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ENGLISH
NOTES- XII
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Sl.No Lesson
Page
Number
1
3 LS OF EMPOWERMENT 3
2
ANY WOMAN 4
3
MATCH BOX 5
4
HOREGALLU BY SUDHA MURTHY 5
5
MENDING WALL 7
6
AMIGO BROTHERS 8
7
THE HOUR OF TRUTH 9
8
A THREE WHEELED REVOLUTION 11
9
DIDI 12
10 STAMMER 13
11 WHEN A SAPLING IS PLANTED 14
12 RICE BY CHEMMANAM CHACKO 16
13 DANGERS OF DRUG ABUSE 18
14 POST EARLY FOR CHRISTMAS 19
15 THIS IS GOING TO HURT JUST A LITTLE BIT 20
16 CRIME AND PUNISHMENT 21
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1.3LS OF EMPOWERMENT BY CHRISTINE LAGARDE
Christine Lagarde's speech on the "3Ls of Empowerment" emphasizes the importance of
women's empowerment and outlines the ways to achieve this goal. She highlights the potential
and inner power of women, which can contribute to the betterment of the entire human race.
However, women are often denied the opportunity to unleash their potential, and there is a
pressing need to open doors of opportunity for them. The three key avenues to achieve this are
Learning, Labor, and Leadership.
Learning or education is the fundamental foundation upon which any transformative change is
built. Women's education has a wider and more profound impact than men's education. It not
only empowers women but also assists society as a whole in achieving its goals. Education
helps women break the cycle of poverty and inequality. It also enables them to make informed
decisions and actively participate in economic, social, and political spheres.
Labor or employment is the second crucial aspect in empowering women to realize their true
potential. Women face numerous challenges in the workplace, including unequal wages, job
insecurity, and exclusion from high-status positions. Women's economic participation can lead
to an increase in per capita income and benefit the entire nation. Changes in laws and policies
are necessary to provide more opportunities for women in the workforce. This will enable
women to contribute to the economy and society at large.
The third aspect is leadership. More women should have the opportunity to occupy leadership
positions and actively participate in decision-making processes. Women are as competent as,
if not better than, men in leadership roles. They tend to make decisions based on consensus- building, inclusivity, and compassion. Women's leadership can bring about positive changes in
society and the economy.
When women are empowered, the entire world stands to benefit. Women's empowerment can
lead to improved economic growth, reduced poverty and inequality, and the promotion of
social justice. Women bring unique perspectives to the table, which can enhance decision- making processes. Therefore, it is crucial to create a world where women can realize their
potential and contribute to the betterment of the entire human race.
In conclusion, Christine Lagarde's speech on the "3Ls of Empowerment" highlights the
significance of women's empowerment and outlines the means to achieve it. Learning, Labor,
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and Leadership serve as essential avenues to help women unlock their true potential. Women's
empowerment is not only beneficial for women themselves but also for society and the
economy as a whole. Thus, it is imperative to strive towards a world where women can fulfill
their potential and contribute to the betterment of humanity.
2.ANY WOMAN BY KATHERINE TYNAN
The poem "Any Woman" by Katherine Tynan is a tribute to the essential role of a woman in a
family and society. The poet uses powerful metaphorical images to depict the woman as the
pillar, keystone, roof, and wall of a house. These images suggest that the woman's role is
pivotal, and without her, the family and society will crumble down.
The poet also highlights the sacrificial love of a woman, symbolized through "fire upon the
hearth," "light of good sun," and "heat warming the earth, light of love." These images convey
the warmth and care that a woman provides to her family, making it a safe and loving haven
for all. The "sacred ring" represents the bond that a woman shares with her family, keeping
everyone together and preventing anyone from going astray.
The repetition of "I am" throughout the poem emphasizes the woman's identity and
importance. The woman is not just a homemaker, but she also possesses the virtues of
patience and omnipresence, represented through the images of "floor to roof" and "warp and
woof." These images suggest that a woman's role is not confined to a single aspect, but it
extends to every aspect of family life.
The poem concludes with an allusion to the birth of Jesus Christ, symbolizing the unique and
deifying role of any woman. The prayer in the closing couplet highlights the importance of a
woman's role in ensuring the safe and well-settled future of her children.
In summary, "Any Woman" is a humble expression of the supreme role of a woman in a
family and society. The poet uses metaphorical images, repetition, and allusion to emphasize
the importance of a woman's role and identity. The poem is an eye-opener to the reality of the
empowering and enterprising force of a woman that remains unrecognized and unappreciated
in many societies.
