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Delhi PubUc School

Vasant Kunj, New Delhi

CLASS XI

Study Material 2011-2012

ENGLISH

Cycle One Cycle Two Cycle Three Cycle Four Cycle Five Cycle Six Cycle Seven Half Yearly

a - A p r i l M a y 2011 (10)
S- ^ Ma yl - l s - ^ Ma ya o n c g) .

4'July-15'July2011(10) 18'July-29'July2011(10)

August12'August2011(10) 1 A u g u s t - SO"-August 2011 (10)

September - 20' September 2011(14)

Exams Cycle Eight

Cycle Nine Cycle Ten Cycle Eleven Cycle Twelve Cycle Thirteen Winter

21 September - 30' September 2011

S"' October -1October 2011 (10) 18' October - 8"' November 2011 (10) November - 23"^ November 2011 (10) 24^ November - December 2011 (10) December - 22"'' December 2011(10) 23-^ December -1January 2012(10)

Break Cycle
Fourteen Cycle Fifteen Annual

Vasant Kunj New Delhi Class XI

Session 2011-12 Schedule of Cycles

Delhi Public School

Exams

29' D e c e m b e r J a n u a r y 2012
1January - 31 ^ January 2012(10) February -February 2012(13) 20"' February 2012

onwards

DELHI PUBUC SCHOOLj VASANT KUNJ CURRICULUM DESIGN

Delhi Public School is a name synonymous with quality and excellence. Innovation and ingenuity is the hallmark of our institution that sets it apart on the country's education map. The goals set by us are continuously pursued with perseverance, hard work and scientific spirit. Our new comprehensive curriculum design is the outcome of this spirit. The designing of a curriculum for a school requires vision. The problems that one faces are: How to make effective use of time available in an academic year ? How to divide the complete course evenly throughout the year ? How to strike a balance between all extra curricular activities and academic work ? The Delhi School Education Rules 1973, state in chapter ll-clause 31 that in an academic year, a school has to put in 1200 hrs of work. 180 days are to be devoted to intensive teaching and an additional 30 days are set aside for examinations and remedial work. To distribute this study time evenly over the year, the school has devised a detailed cycle- wise split up of the syllabi. The syllabus of each subject has been split into 18 cycles - with each cycle covering 10 working days. The 180 working days have been divided into 2 semesters with each semester spanning 90 days. These 90 days form 9 cycles, and each cycle covers 10 working days. The remaining 30 days are devoted to testing and revision work. Each cycle is then split up into the number of periods required to complete the course listed in the cycle. For each topic there is one assignment for the students which gives them practice for the skills learnt and course covered. Students are also provided a list of suggested study matenal which gives them comprehensive information on the topics dealt in the class. This approach has two advantages There is a uniformity in the work of all the classes. The students and their parents know well in advance what topic is going to be covered in which period. This will specially facilitate the students who, due to some reason, have to take leave for some time. We welcome ideas and suggestions for its further improvement. It is my sincere hope that this successful approach will work as an effective method for the implementation of the requirements of the curriculum.

March 2011

DIRECTOR

INDEX
HORNBILL 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. The Portrait of a Lady A Photograph We're Not Afraid to Die.... if We can Ail Be Together Discovering Tut... the Saga continues The Laburnum Top The Landscape of the Soul The Voice of the Rain The Ailing Planet: The Green Movement's Role Childhood The Adventure Father to Son

SNAPSHOTS 12. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. The Summer of the Beautiful White Horee The Address Ranga's Marriage AlbertEinstein at School Mother's Day The Ghat ofthe Only World Birth The Tale of Melon City

THE PORTRAIT OF ALADY - Khushwant Singh Ql.

Al. What is the portrait in this lesson? I'l!! h"T!r' Seci Q2.
A2.

^ pen-picture of his grandmother. He describes how he

"Old, so terribly old that she could not have grown older,..." Explain Khushwant Singh ;s grandmother looked extremely old. She was fat and slightly bent. Her face was

Q3. A3.

Describe the relationship between the grandmother and the narrator. and got h.m ready for school. She gave him breakfast and accompanied him to school. It was only when they moved to the city that there was a change, a distance developed between the two of them owmg to the growmg independence of Khuswant Singh. What was the taming point of their friendship?

Q4. A4.

oulShSf f il W I' his slol. Nor could she help him in his studies. They saw less of each other now. What was grandmother's opinion about the EngUsh school in the citv^ ^^ ^^ ^^ thatthey didn't teach anything

Q5. A5.

Q6. What were the happiest moments of the day for Grandmother? A6. Jandmother wodd sit in the verandah breaking the bread into little bits for the sparrows Hundreds of jrrows would gather around her. They would perch on her legs, shoulders and evfron S head. It was the happiest half-hour ofthe day for her. even on ine ^hen the narrator decided to go abroad' Grandmother was certainly upset when her grandson decided to go abroad for further et^rSh' ^^^ composeLdtdnthow Ly emotion. She saw him off at the station and kissed him on his forehead before departing. Dwcnbe the grandmother's reaction to the homecoming of her grandson citrshe".^ ^Th " She decided to f t cu ' "'8hbourhood women in the evening and beat the drum and cor^tin^d singing for hours. She was so happy and excited that she even forgot to pray.

Q7. A7.

08.

A8.

How would one explain the strange behaviour ofthe sparrows at the story's end' ^e sparrows expressed their great giief at grandmother's demise. They sat ^o^nd her deadbodv Q9. A9. narrator s mother. They flew away quitely when the dead body was carried off. narrator's grandmother.

and also brought him back home. She was a highly religious and conservative lady, always telling the beads of her rosary. The grandmother was not physically attractive but presented a picture of peace and contentment. Her inner beauty complimented her serene personality. She had compassion for birds and animals. She fed the village dogs and forged a bond with the sparrows, whom she fed, in the city. Her conservatism was reflected in her dislike for English langauge and science and reservation against the art of music. She breathed her last, only after the homecoming of her beloved grandson. APHOTOGRAPH -

Shirley Toulson
Ql. 'A sweet face,...... washed their terribly transient feet." (a) What has 'changed less'? (a) The sea has changed less with reference to the passage of time. It throws light on human transience in comparison to nature's permanence. (b) Name the poetic devices used in the last line of the extract. (b) Transferred Epithet and Synecdoche. Q2. "The sea holiday..... with a laboured ease of loss." (a) Who is 'her' in the above lines? (a) The poet's mother. (b) (b) What are 'her past' and 'mine'? The mother had the holiday as a young girl - that is her past. The mother is no longer alive Her laughter belongs to the poetess'past.

(c) Explain - 'Both wry with the laboured ease of loss." (b) Bothmotheranddaughtersufferasenseofloss.Themotherfeltnostalgicaboutaseaholidaywhich IS captured m a photograph along with her childhood innocence and joyfol spirit. For the poetess the smile ofthe mother has become a thing of the past. Ironically both labour to bear this loss with ease. Q3. "Now she's been dead...............................Its silence silences." (a) What is the circumstance being referrd to? (a) The painful circumstance being referred to is the death ofthe poetess's mother. (b) Name and explain the poetic device used in the last line. (b) The last line presents a paradox, in terms ofthe void that has been created due to the finality of death.
(Paradox - A statement that, while apparently self contradictory, is nonetheless true.)

Q4. What does the word 'cardboard' denote in the poem? A4. The word 'cardboard' in the poem refers to the photograph. A thick piece of paper that ironically keeps the photograph safe even when the person is dead and gone. Toulson brings out the transience ot life to light. There is nothing that remains except the insignificant piece of paper and a few memories. Q5. The three stanzas depict three different phases. What are they?

A5. The photograph evokes nostalgia. The first stanza is Shirley's description ofthe photograph and how It captures a moment from the mother's childhood. The second stanza deals with recollections The mother relives the memories of her childhood and the poetess recalls her mother who is now dead The third stanza philosophises death as it speaks of how in the present the poetess deals with the muting silence and pain of her mother's death.

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"WE'RE NOT AFRAID TO DIE:.____IFWE CAN ALL BE TOGETHER"

- By Gordon Cook and Alan East
Ql. Discuss the significance of the title of the narrative. A1. The title "We're not afraid to die................"is symbolic of the hope that sustains the narrator, his wife Maiy, son Jonathan and daughter Suzane who are barely six and seven years respectively. They are accosted by hurdles and danger during their round-the-world voyage but strong optimism saves them. Physical and emotional injuries not withstanding the family rises to the occasion and doesn't succumb to the challenges thrown at them by the turbulent waters, hi the entire narrative describing gravely critical days - there is no word of despair, hopelessness or giving up. Q2. Elaborate the moments of respite experienced by the narrator's family while on the 'Wavewalker'. A2. After being encountered by strong gales on the second day of their voyage the narrator's family experienced very little respite. A torrent of green and white water smashed the decks ofthe ship on the evening of January 2. The narrator managed to stretch canvas and secure waterproof hatch covers across the gaping holes. He further used an electric pump and connected it to an out-pipe to drain out the water. This surely provided temporary relief to the voyagers. Q3. What was the first indication of impending disaster? A3. The first indication of an impending disaster came at about 6:00 p.m. on the second of January. The wind dropped after an ominous silence and the sky immediately grew dark. Then came a growing roar and an enormous cloud which was actually a gigantic wave towered aft ofthe ship. A tremendous explosion shook the deck and the ship began to sink. Q4. What was the Wave Walker's only hope after having survived for 15 hours after the wave hit? A4. The extent of damage to the 'WaveWalker' would not permit the ship to transport the author's family to safety (Australia). The narrator checked the charts and calculated that there were two small islands a few hundred kilometers to the east. One of them, lie Amsterdam, was a French scientific base. The Wavewalker's only hope was to reach these pinpricks in the vast ocean. Discuss the thoughts that flooded the narrator's mind upon touching land. The ordeal being over and the Wave Walker having reached He Amsterdam, the narrator reminisced the moments of battle and gratitude overwhelmed him. He reflected upon the cheer and optimism exuded by Larry and Herbie under the direst stress. He was truly proud of his wife Mary who had stayed at the wheel for those crucial hours. However, most importantly he took extreme pride in his childrens display of courage. Sue didn't wony her parents about a blood clot which took six minor operations to remove and similarly Jonathan was exemplary in his behaviour. Q5. AS. Q6. Comment on the style of narration adopted by the narrator. A6. "Hie narration harps on how the voyage began with great hope and fanfare. Upto second January the narration ofthe impending danger keeps pace with the roaring waves and the torrent ofthe water. Hectic efforts are undertaken to save the WaveWalker. As the narration shifts focus to the 'search for an island', it captures the highly emotional response of the children as well. With the cheerful landing the narration shifts back to a relaxed style.

