SEMESTER-II SUMMARIES

Unit - 5

THE FELLING OF THE BANYAN TREE

A B OU T THE POET:
Dilip Purushottam Chitre (1938-2009) was a teacher, a painter, and a magazine columnist. He
was a bilingual writer who wrote in Marathi and English. His poems reflect an urban Sensibility
and cosmopolitan views, and have an ironic tone running through them. Traveling in a Cage (
1980) was his first and only book of English poems. He also translated from Marathi to English,
the chief translations being An Anthology of Marathi Poetry (1945-65) and Says Tuka.

A B OU T THE POEM :
The poem, Felling of the Banyan Tree, talks about the poet Dilip Chitre’s compassion and love
for trees and nature. He is sad about trees being cut down from his house and compares it
with the murder of humans. It is based on uprootedness, the idea of leaving behind a family
home. It also highlights the ecosystems and the massive destruction that it is being subjected
to, particularly the felling of trees for profit, under the garb of progress.

SUMMARY
The Felling of the Banyan Tree" by Dilip Chitre is a poignant and introspective poem that
reflects on the themes of displacement, loss, and the deep emotional connection humans have
with nature. The poem revolves around the event of cutting down a banyan tree that has stood
as a significant part of the poet's childhood and family history. Through vivid imagery and
emotive language, Chitre captures the profound sense of loss and dislocation that accompanies
this act .The poem begins with a detailed description of the banyan tree, emphasizing its
grandeur and the deep roots it has established over several generations. The tree is portrayed
not just as a natural entity, but as an integral part of the family's heritage and the landscape of
their ancestral home. Chitre's meticulous attention to detail in describing the tree's physical
presence serves to underscore its importance and the void its removal will create .As the
narrative progresses, the felling of the banyan tree is depicted as a violent and unsettling
event. The process of cutting down the tree is described in almost surgical terms, with the "fifty
men with axes" hacking away at its extensive roots and branches. This imagery evokes a sense of
brutality and destruction, highlighting the emotional and physical upheaval that accompanies
such an act. The poet's use of language here conveys a deep sense of sorrow and disapproval,
suggesting that the tree's removal is not just a physical loss but a symbolic one as well.Chitre
uses the banyan tree as a metaphor for stability, continuity, and the deep-rooted connections
to one's past and heritage. The tree's removal signifies a rupture in these connections, mirroring
the poet's own feelings of displacement and alienation. The tree's felling marks the end of an
era, a severing of ties with the past, and a forced transition into an uncertain future. This sense
of dislocation is further emphasized by the poet's reflections on the broader changes occurring
in society, where modernization and development often come at the cost of losing one's cultural
and natural heritage.The poem also delves into the personal impact of this event on the poet's
family, particularly his mother. Her emotional reaction to the felling of the banyan tree reflects
the deep cultural and emotional ties that are being severed. Her response underscores the
generational impact of such changes, as older generations often bear the brunt of the emotional
toll when deeply rooted symbols of their past are destroyed.Chitre's poem is a powerful
commentary on the consequences of progress and modernization. It raises important questions
about what is lost in the pursuit of development and how these losses affect individuals and
communities on a profound level. The banyan tree, in this context, becomes a symbol of
resistance against the erasure of history and memory in the face of relentless change.In
conclusion, "The Felling of the Banyan Tree" by Dilip Chitre is a deeply moving and reflective
poem that captures the emotional and cultural impact of losing a significant natural and familial
symbol. Through evocative imagery and thoughtful language, Chitre explores themes of
displacement, loss, and the enduring connection between humans and nature. The poem serves
as a poignant reminder of the value of preserving our natural and cultural heritage in an ever-
changing world.

CONCLUSION:
In Conclusion, the poem moral of the poem is uprootedness, the idea of leaving a family
home. It also talks of ecosystems and their destruction, specifically that of felling trees for
profit, in the name of progress. In the poem the two are inextricably linked - the speaker
moving home coincides with the tree being cut down. The two are fused together.

THE BET
A B OU T THE AUTHOR:
Anton Pavlovich Chekhov ( 1860-1904) was a brilliant Russian short-story writer and playwright
who wrote about human loneliness and frustration, and about the stagnation of life in the
Russia that he knew. He shows a sense of sympathy towards his characters and tries his best
to present life in the raw, where people constantly face inner turmoil. His work has been
widely translated and has had an immense influence on world literature.

A B OU T THE LESSON:
Through this, Chekov exposes the true nature of humanity, in all its contempt and greed. He
plays with philosophical questions in his text that would not be possible in real life,
ultimately demonstrating that human life is more valuable than money.The story depicts the
formation of a bet between a cynical banker and an idealistic young lawyer concerning the
morality of the death penalty. The banker asserts that a quick execution is more merciful
than prolonged imprisonment, whereas the lawyer claims that life in prison would be
preferable.