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4.HOREGALLU BY SUDHA MURTHY
In "Horegallu," Sudha Murthy presents a powerful message about the importance of having a
supportive community in our lives. She highlights the need for Horegallus, which are
essentially resting places, in both physical and emotional contexts. Just as a traveler needs a
physical resting place to regain their energy, people also need emotional support to unburden
themselves from their worries and problems. The author uses the metaphor of the Horegallu to
highlight how these emotional support systems can be invaluable for individuals, families, and
communities.
Sudha Murthy narrates the story of her grandfather, who was like a living Horegallu for the
villagers. He would sit on a stone bench and listen to the worries of the people, providing
them with the much-needed strength to continue with their journey. This illustrates how a
good listener can be a great source of comfort and support for those around them. The author
then goes on to talk about Ratna, a clerk in her office who played a similar role. Ratna would
listen to the problems of her colleagues, providing a safe space for them to share their worries.
She understood that talking itself can release a lot of pressure and acted as a good listener.
In today's world, where people have become increasingly selfish and self-centered, the need
for emotional Horegallus has become more critical than ever. People are often too busy and
preoccupied with their own lives to lend an ear to others. Sudha Murthy emphasizes the
importance of being compassionate and empathetic towards others. She hopes that there are
more living Horegallus like her grandfather and Ratna in the world, who can provide
emotional support to those in need.
In conclusion, "Horegallu" is a powerful lesson that reminds us of the significance of having a
supportive community. The anecdote emphasizes the need for emotional Horegallus in today's
world and encourages us to be empathetic listeners for those around us. The story highlights
how even the smallest acts of kindness, such as listening to someone's problems, can make a
significant impact on someone's life. The message of the story is simple yet profound: we all
need a little support and kindness to help us navigate life's journey successfully.
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5.MENDING WALL BY ROBERT FROST
"Mending Wall" by Robert Frost is indeed a poem that explores the themes of borders, human
relations, and the impact of walls on relationships. The poem presents a conversation between
the speaker and his neighbor as they mend a wall that separates their properties. The differing
perspectives of the two characters regarding the necessity and purpose of the wall form the
central conflict of the poem.
The speaker questions the need for the wall, suggesting that it creates distance and disrupts
relationships between people. He argues that the wall is unnecessary since it serves no
practical purpose. He uses the example of his apples not consuming his neighbor's pine trees
to highlight the lack of direct conflict between their properties. According to the speaker, it is
the act of building and maintaining the wall itself that creates a sense of mistrust and damages
the relationship between neighbors.
On the other hand, the neighbor believes that walls are essential for maintaining good
relationships. He expresses the belief that "good fences make good neighbors," emphasizing
the importance of clear boundaries to prevent potential problems. The neighbor sees the wall
as a means of establishing and preserving a respectful distance between individuals.
The speaker questions the neighbor's perspective by pointing out that there are no cows
present to necessitate the need for a wall. He suggests that without competition for resources
or conflicts of interest, they should be able to coexist peacefully without the need for physical
barriers. The speaker implies that the act of erecting the wall itself creates a division that is
more likely to cause conflict than prevent it.
The poem leaves the question of whether conflicts between human beings are inevitable or a
result of misguided concepts unanswered. Frost deliberately avoids taking a definitive stance
on the utility of walls and borders. Instead, he encourages the reader to reflect on the
arguments presented by the speaker and the neighbor and draw their own conclusions.
In summary, "Mending Wall" examines the theme of borders and human relations through the
conversation between the speaker and his neighbor. The poem explores contrasting
perspectives on the necessity and impact of walls, leaving the reader to contemplate the role of
boundaries in human interactions.
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6.AMIGO BROTHERS BY PIRI THOMAS
Amigo Brothers is a short story written by Piri Thomas. The main characters are Antonio Cruz
and Felix Vargas, who are seventeen years old. Even though they are friends, they consider
themselves as brothers, hence the nickname "Amigo brothers." They are born and brought up
on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Both of them aspire to become lightweight champions
of the world.
Antonio is fair, lean, and lanky, while Felix is short, dark, and has an Afro hairstyle. Their
shared passion for boxing leads them to work out at the Boy's Club or the gym and run along
the East River Drive every day. They both have collections of fight magazines and scrapbooks
containing torn tickets and clippings.
Currently, Antonio and Felix are participating in the division finals, where the winner will
represent the Boy's Club in the Golden Gloves Championship Tournament. As the final
approaches, a wall develops between Antonio and Felix. One day, Felix expresses his
concerns about their upcoming fight, stating that he wants to win "fair and square." Antonio
responds by explaining that once they step into the ring, they must adopt the mindset of
professional boxers who prioritize competition over friendship. Felix suggests that it would be
better if they don't see each other until the match, and Antonio agrees.
