was still living. It’s been said of him that he’s both a Southern gentleman with an oddball personality and a swaggering, arrogant alcoholic. Faulkner’s ancestry is worth discussing because, like the people who influenced his writings, they left an indelible mark on him.

Poem writing came to him as a teen. He dropped out of high school when he was fifteen because he didn’t want to do any work. During World War I, he joined the Royal Flying Corps of Canada. When World War II ended, Faulkner went back to Oxford, Mississippi, where he enrolled in the University of Mississippi as a special student and began contributing to the student newspaper and magazine. While back in Oxford, his reputation as an eccentric writer had already begun to spread.

His first book, 1924’s The Marble Faun, was a collection of poetry that was met with lukewarm reception from critics and readers alike. Faulkner and his travel partner made the trip to New Orleans in the early days of 1925 in hopes of securing passage on a ship en route to Europe.

There he met the American Modernist novelist Sherwood Anderson, whose novel Winesburg, Ohio is widely regarded as a classic. His friendship with Anderson prompted him to start writing, and he published his first novel, “Soldier’s Pay,” in 1926. The book was well received by critics but failed to sell many copies.

Despite his prolific output, Faulkner made almost little money between 1926 and 1931. His books “Mosquitoes (1927),” “Sartoris (1929),” “The Sound and the Fury (1929),” and “As I Lay Dying (1930)” were all commercial failures.

Sartoris, also known as “Flags in the Dust,” was Faulkner’s first novel to take place in Yoknapatawpha County, a made-up region in Mississippi.

Although “The Sound and the Fury” was met with widespread critical acclaim at its initial release, it ultimately sold just a modest number of copies.

In 1929, Faulkner tied the knot with Estelle Oldham. Howard Hawks, the Hollywood screenwriter for whom Faulkner worked, is rumoured to have had an affair with his secretary, Meta Carpenter.

From 1949 and 1953, he had an affair with Joan Williams, which she describes in her book “The Wintering,” published in 1971.

Faulkner wrote his next novel, “As I Lay Dying,” during his time working the graveyard shift at a power plant. This work marked Faulkner’s tentative first foray into the literary world.

Nonetheless, Faulkner did not find commercial success until the 1931 release of Sanctuary.

The years between the 1920s and the 1940s saw Faulkner produce some of his finest work.

In 1950, when Faulkner was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, he stunned his friends by saying that, as was his habit, he would not be attending the ceremony to receive the award.

He relocated back to Oxford in June 1962, and on July 6 of that year he passed dead from a heart attack.

Books and Style 

William Faulkner is well known for his novels, short stories, and southern modernist literature.

With “The Sound and the Fury” (1929), Faulkner tells the narrative of the Compson family in Jefferson, Mississippi over the course of several generations. Despite its initial lack of success, the novel is now considered a classic in the American canon.

As I Lay Dying is widely considered a literary classic and is possibly Faulkner’s most well-known work.

Faulkner’s use of stream-of-consciousness and the several narrators’ perspectives are two of the work’s most distinctive features. In addition to “Light in August,” another novel based in Jefferson, Mississippi, was released in 1932.

There are several major characters whose stories are intertwined. William Faulkner’s success as a short story writer, with over a hundred published works, helped propel him to literary stardom. Among of his collections of short stories are Get Down, Moses (1942), Knight’s Gambit (1949), Thirteen (1931), and Collected Tales of William Faulkner (1985).

Faulkner abandoned poetry for prose as he matured as a writer. Some of Faulkner’s poems and essays, as well as his collections “A Green Bough” (1933) and “Marble Faun” (1924) and many more, have been extensively distributed.

Conclusion 

Faulkner uses inner monologues, stream-of-consciousness writing, character viewpoint shifts, and big, complex phrases in his work.Many of his works are set in the fictional Yoknapatawpha County in Mississippi, and his use of colloquial language anchors his texts solidly in the American South.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What significance has Faulkner made in history?

Ans: The great points of human history—honor, hope, pride, compassion, sympathy, and sacrifice—are what he has the privilege of reminding us of.

2. How would you describe Faulkner’s writing?

Ans. His enormously long sentences that are embedded with intricate subordinate components are the development of his rich and beautiful baroque writing style. Faulkner sometimes used a very emotional, delicate, analytical, complex writing style with Gothic or macabre aspects in his writings.

3. What was a writing inspiration for William Faulkner?

Ans. The Southern culture and morals, the Civil War, and the culture of the predominately white male gender all had an impact on William Faulkner’s writing career. The values and culture of the South were among those that influenced William Faulkner’s writing. In most of his stories, the South is mentioned.

Introduction

This story was written by Elsie Brown. John Hallock writes ghost stories and this story is about him. The ghost, Helen, helped him to develop his creativity. As a result, he feared divorce could plague his relationship with Lavinia because he could not disclose his relationship with the ghost. As soon as his wife threw out the ‘Ouija Board’, things became clear.

Ouja Board

Summary of the chapter

 A ghost story writer is the subject of this story. The ghost named Helen, who works for ‘Writer’s Inspiration Bureau’, provides him with ideas for stories when he doesn’t have any. Ghosts, however, are annoyed with the people who are operating ‘Ouija boards’. The ghost Helen comes to John saying that the ghosts are going on a strike to stop humans from playing with Ouija boards.

However, he is dragged to participate in a Ouija board party by his wife, who recently bought an Ouija board. Helen, the ghost, disrupts the game, preventing it from reaching its conclusion. Following her suspicion that John has been having an affair with Helen, Lavinia threatens to leave him forever. Moreover, their cook is scared of Ouija boards and decides to resign her job. After Lavinia told the cook to take away the Ouija board, they were all happy again and back to their normal lives. 

Due to Lavinia’s desicon of not using the Ouija board again, the ghost also leaves them forever. A new idea from Helen the ghost inspires the writer to begin his next assignment, and he sets into work.

