Introduction

Writer Herbert George Wells has written this piece. In this interesting account, a scientist known only as “Griffin” develops a concoction that makes its user invisible.

Summary

The story follows Griffin, a scientist who is also the protagonist. After much investigation, he decided to try some experimental drugs that promised to render him invisible. Two young boys heard his footsteps as he climbed the stairs of a house and saw him for the first time. They started following them right away. Thereafter, he seeks shelter from the cold by entering a shopping centre. Once the shops have closed, he decides to bundle up and have a snack.

Invisible Man

He begins by dressing in a selection of the garments he has removed from his suitcase. After that, he goes to a restaurant’s kitchen and eats cold steak with coffee. After that, he goes to the supermarket and buys some wine and pastries to enjoy later. He woke up when the store’s personnel spotted him and began chasing him. He shed his clothes in an instant and vanished once again. When London’s winters finally arrived, he started wandering about naked once more.

The actor then plans to rob a theatre, where he is confident he will also be able to get a mask. When he has to conceal his identity further, he dons a cap, dark glasses, a prosthetic nose, and bandages.

Following a fistfight with the store owner, he walks out with all of his cash. He quickly comes to the conclusion that city life in London isn’t for him and that he’d be better off in the country. He books a room at an Iping hamlet inn for the two of them.

As he arrives in Iping, the people are perplexed that a man of such unusual looks would choose to spend the winter at a tavern. He robs people when he has no more money and attacks the landlord and his wife if they come to check on him. Griffin eluded the constable’s attempts to apprehend him.

About the author

Herbert George Wells, an English writer, lived from September 21, 1866, until August 13, 1946. Among his many works are novels, short tales, social criticism, satire, biographies, memoirs, and even two volumes on light strategy games. His output spanned a wide variety of forms.

Conclusion

He had been researching how to turn a man invisible. His experiment was successful, and he came up with a formula that would allow him to turn invisible while yet being physically felt.

Textbook Questions and Answers

1. How did the invisible man first become visible?

Ans: Two boys followed the invisible guy until they saw his footprints in the mud, at which point the boys gave up and the man regained his invisibility. Throwing them away, he spent the night at a large London shop, where he slept on a stack of blankets while only partially dressed. The following morning, while he was still sleeping, he heard the doors of the store opening and the staff filing in.

2. Why was he wandering the streets?

Ans: When Griffin’s landlord tried to kick him out, he retaliated by setting fire to the place. He was an outlaw who had removed all identifying features by shedding his clothes. This led to him living on the streets as a homeless vagrant. He had run out of both money and clothing.

3. Why does Mrs. Hall find the scientist eccentric?

Ans: Griffin landed at an inn in the wintertime in the village of Iping, which was an unusual thing that happened. In addition, he had an odd appearance. He was disrespectful to Mrs. Hall when she tried to become friends with him and said that he was visiting the village of Iping for solitude and didn’t want to be disturbed. These were a few of the factors that Mrs. Hall used to label him as an eccentric scientist.

4. What curious episode occurs in the study?

Ans: One early morning, noises in the clergyman’s study room woke him and his wife. The clergyman searched the study with a metal rod but was unable to find anyone. He even checked behind the curtain, up the chimney, and beneath the desk, but no one was there. The weirdest thing was that the desk was open and the cash drawer was empty despite no one being present.

5. What other extraordinary things happen at the inn?

Ans: The landlord and his wife were taken aback to see Griffin’s room doors open. When they looked inside, they saw that nobody was there, so they decided to explore. He never even liked others to try to enter his room, so they thought it was odd that the door was open. As Mrs. Hall was looking inside, she heard a sniff near her ear and was suddenly struck in the face by Griffin’s hat. 

Footprints without Feet Extra Questions

1. Why was Mrs. Hall delighted to see the stranger?

Ans: At that time of year, there weren’t many visitors staying at the “Coach and Horses” inn, so Mrs. Hall was overjoyed to welcome one. As the stranger promptly paid all of his bills and reserved a room in advance. Mrs. Hall was quite pleased with it.

2. What traits did Griffin possess?

Ans: Griffin is incredibly impatient and irritated. He becomes irrationally angry and begins to harm other people. Even though his father’s death was caused by his burglary, he has lost his conscience and does not feel bad.

3. What ultimately happened to Griffin?

Ans: The bystanders arrived at the scene where Griffin was riding on the dead Kemp thanks to Kemp’s calls for aid. Griffin was violently beaten by the crowd after they grabbed hold of him. Some of the blows were fatal, and he died from his wounds. He died in this manner.

Introduction

“Victor Canning” is the author of the story “A Question of Trust”. This is a  story of a thief named “Horace Danby” who experienced justice served. He has a history of stealing. He met a woman who cheated him during one of his robbery attempts at a large home, and he was put in jail because he had completely believed her.

Short Summary of a Question of Trust

A well-respected member of society,” Horace Danby”. He was single and around fifty years old. With two assistants, he made locks. He was healthy and content. But in the summer, he experienced hay fever attacks. But he wasn’t entirely truthful. His first and only term had been completed in a prison library. He was passionate about reading. He loved pricey, rare books.

Every year, Horace Danby robbed a safe. He stole enough to last him a year. He privately used an agency to purchase the books he liked. He was no longer able to commit a robbery.

Horace Danby walked inside. In the kitchen, a small dog was sleeping. He called it by name and silenced it. The safe was placed in the drawing room. On the table was a large bowl of flowers. He felt a tickle in his nostrils. He began to sneeze. It was simple to open the safe. To cut the alarm bell’s wiring, he entered the hallway.

Finally, he heard a voice. He could stop the sneeze, the voice assured him. It was a woman’s voice. She was in the entranceway. She was attractive and young. She wore crimson clothing. She claimed to have returned in time. 

He had already been convinced by the woman that she was the landlady. She set one condition before releasing Horace. To dupe Danby, she had cooked up a lie. and told her she couldn’t remember the safe’s password. Within an hour, he opened the safe and gave her the gems.