SUMMARY:
"The Bet" by Anton Chekhov is a profound short story that delves into the themes of human
nature, the value of life, and the corrupting power of greed and materialism. Set against the
backdrop of a heated debate, the narrative revolves around a banker and a young lawyer who
enter into a high-stakes wager about the merits of capital punishment versus life imprisonment.

The story begins at a party hosted by the banker, where guests engage in a fervent discussion
about the morality and humanity of the death penalty. The banker vehemently argues that
capital punishment is more humane than life imprisonment, which he deems a slow death. In
contrast, the young lawyer contends that life, even in imprisonment, is better than death. To
prove his point, the banker rashly proposes a bet: if the lawyer can endure fifteen years of
voluntary solitary confinement, he will receive two million rubles.

The lawyer accepts the challenge, and the terms of the confinement are meticulously outlined.
He is to be isolated in a lodge within the banker's garden, deprived of human contact but
permitted books, musical instruments, wine, and tobacco. The initial years of confinement see
the lawyer indulging in various pleasures, reading voraciously, playing music, and drinking. Over
time, however, his interests shift dramatically.

As the years pass, the lawyer's reading becomes more philosophical and introspective. He delves
into languages, theology, and literature, undergoing a profound transformation. This
intellectual and spiritual journey leads him to a deeper understanding of life, knowledge, and
the human condition. In stark contrast, the banker experiences a decline in fortune. Poor
financial decisions and a series of bad investments leave him nearly bankrupt, making the
prospect of paying the wager an existential threat to his remaining wealth.

On the eve of the fifteen-year deadline, the banker, driven by desperation and fear of ruin,
contemplates murdering the lawyer to avoid paying the bet. He sneaks into the lodge, intending
to carry out his plan, but finds a note left by the lawyer. In the letter, the lawyer renounces the
two million rubles, expressing his disdain for material wealth and his enlightenment about the
true values of life. He declares that he will leave his confinement five hours before the bet is
concluded, thus forfeiting the money.

The story concludes with the banker reading the letter, overwhelmed with a mixture of relief,
shame, and admiration for the lawyer’s renunciation of worldly goods. The lawyer’s voluntary
departure from the lodge underscores his transcendence over the materialism that initially
drove the bet. The banker hides the letter in his safe to avoid public scrutiny and potential
scandal.

"The Bet" serves as a compelling exploration of human nature, contrasting the lawyer's spiritual
growth with the banker's moral decline. Chekhov critiques the superficiality of material wealth
and the hollow pursuit of self-interest, illustrating how the bet transforms both men in profound
and unexpected ways. The narrative ultimately suggests that true freedom and fulfillment are
found not in material possessions but in intellectual and spiritual enlightenment. Through the
characters' experiences, Chekhov delivers a timeless commentary on the human condition, the
quest for meaning, and the intrinsic value of life beyond wealth and social status.

CONCLUSION:
To Sum up, the main moral of the "The Bet" concerns the shallowness of material wealth, as
one who is internally rich is not wishing for anything. A secondary theme is about the death
penalty. Life imprisonment is portrayed as the better option to death, as the person has the
time to develop character. However, the story also suggests that this idea maybe should not
be readily accepted.
 Unit - 6

A WALK BY MOONLIGHT

About The Poet:

Henry Louis Vivian Derozio (1809 – 1831) was one of the first Indian Educators to promote
Western Learning in India. He also led a group called “Young Bengal” which championed social
reform. At the age of 17, he was appointed teacher of Literature and history at Hindu College,
Kolkata. Derozio held progressive views on women’s emancipation, and encouraged free
debate among students and teachers. He died of Cholera at the age of 22.

A B OU T T HE POEM :
In the poem, ‘A Walk by Moonlight’, Derozio not only recounts an experience but also vividly
describes the effect of such an experience on his mind and heart. The effect is profound and
the experience radically changes his perception. He relates about his walk back home on a
moonlit night with his friends whom he ‘loved’ and esteemed and who were like-minded.