Q7. Describe the mental condition of the voyagers of 4th and 5th January. A7. By the 4th of January the faniily had been exposed to dangers galore. The members had survived the big wave hit for 3 6 hours and had a brief respite. They even had a small meal. The next day saw the children ask if they were going to die. Jonathan said that they were not afraid to d ie, if they could all be together. This filled the narrator with a new determination to fight the sea. By evening the narrator and his wife felt the end was near as more and more water came in.

DPS, Vasant KunjClass-XI

Q8.
A8.

Wh^t qualities of character helped the captain of the ship and his crew to overcome the
Je.l^'Infi WaveWaJker was blessed with an optimistic streak. There was an innate desire to find solutions and tackle the cnsis calmly. Further, their determination to sun^ive - assisted sEfp "" ' complimented by the captain's good navigation and

Q9. A9. Who were Larry and Herb? What role did they play in saving the ship? ^ Larty Vigil, an American and Herb Seigler, a Swiss seaman were taken on board the' WaveWalker' as crew members to help in the voyage through the southern Indian ocean. They helped the narrator

QIO . ^^'"P'es from the tert. AlO. W rrl^/T.'**^" Sue ^d Jonathan were epitomes of braver, and poise. They remained calm aL composed in tS
swollen head ai^d two enormous black eyes. On being asked by her father she commented that her ZnZr K '''' ^^ ^^ving them at hand. In he own httle way she tned to give her parents a message of hope and love by pLenting them a ca^d withfunnyfigu^ ofher family. Thechildienmusthavebeenscare^ survive When all hope was lost Jonathan bestowed the title ofthe 'Best Daddy and the Best Captam'onhisfather.rewardinghimforhavingspottinglleAmesterdam.

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DISCOVERING TUT: THE SAGA CONTINUES -ByA.Rmmams

Ql. Al. What has the CT scan of Tiit's mummy offered to the world? The CT scan of Tut's mummy has offered new clues about his life and death - and provides precise data for an accurate forensic reconstruction of the teenaged pharaoh. Why do tourists throng to see l^it's tomb? Tourists from all over the world throng to visit Tut's tomb which is about 26 feet underground to pay their respects. The beautiful murals on the walls of the burial chamber and Tut's gilded face holds an eternal fascination coupled with the superstition ofthe pharaoh's curse i.e. death or misfortunes shall befall upon anyone who would disturb him. Who was Howard Carter and what did he find? Howard Carter was a British archaeologist who discovered Tut's tomb in 1922 after years of futile searching. He found the richest royal collection ever that included shining artefacts in gold which caused a sensation. Why was Zahi Hawass displeased with Carter? Z. Hawass was displeased with Carter as the latter had left the mummy in a very bad condition after he had discovered it in 1922, since he had severed the mummy's head and nearly every major joint once the ritual resins had hardened cementing Tut's body to the bottom of his solid coffin. Which artefacts point to the Egyptian's belief in resurrection? The artefacts which point to this are the everyday things which Tut would want in the afterlife: board games, a bronze razor, linen undergarments and cases of food and wine. How has archaeology changed over the decades? Archaeology has changed substantially over the years as the focus on treasure has lessened giving way to more interest in the fascinating details of life and intriguing mysteries of death. It also uses more sophisticated tools and methodology including medical technology. What is known about "Rit's predecessor Amenhotep IV? Amenhotep IV, Tut's predecessor initiated one ofthe strangest periods in the history of ancient Egypt. He promoted the worship of Aten, the sun disk, changed his name to Akhenaten, or servant of the Aten and moved the religious capital from Thebes to Akhetaten, now known as Amama. He shocked the country by attacking Amun, a major God, by smashing his images and closing his temples. What made a guard remark, 'curse of the pharaoh'? When Tut's body was to be scanned and the million-dollar scanner had stopped functioning because of sand in the cooler fan, the guard jokingly remarked that the king had expressed his displeasure at being disturbed.

Q2. A2.

Q3. A3.

Q4. A4.

Q5. A5. Q6. A6.

Q7. A7.

Q8. A8.

Q9. A9.

Nature echoed the unnatural happenings with King Tut's body. Comment, King Tut's body was taken out of its resting place by Howard Carter in 1922. 3,300 years after his death in order to find out the facts of life and death of this most fascinating and intriguing mummy The superstition that death or misfortune befalls anyone who disturbs him made this all the more intriguing. As the body was taken out, an infuriated wind seemed to have enthused the devils of dust. Dark clouds gathered and seemed to veil the stars in a grey coffm. When the body was to be scanned, the milliondollar scanner was unable to function due to sand in the cooler fan. It was only after the body was finally laid to rest in its original place that the wind stopped howling and the winter air lay cold and motionless like death itself. Just above the tomb's entrance

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DPS, Vasant KunjClass-XI

could be seen, Orion, the constellation that the ancient Egj^Jtians called Osiris, the God of after life, keeping watch over the boy-king. THE LABURNUM TOP -By Ted Hughes
Refer to the given context and answer: Ql "The laburnum top is silent, quite still In the afternoon yellow September Sunlight A few leaves yellowing, all its seeds fallen", (i) Describe the tree A(i). The laburnum tree is experiencing the fall. As is peculiar to autumn the leaves are yellowing and starting to fall. The seeds have all fallen. The tree suffers the hot sun and all is quiet. (ii) Why is its top 'silent'? A(ii). There is neither movement in the environment (i.e. wind) nor any bird arriving to disrupt the silence, so it remains so till the goldfinch arrives. (ill) Comment on the predominant image in the extract. A(iii). The predominant image is one of silence, stillness - a dull autumn afternoon. Q2 "Then sleek as a lizard, and alert, and abrupt she enters the thickness, and a machine starts Of chitterings, and a tremor of wings trillings and The whole tree trembles and thrills." (i) Pick out the poetic device in line 1 What image does it create? A(i). The poetic device at work is a simile: 'sleek as a lizard'. The goldfinch's arrival is being compared to the movement of a lizard - smooth, watchfiil almost gliding onto the branch of fee laburnum. (ii) Who is 'she'? What is the effect of her arrival? A(ii). She is the bird (a goldfinch) who has arrived at the laburnum. The effect of her arrival is the sudden raking up of noise and activity signified by the use ofthe term 'engine'. (iii) Explain the metaphor in line 2. A(iii). The metaphor at work here is 'a machine starts up'. The transition from a quiet laburnum top to one fiill of movement and sound at the emergence of the goldfinch is abnipt and the energy released is like a machine has started to work Q3 "It is the engine of her fiimily. She strokes it full, then flirts out to a branch-end. Showing her barred face identity mask." (i) Pick out the poetic device in line 1. Why has the comparison been made? A(i). The poetic device is a metaphor - 'the engine of her family'. The arrival of the bird delights her little ones and the thrill sets the engine of her family pulsating with noise, energy - life itself (ii) Who is she? How does she stroke the engine? A(ii). 'She' refers to the goldfinch. She strokes it in the act of feeding her young ones and the noise of twittering they create rakes up the engine of her family which has just been awarded fuel in the form of their feed. (iii) Explain line 3 of the extract. A(iii). The goldfinch has made an appearance at the laburnum tree and this line is a description of her face striped; yellow bird with black markings peculiarly her own. The 'barred' and 'masked' look is a camouflage the stripes offer her when on a branch.