There were Danby’s fingerprints all over the place. Without wearing gloves, he had opened the safe. He admitted to the police that the house’s landlady had asked him to access the safe. However, the landlady was a sixty-year-old woman with grey hair. She argued that the Danby story was ridiculous.

About the author

“Victor Canning”, a prominent British author of mysteries and novels who was active in the “1950s, 1960s, and 1970s”, lived from “16 June 1911 to 21 February 1986”. He was a reserved person, publishing no autobiographies, and giving just a few newspaper interviews.

Conclusion

The story conveys a message that we shouldn’t blindly trust people before learning more about them.

Think about it (Textbook questions)

1. Did you begin to suspect, before the end of the story, that the lady was not the person Horace Danby took her to be? If so, at what point did you realize this, and how?

Ans: Yes, as the story progresses, we begin to doubt if the woman was who Horace Danby thought she was. When she saw Horace, she became remarkably composed. This seemed strange to me. Strangely, she decided not to call the police and told Horace to take out all the diamonds from the safe, even if it meant busting open the safe. It didn’t seem possible for her to forget the safe’s passcode. Before the tale ended, it became obvious that the woman was not who Horace had initially believed her to be.

2. What are the subtle ways in which the lady manages to deceive Horace Danby into thinking she is the lady of the house? Why doesn’t Horace suspect that something is wrong?

Ans: She can fool anyone with her assured stroll, her familiarity with the dog Sherry, her touch-up act, and the ease with which she selects a cigarette from the appropriate location. Horace wasn’t suspicious since he was too terrified to think clearly.

3. “Horace Danby was good and respectable – but not completely honest”. Why do you think this description is apt for Horace? Why can’t he be categorized as a typical thief?

Ans: Horace’s behaviors were not those of a regular thief. He enjoyed reading. He used to only steal once a year, so he never stole more than what he needed. This definition fits Horace well because theft is still a crime regardless of how well a thief behaves. He does not commit crimes regularly like other thieves, so he cannot be classified as a typical robber.

4. Horace Danby was a meticulous planner but still, he faltered. Where did he go wrong and why?

Ans: He was, naturally, a careful planner. Before stealing each year, he carefully planned. He stumbled though. He was blind to the lady’s charming, smart, and cunning conversations. He may have been there as a thief, And he had been caught in the act. His ability to recognize the lady’s tricks was impaired by his “fear of going to jail.” Then he committed theft.

Extra Question Answer

1. How does Horace defend his actions?

Ans: Every year, he committed theft to purchase the expensive and rare books he cherished. He carefully planned each year’s theft so that there would be enough for a full year.

2. What made  Horace sneeze?

Ans: A big bowl of flowers on the drawing-room table caused Horace to start sneezing in the Grange home. Horace had hay fever, a disorder marked by sneezing brought on by a pollen allergy.

3. How did Horace explain his theft?

  Ans: Horace Danby was confident that his theft at Shotover Grange would be successful since he had researched the home, the safe’s location in the drawing room, the wiring, and its garden. His careful planning ensured that nothing could go wrong because he had also examined the servants’ movement.

4. What does the title  “A question of trust” mean?

Ans: Horace believed the statements of the woman who pretended to be the owner of the house. Even though she was a thief, Horace trusted her and did not suspect her. As a result, there is some uncertainty about whether Horace should have trusted her, and his trust in her was called a  question. Consequently, the term is appropriate.

Summary

The chapter is a story of a 15 years old thief Hari Singh(who keeps changing his name), who plans to rob Anil, a writer this time. Anil provides him shelter and food and trusts him fully unlike his previous employers. One fine day, Hari managed to steal Anils’ money and he left the house. When Hari reaches the station he does not board the train and returns to Anil’s place. 

While returning, his notes get wet in the rain. After that Hari keeps those notes back in place. When the next day Anil wakes up, he behaves normally with Hari despite knowing about the theft as the notes are still wet.   

Other Information about the author

The story is written by Indian author Ruskin Bond, who is famous for children’s literature in India. He won many awards like Padma Shree, Padma Bushan, and Sahitya academy for his literary work.

Conclusion

The author wants to convey through this story that human values and morals play a vital role in life. Anil places his full trust in Hari Singh, and converts him from a thief to a civilized person without saying it out loud.

 

Textbook Questions Answers

1. Who does ‘I’ refer to in this story?

Ans: ‘I’ is used for the narrator of the story, i.e, Hari Singh, who is a 15-year-old thief.

2. What is he “a fairly successful hand” at?

Ans: He is a fairly successful hand at robbing and stealing money from people without getting noticed.

3. What does he get from Anil in return for his work?

Ans: He used to get free food and a place to live in lieu of his service at Anil’s place. 

4. How does the thief think Anil will react to the theft?

Ans: The thief thought that Anil would be extremely sad to know about the theft, not because of losing money but rather breaching of the trust.

5. What does he say about the different reactions of people when they are robbed?

Ans: Hari has witnessed different reactions from people when they are being robbed. For example, fear will be shown by a greedy man, anger by a rich man, and acceptance by a poor.

6. Does Anil realise that he has been robbed?

Ans: Yes, Anil realized that he had been robbed because notes were still wet while he gave 50 rupees to Hari Singh. However, he behaved normally as if nothing had happened.

Think about it

1. What are Hari Singh’s reactions at the prospect of receiving an education? Do they change overtime? {Hint: compare, for example, the thought: ‘I knew that once I could write like an educated man there would be no limit to what I could achieve’ with these later thoughts:

‘Whole sentences, I knew, could one day bring me more than a few hundred rupees. It was a simple matter to steal and sometimes just as simple to be caught. But to be a really big man, a clever and respected man, was something else.’) What makes him return to Anil?

Ans:  Hari Singh was happy at the prospect of receiving an education and it changed over time. Initially, he wanted to be literate, so that he could become a big limitless thief. Later on, he realized that even being a big cheat would not give him respect and peace in life like Anil( who also had irregular sources of income but was more satisfied). Now Hari wanted to receive an education to be civilized.           .