After parting ways, both Antonio and Felix focus on their training, trying to forget about each
other to ensure they have a perfect practice. Both of them imagine knocking out the other
without causing harm. They are determined to give their best while preserving their
friendship.
Finally, the match begins. As the first round commences, Antonio and Felix assume their
fighting poses. Felix swiftly approaches Antonio with his head low, half-hunched toward his
right shoulder, and throws a straight left punch. He follows up with a right cross, but Antonio
manages to slip and dodge the attack. Antonio counterattacks with three powerful left punches
that land on Felix's head. Despite Felix's bobbing and weaving to avoid Antonio's blows,
Antonio manages to land two more left punches to Felix's head. Neither of them achieves the
knockout they had planned earlier.
In the second round, Felix strikes first, landing a hard right punch to Antonio's head. Antonio
immediately retaliates with a barrage of left and right punches towards Felix. As Antonio
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presses forward, Felix continues to bob and weave, attempting to counter Antonio's attacks.
Both fighters refuse to give up.
In the third and final round, Antonio aggressively advances, unleashing a flurry of punches on
Felix. Felix fights back, exchanging blows with Antonio. The intensity of their bout astonishes
the crowd, leaving them in stunned silence. Even the referee struggles to comprehend the
action unfolding before them. Eventually, the round comes to an end, but the boxers are
oblivious to it. They continue their fight until the referee and their trainers intervene to
separate them. Once they realize the match is over, Antonio and Felix embrace each other and
leave the ring together. The result of the match becomes inconsequential to them; their
friendship holds greater value. As the announcer declares the result, the ring stands empty.
7.THE HOUR OF TRUTH BY PERVICAL WILDE
The play, 'The Hour of Truth', is actually written by Percival Wilde. The characters are
Robert Baldwin, Martha, John, Evie, Mr. Marshall, and a maid. The scene is set at Baldwin's
cottage on a dark Sunday afternoon. Robert Baldwin has gone outside, and his wife and
children anxiously await his arrival. They anticipate rain and are unsure if Baldwin has taken
his umbrella with him. While waiting for Robert Baldwin, the family discusses John Gresham,
the man whom Baldwin worked for at the bank. Gresham has been involved in a bank
manipulation, resulting in the bank's closure. Gresham is currently in jail and Baldwin is
expected to testify against him in court the next day. However, on that day, John Gresham
unexpectedly calls Baldwin. The family is eager to know the reason for Gresham's call. Evie
suspects that Baldwin may have been involved in the bank anomaly because the newspapers
suggest so, and Baldwin does not refute the claims. Martha defends her husband, believing
that the newspaper is unjust in its portrayal. Due to Baldwin's position under Gresham's
authority, the family suspects his involvement in the bank crash. However, Martha firmly
believes in Baldwin's innocence, claiming that he discovered the bank crash accidentally and
never did anything wrong. John interjects, mentioning that he saw Donovan, the assistant
cashier, at the Athletic Club on the previous day. Donovan had been working at the bank for
eight years. The news of the bank crash came as a complete surprise to John. He suspects that
his father might have known about it because he is "the only witness against John Gresham."
John feels that his reputation has been tarnished because he shares a name with John Gresham.
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He also mentions that while his father earns only sixty dollars a week, John Gresham has
amassed significant wealth over the past twenty years. Martha defends her husband's
dedication to his work, emphasizing that he always obeyed Gresham's orders without
resistance. Finally, Robert Baldwin returns home. Everyone is eager to hear how the bank
crash occurred. Baldwin reveals that he only learned about Gresham's actions one day before
the crash. Under pressure from Gresham, Baldwin closed the bank. He also discloses why
Gresham asked to meet him. Gresham wants him to say "I don't remember" when questioned
about the bank crash during the court proceedings. If Baldwin complies, he will receive a
hundred thousand dollars. However, Baldwin, being an honest man, refuses Gresham's
proposal. Upon hearing about the money, the family's perspective begins to shift, and they try
to convince Baldwin to assist Gresham. Martha questions whether depositors will lose their
money, to which Baldwin assures them that nobody will lose anything. The family learns that
Gresham's crime was misappropriating funds. They continue to persuade Baldwin to lie and
help Gresham. Initially shocked, Baldwin's resolve is tested. Martha argues that their son's
name is associated with Gresham, and it would be a disgrace for him. She also reminds
Baldwin that Gresham sponsored John's baptism. These arguments push Baldwin towards
assisting Gresham. Evie suggests that if Gresham promises to repay the depositors the next
day, they will resent Baldwin for sending Gresham to jail. John supports this by stating,
"Nobody wants to see him punished." He also believes that if Gresham avoids jail time, he
will start a business and offer Robert a partnership. This angers Robert Baldwin. Martha
attempts to convince him by highlighting that John is now the sole breadwinner of the family,
and his income is insufficient for them to survive. If Robert accepts a hundred thousand
dollars from Gresham, they can lead a comfortable life. Robert Baldwin is saddened by the
fact that his family's opinion has changed upon learning the amount Gresham is willing to pay
for his silence in court. He refers to them as "shams," "liars," "hypocrites," and "thieves."