Class-XI

DPS, Vasant Kunj

Q4. "Then with eerie delicate whistle-chirrup whisperings She launches away, towards the inifinite And the laburnum subsides to empty". (i) Who is being talked about, here? A(i). The goldfinch visiting her nest in the laburnum tree is being talked about here, (ii) Comment on the image - how does it undergo a change? A(ii) The imagery at the arrival of the goldfinch had been one of sound and movement; in these last few lines it undergoes a change - fi-om noise to silence; the very act of departing fi-om the tree sees the goldfinch making a unique sound which combines a whistle, a chirrup and whisper as she launches off in flight. (iii) What is the significance of the last line in context of the whole poem? A(iii). The last line symbolises a full circle from silence to its disruption and then back to silence once again. It subsides to empty - devoid ofthe energy the goldfinch had brought to it - the young ones satiated with feed are perhaps resting again. Q5 "Till the goldfinch comes with a twitching chirrup A suddenness, a startlement, at a branch end." (i) Where has the goldfinch arrived? A(i) The goldfinch has arrived at a laburnum tree top, in the branch of it is her nest with her young ones. (ii) What is the effect of her arrival? A(ii). The effect of her arrival is a sudden release of energy symbolised by a lot of movement and sound which she brings along and meets with, also in the welcome she receives from her young ones. Q6 . Comment on the title of the poem - 'The Laburnum Top' (30-40 words). A6. The title refers to a beautiflii tree - the Laburnum (Amaltas) and its yellowing top as its described when in the autumn season. Its the tree the goldfinch has built a nest in, cleverly camouflaging herself in its yellowing leaves alongwith her young ones. The autumn season with its dull, yellow afternoon sees a lot of movement and sound at the laburnum top albeit due to the goMfinch, awarding it energy - life itself Q7. Comment on the beginning and ending of the peom (30-40 words). TTie poem opens with an A7. introduction to the theme - the laburnum top which is on this particular autumn afternoon - silent and still. The silence transforms to a situation of utter commotion and energetic movement when a gojdfmch comes visiting its nest a moment of change symbolically an engine been revved up, the transition is startling, sudden yet momentous lasting only the period ofthe bird's visit. The tree subsides to silence and quietitude once the bird departs completing thus a full circle in nature from silence back to it again. Q8. Which are the predominant images in the poem? What purpose do they serve? (30-40 words). The predominant images are aural and connected to it, visual. The sound ofthe arrival ofthe A8. goldfinch; the twittering ofthe bird with its young ones; the resulting ofthe tree and the image of metaphorically comparing h to 'an engine' of her family lets one believe an energy has been released and a flurry of movement even though momentuous is the resultant. Q9. A9. Describe the goldfinch, keeping adjectives used for it in perspective. (30-40 words). The godlfinch is yellow with a barred face i.e. it has back stripes. This helps her camouflage herself in the foliage especially ofthe Laburnum with its yellowing leaves in autumn. She is swift, sleek, alert and abrupt in movement. She is energy personified and her arrival at the nest symbolises its release.

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She is there to rev up the engine of her family which once accomplished she smoothly slides off the branch - the movement almost flirtatious in its cursory, fleeting element. She delicately creates a unique sound - a blend of a whistle - chirrup; almost just whispering and then launches off.

QIO. Write a note on the use of sound words and words related to movement in the poem. AlO. The imagery in the poem is very effectively portrayed through the use of a number of sound words and words related to movement. The sound words - chirrup, chitterings, trillings, whistle - chirrup, whisperings. The movement words - still, fallen, twitching, comes, enters, trembles, flirts out, launches away.

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LANDSCAPE OF THE SOUL By: Nathalie Trouveroy Ql. Chinese classical education is replete with stories such as that of Wu Daozi. What do they signify? Al. Stories like that of Wu Daozi played a significant part in China's classical education. They helped the master to guide his pupil in the right direction. They were not merely tales but were deeply illuminating of the essence of art. The books of Confucius and Zhuangzi are full of such stories. They reveal that art was considered the essence of inner life and spirit in Asia. Q2. Why did the artist agree to get his daughter married to the blacksmith?

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A2. The artist did not wish to marry his daughter to a blacksmith. One day the blacksmith, Quinten Metsys, slyly sneaked into the painter's studio and painted a fly on his latest panel; this was so realistic that the master tried to swat it away. The artist was so impressed that he admitted Quinten as an apprentice into his studio and let hun marry his daughter. Q3. What is the difference between the Chinese and European art? A3. The Chinese and European art are different as European art is trying to achieve a perfect illusion- istic likeness, while the Chinese tries to project the essence of inner life and spirit. While the European wants you to look at the landscape through his eyes, the Chinese painters wants you to enter it from

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any point, then travel in it. He creates a path for your eyes to travel up and down, then back again, in a leisurely movement. Q4. What is the Daoist view of the universe as expressed by Shanshui? A4. 'Shanshui' means 'mountain water'. It expresses the Daoist view. The mountain is Yang and it stretches vertically towards heaven. It is stable, warm and dry in the sun; the water is Yin. It is horizontal and resting on the earth, fluid, moist and cool. The interaction ofYin, the receiver, feminine aspect of universal energy and its counterpart Yang, active and masculine is the; fundamental belief ofDaoism. Q5. What is it that 'Shanshui' lacks?

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A5. 'Shanshui' lacks the third element, the Middle Void where tiie interaction (of Yin / Yang) is supposed to take place. The Middle Void is indispensable. Hence, nothing can happen without it. This is the reason why the White, unpainted space in Chinese landscape is important This is also where man finds a fundamental role. In that space between Heaven and Earth, he becomes the medium of communication between both poles of the universe. Q6. How is the Pranayama similar to the Middle Void? A.6. The Middle Void is vital as nothing can h^pen witiiout it. The white, unpainted space in a Chinese landscape is thus imperative for this is what it signifies. This is also where man finds a fundamental

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role. In the Yogic practice of Pranayama we breathe in, retain and breathe out. The suspension of breath is the Void where meditation occurs. Q7. What was the revolutionary idea in art that was put forward by Jean Dubuffet? How did an Indian artist support his theory? A7. In 1940's, the French painter Jean Dubuffet, put forward the concept of 'art brut' or the art of untutored creative thinkers. This 'outside art' has thus steadily become the fastest growing area of interest in modem art worldwide. He felt there are artists who have received no fomal training yet show talent and artistic insight. Their works are a motivating contrast to a lot of conventional ones. In India, 'Nek

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Chand' was creating a paradise, at the same time. He cleared a little patch of jungle to make a garden sculpted with stone and recycled material (The Rock Garden). Q8. What is the tale of Chinese emperor and the artist? What message does the stoiy convey? A8. Tang Emperor XuanZong asked tiie painter Wu Daozi, to make a landscape to decorate a palace

wall The artist had hidden his work behind a screen, so only the emperor would see it for a long time admired the wonderful scene, discovering forests, high mountains, waterfalls, clouds floatgfn an immensesky,menon hilly pati^^^

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at the foot ofthe mountain. He clapped his hands and the entrance to the cave opened. The a^ . elred the cave which closed behind him and he disappeared. The message of this s^ry convey is that the emperor was only interested in appreciating the outer appearance artist makes toown to him -the true meaning of his work. The emperor admires the territory while the artist knows the 'spirit within'.

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09 Write a note on Neii Chand -the untutored genius. A 9 Nek Chand's work is acknowledged as India's biggest contribution to outside art. The M^issue of Raw Vision, a U.K. based magazine that initiated the outsider art publications, fea ured Nek Chand and his Rock Garden sculpture, 'Women by the Waterfall' on its reported how Nek Chand had used from a tin to a sink to a broken down car to create a work of art that took him to the pinnacle of glory. .. . The Swiss Commission for UNESCO applauded his art as 'an outstanding testimony ence a single man can make when he lives his dream, and decided ^^honour ^m^Th^^^^^ put up an exhibition

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of his works. The five month interactive show, 'Realm ofNek Chand was held in 2005 -2006 in all leading museums of Switzerland, Belgium, France and Italy.

Class-XI

THE VOICE OF THE RAIN - By Walt Whitman

Read the following extracts and answer the questions that follow: "And who art them? Said I to the soft falling shower, Which strange to tell, gave me an answer, as here translated: I am the Poem of Earth, said the voice ofthe rain..." Who is the speaker in the first line? Who is being spoken to? The speaker in the first line is the poet. He is speaking to the rain. What did the poet ask the person spoken to? The poet asked the rain v^'ho it was.

Ql.

(a) A( a) (b) A( b)

(c) Why was the poet surprised? Pick out the words which reveal this

A(c) The poet was surprised when the rain 'spoke' to him as he did not expect this. Moreover, the reply was an exceptional one as it described itself as the 'Poem of (the) Earth.' The words which reved his surprise are 'strange to tell'.

Q2.
l^erlydr

"Eternal I rise palpable out of the land and the bottomless sea, Upward to heaven, whence vaguely form'd, altogether changed, and yet the same, (a) From where does the rain rise? Why is it termed 'eternal" ^^^ 'e^mal' signifies the never-ending

(b)

Why is it 'impalpable'? It is impalpable becuase it is intangible, cannot be touched. Why is it 'vaguely form'd' altogether changed and 'yet the same'? lllT^' sf^^P- It is altogether 'stlftle^ IS still the same substance. I.e. water, only its form has changed. "I descend to have the droughts, atomics, dust layers of the globe, And all that in them without me were seeds only, latent, unborn;" Where does 'I' descend? 'r, i.e. the rain, descends to earth again, after having reached 'heaven' in the sky. What effect does it ^ZT^ ^^^^

A(b )

(c)
A(c )

Q3. (a) A(a) (b) A( b)

have on earth? It con.es dov.n to earth and washes away the areas stricken with drought. It bathes the tiny particles and cleanses the air and moisturizes the layers of soil. Who or what is referred to as 'them' in the above lines? 'TTiem' refers to the layers of dust or soil in which the seeds lie 'latent' or dormant How does the rain affect the seeds?

(c)
A(c ) Q4. A4. Q5. A5.

The rain "waters" the soil and helps the seeds lying latent to germinate and to bring life into them. What is the analogy drawn by Walt Whitman, in his poem? (wlT^ jZ? ^ ^ ft"' circle (water-cycle) and comes back to its origin (earth), a song or a composition originates from its 'birth-

place' and travels around the earth, sometimes heeded and sometimes unheeded, but returns to its place of origin with love, nourishing and encouraging more such songs and compositions. It may return with its form slightly changed 'yet the same'.

Q6. Why are the last two lines of the poem put within brackets? A6. The last two lines ofthe poem are put within brackets as they are not part of the dialogue between the poet/narrator and the rain. Q7, What is the style adopted by the poet and what figure of speech has he employed? A7. The poet has used the first person narrative and used a dialogue to express his ideas. The rain has been personified adding a dramatic ejffect to the poem. Moreover, he has used a pair of opposites to highlight his ideas such as 'day and night' and 'rise and descend'.