2. Why does Anil not hand the thief over to the police? Do you think most people would have done so? In what ways is Anil different from such employers?

Ans: Anil does not hand over the thief to the police because he is aware that Hari (the thief) has changed now and wants to live like a civilized member of the society.

No, most people would not have done so. Anil was different from others as he was more patient and had faith in Hari’s changed heart.

3. Do you think people like Anil and Hari Singh are found only in fiction, or are there such people in real life?

Ans: Although it is difficult to find people like Anil and Hari Singh in the real world, not impossible. In real life, you would find hardly a thief realizes his mistake and the owner would forgive him easily like Anil. Rather the owner would beat the thief and hand him over to the police.

4. Do you think it is a significant detail in the story that Anil is a struggling writer? This explains his behaviour in any way.

Ans: Yes, it is a significant detail in the story that Anil is a struggling writer with an irregular source of income and sometimes he used to borrow money and worried about his next income. This explains his behavior that he does not want to get money by doing something unethical like Hari Singh.

5. Have you met anyone like Hari Singh? Can you think and imagine the circumstances that can turn a fifteen year old boy into a thief?

Ans: No, I have not met anyone like Hari Singh as it is rare to find such people. There can be many reasons which can force a fifteen years old boy in such circumstances. These reasons may include poverty, greed to become rich, and sometimes addiction as well.

6. Where is the story set? (You can get clues from the names of the persons and places mentioned in it). Which language or languages are spoken in these places? Do you think the characters in the story spoke to each other in English?

Ans: The story is set in some place in Uttar Pradesh as it was evident that Hari Singh was about to board the Express train to Lucknow. Hindi and other regional dialects are spoken in these places. And I don’t think that the characters spoke in English to each other in English.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why does Hari Singh keep changing his name?

Ans: Hari Singh used to keep changing his name to escape from being caught by the police

2. Why didn’t Hari Singh board the train?

Ans: Hari Singh could not afford to break the trust of Anil who has extreme faith in him.

3. Where did Hari Singh meet Anil?

Ans: Anil and Hari Singh met while they were watching a wrestling match and Hari tried to befriend Anil and asked for a job for himself.

4. Name some other literary works of Ruskin bond.

Ans: Some of the famous novels of Ruskin Bond are: The Blue Umbrella, Funny Side Up, and A Flight of Pigeons.

Introduction

A ‘Triumph of Surgery’ is about a little dog, Tricki who was spoiled and indulged with unhealthy treats by his rich mistress, Mrs Pumphrey. Before long, the dog becomes sick and is taken by the veterinarian, Mr Herriot to a clinic for therapy and his well-being. It describes how the owner shows love for her dog through excessive eating which becomes the cause of his illness.

Short Summary of a Triumph of Surgery

The story begins when Mrs Pumphrey takes Tricki for a stroll. A close veterinary notices Tricki and is stunned by his plumped body. He encourages her to quit overfeeding him yet she can’t deny him.

Before long Tricki falls debilitated and the specialist is called. The storyteller, Mr Herriot then in some way takes Tricki to the medical clinic although he realises that Mrs Pumphrey can’t keep her dog out of sight. Tricki was lethargic for a few days. One day, he glances around and whines a little. Subsequently, he went out and began playing with the bigger dogs.

Soon his condition began improving. He began battling for his feasts with different canines. When Mrs Pumphrey heard, she began remitting him eggs as she felt that Tricki was recuperating from disease and required energy food. Mr Herriot and his accomplices began consuming those eggs and wine. He felt that he wanted to keep Tricki and felt blissful because of his presence and his bounties. However, he made a shrewd choice and called up Mrs Pumphrey as she was stressed and Tricki was fit to be brought back home. Tricki rejoiced to see his maiden and bounced into the vehicle. Mrs Pumphrey said that she is grateful to him and that his medical procedure had been fruitful as Tricki was relieved.

Conclusion

An overdose of something that is otherwise good means an extreme sum that becomes overpowering or hurtful, instead of accommodating or pleasurable. In limited quantities, the thing might work out great for you; in enormous sums, the thing is destructive or a weight.

A Triumph of Surgery – Text Book Questions

1.What kind of a person do you think the narrator, a veterinary surgeon, is? Would you say he is tactful as well as full of common sense?

Ans. The storyteller is an able and shrewd specialist. He treated Tricki appropriately. He doesn’t work on the dog pointlessly and fixes him by adjusting his eating regimen and exercises.

He was aware of precisely how to persuade Mrs Pumphrey to hospitalize Tricki. His choice to illuminate Mrs Pumphrey to gather Tricki upholds his sensibilities although he was enticed to keep Tricki as a long-lasting visitor.

2.Do you think Tricki was happy to go home? What do you think will happen now?

Ans. Tricki was glad to return home as he truly adored his paramour and the solace of his sumptuous life. He had no companions at home like in the medical clinic, yet he appeared to be similarly energized at seeing Mrs Pumphrey. I feel that Mrs Pumphrey will be cautious about Tricki’s eating routine and well-being by giving him a workout as recommended.

3. Do you think it is a real-life episode or mere fiction? Or is it a mixture of both?

Ans. The story is a combination of both. Rich people could be able to overload their pets because of adoration. In any case, it is improbable for a veterinary specialist to make a special effort and lie to save a creature. It is uncommon for anybody to devour food which is given for the sake of a pet’s well-being.

4. This episode describes the silly behaviour of a rich woman who is foolishly indulgent, perhaps because she is lonely. Do you think such people are merely silly or can their actions cause harm to others?

Ans. Mrs Pumphrey’s activities had a hurtful response on Tricki’s health. She was overpampering Tricki for the sake of adoration. This deteriorated his condition which lead to hospitalization. Individuals like Mrs Pumphrey are senseless as their activities can have risky ramifications for other people.