SUMMARY:
"A W ALK B Y M OON LIGHT" B Y H EN RY D EROZ IO IS A REFLECTIVE AN D LYRICAL P OEM THAT EX P LORES THE
THEM ES OF N ATU RE , IN TROSP ECTION , AN D THE HU M AN EX P ERIEN CE . T HE P OEM IS A VIVID ACCOU N T OF
THE P OET ' S N OCTU RNAL S TROLL WITH FRIEN D S , D U RIN G WHICH THE BEAU TY AN D TRAN QU ILITY OF THE
M OON LIT N IGHT S TIR D EEP P HILOSOPHICAL THOU GHTS AN D EM OTIONS .THE P OEM BEGIN S WITH A S EREN E
AN D P ICTU RES QUE D ES CRIPTION OF THE EVEN IN G . D EROZ IO AN D HIS COM P AN ION S EM BARK ON A CAS U AL
WALK AFTER A CON VIVIAL GATHERIN G . A S THEY S TEP OU T IN TO THE N IG HT , THE P OET IS IM M ED IATELY
S TRU CK B Y THE EN CHAN TIN G B EAU TY OF THE M OON LIGHT . T HE M OON CAS TS A GEN TLE , S ILVERY GLOW
OVER THE LAN D S CAP E , CREATIN G AN ETHEREAL AN D ALM OS T M AGICAL ATM OS P HERE . T HIS N ATU RAL
S P LEN D OR P ROM P TS THE P OET TO CON TEM P LATE THE S U BLIM E AN D THE M AJ ES TIC QU ALITIES OF
N ATU RE .A S THE GROU P WAN D ERS THROU GH THE N IGHT , D EROZ IO ' S REFLECTION S BECOM E M ORE
P ROFOU N D . HE OB S ERVES HOW THE M OON LIGHT TRAN S FORM S THE M U N D AN E S U RROU N D IN GS IN TO
S OM ETHIN G EX TRAORD IN ARY . T HE FIELD S , TREES , AN D S TREAM S TAKE ON A N EW , ALM OS T M YS TICAL
AP P EARAN CE , EM P HAS IZ IN G N ATU RE ' S ABILITY TO EVOKE WON D ER AN D IN TROS P ECTION . T HE P OET ' S
LAN GU AGE IS RICH WITH IM AGERY , CAP TU RIN G THE S EREN E AN D OTHERWORLD LY QU ALITY OF THE
M OON LIT N IGHT .I N THIS TRAN QU IL S ETTING , D EROZ IO' S THOU GHTS TU RN IN WARD . H E REFLECTS ON THE
FLEETIN G N ATU RE OF LIFE AN D THE P AS S AGE OF TIM E . T HE CALM AN D P EACEFU L EN VIRON M EN T
CON TRAS TS WITH THE OFTEN CHAOTIC AN D TU RBULEN T HU M AN EX IS TENCE . T HE M OON LIT N IGHT S ERVES
AS A REM IN D ER OF THE LARGER U N IVERS E AN D THE ETERN AL CYCL ES OF N ATU RE , WHICH CON TIN U E
U N AFFECTED B Y HU M AN CON CERNS AN D S TRUGGLES .D EROZ IO ALS O P ONDERS THE IM P ACT OF N ATU RE ON
THE HU M AN S P IRIT. H E CON S ID ERS HOW THE BEAU TY OF THE N ATU RAL WORLD CAN IN S P IRE AN D ELEVATE
THE S OU L . T HE M OON LIGHT , IN P ARTICU LAR , S EEM S TO AWAKEN A S EN S E OF AWE AN D REVEREN CE IN
HIM . T HIS IN TROSP ECTION LEAD S THE P OET TO A D EEP ER U N D ERS TAN DING OF HIM S ELF AN D HIS P LACE IN
THE WORLD . H E ACKN OWLED GES THE TRAN S IEN T N ATU RE OF HU M AN LIFE AN D THE IM P ORTAN CE OF
FIN D IN G M OM EN TS OF P EACE AN D CLARITY AM ID S T THE CHAOS .T HROU GHOU T THE P OEM , D EROZ IO ' S
LAN GU AGE IS LYRICAL AN D EVOCATIVE . H IS D ES CRIP TION S OF THE M OON LIT N IGHT ARE VIVID AN D
D ETAILED , ALLOWIN G READ ERS TO VIS U ALIZ E THE S CEN E AN D FEEL THE S AM E S EN S E OF WON D ER AN D
TRAN QU ILITY THAT HE EX P ERIEN CES . T HE P OEM ' S RHYTHM AN D FLOW M IRROR THE GEN TLE , S OOTHIN G
QU ALITY OF THE N IGHT , EN HANCIN G THE OVERALL M OOD OF CALM REFLECTION ."A W ALK BY M OON LIGHT"
U LTIM ATELY S ERVES AS A M ED ITATION ON THE RELATION SHIP BETWEEN HU M AN S AN D N ATU RE . D EROZ IO
S U GGES TS THAT N ATURE HAS THE P OWER TO EVOKE D EEP EM OTION S AN D THOUGHTS , P ROVIDING A S EN S E
OF P ERS P ECTIVE AN D CLARITY . T HE M OON LIT WALK BECOM ES A M ETAP HOR FOR THE J OU RN EY OF LIFE ,
WITH ITS M OM EN TS OF B EAU TY , IN TROS PECTION , AN D REVELATION . T HE P OEM EN COU RAGES READ ERS TO
AP P RECIATE THE S IM P LE , OFTEN OVERLOOKED M OMEN TS OF BEAU TY IN THE WORLD AN D TO FIN D S OLACE
AN D IN S P IRATION IN N ATU RE ' S TIM ELES S AN D EN D U RIN G P RES EN CE .I N CON CLU S ION , "A W ALK BY
M OON LIGHT " IS A B EAU TIFU LLY CRAFTED P OEM THAT CAP TURES THE ES S EN CE OF A S EREN E N IGHT WALK
AN D THE P ROFOU N D REFLECTION S IT IN S P IRES . T HROU GH HIS VIVID D ES CRIP TION S AN D IN TROS P ECTIVE
M U S IN GS , D EROZIO IN VITES READ ERS TO EX P ERIEN CE THE TRAN QU ILITY AN D WON D ER OF THE M OON LIT
N IGHT AN D TO CON TEM P LATE THE D EEP ER M EAN INGS OF LIFE AN D EX IS TEN CE . T HE P OEM IS A TES TAM EN T
TO THE P OWER OF N ATU RE TO IN S P IRE AN D U P LIFT THE HU M AN S P IRIT , REM IN DING U S OF THE EN D U RIN G
B EAU TY AN D M YS TERY OF THE WORLD AROU N D U S .
CONCLUSION:
This poem depicts the idea of awakening of our conscience. In ‘A Walk by Moonlight’ Derozio
illustrates how, on a casual walk, he is “allied to all the bliss, which other worlds we’re told
afford”. The walk and observation makes him question life and introspect as well. The poem
is philosophical and spiritual in nature and goes beyond mortal beings.
 HOW THE CORONAVIRUS SPARKED A WAVE OF INNOVATION IN INDIA
A B OU T THE AUTHOR:
Sreevas Sahasranamam studies entrepreneurs and innovators who tackle big challenges
especially in emerging markets as well as the institutional factors that affect their work. He
leads the doctoral training center in socially progressive innovation and entrepreneurship at
the University of Strathclyde (Glassglow Scotland) and is a part of the global entrepreneurship
monitor (GEM) UK team. At the Strathclyde business school in addition to teaching, he
supervises work and the commercialization of technologies. The essay has been written in
April 2020.