About the author

Elsie Brown has been active in her church’s music department for over sixty years, from the age of twelve when she was a church organist. As a painter, she uses acrylics, watercolors, and oils. She has written “Out of Appalachia.”

Conclusion

In this story, the storyteller teaches us that humans shouldn’t use supernatural powers to solve their problems, such as Tarot cards or Ouija boards. One must use his intelligence and wit to face the challenges instead of choosing shortcuts.

Textbook Questions and Answers

I) Based on your reading of the story above, answer the following questions by ticking the correct options. 

1. The narrator earns his living by …… 

(а) writing ghost stories 

(b) working as a reader for a magazine 

(c) working as a stenographer 

(d) working as an accountant in a lumber company

Ans. (d) working as an accountant in a lumber company

2. The writer was overconfident about his ability to write ghost stories because ……

(a) whenever magazines wanted a ghost story, they got in touch with him 

(b) he was always able to write a ghost story whenever he had to write one

(c) the readers appreciated his ghost stories

(d) he knew the ghost lady would help him write a good ghost story

Ans. (b) he was always able to write a ghost story whenever he had to write one

3. The sight of the ghost materialising in his room filled the narrator with ……

(a) fear

(b) excitement 

(c) joy 

(d) anticipation

Ans. (d) anticipation

4. The ghost wanted John to 

(a) stop his wife from using the Ouija board

(b) stop using the Ouija board himself

(c) stop his guests from using the Ouija board

(d) stop people from using the Ouija board

Ans. (d) stop people from using the Ouija board

5. John wants the ghost to disappear before his wife enters the room and waves his arms at the ghost with something of the motion of a beginner when learning to swim. His movement shows his ………

(a) fear

(b) amusement

(c) desperation

(d) anxiety

Ans. (c) desperation

6. When the narrator says his wife is never so pretty as when she’s doing something she knows he disapproves of, his tone is ……….

(а) amused

(b) ironic

(c) angry

(d) irritated

    Ans. (b) ironic

7. The ghost says “It’s all your fault”. ‘It’ here refers to ………

(a) the narrator’s wife’s anger 

(b) the ghost’s anger

(c) the narrator’s wife leaving him

(d) the ghost materialising in sections

Ans. (a) the narrator’s wife’s anger

8. Gladolia wishes to leave the narrator’s house as ……….

(a) she does not like the Ouija boards

(b) she is afraid of the ghost

(c) she is afraid of magic and hoodoo

(d) she likes Ouija boards and hoodoo

Ans. (c) she is afraid of magic and hoodoo

Question II) Answer the following questions briefly :

(a) What genre of stories does Jenkins want the narrator to write ? Why ?

Ans. A ghost story would be written by a narrator about ghosts and supernatural occurrences. The ghosts in his stories look like real ones, and he writes supernatural stories with both horror and supernatural elements.

(b) Does the narrator like writing ghost stories ? Support your answer with evidence from the story. 

Ans. The narrator likes writing ghost stories. Because he does not have any other option than writing ghost stories as Jenkins wants him to write such stores and his magazine is the only one that prints narrator’s stories.

(c) What makes Helen, the ghost, and her other co-ghosts organize The Writer’s Inspiration Bureau?

Ans. Hallock the narrator learns from Helen, the ghost, that she used to write in her other life. She became a magazine reader. However, those days were terrible because their memories caused her to mistake purgatory for paradise. She made a decision when she reached her current state of being. The Writer’s Inspiration Bureau was formed because of her and other ghosts’ suffering.

(d) Why had Helen, the ghost, been helping the narrator write ghost stories ? Why was she going on strike ? What condition did she place for providing continued help ?

Ans. He had been without ideas for his ghost stories until Helen, the ghost, helped him write them. Having had horrible days as a magazine reader, she went on strike. If he stopped using Ouija boards with all his friends and acquaintances, she would help him.

(e) How does the ghost undermine the narrator’s faith in his ability to write ghost stories ?

Ans. Putting a condition on the narrator undermines his confidence in writing ghost stories. He is promised that she will assist him if he prevents his friends and acquaintances from using Ouija boards. Nevertheless, Hallock was unable to stop them from using them.

(f) Why does John want the ghost to disappear before his wife appears on the scene ? What impression of his wife’s character do you form from his words ?

Ans. The reason is that John is afraid she wouldn’t tolerate him talking to another woman. It is possible that his talking to ‘her’ will cause problems in their marriage since his wife, like any other woman placed in such a situation, is jealous.

(g) Why does the narrator hesitate to be a partner to Laura Hinkle during the Ouija Board Party ? Or Why didn’t John want to partner Laura Hinkle at the Ouija Board party ?

Ans. Since he doesn’t want to use the Ouija board, the narrator hesitates to be Laura Hinkle’s partner. The second reason was that Laura Hinkle was a flirt and cheater.

(h) What message does the ghost convey to the group that had assembled in the narrator’s house ? What is their reaction to the message ?

Ans. Despite the ghost’s objections, the group used Ouija boards. In order to get John’s attention, she called them, saying he had cheated on her. As they too called John’s name together, the women felt that they were in trouble.

(i) Do you agree with the narrator calling the assembly of women “manipulators” ? Give reasons.

Ans. I agree with the narrator calling the assembly of women as ‘manipulators’. The reason is that they take shortcuts and use dubious methods to accomplish their goals. However, they still use Ouija boards despite Helen’s wishes.

(j) Why is John’s wife angry ? What does she decide to do ? Or Why did John’s wife get angry with him ? What did she decide to do ? Or Why is John’s wife angry and what does she decide to do ? Why does John wish he were dead ?

Ans. Because her husband is talking to another woman, John’s wife is jealous. Angry over his behavior, she leaves her husband, John Hallock. A brief encounter with Helen had led to such a situation that John wished to be dead because his wife Helen and all their happiness had been snuffed out due to such a short meeting.

(l) When confronted by Lavinia about his flirtations over the Ouija Board, John insists that ‘the affair was quite above-board, I assure you, my love’. Bring out the pun in John’s statement.