THE AH.ING PLANET: THE GREEN MOVEMENT'S ROLE - By Nani

Palkhivala

Ql.
Al.

Why is our planet, earth referred to as 'ailing'? Our planet earth is referred to as 'ailing' as all its vital signs reveal a patient in declining health. We have to realise our ethical obligations to be good stewards of the planet and responsible trustees of the legacy to future generations. All four of its principal biological systems - fisheries, forests, grasslands and croplands which are the foundation of the global economic system are depleting. Even certain species of life face extinction as a result of its destruction. The Green Movement has gripped the imagination of the entire human race. Comment The Green Movement started nearly twenty five years ago. In 1972 the world's first nationwide Green Party was founded in New Zealand. The movement has not looked back since then. There is a growing worldwide consciousness that the earth itself is a living organism - it has its metabolic needs and vital processes which need to be respected and preserved. Elaborate, on the concept of 'sustainable development'. The concept of sustainable development was popularised in 1987 by the World Commission on Environment and Development. In its report it defined the idea as "Development that meets the needs ofthe present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs" i.e. without stripping the natural world of resources future generations would need. It amounts to maintenance of an ecological balance wherein natural resources are exploited but within limits. What does a cage in the zoo at Lusaka, Zambia say? Why? In the zoo at Lusaka, Zambia, there is a cage with a notice. 'The World's most dangerous animal'. Inside the cage is a mirror where you see yourself With his exploitative attitude towards planet earth man can rightly be regarded so. Explain "what goes under the pot now costs more than what goes inside it". Forests are being cut down rampantly for firewood for cooking. Firewood has thus become so expensive in some places that it is more expensive than food. Thus, the statement: what goes under the pot i.e. fuel/wood is far more expensive than food itself Comment on the saying, 'forests precede mankind, deserts follow!' The tropica! forests have long been considered the powerhouse of evolution housing innumerable species. This ancient patrimony is now eroding at the rate of forty to fifty million acres a year. Thus the statement that forests precede mankind and deserts are the net result of the depletion mankind is bringing about. To recover, technically a five-fold increae in the rate of forest planting is needed. How is development the best contracepti%'e? The growth of world population is one of the strongest factors disfiguring the future of human society. The present world population is estimated at 5.7 billion. Development is thus hampered. The rich get richer and the poor beget children keeping them perpetually poverty stricken. More children does not mean more workers, merely more people without work and more mouths to feed. Coercive means of family planning donot work so voluntarily sterilization has to be encouraged. Awareness will lead to fertility falling as incomes rise, education spreads and health improves. TTius overall development is the best contraceptive. Why does the author aver that the growth of population is one of the strongest factors distorting the future of human society? The growing world population is defoming the future of human society. It took mankind more than a million years to reach the first billion. That was the world population around tfie year 1800. By the year 1900, a second billion was added and the twentieth century has added another 3.7 billion. The present world population is estimated at 5.7 billion. Every four days the world popuplation increases

Q2. A2.

Q3. A3.

Q4.
A4.

Q5. A5.

Q6. A6.

Q7. Al.

Q8. A8.

by one million. Development is jeopardised largely thus as excessive population perpetuates poverty. The rich get richer and the poor produce children and do not improve economically People would die of hunger unless population is controlled.

Q9. What is the significance of the comment - 'We have not inherited this earth from our forefathers; we have borrowed it from our children'? A9. Mr. Lester Brown, the author of 'The Global Economic Prospect' said - We have not inherited this earth from our forefathers, we have borrowed it from our children. This brings into focus the holistic and ecological view ofthe world. The earth is being perceived as a living organism - an enormous being of which we are parts. It has its own metabolic needs and vital processes which need to be respected and preserved. Thus sustainable development is the need ofthe hour which calls for an ecological balance. If we exploit natural resources without destroying the ecological balance of an area development can be sustained for future generations. The present needs have to be thus met without compromising the needs ofthe posterity. QIO. Which are the earth's four principal biological systems? How are they being depleted? AlO. Mr. Lester R. Brown in his book - 'The Global Economic Prospect,' points out that the earth's four principal biological systems - fisheries, forests, grasslands and croplands - form the foundation ofthe global economic system. In addition to supplying our food, they provide the raw materials for industry. Human claims on these systems are reaching an unsustainable level and thus productivity is being impaired. Fisheries collapse, forests are disappearing, grasslands are being converted into wastelands and croplands are deteriorating. The destruction of the tropical forest; the original 'powerhouse of evolution' has led to extinction of several species of life. Thus depletion is unchecked and increasing at an alarming pace.

DPS, Vasant KunjClass-XI

CHILDHOOD - By Markus Natten

Read the extracts given below and answer the questions based on them. Ql. "When did my childhood go? Was it the time I realised that adults were not all they seemed to be, They talked of love and preached of love, But did not act so lovingly, Was that the day!" (a) What is the significance of the first line? A(a) The first line is a very pertinent question raised by the poet which examines the reasons leading to the loss of his childhood. It's repeated thrice focusing on the confusion raging in his mind. (b) When did the poet lose his childhood? A(b) The poet's loss of childhood could be attributed to the realisation that adults were artificial and hypocrites. (c) What struck odd about the adult's behaviour, to the narrator? A(c) The narrator was amazed that the adults talked about love, preached love but their actions were absolutely contrary to their preachings. They only practised bitterness and violence. "Where did my childhood go? It went to some forgotten place, That's hidden in an infant's face. That's all I know." How does the first line assume importance? The first line is a deviation from the introductory lines ofthe preceding stanzas. It conveys that the poet is comfortable about the reasons leading to the loss of childhood. Here he wants to know where has his childhood gone. (a) A(a) for good. (b) A(b) State the rhyme scheme of the stanza. The rhyme scheme is abba. Explain line numbers 2 and 3. The poet deduces that his childhood has been left behind in infancy. It's the nascent stage where innocence, purity and simplicity are inmate. He passed that stage and has left behind his childhood Q2.

Present the poet's view about Heaven and Hell The poet's views about Heaven and Hell are indicative ofthe emergence of rationality in him. He concluded that they are not actual places and merely figments of one's imagination. (c) A{ c) Q3. A3. What does the poet feel about his childhood? The poet feels nostalgic about his childhood. Childhood is symbolised by innocence and its loss symbolises the loss of innocence. The poet senses the loss and wonders when and how it happened.

How is independent thinking a step towards adulthood? Achild's thinking is always dependentgpd influenced by adults. The day he starte thinking independently, he takes a step ahead towards maturity. The day he realises that he can think on his own and Q4. he cari think whatever he chooses, it's certainly a step towards adulthood. A4.

Q5. A5.

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Q6. A6. What is the theme of 'Childhood'? This poem deals with the loss of childhood and stepping into adulthood. It's a gradual process. The emergence of individuality, rationality and the ability to see through hypocrisy is the period of transition from childhood to adulthood.

BEBI=
THE ADVENTURE - By

DPS, Vasant Kunj

Jayant Narlikar

Ql. What does Prof. Gaitonde mean when he says, "That is, assuming that in this world there existed someone called Rajendra Deshpande!"
Al. Professor Gaitonde had gone through a strange and a harrowing experience. He had been literally transported into an alternative world, which was very different from the real world. History had altered its course. Back into the real world. Professor Gaitonde^ who being a historian decided to go to a big library in Bombay to consult some history books. On returning to Pune he decided to have a long talk with Rajendra Deshpande who would help him understand what had actually happened. After his unbelievable experience he was uncertain of Rajendra Deshpande's existence in the real world.

Q2. What changes did Professor Gaitonde observe as he entered the alternative world?
A2. As the train entered Sarhad, place from where the British Raj began. Professor observed an Anglo- Indian in uniform checking permits in the train. The blue carriages ofthe train had a tiny Union Jack & GBMR painted on them as a reminder of the British Raj. The Victoria Terminus was unusually clean. The staff mostly comprised of Anglo-Indians, Parsees and a few British Officers. The greatest shock that Gangadharpant or Prof Gaitonde got was to see the East India Company flourishing, a completely unfamiliar set of shops & office buildings on Hornby Road. He was even more surprised when he asked the receptionist at Forbes building for his son, who worked there. He was told after much checking that his son's name did not exist in the staff list nor in the employees directory.

Q3. Why did Prof. Gaitonde go to the Library? What books did he browse through?
A3. On seeing unfamiliar sights Prof Gaitonde was completely baffled. He felt he was reliving history To solve this confiision he decided to go to the librar>' of the Asiatic Society in the Town Hall. At the library he gave a list of history books including his own. He received five volumes. The first volume dealt with the historj' upto the period of Ashoka, volume two upto Samudragupta, volume three upto Mohammad Ghori and volume four upto the death of Aurangzeb. Till here history was as he knew. But in the last volume, history took a turn during the Battle of Panipat. According to the book, Marathas won the battle and Ahmed Shah Abdali was chased back to Kabul by the army led by Sadashivrao Bhau and his nephew Vishwasrao.

Q4. How did the victory of the Peshwas in the Battle of Panipat prove to be a boon for them?
A4. The immediate result of their victory in the Battle of Panipat was that, that Bahusaheb and Vishwasrao's influence increased and Vishwasrao succeeded his father. The controversial Dadasaheb had to retire. The victory not only boosted their morale tremendously, it also established the hold ofthe Marathas over northern India. The East hidia company watching these developments decided to defer their plans of expansion for the time being. The company's rule was limited to areas near Bombay, Calcutta and Madras. Marathas realised the importance of technological age that had started in Europe in the 19th Century. East India Company found yet another chance to exert its influence in form of lending technical expertise. Marathas too acted smart & limited their help to establish only their local centres. During the 20th century, India moved towards a democracy & democratically elected bodies that replaced the Peshwas.