A B OU T THE TEXT
The text ponders on the innovations that have emerged during the pandemic. It highlights
how the people of India swiftly responded to the challenges that were posed to us during
COVID 19 and also describes about the many technical innovations which have emerged that
helped people tackle the virus. It fostered a frugal mindset which made them find hacks to
problems with limited resources.

SUMMARY
The coronavirus pandemic, with its unprecedented challenges, sparked a significant wave of
innovation in India. Sreevas Sahasranamam's article "How the Coronavirus Sparked a Wave of
Innovation in India" details how the crisis drove the country to adapt and innovate across various
sectors, emphasizing the pivotal role of necessity in driving creative solutions.Healthcare
InnovationsThe healthcare sector saw a rapid deployment of technologies and solutions to
address the urgent need for medical supplies, testing, and treatment. Indian startups and
established companies alike pivoted their focus to develop products such as affordable
ventilators, PPE kits, and rapid testing kits. For example, the Marico Innovation Foundation's
Innovate2BeatCOVID challenge accelerated the development of cost-effective ventilators, which
became crucial during peak infection periods.Telemedicine platforms flourished, enabling
remote consultations and reducing the burden on hospitals. The Aarogya Setu app, developed by
the government, became a crucial tool for contact tracing and disseminating information about
the virus, showcasing the integration of technology in public health efforts.Education and
Remote LearningWith schools and universities closed, the education sector had to innovate to
continue the learning process. Edtech platforms like BYJU'S and Unacademy experienced
exponential growth, offering online courses, interactive learning modules, and virtual
classrooms. These platforms leveraged artificial intelligence and machine learning to
personalize learning experiences, making education more accessible and engaging for students
across the country.Business and Economic AdaptationsThe economic impact of the pandemic
forced businesses to rethink their operations. Digital transformation became a necessity, with
many companies adopting digital payment systems, e-commerce platforms, and remote working
tools. The rise of digital payments was significant, with platforms like Paytm and Google Pay
seeing increased usage as people shifted to cashless transactions to minimize
contact.Additionally, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) adapted by moving their
businesses online. E-commerce giants like Amazon and Flipkart supported this transition by
onboarding local sellers and providing them with the necessary infrastructure to reach a broader
customer base.Manufacturing and Supply Chain InnovationsThe pandemic disrupted global
supply chains, prompting India to boost its domestic manufacturing capabilities. The
government launched the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative to encourage local
production and reduce dependency on imports. This initiative spurred innovations in
manufacturing processes and supply chain management, leading to increased production of
essential goods and medical supplies.Agricultural SectorThe agricultural sector also saw
technological advancements to cope with the pandemic's challenges. Digital platforms and
mobile apps facilitated direct connections between farmers and consumers, bypassing
traditional supply chains that were disrupted by lockdowns. Innovations in agri-tech, such as
precision farming tools and drone technology, helped improve productivity and efficiency in the
sector.Social InnovationsCommunity-driven initiatives emerged to address various social
challenges posed by the pandemic. For instance, grassroots organizations and volunteers
mobilized to provide food and essential supplies to the needy. Innovations in logistics and
distribution ensured that aid reached remote and underserved areas
efficiently.ConclusionSreevas Sahasranamam's article highlights how the coronavirus pandemic
acted as a catalyst for innovation across multiple sectors in India. The crisis pushed the country
to leverage technology and creativity to address pressing challenges, leading to lasting changes
in healthcare, education, business, manufacturing, agriculture, and social welfare. This wave of
innovation not only helped India navigate the immediate impacts of the pandemic but also laid
the foundation for a more resilient and self-reliant future. The collaborative efforts between
the government, private sector, and civil society were crucial in driving these innovations,
demonstrating the power of collective action in times of crisis.