5. Do you think there are parents like Mrs Pumphrey?

Ans. Indeed, there are guardians like Mrs Pumphrey who ruin their kids by spoiling them regardless of monitoring the unsafe consequences.

6. What would you have done if you were :

a)member of the staff in Mrs Pumphrey’s household?

Ans. I would have not walked on the path of  Mrs Pumphrey to indiscriminately take care of Tricki. I would have taken care of him as per the vet’s recommendation. I would have avoided delivering toys to the clinic. These extra efforts might have had an extra toll on my chorus.

 b)a neighbour? What would your life have been like, in general?

Ans. If I was Mrs Pumphrey’s next door, I would have encouraged her to counsel a vet and heed his guidance remembering Tricki’s decaying well-being. I would have likewise been strong in their difficult time. 

7. What would you have done if you were in the narrator’s place?

Ans. I would shower Tricki with solace and love. I would have been similarly mindful as Mr James Herriot and somewhat strident while encouraging Mrs Pumphrey about Tricki’s eating regimen knowing her approach to showing love. I would have likewise not consumed Tricki’s eggs and wine.

Also Read: A Triumph of Surgery Class 10 Questions and Answers

Extra Question Answer

1. Why does Mrs Pumphrey think the dog’s recovery is ‘A triumph of Surgery’?

Ans. Mrs Pumphrey feels that Tricki’s recuperation is a victory over the medical procedure since his disease was intense with not very many opportunities for Tricki to cope. In this way, his restoration was an extraordinary accomplishment, as per her.

2. What are the ways to keep children engaged in present times?

Ans. In today’s world full of distractions, we must try to incorporate- 

1. Sports.
2. Arts/music.
3. Learn a foreign language.

3. What are the ill effects of expensive gifts on children and their harm?

Ans. It could lead to pride and overconfidence which will lead to delusions. It is not about how much we spend but rather how we spend.

4. Why is ‘Health more important than Wealth’?

Ans. If a person has good health, then he has overall well-being. Having only wealth does not necessarily mean the same. 

Introduction

Robert Frost, an American Poet, wrote the poem. One of the most famous poets, wrote about the rural life of the people of England, where the major themes he used in his works were isolation, everyday human life, struggles, and specifically, the connection of the human mind with nature. This tutorial will discuss one of his poems, ‘A Roadside Stand’ by Robert Frost.

Short Summary

This poem is about a farmer who puts a new shed in his house which was small and it was on the edge of a road. The poet says that the road was busy with cars.But not a single car is stopping at the roadside shop put up by the rural people. Even though no car stops at these shops and the poor are not benefiting from their shop , they still hold their hope thinking about a better future.

Some cars that stop at the shop ask for help to find a way to reach their destination .Some people stop to shop and are taken aback by the bad condition of the shop .They just say bad things about the condition of the shop and leave. They never find the time to help the poor.

The poet compares the life of these poor people who live in the rural areas with the people living in urban areas. The rich people who live in urban areas don’t even try to help the poor roadside stand holders.

Later in the news it was declared that the poor will be helped by the government soon. Their shops will be taken by the officials and they will be offered a home in their village . So that they can lead a better and happy life.

But the truth is that no one is going to help these poor. The officials who are responsible for their welfare just give them temporary hopes. They give promises to these people by acting that they want to help them. But in reality all they want is just to benefit by fooling these poor people. Even in the name of helping them ,the rich people find a way to benefit themselves. Thereby leading the poors to continue in their miserable life.

Through the poem , the poet requests his readers to help the poor. He shows us the awful life they are living and gives a wakeup call to our humanity.

Conclusion

The poet says that he feels bad and miserable at the sufferings of the poor village people. He passionately wanted to find a way to get rid of all problems of the poor to be done away with in one stroke in order to end their pain. But he knew that it was childish and of no use. So, that is why he desires someone who can relieve him of his pain by killing him.

 

Textbook Questions and Answers:

1.What did the poet think of the roadside vendor?

The poet is upset to witness the shed owners’ prolonged waiting period for potential bidders. He laments the folks who set up the roadside stand for their “childish longing in vain.”

2.What was the request made by the vendors of the roadside shops?

All these poor vendors wanted was to get some money to live a good life. They wanted the cars passing through the roads to stop and buy things from them. They wanted the rich people to consider shopping from them too and help them to have a good  living .

3.Despite their appearance of aiding the destitute rural residents, the public assistance organizations are useless. Pick out the phrases and words the poet chooses to demonstrate their hypocrisy.

Greedy good-doers, beneficent beasts of prey.

4.What does the poet mean by “childish longing”? What makes it “vain”? 

It is a childlike wish on the part of the man with the roadside stand to hope that some cars may pass by and make a purchase or at the very least inquire about the cost of the farmer’s produce. No cars pass past, hence it is useless or pointless. All day long, the poor people kept their shops open on the roadside hoping that some cars would stop and buy things from them. But nothing like that happened.

A Roadside Stand Extra Questions and Answers

1.What was the condition of the Roadside Stand?

The condition of the roadside stand is poor and deprived, compared to the people of the city.

2.Why do the rural people ask for money from the City people?

The rural people ask for money so that they too can lead a life of happiness and prosperity.

3.What was the purpose behind having a Roadside stand?

The rural people were expecting that the city people would stop for a while and buy things from their shop so that they would earn some money for a better life.

4.Did the government officials ever keep their promises?

No. The government officials never fulfilled the promises they gave to the poor people. They give hope to these people for temporary happiness. But all they want to do is to benefit themselves in the name of helping them. No genuine effort is made from their side.

Introduction

The poem Keeping Quiet by Pablo Neruda emphasizes the importance of peace and silence everywhere. It mainly focuses on maintaining tranquility in our environment as he is bothered about harming animals, the bitterness amongst the humans or man made wars. He has tried to portray his subdued expression of peace by inciting some beautiful examples in the entire poem.