Q5. What information did Prof. Gaitonde get from 'Bahusahebanchi Bakhar'?
A5. After reading about the consequences of the battle, Gangadharpant or Prof Gaitonde decided to further investigate as he felt something was amiss. He further went through a lot of books. Finally, he read 'Bhausahebanchi Bakhar' that gave him a clue. It informed him of how close Vishwasrao had come to being killed. Only due to God's mercy he got saved as the bullet brushed past his ear, saving him by inches.

Q6. What did Prof. Gaitonde absentinindedly pick from the library? How did it prove to be useful?
A6. Prof. Gaitonde was so engrossed in reading that he didn't realise it was time for the library to close. The librarian politely informed him so. Getting up in a hurry, he along with his notes, absentmindedly picked up the 'Bakhar' too.

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Later, as chance would have it, the same 'Bakhar' helped Prof. Gaitonde.

Briefly expalin the following. Q7. "You neither travelled to the past nor the future. You were in the present experiencing a different world".
A7. Rajendra Prasad explains his theory to Prof Gaitonde saying he had not been transported but was merely experiencing a different reality and that realit>' cannot be calculated. He explains this by citing an example of a bullet. Accprdingto him the position of a bullet can be calculated when it is fired from a gun in a given direction and at a given speed. But it is not so with an electron. This is lack of determination in the quantum theory. The electrons can be found at different places in different worlds in different states. But all those alternative worlds could exist just the same. These states help in identifying the world. Electron can shift from high to low energy sending out a pulse of radiation. According to the theory as far as reality is concerned all alternatives are viable but the observer can experience only one of them at a given time. Prof Gaitonde had just been in an alternative world by making a transition. He had experienced two worlds but one at a time.

Q8. "You have passed through a fantastic experience or more correctly, a catastrophic experience".
A8. Prof Gaitonde or Gangadharpant had passed through a nerve wrecking experience. In reality, in the Battle of Panipat, the Marathas fought face to face with Ahmed Shah Abdali's troops on open grounds. Both armies were equal so a lot depended upon the leadership qualities of the leaders and the morale of the troops. The death of Vishwasrao, heir to the Peshwas proved to be the turning point in history. For the troops it was a great set back and extremely demoralising. They lost the battle due to lack of confidence and fighting spirit. However, in the alternative world, the bullet missed Vishwasrao by a whisker. The Marathas went on to win the battle. They regained supremacy, souring the expansion plans of the East India Company. Q9. "You need some interaction to cause a transition." A9. Prof Gaitonde made a transtion from one world to another and back again. All alternatives are possible but the observer can experience only one of them at a time. By making a transition. Prof Gaitonde had experienced two worlds, one at a time. The cause for a transition is unknown, may be some contact or impact causes a transition. As far as Prof. Gaitonde's case is concerned at the time of collision he was contemplating over the catastrophe theory and its role in wars. May be he was wondering about the battle of Panipat and the neurons in his brain triggered a transition.

QIO. Briefly describe the incident that transported Prof. Gaitonde to the alternative world?
A10. After eating a frugal meal. Prof Gaitonde decided to take a stroll towards Azad Maidan. In the ground he observed a 'pand^l' where a lecture was to take place. On going near he noticed that the chairperson's chair was vacant. He was simply drawn to the chair. The speaker stopped in ama2Bment. The audience shouted at him, showered him with tomatoes, eggs and number of other things. The crowd physically picked him to throw him off stage. But Gangadharpant was nowhere to be seen in the crowd.

DPS, Vasant Kunj

FATHER TO SON - By Ql.

Elizabeth Jennings
The anguish of the father conies through very strongly in the poem. Justify The poem is a lament of the father because of the distance created between the father and the son. And this chasm has widened over the years. The void has weakened their bonding. The father feels that with the passage of time his son has become a complete stranger. As he is growing old he wants his son to be his pillar of strength but as luck would have it, his son has moved away, has distanced himself The love showered by the father isn't reciprocated. The father wants to start afresh. Wants the past to be bygones and start a new beginning. He's ready to accept his son with open arms. His return would be accepted as repentence and regret for all his wrong doings {reference to prodigal son). He's ready to forgive and forget. He's optimistic that out of their grief, a new love would blossom. The poem effectively discusses the universal phenomenon of generation gap. Discuss. Generation gap is a fairly common universal issue. Under peer pressure & the effort to keep abreast with the latest, children lose track of their roots and values. Parents who stop their children from plunging into darkness are termed as old fashioned. They want to protect their children from committing grevious errors so that they don't repent later. Children are unable to relate to this parental concern. They consider it as restriction & interference and hence retaliate. The father wants his son to be the 'prodigal son'. Why? The term 'prodigal' has a biblical reference. According to the story in the Bible the father forgave his good for nothing, extravagant, spendthrift son. He considered his homecoming as repentence & regret and welcomed him back with open arms. Similarly, in the poem, the father is ready to forgive & forget all that has happened and start afresh. "I do not understand this child Though we have lived together now In the same house for years. I know Nothing of him, so try to build Up a relationship from how He was when small." Whom does T & 'this child' refer to? T refers to the father and 'this child' refers to the son. (a) A. Why does the father say, 'I know nothing of him'? Inspite of living together under the same roof for years, yet they are like strangers. They don't understand each other. Al.

Q2. A2.

Q3. A3.

Q4.

(b ) A . (c) Comment on the mood that prevails in these lines. A. The father regrets not being close to his son anymore. He laments this loss. Q5. "Yet have I killed The seed I spent or sown it where The land is his and none of mine? We speak like strangers, there's no sign of understanding in the air."

(a) What has he 'killed'? A(a). Father feels like a culprit, guilty of destroying or killing the loving relationship or rapport between them.

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(b) What does 'sown' refer to? A(b) 'Sown' refers to the bringing up of his son. The father had nurtured his son with love, understanding and values. (c) What does 'like strangers' emphasise? A(c) It empahsises the lack of warmth and closeness between the two. They have drifted apart. The love showered by the father hasn't been reciprocated. Q6. "This child is built to my design Yet what he loves I cannot share. Silence surrounds us." (a) Convey the father's feelings when he says 'built to my design'. A(a) Every father tries to fulfil his dreams and aspirations through his son. In the poem also the father tried to bring up his son according to his liking. Wanted to create a replica of himself, but to no avail. (b) What can he not share? A(b) The father is unable to share his son's likes & dislikes as they have nothing in common. (c) What is the significance of 'silence'? Whom does it surround? A(c) 'Silence' surrounds the father and son as there is lack of communication between the two. Q7. "I would have Him Prodigal, returning to His father's house, home he knew, Rather than see him make and move His world, I would forgive him too. Shaping from sorrow a new love." (a) Explain 'Him prodigal' in refernece to the poem. A(a) In the Bible when the good for nothing, recklessly extravagant son returned home, the father forgave his sins as his home coming reflected his regret & repentence. In the poem too, the father has conceded to the situation and is ready to pardon his son if he returns home. (b) What is lacking between the two? A(b) Love and understanding is lacking in their relationship. (c) What tone does the line 'shaping from sorrow a new love' reflect? A(c) The poet tries to reflect an extremely positive and optimistic note. The father is ready to create a new world or life leaving ail griefs & sorrows behind. Wants to make a new beginning. Q8. "Father and son, we both must live On the same globe and the same land. He speaks: I cannot understand Myself, why anger grows from grief. We each put out an empty hand. Longing for something to forgive." (a) What does 'same globe' and 'same land' signify? A(a) It signifies father's desire that both of thn i.e. father and son must live together. (b) What feelings arc portrayed in the line 'why anger grows from grief? A(b) The father portrays desperation out of sorrow. Gets angry with himself as he misses his son.

(c) Explain: 'we each pat out an eraptj' hand'.

A(c) Both of them try to compromise, tiy to reunite. They try to reach out to each other, want to bond together but the efforts are in vain. They want to start afresh but the gulf or chasm between them is widening.