Ans. As a result of a threat he received from his wife, John wished he were dead. In the meantime, he will speak with her lawyer about the threat she is making towards him.

(m) John’s apprehensions about his wife’s reaction to her encounter with the ghost are unfounded. Justify.

Ans. In this case, ‘the affair was very above-board’ is the pun. The statement is true that John flirted with Hinkle, but was forced to pair up with her by his wife. In his own right, he was not interested in getting married to her.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Write a note on the author of the story ‘A shady plot’.

Ans.  Elsie Brown has been active in her church’s music department for over sixty years, from the age of twelve when she was a church organist. As a painter, she uses acrylics, watercolors, and oils. She has written “Out of Appalachia.”

Q2: What is a Ouija Board?

Ans. On an ouija board, you will find letters from the alphabet arranged in alphabetical order. The spirit of the dead is believed to answer questions asked in this way.

Q3: Write a note on the ‘Ouija Board party’?

Ans. A ‘Ouija board party’ involves a game of slumber party fame. A number of people believe automatic writing facilitates the channeling of answers from the spiritual realm through automatic writing.

Introduction

Patol Babu, Film Star was written by Bengali director Satyajit Ray. 52-year-old Patol Babu” was allowed to perform a very brief role as a” pedestrian” in a movie.

Summary

Patol Babu was a resident of “Calcutta” and a worker. But he lost his nine-year job as a result of the war. He then made numerous attempts at jobs and companies but failed. Patol Babu is a short-sighted, middle-aged man with a bald head. He used to perform in several neighbourhood plays and dramas when he was younger. He was forced to stop his hobbies, as a result, to pursue his career for the next few years. But unexpectedly, he was given the chance to play a small part in a movie being created by a well-known filmmaker. Patol Babu is quite happy to have received that opportunity since it has reignited his passion for performing.

When Patol Babu arrives at the location of the shooting, he learns that all he was given was a minor part. made him upset. But he thinks back to the priceless lessons he learned from his theatre mentor, who taught him that no role is small and that an artist should give every role they play their best. Patol Babu practises extensively before the shoot. He is so overjoyed and deeply satisfied with the work that he exits the location of the shoot before even receiving payment for the part.

About the author

“Satyajit Ray” is an Indian director who produced “Bengali- movies”. He is considered one of the best filmmakers of the “20th century”. Ray was the director of “36 movies”, including long and short films as well as “documentaries”

Satyajit Ray

Conclusion

Personal fulfilment at work is more significant than any other factor.  Because of his love of acting, Patol Babu decided to pursue a career in movies after realising that inner fulfilment could not be evaluated or weighted by money.

Textbook Questions and Answers 

1. What was the news that Nishikanto Ghosh gave to Patol Babu?

Ans: A neighbour of Patol Babu, Nishikanto Ghosh, informed him that Naresh Dutt, who worked in the film industry, was looking for an actor. Nishikanto believed that Patol Babu’s personality fit the description and that he also needed money. He then offered him his address so that he could contact him and explain the role.

2. How did Patol Babu react Why?

Ans: Patol Babu was shocked and in disbelief that a fifty-two-year-old nobody like him could be offered a role in a movie. He had a deep love for acting. He became so preoccupied with his thoughts that he was confused and made the wrong purchases at the market.

3. Why had Patol Babu lost his first job in Calcutta?

Ans: In “Calcutta”, Patol Babu had spent the previous nine years working with “Hudson and Kimberley”. The corporation suffered losses as a result of “W

1. To reduce costs, it suffered retrenchment, which caused Patol Babu to lose his way of employment.

4. How does Patol Babu reconcile to the dialogue given to him?

Ans: Patol Babu recalls the acting guru’s teachings. No role is small, and one should always play it to its greatest potential. Patol Babu decided to put everything he had into it.

5. Who was Mr. Pakrashi? How do his words help Patol Babu in enacting his role?

Ans; When Patol Babu first began acting on stage, Mr. Pakrashi served as his mentor. He had told Patol Babu that every role, no matter how small, was crucial. He had a responsibility as an actor to convey to the audience the emotions and expression of his character. These words made him understand how potent the word “oh” alone was. 

6. How do we know that Patol Babu was a meticulous man?

Ans: Patol Babu’s involvement in various activities demonstrates his meticulous nature. First of all, he arrived just in time for the shooting. He made an effort to learn as much as he could about the movie, including the director’s and star actor’s names. To have adequate time to prepare for his part, he asked to receive his dialogue in advance. He continued practicing even after being given a single word in the name of dialogue. He even kept track of the steps needed to time his crash with the star actor.

7. Why did Mr. Mullick turn down Patol Babu’s request for a rehearsal?

Ans: The significance of the position assigned to Patol Babu was known to Mr. Mullick. He turned down Patol Babu’s request since he did not want to waste time on practice.

8. What were the special touches that Patol Babu gave to his role to make it more authentic?

Ans: To make his dialogue as genuine as possible, Patol Babu practiced it in several ways. To appear like a distracted pedestrian, he wanted to hold a newspaper. These are a few instances of the unique touches Patol Babu added to his performance to give it a more genuine feel.

Patol Babu Extra Questions

1. What did Patol Babu find most exciting?

Ans: Patol Babu was a dedicated actor. In fact, at one point, people would buy tickets only to see him perform. However, he abandoned everything and relocated from Kanchrapara to Calcutta after receiving a job offer with higher pay.

2. Do you believe Patol Babu was content with his career?

Ans: No, because Patol Babu frequently changed occupations and career paths and had a difficult time making ends meet without succeeding in bettering his situation.

3. What was the role assigned to Patol Babu?

In the story “Patol Babu, Film Star” by Satyajit Ray, the role assigned to Patol Babu is that of a pedestrian who witnesses a robbery on a street. Patol Babu is a middle-aged man who used to act in stage plays in his youth, but he has not acted in many years. When he is offered the role of a pedestrian in the film, he initially feels disappointed, as he was hoping for a more substantial role. However, he eventually decides to give his best to the role and ends up impressing everyone with his performance, despite having only one line of dialogue in the scene.