Summary of the Poem

The poem have highlighted  a very important and  major issue surrounding us and it’s about silence and peace. The poet wanted everyone to wait till the clock ticks 12 in the clock and after that all will go fo silence for some time for  self contemplation. As we have stopped bothering about brotherhood, maintain peace and harmony amongst the animals and we have turned into selfish giants.

Keeping peace

At the beginning there will be a feeling of little weirdness  as everything  will come to a halt for  while. There will be no buzzing and annoying sounds of the engines, no one will be speaking in different languages and be quiet for a moment. But this calmness and silence can bring us together and can connect us to  one common place which the poet has tried to mention as an exotic moment. The exotic moment is none other than the happiness that everyone will feel after this silence.

The middle of the poem clarifies that how there will b no activity in the sea as it will turn totally cold due to this silence and fishermen will not be able to harm aquatic animals like W Hales any more. The people involved in collecting salt from the sea will not be hurting their hands anymore for this stillness posed in the poet’s mind.

At the end the poet has described beautifully the essence of brotherhood and together ness by mentioning that there will be no green wars by using gases and hence the men doing that will be freed of this wrongdoing and rather will it on clean clothes. By this they will survive happily with their brothers and a state of tranquility and calmness will be be prevailing everywhere around the World.

Conclusion

“Keeping Quiet” points out the significance of peace and silence and that these can bring about happiness amongst everyone. The poet has cited quite a few examples like no harming of animals or no green wars can prevail the essence of brotherhood and companionship amongst all men in the World. He even tried to stop the annoying engine noises so that everywhere it can be calm and men can think about togetherness.

About the poet

Pablo Neruda (1904–1973) was a noteworthy Chilean poet and  a true politician who used a pen name besides using his real name. He received the Nobel Prize for Literature in the year 1971.His writings are uncomplicated and reader friendly. The essence of this poem, which was originally written in Spanish, is mainly focused on introversion about peace and silence.

 

Textbook Question and Answers

1. What can Humans learn from this poem about nature?

Ans: Our Mother Earth can teach a lot of examples that will help us restore humanity and peace aeverywhere.Humans should learn how to maintain brotherhood and calmness everywhere by not harming animals or humans and not conducting wars.

2. What is the literal meaning of ‘total inactivity’? 

Ans:-Pablo Neruda meant by saying total inactivity that inactivity in the sea can make it cold and as a result there will be no harm caused to the aquatic animals like Whales and no men can collect from the sea any more.

3. Why does the poet seem sad in the poem?

Ans:-The sadness of the poet mainly revolves around the inhuman that is prevailing everywhere amongst the humans.They have forgotten about brotherhood and have become selfish and thinks and care about themselves rather than helping others.They will rather harm others for their own peace.

4. Why do you think that the poet has used the word “Total Inactivity”?

Ans:-Pablo Neruda wanted to promote humanity and peacefulness as they have forgot about the mankind and go on to be selfish .So he wants that one day if everything comes to stillness, rather in the form of inactivity for a few moments happiness can be spread amongst the entire World.

Extra Question Answers

1.Do you feel that there is a glimpse of sadness in the poem?

Ans:-Yes, the poem signifies sadness as the poet is really worried about the present situation of mankind. According to the poet man has forgotten about brotherhood and has become selfish and thinks and cares about himself rather than helping others.They will rather harm others for their own peace.

2.What does “green war” signify?

Ans:-Green wars signify no use of gases and fires in the wars,which also signifies a clarion call to the entire humanity about their harmful and selfish nature due to which they have forgotten about the essence of brotherhood. They are busy themselves to create wars and spread brutalism everywhere.

3. What is the meaning of exotic moment in the poem?

Ans:-Pablo Neruda longed for  exotic moment when the entire mankind will be free from selfishness, brutality and inhuman actions. Unnecessary rush and noise have caused unpleasantness and troubles. The poet wishes the  annoying noise of engines and machines should come to an end and then only tranquility might prevail.

4. How will stopping for a second can help mankind ?

Ans:-According to Pablo Neruda, if we stop for  second there will be little strange ness for while but there will be no buzzing and annoying sounds of the engines,no one will be speaking in different languages and be quiet for a moment.But this calmness and silence can bring us together and can connect us to  one common place which the poet has tried to mention as an exotic moment.

Introduction

The author of “My Mother at Sixty-Six”, “Kamala Das”, is renowned for depicting the complexity of “human relationships”. The poem is one of the best representations of a human connection, especially between a “mother and daughter”.  It expresses the poet’s suffering and fear of losing her mother as a result of the terrible fact of life, which is death.

Short Summary

 In this poem, the poet expresses her affection and attachment to her aging mother 

The poet once went to see her mother. She was returning to the airport to fly back to Cochin. She turned to face her mother in the passenger seat of the car. Her mother had fallen asleep, and the color of her aging face was ashy-smoky. She looked like a dead person since her mouth was open. The poet became aware of her mother’s advanced age. She sympathized with her and sensed her pain. Her mother needs devotion, care, and love.

The poet turned her head to look out the car window to escape the darkness. She observed young trees passing by there. Little kids were rushing into the playgrounds from their homes. These things stood in stark contrast to her mother’s aging face. 

The poet looked at her mother one more time when they arrived at the airport and she was going to board the plane. Like the moon in the winter, which seems to have lost all of its strength, her mother looks frail and pale. The loss of her mother caused the poet both pain and fear. She recalled her early years when she used to worry about losing her mother. She struggled as a child to tolerate even brief periods of separation from her mother. Now that her mother was on the verge of passing away, the loss would be irreparable.

The poet kept her emotions to herself. To ensure that her mother would live and that they may one day reunite, she smiled and added, “See you soon, Amma.”

Mother-daughter

About the poet

The poet Kamala Das also published works under the pen name “Madhavikutty.” She was one of India’s first poets and was born in Kerala. Her topic reflects her personality, which is stunning, tender, brave, and troubled.