Nonetheless, the family persists in persuading him to accept the money. At this moment, Mr.
Marshall, the President of the Third National Bank, arrives at their home. He brings good
news to Robert Baldwin and his family, informing them that a promising position awaits him
at the Third National Bank. Mr. Marshall learned from John Gresham that Robert Baldwin had
refused to lie in court, prompting Gresham's confession. Impressed by his honesty, Mr.
Marshall expresses his admiration and respect for Robert Baldwin. As the play concludes, he
addresses Robert Baldwin's family, saying, "I can only say to you what every man will be
saying tomorrow: how highly I honor and respect your husband!..."
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8.A THREE WHEELED REVOLUTION IRFAN ALAM
A Three-Wheeled Revolution by Irfan Alam is an interview with Irfan Alam conducted by
Sujatha Ramprasad for India Currents in May 2010. Irfan Alam, an internationally acclaimed
entrepreneur, is a man with a difference. He has deviated from the usual path of corporate
business mentality to pursue socially responsible entrepreneurship. During his teenage years,
he started Stock Trade Analysis and won a famous reality show called 'Business Baazigar,'
where he presented a business proposal. The main idea behind the proposal was to organize
the rickshaw sector and make it a profitable venture. He suggested redesigning rickshaws and
equipping them with music, newspapers, first aid kits, refreshments, and advertisements. This
idea revolutionized the rickshaw sector. He was invited to the Presidential Entrepreneurship
Summit in 2010, and President Obama complimented him for his remarkable achievements.
The real journey to his success began with a simple act of kindness involving water. When he
was seventeen years old, on a summer afternoon, he hired a rickshaw and felt thirsty during
the ride. He asked the rickshaw puller if he could provide him with water, to which the puller
responded that he couldn't because he didn't have the money to buy and carry water. This
incident made Irfan Alam contemplate the plight of rickshaw pullers. In 2007, he founded an
organization called Samman, which aimed to organize and empower the rickshaw pulling
industry.
Samman started without any funds, and its name signifies respect and dignity for all. Alam
strongly believed in bringing marginalized individuals into the mainstream. The primary
objective was to provide loans to rickshaw pullers so they could own their rickshaws. They
were given training on basic etiquette and traffic rules, along with insurances, ID cards, and
uniforms. The money earned through advertisements and other amenities was divided between
the rickshaw pullers and Samman, giving them a sense of belonging and empowerment. The
social venture became a social cause, and the children of the operators and their spouses
attended free evening classes called Samman Gyan. Innovative ideas like solar-powered
fiberglass rickshaws were introduced, providing an environmentally friendly mode of
transport and boosting the self-esteem of the underprivileged. Through this interview, we gain
a clear understanding of Irfan Alam, who acted as a savior for the downtrodden through his
selfless social ventures.
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9.DIDI BY SHAHEEN MISTRI
In Shaheen Mistri's story, titled "Didi," she narrates her own inspiring experiences. Shaheen
Mistri begins by sharing that at the age of 12, she was seriously contemplating her goals but
couldn't select a path.
While living in Jakarta in her colonial home, she visited an orphanage that changed her life.
There, she met children who were weeping, laughing, silent, and yelling. From that point
onwards, her perception of the world changed. She understood that she was leading a
comfortable and cozy life while many children her age were leading miserable ones.
During Shaheen Mistri's summer holidays, she used to come to Mumbai where she
volunteered for "The Happy Home" and the "School for the Blind." Gradually, she began to
notice the inequalities faced by people from different walks of life. The sight of children
begging for food while she comfortably traveled in her car deeply touched her.
During one of her summer vacations, while sitting in a taxi, three children came to the window
of her car asking for food. This incident changed her life and led her to undergo an identity
crisis.
When Shaheen Mistri's summer holidays were about to end, she called her parents and
requested permission to continue her life in India. Her parents agreed to two conditions: she
had to get admission to the best college in India for her undergraduate studies and go abroad
for her graduation.
For her undergraduate studies, Shaheen Mistri opted for St. Xavier's College, where her
parents had pursued their higher education. She managed to secure admission there. While
studying, she realized the differences between the Indian and Western education systems. The
Indian education system promoted a "bookish" form of learning, while the Western education
system emphasized "academic rigor" and "intellectual stimulation."