CONCLUSION
The country witnessed an extreme outburst in the field of technology. It gave birth to an
entrepreneurial mindset that created a wave of innovations which needs to be sustained and
enhanced. The pandemic proved the saying called ‘necessity is the mother of innovation’.
 Unit - 7

A DIFFERENT HISTORY

About the Poet:

Sujata Bhatt (born 1956) is an award-winning poet. She spent most of her childhood in Inida
before emigrating with her family to America. Her poems have appeared in literary journals
across the world, and have been widely anthologised. Her poetry captures the rhythms of
natural speech and often reflects the emotions associated with navigating multi-cultural,
multi-lingual contexts. Bhatt is also known for her translations of Gujarati and German
literature into English.

A B OU T THE POEM :
‘A Different History’ by Sujata Bhatt is a poem that deals with identity, especially one’s
cultural identity, in a post-colonial setting, specifically, India. There is also a strong link
made between power and language in the poem, and how an oppressor’s language is imposed
upon the suppressed.The poem depicts the poet’s plight about the loss of her cultural
identity, and portrays how language is closely connected to power, as has been explored in
the poem.

SUMMARY:
The poet Sujata Bhatt, while writing this poem has given importance to the culture and
various religions in India. She writes about Indian traditions, lost identities, importance of
language, cultural difference to create different moods and themes. In the first part of the
poem, she concentrates on respect for education and learning. She claims that in Indian
religion every object is sacred. There is God in trees. You should treat your books as the
goddess of knowledge. You should be gentle when turning the pages of the book that you read
for knowledge of religion.

She has written this poem describing the British colonization days when the British oppressed
the Indians. They force them to learn the English language though in India various languages
were spoken. She is angry at this attitude of the British. She also explains how British tried to
change the identities of the people of India with a scythe. She claims that the future
generation will love this strange language like they love their mother tongue. According to her
language had been used as a weapon to target its victims in a figurative sense.

The poem is full of culture of a different country. In the initial stage it is descriptive and then
changes to interrogative. The cultural background of Sujata is reflected in the first part of the
poem. She has referred to God and books to talk about Indian culture. She is of the opinion
that when you learn a new language, its start dominating you especially when it is the linga
Franca of a particular country. It is just like the British forced upon India to adapt to the
English language. She also suggest in her line ‘languages kills’, she is against this forced
learning. But she claims that after a few years, they all speak the language which they are
forced to, sacrificing their culture. In this way the children grow up forgetting their mother
tongue and learn a foreign language and even adapt to their culture.
 There are some readers who feel that ‘A Different History’ is a poem that tells us about a
different language. It also tells how a change of culture affects the people of a country. This
is when a foreign rule forces you to adapt to their life style, learn their language and
inculcate their culture in you. She makes references to Indian gods and goddesses. This makes
the poem appealing as the reader wants to gain knowledge and learn about Indian culture.
But as you read further it is about learning a new language. She claims that she found it very
hard and had to go through great difficulties in learning the Indian traditional language and
the English language. She calls this language as a strange language because at that time she
was very young. She refers to this foreign language as an oppressor language. It affects not
only the mother tongue of the people but also changes their culture, way of living and many
adapt to new religion.

In most of her works she depicts repercussions of this divided heritage. She explains the
complex status of English. She has the art to convey ironically the beauties of English and
colonial implications in her poem in a different history.

CONCLUSION:
In conclusion Sujata Bhatt expresses to the generation of today by giving example of the
British rule in India. How many Indians had to give up their culture, their mother tongue and
forced to do everything English. Of course today such type of an oppressive rule is impossible.
You cannot force someone to change his religion or culture and learn a foreign language under
duress. The British not only brought about a change in India but also in all its colonies spread
over the world. Today English has become an international language. But if you ask anyone
who is not a British how he feels about the language, most of them will be proud to tell you
like the poetess herself that they have been educated in English. And this is the language in
which they freely converse and they are comfortable with.