Conclusion

The poem conveys a message that it is a slow but inevitable realization that one’s parents are aging. Parents are young and capable when one is growing up, but they age in front of our eyes. Here, the poet expresses sadness over learning the same thing about her mother. The advice is to spend more time with them.

My Mother at Sixty Six – Textbook Question and Answers

1. What is the kind of pain and ache that the poet feels?

Ans: The poet feels a familiar sorrow or aches when she sees her mother’s pale and lifeless face. Perhaps she has been afraid of this since she was young. Growing older is a normal process. “Ageing and time” have no mercy. The poet’s mother has not been spared by time or aging, and she might not be. Death and separation are “inevitable” as we age.

2. Why are the young trees described as ‘sprinting’?

Ans: The poet travels by car to “Cochin  Airport”. When she glances outdoors, it appears the young trees are moving by them. They appear to be running quickly or sprinting at the pace of the car. Her elderly mother, who is “dozing,” and the youthful trees, who are “sprinting,” are contrasted by the poet.

3. Why has the poet brought in the image of the merry children ‘spilling out of their homes?

Ans: The poet used the metaphor of the happy kids “spilling out of their homes” to create contrast. The jubilant children who are streaming out of their homes in large numbers are the ones who can best describe life’s freshness and joy. It contrasts with the elderly mother who is “dozing,” whose “ashen” face is “pale and lifeless”, like a corpse. The poet’s mother is described throughout the poem in a way that strongly suggests inactivity, degradation, and aging. The contrast between these two pictures enhances the poem’s impact.

4. Why has the mother been compared to the ‘late winter’s moon’? 

Ans: The mother of the poet is “66 years old”. Her ‘ashen’ shrunken face looks like a corpse. She no longer possesses the brightness and energy of youth. The moon in the dead of winter appears similarly “foggy and opaque”. It also lacks luster and durability. The connection is quite appropriate and natural. Here, the metaphor is both relevant and powerful.

5. What do the parting words of the poet and her smile signify?

Ans: When compared to the childhood terror or familiar ache, the poet’s leaving words of confidence and her smiles stand in stark contrast. She makes a conscious effort to conceal her true emotions through her words and smiles. The elderly woman, whose “ashen face” appears to be that of a corpse, is comforted by the parting words, “See you soon, Amma.” Similar to this, her continuous smiles are an effort to get over the pain and terror inside her heart.

Extra Questions

1. What was the poet’s greatest fear as a child? 

Ans: The young child always worries about losing his parents. The poet’s fear growing up was similar to that of losing her mother or her companionship.

2. Why did the poet continue to smile?

Ans: The poet smiled frequently to remind herself that she would soon meet her mother. She makes a conscious effort to mask her true concerns and emotions with her words and smiles.

3. What painful realizations did the poet have?

  Ans: The poet’s mother’s lifeless and faded face hurts her heart. She appears dead, like a corpse. She paints a picture of slowness, degradation, and death. The elderly woman appears to be deep in her thoughts.

4. In the poem, what is “wan and pale”?

Ans: Wan: feeble and dim. Pale:  without color. The poet goes on to say that after arriving at the airport, she completed the security check and then stood close to her mother. She observed how her mother’s aging face appeared so lifeless, frail, and colorless.

Introduction

Kumudini Lakhia’s development as a dancer is laid bare in Bridges. The author describes her lifelong pursuit of becoming a dancer in considerable detail, giving the work its “autobiographical” label.

The author opens with a discussion of the challenges inherent with dancing. She believes that dancing skill is learned and not innate.

Summary

The author has described her entire life in this essay. She describes the full story of how they had gone to the movies and how she enjoyed “Mumtaz Ali’s” dancing. When Kumudini’s mother observed her imitating the dance at home, she declared that the child was a great dancer and insisted she takes dance lessons

The author’s father was an engineer, and the family frequently moved about as a result of the British government’s support for India’s “independence battles and military activity.”

She also recalls a day when she and her brother burgled “Liaquat Ali’s” garden for fruit. Due to her father’s repeated relocations, she was enrolled in “Queen Mary’s College” in Lahore. Wher mother died just before her finals, she felt alone and abandoned.

She enrolled at “Allahabad’s agriculture college” later in life. Upon her graduation, she was accepted into London’s Ram Gopal Dancing School.

Her life shifted once she joined the dance troupe. Later she settled down, got married, and had children.

Kathak Dance

About the author

“Umrao Jaan” and “Sur Sangam”, two enduring films by “Kumudini Lakhia”, are well known.

Conclusion

The entire story demonstrates how, at her life’s most crucial turning points, bridges appeared, and it is because of these bridges her life entirely changed.

Textbook Question and Answers

1. How did the author feel about her mother’s passion to make her a dancer? 

Ans: The author struggled with her mother’s intense desire to turn her into a dancer. She claims that her mother realized she had an innate talent for dancing. This inspired the author’s mother to train her as a dancer. She claims that the film industry sparked her mother’s desire to train her as a dancer. The author explains her lack of interest in dancing as well as the difficulties she encountered getting to the dance teacher’s house. She had the impression that learning to dance had been forced upon her.

She first believed that she would not need to learn dance when she was sent to Queen Mary’s College in Lahore to pursue her studies. She finds it regrettable that her mother brought Radhelal Misra, a dance instructor, along with her. In this way, the author had a negative encounter with her mother’s desire to turn her into a dancer.

2. What were the lessons of life learned in her younger days that Kumudini carried into her adult life? 

Ans: When the author was younger, she encountered numerous lessons in life that she carried with her into adulthood. She recounts an incident that happened while she was living in a large mansion in Delhi that had been given to her father, They shared a border with Liaquat Ali, who eventually became Pakistan’s prime minister. She and her brother were once caught plucking guavas from his tree by his gardener. Liaquat Ali did not punish them; instead, he extended an open invitation for them to gather the fruits whenever they pleased. It was one of the first lessons in the games that politicians play, according to her.