DPS, Vasant Kunj

THE SUMMER OF THE BEAUTIFUL WHITE HORSE - By William Saroyan

Ql. What does the author suggest by beginning the story with, 'One day, back there in the gaod old days ..............................' Al. Beginning the story with these words creates a nostalgic mood. It also suggests that the incident about to be narrated is from the past, may be childhood days. The words 'good old days' is reminiscent ofthe times that were better, more carefree and funfilled than the present days. The world looked wonderful and life was like an enjoyable and unexplained dream. 2. What was Garoghlanian tribe known for over the centuries? A2. The Garoghlanian tribe was so poverty stricken that no one understood from where they got money for food. Inspite of this for the past eleven centuries they had been known for their honesty. They were a proud, honest and ethical clan that firmly believed in right and wrong. 3. What was Aram's first reaction on seeing the horse? A3. Mourad, Aram's cousin came to his house at four in the morning riding a beautiful white horse. He tapped on his window to wake Aram up. Aram repeatedly rubbed his eyes on seeing Mourad astride the horse, thinking it was all a dream. 4. Why was Aram delighted and frightened at the same time when he saw his cousin Mourad on a beautiful white horse? A4. The sheer magnificence of the horse delighted Aram. He could experience its lovely smell, hearing it breathe was exciting but what really frightened him was the fact that Mourad couldn't have bought the horse. And if he hadn't bought the horse then he had definitely stolen it. And this meant going against their clan's ethics. Q5. Mourad had the 'crazy streak' of the family in him. What did Aram feel about Mourad's temprament. A5. According to Aram, Mourad definitely had a 'crazy streak'. He was capricious & vagrant which proved that he was the natural descendant of their Uncle Khosrove, who was known for his furious temper, irritable & impatient nature whereas Mourad's father Zorab, was a practical man. It was not necessary that flie father & son would be alike in blood and spirit. The people of the tribe had a streak of unpredictability & unrestrained nature. Q6. The boys, Mourad and Aram, do not feel they have stolen the white horse even though they keep it with them secretively for a long time. Explain. A6. After the initial fascination and the surprise wore out, Aram asked Mourad, where he had stolen the horse from. In his childlike iimocence and simplicity Aram made himself believe that stealing a horse for a ride was not the same thing as stealing money. Even if it was, it wasn't so serious an offence as stealing if one was so passionately fond of horses, as they both were. It would be stealing only if they offered to sell the horse. Q7. How did the boys maintain the secrecy of the horse? A7. After Aram was thrown off the horse, it took Mourad half an hour to find the horse and to bring it back. Their next concern was where to hide the horse. To maintian its secrecy they walked the horse to the barn of the deserted vineyard and hid it there among some oats and dry alfalfa. Q8. Who was John Byro? What does he mean when he says, "A suspicions man would believe his eyes instead of his heart?" A8. John Byro was an Assyrian farqier, who, out of loneliness had learnt to speak Armenian. He was completely heart broken, as a month back, his horse was stolen which was yet to be found. One morning as the boys were returning the horse to the bam they met John Byro. John Byro scrutinized the horse & stated that it was a carbon copy of his lost horse. But he refused to

believe that the boys could have stolen it as their family was famed for honesty. His mind said it was his horse where as his heart refused to believe it.

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Q9. 'I have an understanding with a horse'. Justify Mourad's statement in reference to his concern for animals. A9. Mourad had a special understanding with the horse, he could make it do anything. Not only that he had a special concern for animals. Aram found Mourad sitting under a peach tree attending to a wounded bird. He was nursing the hurt wing of a young robin. He lovingly talked to the bird. He then threw it into the air, the bird fell down twice but at last flew away. Even the dogs in John Byro's barn didn't bark when he went to put the horse back. They followed them around without a sound. QIO. Why did John Byro visit Aram's house in his surrey after getting his horse back? AlO. On getting his horse back John Byro visited Aram's house in his surrey to share his joy on finding the horse. He remarked that the horse was stronger than before and also better tempered. The fact was that the children loved the horse and had taken good care of it. Also because it had been exercised without the weight on the surrey. THE ADDRESS
- By Marga Minco
Ql. Where had the narrator come visiting? Why was she back? Al. The narrator was a Dutch Jew, who had to leave Holland during the Second World War. She had left along with her mother for safer surroundings. Now she was back to where her 'past' lay She wanted to see and touch the things in order to relive the memories of a beautiful past. Q2. What kind of a welcome did the narrator get from Mrs. Dorling? A2. Mrs. Dorling was cold and indifferent She did not like the idea of the narrator coming back at her doorstep. In fact she tried to prevent her from accessing her house. She informed the narrator that it was not a good time to talk and dismissed her. Q3. "Have you come back?" said the woman *1 thought that no one had come back.' Does the statment give some clue about the story? A3. The statmeent made by Mrs. Dorling throws light on the condition of the refijgees. The story revolves around the dislocation and terror caused by the war. The unexpected return of the narrator surprises Mrs. Dorling. Q4. What do you think was the reason for Mrs. Dorling's indifference? A4. The cold treatment received by the narrator was handed out to her as Mrs. Dorling was the custodian of some of her mother's possessions. The narrator's appearance at her front door meant letting go of those things. Q5. What was the narrator's mother's opinion about Mrs. Dorling? A5. The narrator's mother felt Mrs. Dorling was being kind and benevolent when with every visit she carried their antique plates, crockery, silverware etc. in order to 'save' them. She insisted on saving these prized objects from the destruction of the war. The narrator's mother was unable to see through the lady, who wished to cheat her. Q6. What horrified the narrator in Mrs. Dorling's living room? A6. The narrator saw all her familiar things placed in an anesthetic and tasteless manner. The strange atmosphere, overburdening damp smell of the room made her feel uncomfortable amidst those very things which were once her own but today seemed alien. Q7. Explain: 'I stopped, horrified. I was in a room I knew and did not know."

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A7. The narrator gives vent to her claustrophobic experience in a room which did contain all memories of the past in the form of her mother's belongings. But the tasteless organisation made them tug at her heart as alien and worthless pieces. Q8. Why did the narrator want to forget the address? A8. The nanator wanted to forget the address because she had lost interest in all those things that were associated with her past. Today those very things seemed strange as she realised its not the things that matter but the memories of people attached to them. She needed to move out of the shadow of the past and start life afresh. Q9. The story is divided into pre and post war times. Discuss. A9. The story highli^ts human behaviour and our reactions to trying situations. Duringthe pre-wartime, the narrator and her motiier lived a comfortable life. During the first half of the War the narrator visited her home to find a few things missing. Her mother told her about Mrs. Dorling, an old acquaintance who had suddenly turned up and renewed their contact. Since then she had been coming regularly. She had insisted on taking their things to 'save' all the 'nice tiling'. The narrator's mother also censured her daughter for not trusting the woman.

As the narrator had feared, after the war when she went back, Mrs. Dorling gave no sign of recognition and refused to talk to the narrator bringing forth a betrayal of trust.

QIO. 'The Address' is a story of human predicament that follows a war. Comment. A10. With the Second World-War as its background, Minco explores the theme of personal challenges that we all might have to face as individuals trying to resolve crisis in our own lives. The story relates events before and after the War as the leading protagonist attempts to confront her past as she visits 'the address' where her family's personal belongings were stored. On a deeper level the story states that things lose their value and worth when you see them torn out of context.

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RANGA'S MARRIAGE - By Masti Venkatesha Iyengar

Ql. Al. the narrator pays a glowing tribute to his village. Justify. . The narrative begins with a glowing reference to the narrator's village of Hosahalli. The importance ofthe village is brought out when the narrator states that if the state of Mysore is to Bharatavansha, what the sweet Karigadabu is to a festive meal, then Hosahalli is to Mysore State what the filling is to Karigadabu. Everything about the village is special; the mango trees, the creeper and its flowers. Ironically, Hosahalli doesn't find mention on the map. In what context does the narrator compare himself to a he-goat and Ranga to a lion? The narrator referred to a story in which a clever he-goat was able to scare away a lion. He aimed at drawing a parallel, for, in the context of Ranga's marriage, he himself is the shrewd goat who has laid a plot for Ranga's marriage. Ranga, though a courageous lion, was unable to escape the wiles of the clever goat. What was the significance of Ranga's home coming? Ranga's homecoming is described as a 'great event'. For the remote village of Hosahalli it was a remarkable achievement to boast of a young man who had been sent to Bangalore for his studies. The English language was a priceless commodity in those days and therefore Ranga's arrival marked an event. People came to see him as they were curious to know if his education had changed him. What were the reasons given by Ranga for not marrying in a haste? Ranga opined that in order to get married he had to first find the right girl. He held emotional and mental compatability in high esteem. He cited the example of an officer who had got married to a girl of twenty-six, when he was himself only thirty years of age. This, in his his opinion would foster a loving relationship, Ranga firmly stated that if he were to get married it would be to a mature girl. Who was Ranga? What was special about him? Ranga was the accountant's son, the first individual to go out of Hosahalli to Bangalore to study People thought that his education had changed him but it had not. He still wore the sacred thread and touched the elder's feet. His views on marriage, however had changed, but Shyama, the narrator succeeded in getting him married to Ratna, tiie daughter of a friend. Comment on the use of humour in the story. The narrator uses exaggeration as a tool to create humour in the story. The reader first gets a taste ofthe same when an entire length of two pages is devoted to the description of his village, which doesn't even find reference in any Geography text. Further, his attack on the Britishers as well as the English language is a ruthless one. Recourse to metaphors such as the lion and the he-goat as well as 'the neem fruit and a bittergourd are rib tickling. Being central to the development ofthe plot, the narrator's and Ranga's visit to the astrologer surely adds a dash of humour. How did the narrator carry out his resolve to get Ranga married to Ratna? The narrator was convinced that Ranga and Ratna would make a perfect match. Having decided so he arranged that Ranga should hear Ratna sing and get a glimpse of her. In this manner he aroused the boy's interest in Ratna. Once he was convinced of Ranga's liking for the girl he announced that she was probably married and made Ranga think she was out of reach for him. Discuss the astrologer's role^in Ranga's marriage? Shyama, the narrator uses his manipulative skills to advantage in having arranged the match between Ranga and Ratna. The astrologer plays an instrumental role in bringing the alliance to fruition. He had been briefed by Shyama about what was to be said and therefore told Ranga that

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a girl was on his mind. This girl, he elaborated had something to do with the ocean and may be her name had a

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connection with pearl or ratna. The astrologer expressed the fact that the marriage could take place if the girl's family was approached.