N OBEL LECTURE, 7 DECEMBER 1993 ( EXTRACT)

A B OU T THE AUTHOR:
The novels of Toni Morrison (1931-2019) are considered landmarks in the history of American
fiction. She was born into a Black working-class family. Her work is crucial in understanding
issues of racism and race relations in the United States. Morrison’s writing mostly focus on
experiences of Black Women characters, contextualising them against the backdrop of
American history. The extract below is from the speech she delivered as the winner of the
Nobel Prize in Literature in 1993.

A B OU T THE LESSON:
In Toni Morrison’s “Nobel Lecture”, which is a speech she delivered at the Nobel Prize Award
Ceremony in 1993, reveals her opinion about the role of language among the human society.
She uses a simple fable to carry her speech from beginning to end, with various discussion
towards the value of language. Her speech is elegant and profound, which skillfully presents
the ineffability of language. Throughout her speech, even though she does not make a clear
 thesis statement, she has done a great job in triggering people to discover their own
language.

SUMMARY:
Toni Morrison's Nobel Lecture, delivered on December 7, 1993, is a profound meditation on language,
storytelling, and the responsibilities of writers. Here is a summary of the lecture, focusing on its key
themes and insights:

The Parable of the Blind Woman and the Bird:

Morrison begins her lecture w ith a parable about a blind woman renow ned for her w isdom. Some young
people approach her w ith a bird, testing her w isdom by asking whether the bird is alive or dead. The
woman responds that the bird's fate is in their hands, a metaphor for the power and responsibility of
language.

Language as a Tool of Oppression and Liberation:

Morrison explores how language can be used to oppress and liberate. She argues that oppressive language
does more than represent violence; it is violence. I t is a tool for exclusion and dehumanization,
perpetuating stereotypes and reinforcing power structures. Conversely, language can also be a force for
good, capable of fostering understanding, compassion, and connection.

The Role of the Writer:

Writers, according to Morrison, have a critical role in resisting oppressive uses of language. They must
challenge the status quo and use language to illuminate truth and promote empathy. Writers should not
be seduced by superficial language or jargon that obfuscates meaning and truth. Instead, they should
strive for clarity, precision, and depth, aiming to reveal and not to conceal.

Storytelling and Human Experience:

Morrison reflects on the importance of storytelling in human experience. Stories shape our understanding
of ourselves and our w orld, serving as vessels of culture, history, and identity. They connect generations,
preserving collective memory and w isdom. Through storytelling, writers can offer alternative
perspectives and challenge dominant narratives.

The Future of Language:

Morrison emphasizes the importance of nurturing language and protecting it from degradation. She warns
against the dangers of complacency and urges a commitment to preserving the integrity of language. This
involves a conscious effort to use language responsibly and thoughtfully, recognizing its power to shape
reality and influence human behavior.

The Ethical Dimension of Writing:

For Morrison, writing is not just an artistic endeavor but also an ethical one. Writers bear the
responsibility of their words and the impact they have on readers and society. They must be vigilant
against the misuse of language and strive to uphold its potential for truth, beauty, and justice.

CONCLUSION
Morison elevates the usage of language to a degree where it is no longer just a means of
communication but also a tool that evokes the emotions of violence, prejudice, hatred etc.
 She urges the readers to use language wisely and for the purpose of creating communal
harmony and shape one’s mind.

Toni Morrison's Nobel Lecture is a powerful call to recognize the profound impact of language on our lives
and the world. I t is a reminder of the responsibilities that come w ith the pow er of words and the vital
role of writers in shaping a more just and humane society. Morrison challenges us to use language
thoughtfully and purposefully, to resist its use as a tool of oppression, and to embrace its potential to
foster understanding, empathy, and liberation.

In essence, Morrison’s lecture underscores the dual nature of language as both a weapon of control and a
beacon of hope. It serves as a timeless reminder of the power of words to either uphold or dismantle
structures of oppression, and the crucial role of writers and storytellers in navigating this dichotomy.
Through her eloquence, Morrison not only celebrates the beauty and power of language but also issues a
profound ethical mandate to all who wield it.
 Unit - 8

LADY MACBETH’S SPEECH FROM MACBETH ACT 1, SCENE 5

A B OU T THE DRAMATIST:
Willian Shakespeare (1564-1616) is perhaps the most famous dramatist in the English
Language. His plays and poetry are read, studied and performed the world over.
Shakespeare’s world span many genres and have a universal appeal, having been translated
into every major language, and adapted for stage, screen and other media more frequently
than that of any other writer. Some of his most famous plays are Hamlet, King Lear, Macbeth,
A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Merchant of Venice and The Tempest.

A B OU T THE TEXT:
Macbeth is a play that is based on greed, ambition, wealth and power. The play opens with
three witches telling Macbeth, the Scottish general and Thane of Glamis, about the fortune
 that is awaiting him. They prophesied that he would become the king of Scotland. Macbeth
was a very ambitious person and so was his evil wife.