4. What, in your opinion, makes Patol Babu a more admirable human being than a performer?

Ans: He considered his role to be more significant than the opportunity. He wanted to know what his dialogues were so that he could practice them. He frequently practiced his dialogues for a flawless delivery as a theater performer.

Introduction 

Mark Twain was the pen name of American speaker, publisher, novelist, humorist, and businessman Samuel Langhorne Clemens. As a child, Mark Twain lived in Hannibal, Missouri. Over his career, Mark Twain amassed a considerable wealth from his public speaking and writing. Unfortunately, he invested his money poorly and lost most of it. Paranoia and explosive anger were constant problems for Mark Twain. On April 21, 1910, at the age of 74, author Mark Twain left this world.

Mark Twain

Biography

Florida was the birthplace of Samuel Langhorne Clemens. He was invited to Earth  on November 30, 1835, almost thirty years before he adopted the pen name Mark Twain.Early that year, the family had relocated there from Tennessee. John Marshall Clemens, his father, provided the leadership. 

When Clemens was four years old, the family relocated to Hannibal, Missouri, which is located along the Mississippi River. Both amazement and horror were evoked by Hannibal. In addition to two of his siblings passing away as children, people frequently drowned in the river.

At age 14, he was forced to drop out of school in order to support the family after his father passed away. Under his older brother, he worked in a neighbourhood printing press.Later, he would leave for the Mississippi River to begin working on riverboats, eventually rising to the position of steamboat captain before the Civil War broke out and put a halt to all river travel.

He advanced from his day job as a Mississippi riverboat pilot to become an American literary celebrity. His work exhibits great seriousness while being brilliantly humorous. Samuel Clemens  and his brother went to the Nevada Territory, after the Civil War put a stop to his career as a steamboat captain, then continued west to San Francisco. He kept touring and selling articles to publications including newspapers and literary journals.

The young couple’s residence in neighbouring Buffalo, New York was purchased by Samuel’s father-in-law, who also assisted Samuel in getting a job with the Buffalo Express. In the future, the family would relocate to Hartford, Connecticut.

When Langdon was just 19 months old, he passed away. Jean passed away at a young age as well, in the same year of her sister Clara’s wedding, following Susy’s death at age 24. Only Clara,among his four children, the youngest, reached the age of eighty.

While travelling through Europe, Mark Twain learnt of his daughter Susy’s passing. He was late getting home to attend her funeral. His new home was on West 10th Street in New York City. In the final years of his life, he battled a severe depression. Susy’s death was his fault, he claimed.

Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn both feature satire and social moralising, two elements that are characteristic of Twain’s peculiar style. There is no denying that Twain’s ideas had an impact on American literature, even though his own philosophy was undoubtedly complex and could not be distilled into the subjects of a single book.

Twain settled at Stormfield, a home in Redding, Connecticut, in 1908. This was the final residence he will ever have. After travelling to Bermuda to unwind and mend his precarious health, Twain experienced cardiac issues and had to return to Stormfield. Clara, his lone surviving child, was at his side in bed, as he passed away in 1910.

Work and Style 

Mark Twain’s writing can be characterised as Southwestern comedy. This type of regional humour is characterised by the use of everyday language, implicit crude humour, and sometimes acts of brutality. The majority of Twain’s characters are based on people he has actually met, and he introduced some of them as models for people he met in Hannibal.

Twain’s writings raised fundamental questions about racism, changing landscapes, class divisions, access to education, and other topics that were prevalent in America at the time. He is renowned for his memoir, “Life on the Mississippi”  and masterpieces like “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer“, whose main subject was around the creative young boy named Tom Sawyer who lives along the Mississippi River.

Butt Mark Twain gained the most fame and recognition for “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn“, which solidified his status as a classic writer and cultural icon. Th e story concentrates on Huck, a friend of Tom’s who flees his abusive father and his drunken household. Along with Jim, an escaped slave, He cruises the Mississippi on a temporary raft.

“Huckleberry Finn” has, of course, faced criticism as well. Recently in 2016, the book was prohibited from schools because it contained racial innuendo and other characteristics of prejudice.

“The Innocents Abroad” is a humorous travelogue that examines Americans and human nature in a sharply perceptive, amusing, and satirical manner. The humorist Mark Twain lectured all across the country. 

Conclusion

Samuel Langhorne Clemens, well known as the American orator, publisher, author, humorist, and businessman known by his pen name, Mark Twain. Mark Twain is famous for his witty one-liners and insightful commentary on human nature. His books and essays feature some of the most well-known passages from his lectures.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.Was Mark Twain involved in politics? 

Ans. Yes, Mark Twain was involved in politics and was a strong supporter of the anti-imperialist movement in the United States. He was a vocal critic of American foreign policy and the U.S. government’s treatment of indigenous peoples.

2. Did Mark Twain have any famous quotes? 

Ans. Yes, Mark Twain is famous for his many memorable quotes, including “The secret of getting ahead is getting started,” “If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything,” and “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.”

3. Did Mark Twain have any notable friendships or relationships? 

Ans. Mark Twain was friends with many notable figures of his time, including author and social reformer Harriet Beecher Stowe and inventor and businessman Thomas Edison. He was also married to Olivia Langdon Clemens, who was a strong influence on his writing.

Introduction

Two kind and compassionate young men struggle to help their ill sister recover from TB. This demonstrates how the power of love and hope can propel us to incredible lengths. The two young Veronese men of honour face their challenges head-on, and no one in either camp complains. Their loyalty and dedication to one another is admirable.

Summary of Two Gentlemen of Verona

Two Gentlemen of Verona is an inspiring story about two brothers who are 12 and 13. The younger brother, Jacopo, is immature and full of life, while the older brother, Nicola, is more refined. The author met them in Verona and gave them this name because they had to deal with life’s problems at a young age. Their father was a singer, but he became a survivor of the German war and died in it. They lost everything because of the war, went hungry, and had to deal with a harsh winter. The streets were their only home. When they went back to their sister Lucia after the war, they found out she has spine tuberculosis.