During her time at college, she started exploring the areas where low-income communities
lived. One day, she visited a slum where 10,000 people lived without water, proper waste
disposal systems, and adequate toilets. On that day, she met an 18-year-old girl named
Sandhaya, with whom Shaheen Mistri formed a strong bond. She visited Sandhaya and other
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children in the slum every day, teaching them a little English, math, and a song. They
affectionately called her Didi.
Shaheen Mistri wanted to start an organization to teach underprivileged children. She
understood that India had people willing to teach kids, available spaces that could be used as
classrooms, and government funds for providing better education to children. This realization
led to the formation of Akanksha. Shaheen Mistri approached many schools to request a
classroom for teaching children, but most school authorities did not cooperate. Finally, the
principal of Holy Name High School in Colaba provided her with a classroom, which became
the first Akanksha center. Volunteers from St. Xavier's College taught the kids in that school.
The Akanksha Foundation was formally established in 1991. Initially, it had only 15 students,
but later the foundation expanded to 58 centers in 6 schools, providing education to 3500
children. These children were able to learn basic English, math, values, and develop self- esteem and confidence. Shaheen Mistri's journey is truly inspiring as she built a new world of
virtue, knowledge, and a positive outlook.
10.STAMMER BY SATCHIDANANDAN
"Stammer" by Satchidanandan is a thought-provoking poem that challenges conventional
notions about stammering and explores the complex nature of language and human
communication. Through vivid imagery and profound reflections, the poet delves into the
significance of stammering as a form of speech, the ambiguity of language, and the limitations
of human understanding.
The poem begins by addressing the common perception of stammering as a disability.
Satchidanandan asserts that stammering is not merely a flaw or a hindrance but a unique way
of expressing oneself. He suggests that stammering represents the gap between words and
their intended meanings, highlighting the inherent complexity of communication. By drawing
a parallel between stammering in speech and lameness in walking, the poet underscores the
idea that silence can also speak volumes and that what is left unsaid can carry profound
significance.
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The poet further challenges linguistic conventions by questioning the position of stammering
in relation to language itself. He is unsure whether stammering comes before or after
language, and whether it should be considered a dialect or a separate language altogether. This
uncertainty reflects the elusiveness of categorizing stammering within the confines of
linguistic frameworks. Satchidanandan suggests that even experts in language, such as
linguists, are unable to provide definitive answers to these questions, highlighting the
intricacies and mysteries of human communication.
The poem takes a fascinating turn when the poet suggests that when everyone stammers,
stammering becomes the "mother tongue." This implies that when faced with the inherent
complexity and limitations of language, stammering becomes a universal mode of expression
that transcends conventional linguistic boundaries. The poet argues that stammering opens up
possibilities for creating different meanings, emphasizing the richness and diversity that lies
within individuals. It also implies that understanding the true essence of a person goes beyond
their words, as there are layers of meaning and emotions hidden beneath their speech.
In the final stanza, the poet employs irony to make a profound statement about human
imperfection. By suggesting that even God must have stammered when creating humans,
Satchidanandan challenges the notion of a perfect creator. This implies that since humans
themselves are imperfect beings, their creator must also embody imperfection. The
multiplicity of meanings and interpretations present in prayers, commands, and poetry reflects
the inherent complexity of human expression. Just as a poem can be deconstructed to reveal
multiple layers of meaning, the poet suggests that understanding a person requires exploring
the various dimensions of their speech and actions.
Overall, "Stammer" by Satchidanandan is a captivating exploration of stammering as a unique
form of speech and the intricate nature of language and communication. The poem encourages
readers to adopt a broader perspective, acknowledging the limitations of words and embracing
the richness of meaning that lies within the gaps and silences of human expression.
11.WHEN A SAPLING IS PLANTED BY WANGARI MAATHAI
"When a Sapling is Planted" is the Nobel Prize acceptance speech delivered by Wangari
Maathai in Oslo on December 10, 2004. Wangari Maathai is the first African woman to
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receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004. She was born in rural Kenya and is the founder of the
Green Belt Movement, which promotes tree planting, environmental conservation, and
women's rights.
In the beginning of her speech, Wangari Maathai states that she accepts the Nobel Prize on
behalf of Kenyans and people worldwide. She hopes that her actions will inspire women to
raise their voices and emerge as leaders. She shares that her inspiration to protect the
environment came from childhood experiences and observing rural Kenya closely. However,
as she grew older, she witnessed deforestation and the introduction of commercial plantations,
which destroyed local biodiversity and the water-holding capacity of forests.
The Green Belt Movement was initiated in 1977 to address the problems faced by rural
women, such as the lack of firewood, clean drinking water, balanced diets, shelter, and
income.