Q9. What are the narrator's views on the English language? A9. Ranga's marriage is a sarcastic attack on the English language and the Britishers. Shyama, openly states his distaste for the language and how it proved to be a hindrance in the lives of ordinary villagers. Ranga was die first person to go out of the village to study English. People felt that he would have changed due to his English Education. He laments the loss of language, which implies the loss of cultural inheritance and labels it as 'disgracefiil'. QIO. Draw a brief pen-portrait of the narrator. AIO. Shyama, a talkative man rambles from one topic to another during the course of narration. The spectrum includes the goodness of the local mangoes, the clear waters of the pond, his pride in the village of Hosahalli as well as his distaste of the use of the English language. He abhors Ihe influence ofthe language on his native culture. The narrator is a social being and takes keen interest in the lives ofthe villagers, visiting Ranga when he returns back to the village. He plays the role of a match maker between Ranga and Ratna effectively. He understands people's psychology well and exploits the persons nature to his own advantage. He introduced Ratna to Ranga indirectly so that his interest is roused, adding that Ratna was already married. His manipulative skills come to the fore when he fixes up in advance with the astrologer. The narrator is truly a popular figure who is respected and adored by the villagers. This is evident in the fact that Ranga names his child after him.

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ALBERT EINSTEIN AT SCHOOL - By Patrick Pringle

Ql. Why did Einstein get into an argument with his history teacher? A1. Einstein got into an argument with his history teacher, Mr Braun as he had different views about education. Mr. Braun wanted Einstein to learn dates and facts by heart, as required in his subject whereas Einstein felt it was a waste of time since education, according to him, was about ideas and analysis rather than rote learning. This irked his history teacher and he called him a 'disgrace'. Q2. What did this argument with Mr. Braun reveal about the young Einstein? A2. The argument with Mr. Braun showed that he was ayoung lad of firm convictions. He was courageous and bold and did not hesitate in voicing his opinion in front of the whole class. He is analytical and an original thinker who did not want to follow the beaten track. Q3. Why did Einstein feel miserable when he left school that day after the argument? A3. Einstein felt miserable because the argument had been an unpleasant experience. The thought of returning to school the next day worsened his mood. Moreover, the idea of going back to his lodgings with the atmosphere of domestic violence depressed him ever further. Q4. Who was Elsa? What was her advice to Albert? A4. Elsa was Albert's cousin who lived in Berlin and visited him often. She advised him to learn facts from his books to clear his exams, as he had to learn like a parrot without really understanding anything and then repeating everything in the exams. Q5. What kind of certificate was Albert looking for? Why?

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AS. Albert did not want to continue with his school and felt he was wasting his father's money. He also knew that his father would send him back, hence, he asked Yuri, his friend, if he knew any doctor who would certify that he had a nervous breakdown and would be unable to attend school. Q6. Why did Yuri call Albert 'the world's worst liar'? What did this reveal about Albert? A6. Yuri called Albert 'the world's worst liar which was actually a compliment because Yuri meant to imply that Albert was so honest and straight forward that he could not lie at all. Q7. How did Albert hope to get admission to an Italian college without a diploma from the German school? A7. Albert went to Mr. Koch, his teacher of maths, to get a recommendation. Mr. Koch admired Albert's genius and knew he could not teach him any more maths. He gave him a recommendation stating that he was fit to join an institute for higher education in maths. Q8. What did Albert plan to do after getting the medical certificate? A8. Albert planned to take the medical certificate to the head teacher the next day and end the ordeal of attending the school he hated. He planned never to return although the certificate stated that he should stay away from school for six months. Q9. What did the head teacher tell Albert? A9. The head teacher called for Albert before he could go to his office with the medical certificate. He informed Albert that he was not prepared to keep him in school as his work was horrible, he was a rebel and he hindered the process of teaching in class. He ordered Albert to leave the school immediately. QIO. On the basis of your reading ofthe story Albert Einstein in school, briefly draw a character sketch of Einstein. A10. Young Einstein showed the spark of a great genius. His maths teacher had great respect and admiration for his competence. Einstein was truly ahead of his times and a real path-breaker who had his own

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theory of education. He believed that education was all about ideas, creativity and analysis and not rote-leaming. He was bold and courageous and voiced his opinion fearlessly before the class and his hostile history teacher. He was honest and forthright and frank to the point of rudeness. But, he was a good friend too as he treated Yuri to supper, although he did not have any money to spare, just because Weil had told him to. He was sensitive and loved music, which was his only solace in his violence-ridden lodging. He was resolute and decisive as he had decided to return to Italy and pursue a different course of studies, although his head-teacher asked him to leave before he could announce the same to him. MOTHER'S DAY - By J.B,
Priestley
Ql. What is the crux of the conversation between Mrs. Pearson and Mrs Fitzgerald at the onset of the play? A l . Mrs. Fitzgerald predicts her friend Mrs. Pearson's fate and urges her to assert herself in her family. Mrs. Pearson is reluctant as she loves her family inmiensely, yet also knows they are self centred and thoughtless towards her. Mrs. Fitzgerald insists that the family should learn to treat her properly. She advocates the idea of an exchange of personality which could enable Mrs. Peareon to become bold and dominating to carry out the plan. Q2. What kind of a character is Mns. Fitzgerald? How is she different from Mrs. Pearson? A2. Mrs. Fitzgerald is older and heavier than Mrs. Pearson, as is befitting to her personality. She has a strong and intimidating personality. She demands respect and help from others in return for the

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goodness showered. She thinks it important to establish the identity of a woman as an important person within the family scenario. She thus incessantly speaks her mind assertively. She attempts to instill similar thoughts in Mrs. Pearson. Mrs. Pearson is in her forties. She is a pleasant woman but constantly worry ing about her duties towards her family. She is quiet to the extent of being submissive before her demanding family. She is too servile and suffers loneliness and neglect as a result. Her family orders her around and she dutifully does all the chores for them wishing for peace and avoidance of unpleasantness at all cost. Q3. Doris says... 'Mum-what's the matter with you?' What makes her say so? A3. Doris faces Mrs. Fitzgerald in the body of Mrs. Pearson. She thinks she can readily order chores to her mother and is actually a spoilt girl herself She is startled as her mother is smoking and also tells her to make tea herself She says these words as her mother has never behaved like this before. The mother refiises to iron her yellow dress and shows disapproval at her relationship with Charlie Spence. She opines he is buck teeth and half witted! This enrages Doris who can hardly believe her ears. Q4. To whom does Mrs. Pearson (actually Mrs. Fit^erald) say "I've joined the movement". What does it signify especially in context of their relationship? A4. These lines are spoken by the changed Mrs. Pearson to Cyril, her son who is the masculine counterpart of Doris. He is equally spoilt and rude. He thinks their mother is off-colour. She tells him she doesn't like mending and wouldn't do it for him. The movement here is a reference to the counterreaction to the manner in which all the family members behave towards the mother. They never address her decently and like at work unions form a movement - the same has been initiated by Mrs.

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Pearson signifying the declaration of her assertiveness. Cyril ought to regard her with respect and accord her her due place. QS, "I've done my eight hours". Who says this and to whom? What does it signify? A5. This line is spoken by Mrs. Pearson, with a domineering personality. She says this to Cyril, her son. He has just declared how he had completed eight hours of work and needs to be pampered. She retorts that she works similarly a day and more. She goes on to declare that they forty-hour weekers should learn to value her endless work for their welfare. She then announces an eight hour, five day a week with weekends off. This leaves them flabbergasted. The declaration furthers her assertive attitude and search for a deliberate breakthrough. Q6. "Sometimes it does people good to have their feelings hurt. The truth oughtn't to hurt anybody for long." Who says this to whom? Why does she make such a drastic statement? A6. This sentence is spoken by Mrs. Pearson to George, her husband. When he returns home he finds to his utter amazement that his wife is drinking stout and refusing to make tea for him which she reminds him he doesn't need in any case. She reveals to him how he is made fun of at the club when

he should actually spend time with her - the one who doesn't make him look like a fool. This hurts him and her comment adds fiiel to the fire. Cyril objects to her statement and as a response she says the above mentioned. Its a pointer to reveal how truth and honesty can hurt one yet its better to face it than the consequences later.

Q7. What advice does Mrs. Fitzgerald give to Mrs. Pearson after they change back personalities?

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A7. Mrs. Fitzgerald advices Mrs. Pearson not to give any explanations to any of the family members. She tells her also not to go soft on the family again. She tells her to give them a tough look or tone from time to time which would work. She tells her in addition to test them right away by having a nice game of rummy which she enjoyed. She could do this by requesting the children to get supper ready for a change - all this could get the ball rolling in her favour with her stalled once and for all on a pedestal of awe, respect and power.

Q8. Comment on this play being a humorous one with a social message. A8. The play is a light hearted comedy. It revolves round a mother whose family has taken her for granted for years. The act of changing personality with her friend lends a comic touch in itself and the ensuing scenes progress form humourous ones with the daughter and son to being absurdly comic when the husband suffers the same treatment as had been meted out to the children. The language, the tone, the expressions and the hilarity of a quiet, apprehensive Mrs. Pearson turning domineering, almost intimidating bring in hilarity which touches a peak when they address each other as their original selves when still in the role of the other. George is flabbergasted to note. Mr# Fitzgerald behaving like Annie and speaking in an apersonal tone and Mrs. Pearson behaving like an outsider. The episode concerning Charlie Spence and the frank opinion on him along witii the club people referring to George as Pompy-Ompy offer pure comedy to the audience. The social message though not writ so large does filter through and not entirely in a covert garb. Mrs. Fitzgerald is the face of the bold, modern woman - demanding and commanding respect for all that she is and all that she does. She manages to convert a quiet and accepting Mrs. Pearson to someone who can stand up for what she is naturally entitled - a thoughtful, caring attitude from a

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family she does so much for. She thus manages to vest in her and through her for all women a position in the society which they must demand if not given rightfully.

THE GHAT OFTHE ONLY WORLD - By Amitttv Ghosh

Ql.
Al.