For their sick sister, they had to work and come up with money to pay for her care. Even though they had a lot of problems in their early lives, the young men never lost faith and hope that they could get their sister well again. Even though there weren’t many jobs around, they were still able to give their sister everything she needed. Going against the norm, they kept living a very bad life, which was clear from how they dressed and what they ate. They made money by shining shoes, selling organic goods and papers, and, surprisingly, filling in as escorts in the area. Even though they went through so much in life, they never tried to get anyone’s sympathy. Instead, they just kept going. These kids are polite, and the storyteller was inspired by their kindness and generosity. The person who told the story thought that they showed everyone that life can get better. Surrounded by darkness but wrapped in light.

Conclusion

The two youthful men of honour of Verona deal with their hardships directly without a solitary objection. Their affection and profound strength are honourable. What’s more, the young men’s development and awareness of certain expectations are likewise commendable. These young men show commendable fortitude amid outrageous neediness and annihilation and the creator figures out how to track down genuine motivation from their lives.

Textbook Questions and Answers

1. Why didn’t Luigi, the driver, approve of the two boys?

Ans. Luigi judged them by their appearance. He didn’t support the two young men since they were pitifully dressed as he felt that they could sell inferior-quality fruits.

2. Why were the narrator and his companion impressed by the two boys?

Ans. They were shocked that the young men were doing countless things quite early in life. Under the blistering sun, they sold fruits, newspapers, and polished shoes and were local area experts too. They did any random temp job that they were approached to do. Their ability to do any sort of work intrigued them.

3. Why was the author surprised to see Nicola and Jacopo working as shoeshine boys?

Ans. The storyteller was astounded to see them sparkling shoes since he felt that selling fruits was their main inhabitants.

4. How were the boys useful to the author?

Ans. The young men did everything the author requested- they showed them the city, purchased tickets for the opera for them, informed them of good restaurants and ran all their errands.

5. Why were the boys in the deserted square at night? What character traits do they exhibit?

Ans. The young men were hanging tight for the last transport from Padua with the goal to sell every one of their papers. This makes sense of the way the two young men were exceptionally diligent and committed.

6. The narrator asks the boys, “Must you work so hard? You both look rather tired.” The boys reply, “We are not complaining, sir.” What do you learn about the boys from their reply?

Ans. The boys were very focused and committed. Their sole contention was to pay for their sister’s treatment and well-being. Despite being tired all day, they worked day and night.

7. When the narrator asks the boys about their plans, they are evasive. Why don’t they disclose their problems?

Ans. The two boys did not want the narrator to get aware of their problems because of their colossal spirit which did not want sympathy. 

8. Appearances are deceptive. Discuss with reference to the two boys.

Ans. Notwithstanding their shabby appearance, the storyteller purchased strawberries from them. Then, the storyteller found that they did different things apart from selling fruits, sold papers, polished shoes, and local escorts. War had obliterated their family but it had not killed their spirit. Behind their decrepit appearances were covered two respectable spirits whose devotion and benevolence guarantee another expectation for humankind.

9. Do you think the boys looked after Lucia willingly? Give reasons for your answer.

Ans. The young men cherished Lucia. She was the only family member left after the conflict.  When their sister got tuberculosis, they admitted her to a clinic. They buckled down constantly to pay for her treatment. The young men were exceptionally engaged and committed. Their main thought process was to pay for their sister’s treatment. They could have done without their solace yet resolutely endeavoured to bring in cash.

10. How does the story ‘Two Gentlemen of Verona’ promise hope for society?

Ans. The children’s penance, their commitment and the development they showed early on guarantee another expectation for all. The obliteration brought about by the conflict had not shattered their soul. It motivated them for a fresh start.

Two Gentlemen of Verona extra questions

1. What are some themes explored in “Two Gentlemen of Verona”?

Ans: “Two Gentlemen of Verona” explores themes such as love, friendship, loyalty, betrayal, forgiveness, and the power of true love.

2. What is the significance of the title “Two Gentlemen of Verona”? 

Ans: The title “Two Gentlemen of Verona” refers to the two main characters, Valentine and Proteus, who are both from Verona and are described as “gentlemen” in the play. The title emphasizes the importance of their friendship and the bond they share.

3. Is “Two Gentlemen of Verona” a comedy or a tragedy?

Ans: “Two Gentlemen of Verona” is generally classified as a comedy. Although the play has some serious moments, it ultimately ends with a happy resolution and the reconciliation of the characters.

Introduction

British novelist Saki, whose full name was Hector Hugh Munro, was known for his biting satire of contemporary life. They looked to him as the authority on the short stories. Mrs. Packletide seems to have a lot of bitterness against other people. She planned to use the tiger hunt to surpass Ms. Loona Bimberton and achieve renown for herself.

Summary

The only thing that drove Mrs. Packletide was the need to keep her neighbour, Loona Bimberton, out of sight. When she found out that Loona Bimberton had piloted an aeroplane, she was overcome with unfathomable envy. Because of this, she went in search of a tiger to steal his hide. Just to get everyone’s attention around town.

Tiger

Things worked out for the better in the end. The tiger, elderly and weak, was on its way to the nearby city in search of sustenance. Mrs. Packletide’s offer of a thousand rupees to anyone who could assist her capture a tiger piqued their appetites, since a thousand rupees was a substantial sum back in the day. They made some attempts at trickery to lure the tiger into town. Day and night, kids stood guard on the outskirts of the desert in an effort to lure the tiger into town. The tiger was being held at bay by a scattering of cheap goats. It was recommended that mothers refrain from soothing their infants with lullabies. When I was younger, the big problem was who would be the senior tiger on the day of the chase.