SUMMARY:
Lady Macbeth's speech in Act 1, Scene 5 of William Shakespeare's "Macbeth" is a pivotal moment in the
play, where Lady Macbeth reveals her ambition and w illingness to manipulate her husband in pursuit of
power. Here's a detailed summary of her speech:SummarySetting the Scene: Lady Macbeth receives a
letter from her husband, Macbeth, informing her of the witches' prophecy that he w ill become king.
Excited by the prospect of power, Lady Macbeth eagerly awaits her husband's return home.Ambition and
Desire: In her soliloquy, Lady Macbeth reveals her burning ambition and desire for power. She
acknowledges Macbeth's noble nature but fears that he lacks the ruthlessness necessary to seize the
throne. She longs for the streng th to overcome any obstacles in their path to power.Manipulation and
Persuasion: Lady Macbeth formulates a plan to manipulate her husband into committing reg icide. She
invokes dark spirits to "unsex" her, stripping her of her femininity and nurturing qualities. She desires to
be filled w ith cruelty and resolve, willing to do whatever it takes to achieve her goals. She urges the
spirits to "stop up th' access and passage to remorse," indicating her w illingness to suppress any feelings of
guilt or remorse that may arise from their actions.Deception and Cunning: Lady Macbeth resolves to
deceive K ing Duncan when he arrives at their castle. She plans to welcome him warmly while hiding her
true intentions. She instructs Macbeth to appear innocent and to leave the rest to her. Lady Macbeth is
confident in her ability to manipulate her husband and orchestrate the murder of Duncan w ithout
hesitation.Macbeth's A rrival: As Lady Macbeth concludes her soliloquy, Macbeth enters, and she greets
him with affection. She informs him of her desire to see him crow ned king and assures him that they w ill
succeed in their ambitious endeavor. Lady Macbeth's persuasive tactics beg in to take effect as she plants
the seeds of ambition and ruthlessness in Macbeth's mind.Conclusion: Lady Macbeth's speech in A ct 1,
Scene 5 of "Macbeth" reveals her as a cunning and ambitious woman who w ill stop at nothing to achieve
her goals. She is willing to manipulate her husband and deceive others to seize power, demonstrating her
cunning and determination. The speech sets the stage for the tragic events that follow, as Lady Macbeth's
ambition and desire for power ultimately lead to her downfall.In essence, Lady Macbeth's soliloquy in A ct
1, Scene 5 is a w indow into her character's psyche, revealing her ambition, cunning, and w illingness to
manipulate her husband to achieve her goals. I t marks a turning point in the play, as Lady Macbeth sets in
motion the chain of events that will lead to the tragedy of Macbeth's rise and fall from power.

CONCLUSION:
Finally, Macbeth on listening to his wife kills the king and then becomes king himself and kills
more and more people out of insanity. Later the civil war evokes, where Macbeth is
dethroned and killed. The Lesson emphasises that to be a moral person, one must not let
their desires control them. Macbeth's ambitions influence him to attain his desire for power.
This ambition drives him to become reckless for the sake of reaching his goals

HOW I B ECAME A PUBLIC SPEAKER ( ABRIDGED )

A B OU T THE AUTHOR:
 George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) was one of the most famous dramatists and orators of the
twentieth century. His prolific literary output included novels, plays, essays, and reviews. A
man of many causes, he advocated for socialism, the abolition of private property,
fundamental changes in the voting system, equality of income, women’s rights, and the
reform of the English alphabe. In 1925 he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature.He was
one of the co-founders of the London School of Economics. His plays Arms and the Man,
Caesar and Cleopatra, Mrs Warren’s Professor, and Pygmalion and Classics.

A B OU T THE TEXT:
This chapter is about G.B Shaw’s struggle in becoming a public speaker. It is an
autobiographical essay where, Shaw gives us a humorous account of how he trained himself to
become a good speaker. He recalls how he became a successful public speaker. Before taking
his public speaking career, he knew nothing about public oration and meetings. When he
spoke for the first time, he became nervous and failed in that endeavor. After many efforts
he won success in the art of oration.