In Africa, women hold important roles as caretakers, farmers, and providers for their families.
Consequently, they are more attuned to the deterioration of the environment. They also
discovered that the introduction of commercial plantations in Africa resulted in meager
income for household food crops because they were unaware of the international market
economy.
Wangari Maathai recognizes that environmental destruction will undermine people's quality of
life and that of future generations. This realization motivated her and others to start planting
trees. Tree planting not only provides food, fuel, shelter, and income but is also a simple and
achievable action that yields quick and successful results. It maintains interest and dedication.
Initially, the Green Belt Movement focused on tree planting. However, Wangari soon realized
that democracy and peace are essential for environmental protection. Therefore, she and others
adopted the tree as a symbol of the democratic struggle in Kenya. Under her influence, many
people rose against power, corruption, and environmental degradation. Later, the tree became
a symbol of peace and conflict resolution.
When the tree symbolized peace, it aimed to preserve African traditions. For example, the
elders in the Kikuyu community used a staff made from the "thigi" tree to resolve disputes
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among people. When conflicts arose, the elders would present this staff, prompting people to
cease quarreling.
Although the Green Belt Movement had started thirty years earlier, Wangari and others
struggled to protect the environment. Environmental problems such as climate change,
economic crises, resource scarcity, and poverty were affecting people worldwide.
Wangari believes that peace can be achieved through equitable development, and
environmental protection can be ensured through sustainable development. Therefore, she
calls upon the youth and citizens of society, whom she believes possess creativity and energy,
to create a new world where people can enjoy rich biodiversity and a thriving ecosystem.
As Wangari concludes her speech, she reminisces about her childhood experiences. She used
to collect water from a stream and marvel at the strands of frog eggs she would find. However,
that stream no longer exists today. She emphasizes that it is the responsibility of the present
generation to restore a world of beauty and wonder for future generations.
12.RICE BY CHEMMANAM CHACKO
‘Rice’ is a poem in Malayalam written by Chemmanam Chacko and translated into English
by Prof. K. Ayyappa Paniker. In the first half of the poem, the poet tells about his expectation
of events that may happen when he goes to his house after four years. In the beginning, the
poet tells that after four years doing research in North India, he is coming back to the native
place which is in Kerala. He got research when he proved that through the husk, one could
make toys. Now he is in a train. He is eager to eat a meal of athikira rice because he is fed up
with chapaties.
Now the poet gives the images of his father, little brother and mother and their response when
he reaches his home. In his imagination, his father will be wearing a handloom dhoti which is
blemished with yellow mud. He will be very happy that water is coming from Varanganal
canal. The poet assumes that his father will see him from far and his father and would ask
when he had started from there .Father would be busy in field and would be ploughing the
field with oxen as it is planting season.
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Seeing the poet, his little brother would happily run towards him with tender saplings of paddy
which has to be planted in the paddy field. His little brother would intimate his mother that he
had arrived.
The poet then imagines that in order to reach his house which is beside the paddy field, he has
to walk through the paddy field. In his imagination, he is walking very carefully along the
dyke so that he will not damage the baskets full of seed. While he is on the way to his home,
his mother will be separating rice soup from rice. Imagining all these, he wants to reach his
home as far as possible.
In the second section, the poet sees the changes that have happened when he reaches his native
place. When he left his place, there were only palm-thatched houses. Now instead of palm- thatched houses, there are only trees. Also, there are rubber plants everywhere which are twice
than his height. These rubber plants replace ‘modan and vellaran’, varieties of paddy. Now he
has confusion about whether he has taken the wrong path.
Now the poet has reached the house. Four years back, there was a paddy field adjacent to his
house. So he expects that he can hear the shouts of workers who are engaged in ploughing.
Unfortunately, he cannot hear such shouts. He gets a shock. To his dismay, he sees areca nut
palms in that field. Also, there are deal wood trees on either side of the canal.
Finally, the poet enters his house. His father is observing a worker fixing up the rubber sheet
making the machine. His father informs that he has shifted to a commercial plantation because
there is no profit in paddy cultivation. Father stated that only a few people are cultivating
paddy in their fields. Beyond that, Government is providing rice to people in the name of the
ration.
At that time, the poet’s little brother arrives. Seeing his brother, the poet yearns to have a full
meal of athikira rice. But he is shocked to see the wheat ration spilling on the floor. While the
poet observes these changes, he hears the sound of the aeroplane which he describes as the
“ship of the sky”. He says that the Chief Minister of Kerala might have gone to the centre for
requesting more rice. He sarcastically comments that the Chief Minister is passing above the
cash crops which have destroyed the paddy cultivation in Kerala.
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As the poem ends, the poet sarcastically asks a question whether the Centre will give him husk
to make toys too.