Mrs. Packletide had the tiger cornered with a bound goat as prey, and as soon as the tiger approached the goat, she pressed the trigger. The tiger actually perished because it heard the bullet go through the goat. The villagers kept quiet because they wanted the money, but her friend pressured Mrs. Packletide into buying the pricey cottage for the weekend. After weighing the costs and benefits of the trip, Mrs. Packletide decided she would not go hunting again.

Conclusion

The moral of the story is that envy never leads somewhere good. Even if it wasn’t a falsehood, Mrs. Pickeltide nevertheless paid a steep price for it in this tale. Mrs. Packletide’s Tiger” is, indeed, a comedic tale that satirises the British colonial society in India and makes fun of the ridiculous pursuit of celebrity and social standing. The narrative is humorous because of the irony and satire in it.

Textbook Questions and Answers

1. Why did Mrs Packletide wish to kill a tiger?

Ans. Mrs. Packtide wanted to be as famous as her neighbour, Loona Bimberton, so she set out to kill a tiger for the press.

2. What made her decide to give a party in Loona Bimberton’s honour? What did she intend to give Loona on her birthday?

Ans. Mrs. Packletide decided to have a luncheon party so that she could show off the tiger skin she had just acquired. Her ideal birthday present for Loona was a tiger brooch.

3. How was the tiger shooting arranged? What kind of a tiger was chosen for the purpose?

Ans. Mrs Packletide arranged to hunt a tiger without much risk of exertion by paying thousands of rupees to villagers. A feeble tiger was chosen who relied on easy skills for survival. 

4. In what way did the villagers help Mrs Packletide shoot the tiger?

Ans. Villagers put children on the outskirts for the tiger’s sight and update, goats were scattered to attract the tiger and to prevent it from straying, and mothers were asked not to sing lullabies to their children.

5. Who was Miss Mebbin? Was she really devoted to Mrs Packletide? How did she behave during the tiger shooting?

Ans. Miss Mebbin was a paid spectator of the tiger hunt. She was money minded as she tried to instigate Mrs Packletide not to pay for goods as it was not killed by Tiger.

6. Mrs Packletide was a good shot. Discuss.

Ans. Mrs Packletide was not a good shot as she went for the tiger but shot the goat instead. The tiger died out of fear, not a bullet.

7. What comment did Miss Mebbin make after Mrs Packletide had fired the shot? Why did Miss Mebbin make this comment? How did Mrs Packletide react to this comment?

Ans. Miss Mebbin tried to bring everybody and noticed that Bullet hit the goat and not the tiger. The cause of their death was heart failure. The intention was to harass Mrs Packletide and extract more money from her. Mrs Packletide was exasperated at the disclosure of the truth but she knew that money can shut her mouth.

8. How did the villagers react to the tiger’s death?

Ans. The money-minded villagers paid heed to money and believed that Mrs Packletide shot The Tiger in fear that they might lose money.

9. Do you think Mrs Packletide was able to achieve her heart’s desire? Give reasons for your answer.

Ans. She achieved what her heart desired, she wanted to kill an animal which she did even though it was a goat, got fame without killing the tiger, and gifted a Tiger claw brooch to Loona Bimberton.

10. How did Miss Mebbin manage to get her weekend cottage? Why did she plant so many tiger lilies in her garden?

Ans. Miss Mebbin got to her cottage by blackmailing Mrs Packletide about missing the shot and killing the goat instead. She planted Tiger lilies to try to find out how she got the cottage.

11. “The incidental expenses are so heavy,” she confides to inquiring friends. Who is the speaker? What is she referring to here?

Ans. Here the speaker is Mrs Packletide. She said so because of the heavy price we paid to get the job done and eventually for concealing the truth through the villagers and Miss Mebbin.

Important Questions

1. Is “Mrs Packletide’s Tiger” a humorous story? 

Ans: Yes, “Mrs Packletide’s Tiger” is a humorous story that satirizes the British colonial society in India and mocks the absurdity of the desire for fame and social status. The story uses irony and satire to create a comedic effect.

2. What are some literary devices used in “Mrs Packletide’s Tiger”?

Ans: “Mrs Packletide’s Tiger” uses various literary devices, such as irony, satire, and symbolism. The title itself is symbolic, as the tiger represents the exotic and dangerous nature of India, while Mrs Packletide represents the British desire for domination and control.

3. What is the message of “Mrs Packletide’s Tiger”?

Ans: “Mrs Packletide’s Tiger” satirizes the British colonial society in India and highlights the absurdity of the desire for fame and social status. The story suggests that such desires often lead to dishonesty and exploitation of others.

Introduction 

One of the most striking and influential people of the twentieth century was the Irish novelist James Joyce. He was a Dublin native and is regarded as the prototypical Irish author. He travelled and frolicked throughout Europe for a period of his life after leaving Dublin. He concentrated on writing the portrait of Ulysses, a remark on Irish life as perceived by a Dubliner, during that time. When it was released in 1922, this book sparked intense debate. Despite being outlawed in many places, it was the book of the preceding century with the highest readership.

James Joyce

Life

Joyce was up in a comfortable, middle-class home that practised Catholicism. He received his early schooling at a Jesuit school. Many chapters of his autobiography, The Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, are dedicated to his formative years as a student under Jesuit teaching. In spite of his family’s worsening financial situation, he was able to help them out by winning a series of scholarships throughout his academic career. Nonetheless, he voiced public opposition to accepted social and spiritual values of the period. At last, he abandoned Religion for the beauty.

Joyce was an accomplished polyglot who stayed up-to-date on the latest languages. There is little doubt that Henrik Ibsen’s writings had a major effect on James Joyce’s style and content. He admired his wit and wisdom, as well as his courage in choosing exile. Like Ibsen, his writing was deemed “subversive” by certain readers. While living in Paris, he met with writers’ groups and Irish nationalists living abroad. They were close friends, and Nora Barnacle was his first buddy.