SUMMARY:
"H OW TO B ECOM E A P U B LIC S P EAKER " BYG EORGE B ERN ARD S HAW IS A COM P REHEN S IVE GU ID E ON
D EVELOP IN G THE S KILLS N ECES SARY TO EX CEL IN P U BLIC S P EAKIN G . T HE ES S AY , WHILE WRITTEN IN THE
EARLY 20 TH CEN TU RY , OFFERS TIM ELES S AD VICE THAT IS S TILL RELEVAN T TOD AY .S HAW BEGIN S BY
EM P HAS IZ ING THE IM P ORTAN CE OF U N D ERS TAN D IN G ON E ' S AU D IEN CE . H E S U GGES TS THAT A S P EAKER
M U S T TAILOR THEIR M ES S AGE TO RES ON ATE WITH THEIR LIS TEN ERS , CON S ID ERIN G THEIR IN TERES TS ,
VALU ES , AN D LEVEL OF U N D ERS TAN D IN G . T HIS REQU IRES RES EARCH AN D P REP ARATI ON TO CRAFT A
COM P ELLIN G M ES SAGE THAT WILL CAP TU RE THE AU D IEN CE ' S ATTEN TION .N EX T , S HAW EM P HAS IZ ES THE
S IGN IFICAN CE OF CON FID EN CE AN D S ELF - ASS URANCE . A S P EAKER M U ST EX U DE CON FIDEN CE TO COM M AN D
THE ATTEN TION OF THE AU D IEN CE AN D CON VEY CRED IBILITY . T HIS CON FID EN CE CAN BE CU LTIVATED
THROU GH P RACTICE AN D P REP ARATION , AS WELL AS BY AD OP TIN G A P OS ITIVE M IN D S ET .S HAW ALS O
S TRES S ES THE IM P ORTAN CE OF CLARITY AN D S IMP LICITY IN COM MU NICATION . A S P EAKER S HOU LD S TRIVE
TO CON VEY THEIR M ES S AGE CON CIS ELY AN D CLEARLY , AVOID IN G J ARGON OR COM P LEX LAN GU AGE THAT
M AY CON FU S E THE AU D IEN CE . T HIS REQU IRES CAREFU L P LANN ING AN D REHEARS AL TO EN S U RE THAT EACH
P OIN T IS ARTICU LATED EFFECTIVELY .A D D ITION ALLY , S HAW HIGHLIGHTS THE VALU E OF P AS S ION AN D
EN THU S IAS M IN P U B LIC S P EAKING . A S P EAKER WHO IS GEN U IN ELY P AS S ION ATE ABOU T THEIR TOP IC WILL
N ATU RALLY CAP TIVATE THEIR AU DIEN CE AN D IN S P IRE THEM TO LIS TEN ATTEN TIVELY . T HIS EN THU S IAS M
CAN B E CON VEYED THROU GH VOCAL IN FLECTION , GES TU RES , AN D BODY LAN GUAGE .FURTHERMORE , S HAW
D IS CU S S ES THE IM P ORTAN CE OF AU THEN TICITY AN D S IN CERITY . A S P EAKER M U S T BE GEN U IN E IN THEIR
D ELIVERY , EX P RESS ING THEIR TRU E THOU GHTS AN D EM OTION S RATHER THAN AD OP TIN G A FACAD E . T HIS
AU THEN TICITY FOS TERS TRU ST AN D RAP P ORT WITH THE AU D IEN CE , ALLOWING THE S P EAKER TO CON N ECT
ON A D EEP ER LEVEL .S HAW ALS O TOU CHES ON THE ROLE OF HU M OR IN P U BLIC S P EAKING . A WELL - P LACED
J OKE OR HU M OROU S AN ECD OTE CAN LIGHTEN THE M OOD AN D EN GAGE THE AU D IEN CE , M AKIN G THE
M ES S AGE M ORE M EM ORABLE . H OWEVER , S HAW CAU TIONS AGAINS T RELYING TOO HEAVILY ON HU M OR , AS
IT M AY D ETRACT FROM THE S ERIOU S N ES S OF THE TOP IC .M OREOVER , S HAW EM P HAS IZ ES THE VALU E OF
P RACTICE AN D P ERS EVERAN CE IN HON IN G ON E ' S P U BLIC S P EAKIN G S KILLS . B ECOM IN G AN EFFECTIVE
S P EAKER REQU IRES D ED ICATION AN D COM M ITM EN T , WITH AM P LE OP P ORTU N ITIES FOR P RACTICE AN D
REFIN EM EN T . T HROUGH CON TIN UOUS EFFORT AN D FEED BACK , A S P EAKER CAN IM P ROVE THEIR ABILITIES
AN D OVERCOM E AN Y OB S TACLES .I N CON CLUS ION , S HAW ' S ES S AY P ROVIDES VALU ABLE IN S IGHTS IN TO THE
ART OF P U B LIC S P EAKIN G . B Y U N DERSTAN DING THE AU D IENCE , CU LTIVATIN G CON FIDENCE , CLARITY , AN D
AU THEN TICITY , AN D EM B RACIN G P AS S ION AN D HU M OR , IN D IVID U ALS CAN BECOM E EFFECTIVE
COM M U N ICATORS CAP ABLE OF CAP TIVATING AN D IN S PIRIN G OTHERS . W ITH D ED ICATION AN D P RACTICE ,
AN YON E CAN M AS TER THE S KILLS N ECES S ARY TO EX CEL IN P U BLIC S P EAKIN G .

CONCLUSION
GB Shaw says that practice only cured his nervousness but there is more to the art of public
speaking. He advises the public speakers to also practice elocution and undergo phonetic
speech training. Shaw ends the chapter by telling us that he retired at the age of 85.