Queen Mary’s College in Lahore provided her with the opportunity to understand the value of discipline. She believes that developing discipline in daily activities will result in discipline throughout her life. When her mother passed away, she learned about the hunger pangs, which are underlined in her work. The playwright was able to comprehend the type of tension she faced in David.

The author could develop the ability to tell the difference between sentimentality and sensitivity. In her adult years, she produced a work titled Panch Paras, five senses to investigate this area. She describes how Ram Gopal taught her that we should perfect the method before we start experimenting. Kumudini discovered more about herself while traveling with Ram Gopal.

3. How did Kumudini react to her mother’s death? 

Ans: The principal of the school where Kumudini was enrolled at the time did not directly inform her about her mother’s death. She was told to return home since her mother was ill. When she got home, she discovered her mother had died. She was just 14 years old at the time, her hands dangling loosely from her frame, and she felt powerless in the world. She was hungry but unable to communicate this to anyone. She was concerned that she’d come out as ungrateful.

4. What were the concepts that Kumudini Lakhia represented through Duvidha, Atah Kim, and Panch Paras? 

Ans: Kumudini examines the situation of a middle-class woman who is bound by Indian living norms in Duvidha or Conflict. The author of Atah Kim makes use of the idea of the need for power. In Panch Paras, the investigation of spiritual life is explained.

5. How does Kumudini Lakhia describe her guru Ramgopal’s influence on her? 

Ans: Kumudini Lakhia gave a detailed account of her guru Ramgopal’s impact on her. She claims that Ram Gopal was a harsh disciplinarian who had a passion for a precise line. This had an impact on the author, who attempted to teach her students the same lesson. She describes how going on a tour with Ram Gopal allowed her to learn more about herself.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why did the author start to dance?

Ans: The author didn’t start dancing until she was a little child. Her devoted mother and her silent, peace-loving father forced her to dance even though she didn’t want to.

2. Where did the author start taking dance classes?

Ans: The topic of the lesson is Bombay. His first dance training was given to the author by “Guru Sunder Prasad”. While the author was in “Khar”, he resided at “Chowpatty”. To get there, they had to take a train, a bus, and then a walk. It took 45 minutes each way for the full journey.

3. Why did the author’s mother sign her up for a dancing class?

Ans: Due to her admiration for the film industry, the author’s mother enrolled her in a dancing class. They took her to a movie when she was seven years old, and when they got home, she started dancing to the music and copying the performers.

4. My mother recognized this intrinsic talent in me. What kind of ability is the author referring to?

Ans: Her dancing ability is being discussed by the author. Although she insists she didn’t see it, her mother did. Her mother had such great faith in her that she enrolled her without hesitation in dancing classes four days a week.

Introduction

This poem is based on Greek mythology and the subject of this poem is the idea that beauty may be found anywhere and, when acknowledged, can be used to uplift one’s spirits under difficult circumstances. 

Beautiful Flowers

Summary of the Poem

John Keats, a well-known poet, wrote A Thing of Beauty. The poet also asserts that a beautiful item may make us feel extraordinarily happy and delighted. A lovely thing also resembles a cool shelter that provides us with a restful night’s sleep full of pleasant dreams. 

People have an affinity to material goods, according to the author. Our ties to the material world resemble a floral wreath. They are snares that tie us to transient pleasures and prevent us from experiencing ultimate delight. 

The poet enumerates a few of the lovely things that are all around us. Beauty, as they say, is in the eye of the beholder. He claims that the natural beauties all around us are the many creations of God, such as the Sun, which provides us with energy, the Moon’s splendour, and the Trees, which provide us with shade. In the sweltering summer months, the water’s flowing streams cool and revitalise us. The woodlands that are covered in lovely musk rose blooms are a sight to see.  

These lovely things resemble an immortality-granting source that God has placed upon us as a gift and a blessing. 

Extra information about the Poem

As we go deeper into A Thing of Beauty’s explanation, we discover that the poet mentions legends of powerful warriors who lost their lives for their country’s advantage or other good objectives. That appeals to him as well. A purpose to life may be found in the lovely things, which are comparable to the nectar since they are full of immortality. 

Conclusion

The summary of A Thing of Beauty explains the importance of cherishing the lovely things that surround us. Beauty is an infinite source of nectar, a lovely tonic or beverage. Every beautiful object is worth keeping since they bring us enduring delight and create a lasting impression on our brains and life.

Textbook Question and Answers

1. List the things of beauty mentioned in the poem.

Ans: Everything in nature is aesthetically pleasing and enjoyable. The moon, the sun, the ancient and young trees, the daffodil blossoms, the little streams with pure water, the mass of ferns, and the flowering musk roses are a few of them. 

2. List the things that cause suffering and pain.

Ans: There are several things that harm and hurt us. “The main causes of human sorrow are resentment and malice,” said Albert Einstein. The absence of noble traits is another. Our bad and unhealthy habits also produce a great deal of problems and misery. 

3. What does the line, ‘Therefore are we wreathing a flowery band to bind us to earth’ suggest to you?

Ans: Keats is a fan of aesthetics. He makes use of his senses to find beauty. Man and nature have always been intertwined. The things that are attractive resemble floral wreaths. Every day, we appear to construct a floral band. It keeps us connected to the natural wonders of this planet.

4. What makes human beings love life in spite of troubles and sufferings?

Ans: There are several factors that cause us to struggle and have problems. They lower our mood. In spite of such horrible occurrences, however, “some shape of beauty” infuses love and happiness into our life. A beautiful item lifts the gloom of sorrow and pain. 

5. Why is ‘grandeur’ associated with the ‘mighty dead’?

Ans: During their respective eras, the great dead were incredibly strong and tyrannical individuals. These accomplishments made them ‘mighty’ and ‘great. As a result, the “powerful dead” are linked to “grandeur.”

6. Do we experience things of beauty only for short moments or do they make a lasting impression on us?

Ans: We experience happiness when we interact with beautiful things. They leave us with a lasting impression. A beautiful object brings delight forever. It is a never-ending source of happiness and will not vanish into oblivion. It lifts the cloud of melancholy that hangs over our gloomy spirits.

