Facile English study material for Senior Intermediate

POETRY

Fear Khalil Gibran

Questions:
a) What is the central idea of the poem "Fear" ?
b) What does 'nobody can go back' mean in the poem "Fear" ? Explain from your point
of view.
c) How can one overcome fear ? Explain.
d) What does the line "The river needs to take the risk of entering the ocean" mean?
Discuss.

Ans: Title: Fear

Penned by: Khalil Gibran
Laurels: Spirit of Humanity Award

About the Poet : "Khalil Gibran" is a Lebanese poet, writer and visual artist. His work "The
Prophet" made him world famous, a book collection of philosophical essays. He writes in
both Arabic and English. His writings deal with spiritual love and life issues.

About the poem : The philosophical poem "Fear" is written by him. In the poem, the poet
shares his profound wisdom about overcoming fear. It deals with the fear we all encounter in
different situations of our life. The speaker contemplates a river flowing into the ocean. The
river fears before entering the vast ocean as it thinks it will disappear forever.

Topic : The poet expresses his philosophical insight of fear and the hidden truths of life. He
thinks of the image of a river flowing into the sea. Before entering the sea, the river trembles
with fear at the sight of the vastness of the ocean. Long ago, the river starts its journey and
travels from the steep mountains. At the end of the journey, the river thinks it will disappear.
Going back is not an option and nobody can go back. It's impossible in existence. So, the
river has to move forward. It must realize that it is not about the risk of disappearing forever
but merging into a great and immense ocean.

Conclusion : The poet touches on a variety of themes. It includes the fear of changing
consciousness, the terror of moving forward, the anxiety of losing oneself and the journey of life
till death. Through the poem, the poet sends a message to mankind, who fear losing their
identity, death, change, being forgotten in this world and so forth. In reality, the poet hints the
humankind's fear of death, the ultimate destination.
 On the Grasshopper and Cricket John Keats
Questions:

a) What is the theme of the poem "On the Grasshopper and Cricket"?
b) According to Keats, when does one hear a cricket's song?
c) When does a grasshopper sing?
d) Discuss the common features between the grasshopper and cricket.

Ans: Title: On the Grasshopper and Cricket

Penned by: John Keats
Laurels: A Laurel Crown

About the Poet : "John Keats" was one of the popular English Romantic poets. His perfection
of poetry was recognized by the critics rapidly after his death. As a romantic poet, he was
mesmerized by the ever present symphony of nature.

About the poem : The poem "On the Grasshopper and Cricket" was written by him.
According to Keats, the singing of nature never ends though it may be summer or winter. Her
merry making is not limited to spring. During hot season the grasshopper celebrates the beauty
of summer in its songs. Then, the cricket takes the responsibility of singing the glory of nature
in cold and bleak winter. The music of nature on earth is always alive in any season.

Topic : : In the poem, the poet praises the never ending beauty of nature and poetry of earth.
During the hot summer, all the singing birds become tired, take rest under the branches of
shady trees. The grasshopper moves from shrub to shrub, keeps singing restlessly and takes
rest under some pleasant weed when tired. He will carry on the duty of singing the
everlasting song of nature during summer. During the frosty winter days, the birds remain
silent. A cricket sings from the stones. People are able to hear it sitting in their houses. To a
man, who is feeling sleepy, can hear the cricket's song, sounds like the grasshopper's voice
from the grassy hills. The two tiny creatures continue the everlasting music irrespective of the
extreme climates.

Conclusion : Keats feels that nature is the best teacher of mankind. It seems happy and
makes others also happy. He sends a message through the poem that nature remains beautiful
all the time, irrespective of the seasons. In a similar way, he suggests us to be joyful and
happy in all circumstances. Such attitude can help us to overcome all the obstacles in life.

“ If one does not think for future, he is destined to suffer”

 Goodbye Party for Miss Pushpa T S Nissim Ezekiel

Questions:

a) Do you agree that the poem 'Goodbye Party for Miss Pushpa TS' is a farewell
address ? Justify your response.
b) How does the speaker describe Miss Pushpa in the poem ?
c) What is the central idea of the poem "Goodbye Party for Miss Pushpa T S" ?
d) Does the poem bring out the sweetness of Miss Pushpa ? Justify your answer.

Title: Goodbye Party for Miss Pushpa T S

Penned by : Nissim Ezekiel
Culled from: Hyms in Darkness
Laurels: Padma shri , Sahitya Academy Award

About the Poet : Nissim Ezekiel was educated in Mumbai and London. He is a versatile and
foremost Indianpoet. His poems represent Indian modern urban life, human relationships and
values, love, humour and wit.