After deciding to leave Ireland on his own own, he settled in Croatia before making the move to Trieste. Joyce, the greatest artist who practically moved from Ireland permanently in 1904 but makes only three brief trips, continues to exist in local time when overseas and only seems to “beat time” when performing.

Dubliners, his only published work, was launched in 1914 and met with critical acclaim but little commercial success. He only recently got friends with him and began helping him publicise his books. He also helped him out monetarily. While living in Zurich, he completed his legendary novel Ulysses, a project that had occupied him for seven years. He returned to Zurich after migrating to Paris after the outbreak of war.

During his brief visit to Ireland in 1909, he helped foreign investors establish a movie theatre and struck a publication agreement for his novel, Dubliner. His work A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man was serialised in the periodical The Egoist in 1914.

His eventual best-selling work Ulysses was originally published in the US magazine Little Review. Pomes Penyeach, a collection of his poetry, was published in 1927. After waiting four years after the book’s first release, Joyce and Nora tied the knot in London.

Due to accusations that Joyce included sexual content in Ulysses, book was banned in the USA in 1933. Random House Publishing reissued the banned work a year later, while Finnegans Wake did not see print until 1939, five years after its first publication.

Around the time of Finnegans Wake’s publication, Joyce was suffering from a multitude of medical problems; he had undergone so many eye surgeries that he was nearly rendered totally blind.

During WWII, he fled to Switzerland from Germany. In 1941, he passed died in the hospital where he had stomach surgery.

Evolution of Style 

Due to his masterful use of diction, original symbolism, inward soliloquies and monologues, and epiphanies, Joyce’s distinctive writing style differs in each of his works. His writing is also distinguished by the degree of complexity used. His writing works contain deliberate, multidimensional meaning construction, as noted by critics and readers.

In his novel, he also makes reference to contemporary psychology. In terms of vocabulary, he adhered to Dublin’s formal and traditional diction. His use of foreign terms to construct puns and allegories is noticeable in Finnegans Wake, where he makes frequent use of Irish slang.

Additionally, he participated in the symbolism and realism literary movements of the time. However, he denied being a part of any such effort. Instead, as both currents may be found simultaneously in his works. He tried both separately and in combination.

In this way, he invented a brand-new dream language, mixing words from his enormous vocabulary with new ones to produce a complex, metaphorical effect. By using these components, he allows the reader to enter the character’s head and feel what they are feeling.

Conclusion 

James Joyce uses both traditional and contemporary literary strategies and phrases to enrich his writing style. in order to elicit inner dialogues and soliloquies. One of the motivational ideas in Joyce’s writing is epiphany. His epiphany tales show how the outside world was created in pieces.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the three themes seen in “The Sisters”?

Ans. As far as Joyce is concerned, death, paralysis, and corruption are the novel’s three main themes. All of them show up in the first story (“The Sisters”) and return in the subsequent tales (to the shocking last tale, “The Dead”) in the anthology.

2. What kind of writing is in Dubliners?

Ans. Joyce used “a style of meticulous meanness” when writing Dubliners, which refers to his desire to produce a realistic impression in his writing. He used names of real bars, hotels, churches, and other defining elements of his city’s social scene, for instance.

3.In what subjects did James Joyce write?

Ans. Joyce only had one collection of short tales published during his lifetime, Dubliners, which was also his first writing work. The Irish middle class is shown in these fifteen tales at the height of the Home Authority era, when the island was struggling to establish itself under British authority.

Introduction 

John Milton, journalist, historian, and poet of the 17th century, was born on December 9, 1608, in London, England. Paradise Lost was the book for which he is most remembered. Milton’s first career goal was becoming a priest. Attending Cambridge University only solidified his resolve to devote the rest of his life to writing and poetry. More people would read his work if they knew about his talent and potential as a poet. Awed by their praise, Milton vowed to establish himself as one of England’s top poets.

John Milton

Life 

John Milton (1608-74) is widely recognised as one of the most influential poets of the seventeenth century and one of the most important writers in the history of the English language. The English poet John Milton defended individual liberty. He held that every person ought to read and comprehend the Bible since he was a Protestant. Famous for his advocacy of unrestricted publishing and his poetic masterwork Paradise Lost.

As a result of his deep engagement in politics, Milton regularly interspersed political pamphlets with his other works.

Being a protestant who valued religious liberty, Milton often found himself at odds with the Roman Catholic Church, which vigorously defended the rights of Protestants.

John Milton joined Oliver Cromwell’s government when the monarchy was toppled.

In 1643, Milton tied the knot with Mary Powell, but their relationship was doomed to failure.

In his writings around this time, Milton first began to discuss the positive aspects of divorce.

His marriage was a source of great stress, and the works were ultimately banned in Parliament. In 1652, while giving birth to the fourth of their children, his wife died. A year after losing his only son, he also lost his eyesight.

Milton maintained his writing output throughout this time.

Instead of writing his own work, he had a coworker jot it down when he dictated it to them. At some point, Milton would tie the knot twice more.

Milton, when his vision began to fail, had to face his own battle with nightfall.

So that he could keep writing, he had assistants hired. One of his best-known helpers is fellow writer Andrew Marvell. At the Restoration of the Monarchy in 1660, Milton was freed from jail. Throughout the rest of his life, he continued to write.

He died in London, England on November 8th, 1674. He was buried close to his father at Cripplegate. By 1700, Paradise Lost had already been recognised as one of the finest works ever written in the English language.

Major Poems 

English poet John Milton lived in the seventeenth century, and his writings have had a significant impact on literature. Between 1632 to 1674, Milton produced both poetry and prose, while his epic poetry is his most well-known work. 

Milton’s major works are all available at Special Collections and Archives, including Paradise Regained, L’Allegro, Paradise Lost and Il Penseroso.

One of the most well-known pieces of English literature is Paradise Lost. Ten books made up the initial edition, which was released in 1667.Twelve booklets made up a later edition that was released in 1674. There are more than 10,000 verse lines in Paradise Lost. In it, Adam and Eve’s creation, failure to withstand Satan’s temptations, and eventual fall from grace are all described, along with their creation.