7, What image does the poet use to describe the beautiful bounty of the earth?

Ans: John Keats employs a really lovely metaphor to illustrate the exquisite riches of the planet. It is the never-ending fountain of eternal liquid. It continuously pours from above into our souls. As a result, the lovely gifts of the land are referred to as “an infinite fountain of everlasting drink.”

A Thing of Beauty Important Extract Questions

1. How are the “powerful dead” lovely?

Ans: The expression “the powerful dead” alludes to those who came before us. The magnificent stories of our ancestors inspire us, fill us with joy, and fill us with pride.

2. What function do beautiful objects serve in helping us lead happy lives?

Ans: The enduring imprint that beautiful objects leave on our minds is a continual source of delight. When we gaze at them, we feel reassured and joyful. 

3. What are the factors that bring about human misery, grief, and suffering?

Ans: The source of all of man’s problems is him, the individual. We foster negative behaviours. All of these factors cause man to experience misery, grief, and suffering.

Introduction

The major theme of the poem “Aunt Jennifer’s Tiger reflects the the different brutalities and the struggle confronted by the Women of our society. The poetess depicted using some powerful words that how Women in a patriarchal society is being subdued with the responsibilities of their family thereby snatching away their freedom of living and are tyrannically exploited by the men.

Summary of the Poem

The main protagonist of this poem “Aunt Jennifer” have delineated a fearless society for Women through her embroidery skills.In the First stanza she has tried to portray by weaving tigers with the ivory needles. According to the poetess the Tigers were bright golden in colour and were dwelling green dense forests. The Tigers are here are definitely not a real one but an inner reflection of the poetic mind which represents Aunt Jennifer herself, her desire to be free and bold just like them.

In the second stanza she continues to weave beautiful and elegant Tigers with wool bearing the power of confidence with the ivory needle. But sometimes her hands shook as she was really outraged by the oppressive patriarchal society in which she was living. She was probably a bit scared of her father.

In the last stanza Aunt Jennifer was so depressed and anxious that her hands were wagging and she could not take the needle out of that beautiful crochet. Her wedding ring suddenly became an unnecessary burden filled with marital responsibilities which she has been doing since ages and probably she was bogged down by the dominance posed by her husband. But the beautiful Tigers created by Aunt Jennifer will be a memoir of a proud, confident and prerogative women that was portrayed by Aunt Jennifer as a self reflection.

About the poet

Adrienne Rich was a popular poet, essayist and an active feminist from USA. She own to be the most influential and popular poets in the middle of the 20th century. She used to actively participate in the contemporary women’s movement as a theorist and poet as well. Her work portrayed glimpses of strong resistance towards military culture and racism.

Conclusion

The poem conveyed a very strong message through the beautiful Tigers weaved by Aunt Jennifer about the freedom and independence of women in today’s society. The imaginary Tigers impacted by her depicted the subdued desire of Aunt Jennifer which she wished if she could owe it. But unfortunately she was entrapped in the cobwebs of the patriarchal society ,with the entanglement of the complex marital responsibilities.

 Question Answers

1. What does the word “Ordeals” depict in this poem?

Ans: The “ordeals” clearly depicts the different complexities posed by the marital responsibilities of Aunt Jennifer herself and also she has tried to portray that every woman has to be oppressed by bearing these responsibilities through their entire life.

2. Why did Aunt Jennier use Tigers as metaphors to depict her own desires?

Ans: The Tigers are fearless and strong and they rule the jungle.Hence the poetess wanted to weave Tigers who were prancing upon the dense green forests thereby exhibiting her subdued desire to be free and confident like them.They can be the memoir of a confidence and fierceness in a patriarchal society.

3.What are the different symbols used in this poem as metaphor to describe the difficulties faced by every Women of the society?

Ans: A lot of metaphors have been used in this poem as a symbol of anti feministic society-”ordeals,which means the different marital responsibilities,”Ringed”,which described the compulsory bondage that every Women have to pursue for the sake of their family to represent the every odds and turbulences she had faced and succumbed during her entire marital life.

4.Did the poet sympathise with Aunt Jennifer?

Ans: The poet sympathised with Aunt Jennifer as she  experienced  quite a lot of hardships  through her married life. The attitude of the poet towards Aunt Jenniferwas highly sympathetic as the poet depicted many suggestive imaginary symbols like “Tigers” to present a Woman who went through so many harsh experiences as well as unpleasant and terrifying periods during her married life.

Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers Class 12 Important Questions

1.  Why did Aunt Jennifer create the images of Tigers in her crochet?

Ans: Aunt Jennifer’s tigers were created by herself. The Tigers are fearless and strong and they rule the jungle. Hence the poetess wanted to weave Tigers who were prancing upon the dense green forests thereby exhibiting her subdued desire to be free and confident like them.

2. Did Aunt Jennifer face any difficulty while making the Tigers?

Ans: Aunt Jennifer continues to weave beautiful and elegant Tigers with wool bearing the power of confidence with the ivory needle.But sometimes her hands shook as she was really outraged by the oppressive patriarchal society in which she was living.She was probably a bit scared of her father.

3. Why does the Ring seem heavy on Aunt Jennifers’s hands?

Ans: Aunt Jennifer’s wedding ring suddenly became an unnecessary burden filled with marital responsibilities which she has been doing since ages and probably she was bogged down by the dominance posed by her husband. But the beautiful Tigers created by Aunt Jennifer will be a memoir of a proud,confident and prerogative women that was portrayed by Aunt Jennifer as a self reflection.

4.After Aunt Jennifer’s death what will be the fate of Tigers weaved?

Ans: Aunt Jennifer’s creation is a wonderful piece of art and it will remain immortal in all our hearts as the Tigers will keep on prancing selflessly  and fearlessly over the dense green forests. They will certainly sportray the deep desires of Aunt Jennifer of becoming an independent Women.