About the Essay : The poem "Goodbye Party for Miss Pushpa TS" is written by him The
poem narrates anoccasion when Miss Pushpa is supposed to leave India, her colleagues
arrange a "Goodbye Party" for her. It is a formal farewell speech given by one of her
workmates to wish her a happy journey.

Topic : : The speaker says that Miss Pushpa is the daughter of a famous advocate from Surat.
She is a sweet smiling lady and smiles even without a reason. So, the speaker praises her
readiness and her pleasing smile. He appreciates her as a disciplined and hardworking
employee. She always looks cheerful and never says 'no' to anyone to do any kind of office
work. She feels that 'helping to humanity is serving to God.' The speaker says that she is
beautiful not only because of her charms but of her outer pleasing personality. The speaker
boasts of her helping qualities and her concern for friends. He addresses his colleagues as
friends and Miss Pushpa as sister. In the end he asks them to speak about her. Finally he says
that Miss Pushpa will conclude the party. The poem highlights the speaker’s good intention
and good nature.

Conclusion : The poem is a parody of English as used by some Indians. It has no rhymes or
rhythm. It offers a satirical look at how some semi educated people in India speak 'Babu'
English. It looks simple, clear but pregnant with full of humour.

“Only in the agony of partind do we look into the depths of love and respect ”
PROSE
How to Avoid Foolish Opinions Bertrand Russell
Questions:
a) How can we prevent developing a dogmatic attitude as per Russell's suggestions ?
b) Travel is an excellent educator. Explain with reference to Russell's essay 'How to
Aviod Foolish Opinions.'
c) According to Russell, What is the only way to tackle self - pride ?
d) What does Bertrand Russell say about a person getting angry about a difference of
opinion?s

Ans: Title: How to Avoid Foolish opinions

Penned by: Bertrand Arthur William Russell
Laurels: Nobel prize in literature

About the Author : "Bertrand Russell" from UK was a philosopher, logician, mathematician,
historian, socialcritic and political activist. His extended knowledge of science and philosophy
honoured him with the 'NobelPrize'.

About the Essay : The article "How to Avoid Foolish Opinions" was written by "Russell."
The thought provoking essay has many remarkable features. It advises us on avoiding bad
opinions. Russell suggests todevelop the ability to observe the things around us carefully
before going to conclusions. He wants to assist us in avoiding glaring errors.

Topic : If someone says that two and two or five or that Iceland is on the equator, you should
pity rather than anger on him(her). If any opinion seems contrary and makes you angry, then
you should think that your thinking has no good reason. The essay says that there are many
ways to avoid bad ideas. If the matter can be settled by observation, the make a keen
observation by yourself is the first way. Second to know what other people think, one has to
be aware of what they think. Third is arguing with an imaginary character who has a different
point of view. Next one is to deal with one’s sense of self esteem. Finally don’t take a
position that makes you look better than someone else. Remember that we live for a short
while on a small planet

Conclusion : The author says that the essay deals with a serious topic but one can enjoy the
elements of cheerfulness and gentle humour in it. It also discusses many mistakes that are
prone to make by mankind. The topic ends with a lively ray of hope, advises us to develop
rational attitude.

“Life is beautiful if we do not do foolish things”

 Ssolution to Plastic Pollution Internet

Questions

a) Describe the deportment of Dr. Vasudevan as the Professor of TCE.

b) How did Dr. Vasudevan experiment with plastic waste and what has been the result
?
c) How did A P J Kalam encourage Dr. Vasudevan and what has been the outcome ?
d) List the advantages of plastic roads as described by Dr. Vasudevan.

Ans: Title: Solution to Plastic Pollution

Cited from: the Internet
Field : Research in Chemistry

About the Author : Dr. Rajagopalan Vasudevan from Tamilnadu is the Professor and Head,
Department ofChemistry in Thiagarajar College of Engineering since 1975. From the beginning
of his profession, he dedicatedhis research to the management of plastic waste.

About the Essay : The essay "Solution to Plastic Pollution" is an article adopted from the
Internet. It is the research project of Dr. Vasudevan. With his persistant research for many
years, he succeeded on the methods of recovery and reuse of plastic waste.

Topic : : Dr. Vasudevan always carried the Bhagavad Gita in his hands and quoted many
shlokas to his students while teaching. He faced many hurdles while doing research on plastic
waste. Dr. Vasudevan presented to Kalam his project. Kalam told Dr. Vasudevan that one day
his test would become the convention. He developed a simple but effective technology. He
transformed plastic waste into a material. It replaces bitumen and can be applied with tar and
used for laying roads. At first, he laid the first 60 feet long plastic road within the campus and
it remains intact. He says that the plastic heated to 170 degrees C instantly melts and coats the
gravel without releasing toxic gases into the atmosphere. After getting popularity, he has
received offers from private firms both within and outside the country to sell the "Patent."
But the Patriotic Dr. Vasudevan gave it free to the Indian Government. The benefits are ....
low cost , simple technology, spot use of waste plastic, water - proof roads, doubling of road
strength, higher load carrying capacity, zero maintenance, a new surface without rutting,
cracking or potholes.