13.DANGERS OF DRUG ABUSE
"Dangers of Drug Abuse" is an essay by Dr. Hardin B. Jones that discusses in detail the
dangers of drug use and abuse. Drugs were discovered to prevent physical and mental
diseases. This led people to believe that any disease can be cured by taking a pill. For instance,
when experiencing nervousness, people often turn to pep pills. In order to mislead the public,
medical journals promote tranquilizers, amphetamines, and mood-altering drugs. These factors
contribute to drug abuse. The author states that if a person overuses drugs, they will lose their
ability to solve life's situations through perseverance, self-discipline, and mental effort.
Dr. Jones emphasizes that it is not appropriate to criticize the medical field for drug abuse
because the field has a great history dating back to Hippocrates. Hippocrates, the father of
medicine, provided remedies to his patients based on disease symptoms, body constitution,
and habits. The author suggests that physicians should prescribe appropriate medicine to cure
specific diseases. The positive effect of drugs is their restorative nature. However, the negative
effect is that if a healthy person takes drugs without any disease, it will disrupt the healthy
functioning of the brain and body.
Dr. Jones then discusses the importance of distinguishing between medicines and recreational
drugs. Recreational drugs are those that are not necessary for the body and only provide a
strong sense of pleasure by directly stimulating pleasure centers or through chemical mimicry.
The brain controls sensations, moods, thoughts, and actions through a series of chemically
controlled processes. Recreational drugs alter these chemical processes, affecting the healthy
functioning of the brain. These changes particularly affect mechanisms that control pleasure
and satisfaction.
The essay highlights the impact of drug abuse. When an individual starts abusing drugs, they
become less satisfied with the amount they are consuming and develop a craving for more. In
severe addiction, the pleasure mechanism fails, leading to depression, physical problems, and
personality disorders. Drug addicts may struggle to understand their surroundings and the
people they interact with. Their minds are constantly disturbed, leading to a mental state
comparable to paranoia. They become suspicious and introverted, feeling that everyone is
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looking at them strangely. Addicts may even have a sense of being emotionally numb, leading
them to press their arms or legs deeply to remind themselves that they are alive. This prompts
them to seek more and more "drug-induced sensations."
The reason why drug addicts find it difficult to quit is that the harmful side effects of drugs are
not immediately apparent. The only symptoms are incidental delirious effects and death from
overdose. In extreme cases, drug addicts may face various health issues. Drugs can directly
affect the brain, altering mental mechanisms and causing abnormal behaviour.
Drug abuse can also cause many diseases. If drug addicts use dirty needles for injecting drugs,
it can result in abscesses in the arms and veins, liver disease, venereal disease, and kidney and
brain infections. Sniffing cocaine and amphetamines can damage nasal tissues, while smoking
marijuana and tobacco can cause lung diseases. Heavy users of alcohol, volatile solvents,
amphetamines, and marijuana can permanently damage their livers. If pregnant women
consume drugs, their babies can become addicted and experience withdrawal symptoms.
Cocaine and amphetamines can lead to hair loss, and marijuana can damage cells. The
lifestyles of drug users make them more prone to pneumonia, tuberculosis, and weight loss.
An overdose of recreational drugs can result in respiratory or cardiac failure and death.
Recreational drugs alter the chemical processes of brain cells, potentially changing cell
pathways and connections. Depending on the extent of cell damage, the side effects can be
temporary or permanent.
Dr. Hardin B. Jones concludes the essay by urging us to be aware of the harmful effects of
drugs and to lead a healthy life.
14.POST EARLY FOR CHRISTMAS
"Post Early for Christmas" by R. H. Wood is a play that takes place in a post office during the
Christmas season. The play opens with the assistant's description of the senselessness of
people who come to the post office. People begin to visit the post office for various purposes.
The postal assistant never loses their temper even with arrogant customers. The first customer,
Mrs. Smith, has rheumatism. Then Mrs. Jones, a rude woman, comes and responds harshly to
the assistant's advice to post early for Christmas. Then a fussy old lady comes seeking medical
advice for her cat, thinking that the post office is a veterinary hospital.
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Next, an elderly gentleman with partial deafness visits the post office to collect his old-age
pension. He mishears everything that the assistant says and shouts at her, mistakenly thinking
that she is teasing him. He tells the assistant that she is a bit deaf, but the assistant responds in
a polite and well-mannered way.
The conversation between Mrs. Higgins and her son Bertie adds flavor to the play. Bertie is as
curious as a monkey and stares at everyone and everything. Mrs. Higgins scolds him for his
incorrect grammar and pronunciation.