Milton’s Paradise Regained, which was initially published in 1671, is another well-known piece. In Milton’s Paradise Regained, Satan and the Son of God engage in a philosophical discussion. The Son of God aspires to noble consciousness, an attribute. Satan, on the other hand, thinks it’s okay to go after material things like fame, fortune, and power.

Another significant Milton work housed in Special Collections and Archives is Il Penseroso and L’Allegro. David Bogue released this edition in 1855 in London. This early effort greatly influenced his later compositions as he developed. His poetry evolved as he aged, becoming more sophisticated and perceptive.

He used what he dubbed “divinest Melancholy” to create his most potent masterpieces despite the fact that he had lost his sight.

Conclusion 

Themes from politics, religion, and the individual are prevalent in Milton’s works. For instance, some works contain imagery of good and evil as well as light and darkness. His great intellectual, spiritual, and moral qualities were generally lauded by eighteenth-century poets.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What topic dominates John Milton’s poetry?

Ans. His prose writings were referred to as the left hand’s accomplishments. Milton used his poetry to confront political and religious issues, the main themes of his writing as well, much like the renowned literary predecessors with whom he invites comparison.

2. What function does poetry serve for Milton?

Ans. Milton developed a thorough understanding of what poetry meant, despite the fact that morally instructive poetry was a Renaissance cliché. Poetry, according to him, has the ability to seeds of integrity and social decorum were bred into the great people, to alleviate the disturbance of thought, and set the affections in proper tune.

3. What are the key topics of Paradise Lost by John Milton?

Ans. The three sections that make up Paradise Lost’s religious theme are as follows: Disobedience, eternal providence, and God’s justification of mankind are the first two. Conversations about Paradise Lost Frequently focus on the third and final of these three, leaving out the previous two.

Introduction 

Mary Ann Evans, Robert and Christina’s youngest child, was born in Warwickshire in 1819. Mary Ann was pious as a child and adolescent due to her upbringing and Miss Lewis’s influence as her boarding school’s “principal mistress” from 1828 to 1832.

Life

Mary Ann Evans has read since childhood. Due to her love of books and intellect, her father spent a lot of money on her education, despite his business philosophy.

Her father Robert Evans had a company, while her mother Christiana Evans stayed home.

Mary Ann managed her father’s home when her mother died and her sister married. Mary Ann and her father moved to Coventry after her brother Isaac married and acquired the house in 1841.

As her intellectual horizons broadened in the city under Charles Hennel and Charles Bray, the young woman’s faith waned.

She also wrote reviews and pieces for a Bray-edited journal.

Mary Ann cared for her crippled father until his death in 1849, who strongly opposed her new religion.

She became Chapman’s Westminster Review’s assistant editor in 1851. Via Spencer, she met divorced theatre critic and writer George Henry Lewes. After being unable to divorce, Lewes and Mary Ann defied social norms and stayed married.

Until Lewes’ death in 1878, the couple lived together legally but not otherwise.

Two years after marrying J. W. Cross, Mary Ann died on December 22, 1880.

George Eliot’s legacy will help future generations.

Her books, short tales, and poems impacted many people and sparked debate on women’s role in a patriarchal culture and her courage in standing up for her beliefs in Victorian times.

George Eliot

Major Works 

Like many other writers, Mary Ann Evans’ writings are influenced by her views and experiences from life. She frequently depicts lovely rural landscapes in her literature, highlighting both their positive and terrible elements, as seen in works like among other books, The Mill on the Floss.

She has captured the true character of the little, rural towns that are frequently viewed as glorified. In addition, she challenged conventional patriarchy with her book Mill in the Floss, which inspired fresh perspectives. Her writings also reveal her unusual political, religious, and scientific ideas for the time period.

Her realistic and feminist viewpoint garnered the admiration of many writers and reviewers of the period, as well as later commentators who unknowingly lauded her as a masculine author.

In the 1858 novel Scenes of Clerical Life , a collection of three sketches with a rural location, is praised for its skillfully rendered Midland dialect and well-drawn characters.

In the 1859 novel Adam Bede offers realistic depictions of ordinary country life that are undermined by unfulfilled love and greed, leading to tragic events and fought-for self-knowledge.

In 1860 novel The Mill on the Floss chronicles Maggie Tulliver’s struggle to fit in with her strict, traditional culture.

The 1861 novel Silas Marner centres on a miserly, estranged character whose life is changed by the adoption of an orphan.

With the historical novel Romola (1863) and Felix Holt (1866), which is frequently categorised a political novel, although it has a typical love plot more typically associated with domestic fiction, Eliot expanded her thematic aims.

Middlemarch, often regarded as Eliot’s crowning effort, develops moral and philosophical ideas like the link between the individual and society while providing a complete portrait of English provincial life.

Eliot’s final book, Daniel Deronda (1876), is regarded as her most ambitious but possibly least effective work. It explores a wide range of nineteenth-century European society.

Conclusion 

She did such a good job of fictionalising her concepts in her works that writers still want to emulate her today. Although there are still detractors, fiercely split about Eliot’s depiction of women’s difficulties, the emergence of the feminist movement inspired a new examination of the author’s work.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What is George Eliot’s greatest work?

Ans. The eight-part Middlemarch (1871–1872) is often regarded as George Eliot’s best work. The novel had changed under her direction from a simple work of pleasure to a highly sophisticated work of art.

2. Who is one of George Eliot’s primary characters? 

Ans. Eliot’s first book, Adam Bede, was an immediate bestseller when it was published in 1859. The story of the main character, a labourer who yearns for a young woman named Hetty Sorel, is told in this book, which is set in the rural town of Hayslope.

3. Which major themes appear frequently in TS Eliot’s poetry?

Ans: Eliot uses the symbolism of the waste land, garden, lake, city, stairs, etc. to portray themes of time, death and rebirth, levels of love, and a quest theme on a metaphysical, artistic, and psychological level.