What is the background of this lesson? Agha Shahid All, a poet, an expatriate from Kashmir is lying on the death-bed. He requests the author to write something about him, his views and life. Amitav Ghosh keeps his promise and writes 'The Ghat of The Only World'. When and where did Shahid first talk of his death? Shahid firet spoke to the autfior about his impending death on April 25,2001. The author had telejAoned that he would be going to Shahid's apartment to pick him up, they had to visit a friend for lunch. Alfliough, they'd talked a lot in the past, Shahid had never touched the subject of death. What was distinctive about Shahid Ali's poetic style? Shahid's work 'The Country Without A Post Office' had made a powerful impact on the narrator. His voice was lyrical and disciplined, simultaneously, a rare combination. It didn't have the mockcasual, almost prose tone of contemporary poetry. Kashmir was the leitmotif of his poetry, which was heavily influenced by James Merril. 'Shahid had a sorcerer's ability to transmute the mundane into the magical.' Quote an instance to prove the validity of the comment. Shahid was blessed with the ability to transform even ordinary things into the extra-ordinaiy. Once when he was to leave the ward for operation, the attendant came to him with a wheel-chair. Shahid waved him away. When he discovered the man was from Equador, shahid was ecstatic and cried, 'Spanish!' He said that he'd always wanted to learn Spanish, just to read Lorca, the great Spanish poet. 'Shahid epitomised life.' Discuss. Shahid lived life to the hilt and was very social. Every evening, his house was the venue for a party, filled with people. They included poets, students, writere and relatives. He loved food, music, hindi movies and lived an endless 'mela' of talk, laughter, food and poetry. Present an instance to show Shahid's rapier wit Shahid was extremely witty. Once a lady security guard at Barcelona Airport stopped him and questioned his purpose for visiting Spain. He replied that be was there for writing poetry. The guard forther probed if he was carrying something dangerous to the other passengers, he clapped a hand to his chest and said "Only my heart." Describe Shahid Ali as a teacher. Shahid Ali was renowned for his brilliance in teaching. The students adored him. He was a learned and very experienced teacher and brought alive the subject at hand, in every class. His popularity is revealed when his adoring students printed a magazine and dedicated the issue to him. What do yon learn about the Indian diaspora from the lesson? The Indian diaspora, despite their diversities is bonded by common interests, especially music, food and Bombay movies. Shahid's living room was their meeting point. They talked about Begum Akhtar, Roshanara Begum, Kishore Kumar, Old Bombay films and Rogan Josh. It was an atmosphere of camaraderie and conviviality. How can Shahid be regarded as secular? Shahid was truly secular. He firmly believed in the demarcation between politics and religion. His outlook was all-inclusive. In his childhood he desired to create a small Hindu temple in his room in Srinagar and his mother complied. He despised fanaticism.

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QIO. 'The poetry of Shahid Ali reflects his brilliant, sensitive and beautiful mind'?Comment. Al 0. Agha Shahid Ali was a very sensitive and traditional poet. His most important poetical work was "The Country Without A Post OfiFice', which also greatly impressed Amitav Ghosh. He believed that Shahid's style was a unique combination of delicate lyricism and fierce discipline. His poetry was moving and bared the inner recesses of his soul. He didn't follow the contemporary poetic style which he found to be casual, almost prose-like. He was not ashamed of speaking in a 'bardic register.' James Merril had a profound influence on Shahid's poetry, even altered its direction. Thereafter, he began experimenting with strict metrical patterns and verse forms. Although Shahid wasn't a political poet, Kashmir was the central theme of his poetry. Shahid was a responsible poet, totally secular who believed in the separation of political and

reJig^ous practice. His poetic visron was inclusive and he was deeply anguished by the turmoil in Kashmir, "Nothing will remain, everything's finished."

Class-XI

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BIRTH - By A. J. Cronin
Ql. Al. Bring out tlie theme of the story 'Birth'. The story expresses the idea that a selfless deed such as saving a life is the most satisfying experience in the world. Such a deed provides immense joy and inner peace. Dr. Andrew who saves the mother and her child forgets all about his personal problems, hifact he feels he has done something real and meaningfiil in a world filled with mindless activity. Who was Joe Morgan? Why did he call on Dr. Andrew? Joe Morgan was a driller in the mining tovm of Blaenelly. He called on Dr. Andrew to take him to his house for the delivery of his child. The Morgans were married for almost twnety years and were expecting their first child. Mrs. Morgan wanted the doctor to be present well before time in case of any emergency. What did Andrew think as he sat by the kitchen fire? Andrew was thinking about Bramwell, Edward Page and Denny who were unhappy because their marriages were dismal failures. His own encounter with his beloved Christine made him conclude that a marriage could only end in troubles. He wished he could consider marriage as an idyllic state. Infact, his thoughts at that time were confused and muddled. Why does the writer say that the old woman's, 'meditation had pursued a different course?' While Andrew was thinking about the futility of marriage and relationships, the old woman was thinking about her daughter. She was concerned about the mother and the child. She said that her daughter Susan did not want chloroform if it would harm the baby. In what predicament did Dr. Andrew find himself? What did he finally do? Dr. Andrew was in a dilemma. He did not know whether to resuscitate the child or to attend to the mother who was in a desperate condition. He was torn between his desire to attempt to save the child and his obligation towards the mother, histinctively he gave the child to the nurse and turned towards the mother.

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What did Andrew think was wrong with the child? What did he do? Andrew saw the child who was a perfectly formed boy. The head lolled on the thin neck and the limbs seemed boneless. He knew that whiteness meant asphyxia pallida. He thought ofthe case he had once seen in the Samaritan, the treatment that had been used. Instantly he did the same. What was the treatment given to the child? Dr. Andrew got two basins - one with warm water, the other with cold. Then with quick movements, he hurried the child from one basin to the other. This continued for fifteen minutes. But the child did not breathe. He continued his efforts for half an hour and as his last effort, rubbed the child with a rough towel, crushing and releasing the little chest with both his hands, till the child gave a cry. "I've done something; Oh God! I've done something real at last." Comment. These are the words of Dr. Andrew spoken after his long ordeal in givmg life to a new born, life less child. Andrew feels a rare sense of satisfaction at what he has done - a real, selfless act of giving life. Everything else in this world seems to him petty and false in the face of such a noble deed. "He had no premonition that this night call would prove unusual, still less that it would influence his whole future iiuBlaenelly." What was the unusual event in store for him? At nearly midnight when Andrew reached Bryngower, he found Joe Morgan waiting for him. Joe and his wife, had been married nearly twenty years and were expecting their first child. He accompanied Joe to his place, where after an hour long harsh struggle, the child was born lifeless and the mother was in a desperate state. Andrew, torn between the mother and the child, took to saving

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Susan Morgan first. He injected her with the medicine and after an intense effort, her heart strenghtened and she was safe. Then it was the child. It was a perfectly formed boy asphyxiated. He struggled with the child for half an hour, till the child gave a cry. He had saved two lives.

QIO. His reason told him that all these marriages were dismal failures. What are the reasons that made him reach this conclusion. AlO. Dr. Andrew was skeptical about relationships because of what he had seen. His thoughts were muddled and confused. The episode that he had witnessed at the Cardiff station still troubled him. He thought of Bramwell, unwisely devoted to a woman who betrayed him, he thought of Edward Page committed to the quarrelsome Blodwen, he thought of Denny, living unhappily away from his wife. His reason told him that al! these marriages were dismal failures. It was a conclusion,

which in his present state, made him uncomfortable. He wanted to imagine marriage as an idyllic situation but the real world showed him a very different and bitter picture.

THE TALE OFMELON CITY - By Vikram Seth

Ql. Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow: "In the city of which I sing There was a just and placid King The King proclaimed an arch should be Constructed, that triumphantly Would span the major thoroughfare To edity spectators there". What do the words 'just and placid' imply? It is implied that the King believed in justice and would ensure that justice was meted out to his subjects. He was also mild-mannered and rarely showed any displeasure. Even if he frowned, he quickly wiped out the frown off his face. (a) A(a ). Where did the king want the arch to be constructed? Why? The King wanted an arch to be errected over the major main road. The road would edify the spectators - it would improve the morals and knowledge of the onlookers there.

Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow: "(Carried) that Melon to the throne And reverently set it down This happened years and years ago. When you ask the people, 'So(b) A(b Your King appears to be a melon, How did this happen?, 'They say, 'Well, on Account of ). Customary choice." Q2. (a) How did the melon become the King? A(a). After the King's execution, it was declared by the Ministers that the next person to cross the city gate would decide the ruler of the Kingdom. But the next man who crossed the city gate was a fool. He liked melons and named a melon as the King. The ministers crowned a melon and placed it on the throne.

(b) What was the people's reaction to their 'melon King'? A(b). The people of this strange Kingdom seemed to be a contented and easy going lot If the King delighted in being a melon, it was all right with them. They had no ground' to be critical as long as he left them in 'Peace and Liberty'. Q3. Point out the objects of satire in the poem. A3. Vikram Seth's composition is truly a satire on the King and all the components of his Kingodm. The justice ofthe 'just and placid King' is under scrutiny when he issues a death sentence for a minor offence. Due to his indecisive nature, the blame shifts from person to person. Another ridiculous element is the criteria of selection of the wisest man in the Kingdom, he being the oldest man. The concluding events of the tale; the process of selecting a new King and finally people living happily under a king who does not govern, have also been mocked at Q4. Comment upon the verse form used for narration in the poem. 'The Tale of Melon City'. A4. The verse form has been used by Vikram Seth to narrate the folk tale. This makes the story more interesting and gives a folk flavour to the narration. The poem is stated to be in the tradition of Idries Shah, an author in the sufist tradition. Idries Shah has been described as the 'most significant worker adapting classical spiritual thought to the modem world'.