Conclusion : Dr. Vasudevan, with his abundant research, showed to the world a permanent
solution of plastic waste. He depicts that how it can be used in laying roads. The technology
not only increases qualityof roads but also solves the problem of plastic disposal.

“Hard work will never go waste. It always gives rich dividens.”

 Guilty H J. Gardiner and B Arnaud
Questions

a) Describe the importance of Mrs Moore's role in "Guilty."

b) Ma Ryan puts what she thinks is two and two together and makes four out of it.
Discuss the developments that lead (or, rather mislead) Ma Ryan into making this
mistake.
c) Sketch the character of Jim in the light of Ma Ryan's comments like : It is the same !
But howdid it get into Jim's pocket ?
d) "Ma, you are talking like someone in a fog, without any sense." Are these words
from Jim an order or exception? Explain.

Ans: Title: Guilty

Penned by: H J. Gardiner and B Arnaud
Laurels: Consider as Well known Literary critic

About the Authors : H.J. Gardiner & B. Arnaud are from the USA. They are called a "single
author" because they compile any literary work together. People never consider any one of
them individual.

About the Play : The delightful one - act play "Guilty" was written by them. The play calls
attention to theburning problem of the today's world "unemployment." The educators are unable
to get suitable jobs accordingto their qualifications. Unemployment nowadays forces them to
accept lowly jobs. The play revolves round the character of Jim Ryan, an engineering
graduate.

Topic : : Ma Ryan, Jim's mother and their neighbor Mrs. Moore are friends. One day Mrs.
Moore brings a newspaper with her and reports about a robbery at the Van King Warehouse
to Ma Ryan. Then, Ma Ryan appreciates Jim's nature and his pleasing qualities. She boasts of
him as a fine, honest, decent and hardworking boy. Ma Ryan finds a jewel in Jim's sweater,
wrapped in a handkerchief. She picks up phone makes a call for Jim but in vain. Jim and a
stranger enter the house. Jim asks his mother about the sweater and also a jewel. She thinks
that Jim robs the diamond and wants to sell it to the stranger. When the police comes, she
tells Jim to escape from the house. Jim becomes nervous of his mother's meaningless words.
Then the stranger says that Jim is honest. He reveals the fact that he is Mr. Van King, the real
owner of the Jewel. So, he visits the house, wants to give some money to Jim as a reward and
take the diamond

Conclusion : The play is short, conversations are lively and the message is clear. The
comedy meets the qualities of a one - act play. The characters are few and the three unities of
time, place and theme are carefully celebrated by the writers.

“ We feel Guilty for what we do , we feel shame for what we are “

SHORT STORIES

The Woman on Platform No . 8 Ruskin Bond

Questions:

a) Describe the character of Arun, the boarding schoolboy?

b) What did Satish's mother advise him about strangers? How did Arun and Satish react
to her advice?
c) What made Arun call the strange woman 'mother' at the end?
d) Give any four reasons to explain why Arun developed instant liking for the strange
women in a white saree on a Platform No. 8.

Title: The Woman on Platform No. 8

Penned by : Ruskin Bond
Laurels: Padma shri
Characters Involved: Arun is a school boy, Arun & Satish are friend, Satish Mother,
strange woman in white saree.

About the Author: "Ruskin Bond" is an Indian author of British origin. He has written several
novels shortstories and books for children. He was honoured with "Sahitya Academy," "Padma
Sree" and "Padma Bhushan"Awards by the Indian Government.

About the Story: The story "The Woman on Platform No. 8" is written by him. It deals with a
boy of twelve,named Arun. It revolves around Arun's meeting and his experiences with a
stranger - a mysterious woman on the railway platform, at Ambala station.

Topic: The story narrates the experience of Arun, studying in a boarding school. He is confident,
independentand is not afraid of traveling alone during nights. Arun is waiting for the train on
platform no. 8 during night time. Then an unknown woman comes and speaks with him
affectionately. At first, he suspects the woman in white saree but later he notices her concern.
She treats Arun like her own son and offers him samosas, jalebies and tea. He relaxes and
shares his details with her. He responds to the care and affection showered on him. Satish’s
mother advises the children not to be alone during night journeys. She feels that dishonest
people cheat the children at railway stations. Arun was completely negative to her opinion.
Though he dislikes Satish’s mother, he doesn’t misbehave with her. He has the ability to
judge people not by their appearance but by their behavior. He respects elderlypeople. The
noble woman’s affectionate motherly behavior and her gentle smile made Arun kiss her
cheek. At last he said “Good bye Mother”

Conclusion: The story outlines us how to interact with strangers. It motivates us how to
appreciate the beauty in simplicity, sincerity and true affection. At the time of parting, Arun's
calling her "mother" is a sweet sign of bonding and a loving relationship.