A tourist enters the post office and posts a gift. He is dark and sinister-looking. He lays his
gloves on the counter and leaves the post office, forgetting to take the gloves with him.
A farmer brings news about a time bomb that has been discovered in a post office in London.
Bertie hears a ticking sound from the parcel given by the tourist. The farmer suggests it might
be a time bomb, creating panic in the minds of everyone. They call a policeman for help.
The police attempt to deactivate the bomb and are about to throw the parcel into a bucket of
water. At this moment, the tourist re-enters the scene to retrieve his gloves and begs them not
to throw the parcel into the water. This raises further suspicion, and the policeman decides to
throw it into the water anyway. The tourist reveals that it is actually a clock, expressing anger
towards the employees for damaging his parcel, and decides to inform the postmaster general.
The sight of the sinister-looking tourist retrieving the damaged clock from the water and
revealing that it was only a present is both funny and pathetic. In the end, the assistant leaves
the post office, stating that she will join an animal dispensary since animals are wiser than
humans. When she remarks that animals don't do such silly things, it's hard not to agree with
her.
15.THIS IS GOING TO HURT JUST A LITTLE BIT
‘"This Is Going to Hurt Just a Little Bit" by Ogden Nash is a humorous poem filled with
exaggerations, puns, and metaphors. Here, the poet vividly describes the painful experience of
sitting in a dentist's chair.
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The poet humorously considers sitting in the dentist's chair as the worst torture a person can
endure. He highlights that while some tortures are physical and some are mental, dental torture
combines both. The experience of sitting with one's mouth wide open and the jaw digging into
the chest robs a person of their calmness, cheerfulness, and dignity.
In the poem, the poet employs several comparisons to emphasize the discomfort. He compares
his mouth to a road being repaired, with the dentist seemingly using noisy equipment like
stone crushers, concrete mixers, drills, and steam rollers. The dentist is humorously compared
to a bear, as they attack and suffocate the patient like a bear suffocating its prey.
The poet humorously suggests that the dentist approaches him with a crowbar, adding to the
exaggerated comedic effect. After the treatment, the patient sighs in relief, and the doctor
concludes by polishing the teeth. The poem concludes with the doctor advising the patient to
come back in three months for a follow-up check-up.
The poet expresses a sense of frustration with the cycle of having to visit the dentist
repeatedly. He perceives it as a vicious circle from which he can never escape. The irony lies
in the fact that the purpose of visiting the dentist is to maintain good oral health and avoid
further visits, but it ends up becoming an ongoing cyclical process.
The comic effect in the poem is achieved through the use of exaggerations. The act of sitting
in the dentist's chair is portrayed as something that could potentially alter the course of one's
life. Puns and wordplay are prevalent throughout the poem, evident in word pairs such as
mental-dental, polished-demolished, hope-hopen, and so on.
16. CRIME AND PUNISHMENT
It is a humorous short story which highlights the fact that over caring and over parenting spoil
the child. This story brings out a comical situation between a teacher and his naughty student.
The teacher in the story ‘Crime and Punishment’ by R.K. Narayan is a hardworking man. He
teaches 6 hours in the school and then he comes to teach the small boy in the nursery for just 30
rupees a month. He has to work for three hours in the nursery teaching the child.
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The teacher suffered at the hands of the parents also. Every day he had to listen to the lectures
of the parents on child psychology for half an hour. The father had written a thesis on infant
psychology for his M.A. The mother had studied a good deal of it for her B.A. So, both lectured
to him on the same lines. It seemed that the parents of the boy thought he was made of thin
glass. They pampered him a lot and they wanted the teacher also to be very kind to the boy and
not to annoy him in any way. The teacher found it hard to manage the boy. The boy had a lot of
love and money. His parents built the nursery for him. They bought him expensive toys. They
even gave him a small pedal motor to move about in the garden. His cupboard was filled with
chocolates and biscuits which he could eat whenever he wanted.
Even if the teacher tried to correct him, he made purposeful mistakes over and again. The teacher
lost control and slapped him on the face. The hard slapping made a red mark on the cheek of
the boy. The boy started blackmailing the teacher. The boy asked the teacher to act as the
stationmaster for his toy train. When the train stopped running, the boy wanted the teacher to
repair it. As the teacher was not mechanical minded he could not repair the same. Then the boy
made the teacher tell stories. The teacher narrated the story of the tiger and the bison and the
story of Ali Baba and forty thieves. The boy insisted that the teacher should narrate the story of
the tiger and bison again. When the teacher refused the boy ran home and teacher had to run
after him. The parent noted the same and teacher responded to his queries in a positive tone.
When the father asked why they were running about, the teacher said that they were playing to
keep up their spirits. The story ends by revealing the composed, positive and tolerant attitude of
the teacher.