Strangers can become best friends just as easy as best friends can become as stranger
 A Gift for Christmas O. Henry
Questions:

a) "Love, sacrifice and generosity are the essential elements for happy living." Explain
this statement with reference to the story 'A Gift for Christmas.’? (Or)
b) Analyse the character of Della.
c) Sketch the character of Jim. (Or)
d) "A Gift for Christmas" is an example of O. Henry's comic irony. Justify.

Title: A Gift for Christmas

Penned by: O. Henry
Laurels: on his name, “ The O. Henry Award”
Characters Involved: Jim and Della, a young married couple.s

About the Author : "O. Henry" is the pen name of "William Sydney Porter," an American
short story writer of nearly 600 stories. He is popular for his wit and storytelling technique.
His stories are remarkable for their surprise, twist in the endings and mostly deal with the life
style of the Americans.

About the Story: The story "A Gift for Christmas" is written by him. It is an extract from his
collection "The Four Million." It mainly deals with human emotions. It also depicts the story
of a young married couple who want a sacrifice anything one for the other.

Topic : The writer highlights that love and generosity are the valuable possessions of
mankind. Della and Jim live in a small rented flat in New York. Jim does a lowly job and
they have to lead a miserable and poor life. They want to buy a gift for each other on
Christmas Eve. Jim's gold watch and Della's long beautiful hair are what they consider their
treasures. Della has very little money to buy a present for Jim. Della, in order to buy a gift for
him, sells her long beautiful hair for twenty dollars. She purchases" a platinum watch - chain"
for Jim. Jim sells his gold watch to buy expensive "ivory sets of Combs" for Della. Della has
developed a passion for the combs set. Thus, both of them show the true meaning of love,
sacrifice and charity for happy living.

Conclusion : Henry feels that the act of giving leads to happiness. His story telling makes the
narration interesting and captivating. Though the story has comic irony, he brings out the
importance of certain virtuous human elements.

“ The value of a gift is in the giver, rather than the gift itself”
 The Doctor's Word R.K. Narayan

Questions:

a) Sketch the character of "Dr. Raman."

b) 'People came to him ( Dr Raman) when the patient was on his last legs.' Why?
c) Describe Gopal's health condition and his anxiety about the will.
d) 'If my word can save his life, he shall not die," said Dr Raman to himself. Explain the
situation that makes the doctor say so.

Ans: Title: The Doctor’ Word

Penned by: R K Narayana
Laurels: Sahitya Academy , Padma Bhushan
Characters Involved: Dr. Raman , Gopal , Gopal’s wife

About the Author : "R.K. Narayan" is one of the leading writers of Indian literature in
English. He wrote short stories, novels and essays. "Malgudi days" is his famous fictional
novel. His works made him popular and helped him to win the hearts of the readers from all
over the globe. He was honored with many Awards.

About the Story: The short story "The Doctor's Word" is written by him. It explains the
friendship and bonding between Dr. Raman and his friend Gopal. It also explains us how the
soothing lies of Dr. Raman saves Gopal from his last legs.

Topic : Dr. Raman is an expert doctor and a man of deeds than words. He maintains ethics
and never believes in soothing lies. He works hard to save his patients from 'Yama's Hands'.
People usually come to Dr. Raman when a patient's condition is most critical. They not only
worry about the visiting fee but also his judgement. Dr. Raman and Gopal are friends since
their kindergarden days. Gopal has been sick nearly for forty five days. The doctor visits
Gopal, finds his condition critical and miserable. Meanwhile Gopal wants to distribute his
property and sign the "Will." Dr. Raman has decided to save Gopal by telling some soothing
words (lies). He hopes that his words can save his friend from the clutches of death. The
doctor fills his friend's heart with abundant hope for survival. Gopal retrieves from his
sickness but his recovery remains a puzzle to Dr. Raman. Dr. Raman respects human
relations and values friendship most. He treats even his assistants well. He enjoys great
success as a person and a doctor

Conclusion : The story reveals the value of soothing words. The characters are familiar and
the situation discussed is of a serious nature. The reader is left with the rich experience of
delighting a memorable story.

“ Life is about making right things and going on ……..”

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