188 ENGLISH COMMUNICATIVE X

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1 Antony pretends to be convinced by this and asks the conspirators to, "Let each man render me his bloody hand" He then shakes hands with each of them, naming them as he shakes the hand. Antony quickly recants his agreement with the murderers, and tells Cassius that he almost joined them after shaking their hands; He asks them if he may have permission to take the body to the marketplace and show it to the crowds. Brutus gives him permission to do this, but immediately Cassius pulls Brutus aside and says, "You know not what you do" Brutus decides to give his speech first, and to allow Antony to speak afterwards, provided that Antony only says positive things about the conspirators. Antony agrees to this. Left alone with the body of Caesar, Antony says, "O pardon me, thou bleeding piece of earth / That I am meek and gentle with these butchers" He continues, with his speech becoming ever more violent, "Domestic fury and fierce civil strife / Shall cumber all the parts of Italy" Brutus tells the masses that he loved Caesar more than any of them, but that he killed Caesar because he loved Rome more. Brutus then asks them if they want him to kill himself for his actions, to which the crowd replies, "Live, Brutus, live, live!" He lastly begs them listen to Mark Antony speak and to let him depart alone. He leaves Mark Antony alone to give his oration. Antony's speech begins with the famous lines, "Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears". His speech continually praises Brutus as "an honourable man" who has killed Caesar for being ambitious. He then presents all of the images of Caesar in which Caesar has not been ambitious, such as when Caesar thrice refused the crown on the day of Lupercal, or when Caesar filled the Roman treasury with ransom money from victories in war. The plebeians slowly become convinced that Caesar was not ambitious and that he was wrongly murdered. Antony then pulls out Caesar's will and tells them he should not read it to them. They beg him to read it, and he finally agrees, but puts if off by descending into the masses and standing next to the body of Caesar. 188 ENGLISH COMMUNICATIVE X

2 He shows them the stab wounds and names the conspirators who gave Caesar the wounds. The crowd starts to surge away in anarchy, crying, "Revenge! About! Seek! Burn! Fire! Kill! Slay!" Antony stops them and continues speaking. He finally reads them the will, in which Caesar has given every Roman citizen seventy five drachmas. The plebeians react in a frenzy of anger against the men who killed Caesar, and carry away the body. Antony says, "Now let it work. Mischief, thou art afoot. / Take thou what course thou wilt". He has successfully instigated the mob to mutiny. SOLVED: I. Read the extract and answer the questions that follow: 1. Cowards die many times before their deaths The valiant never taste of death but once Of all the wonders that I yet have heard It seems to me most strange that men should fear Seeing that death, a necessary end Will come when it will come (a) Who is the speaker of the above lines? (b) What fears has the listener expressed? (c) What is the basis of the fears expressed? Answers: (a) Calpurnia (b) Calpurnia is afraid that her husband Julius Caesar is in danger. (c) Calpurniahaddreamsandsomeunnaturalincidentsoccurredwhich speltbad omen 2. This was the most unkindest cut of all; For when the noble Caesar saw him stab, Ingratitude, more strong than traitors' arms, Quite vanquish'd him: then burst his mighty heart; ENGLISH COMMUNICATIVE X 189

3 a) Why was the cut 'most unkindest'? i) it was made by Brutus ii) it was made by Decius iii) it was made by Cassius iv) it was made by Cimber. b) What proved fatal for Caesar? i) the sword of conspirators ii) Cassius's sword iii) Brutus's dagger iv) ingratitude of Brutus c) These lines are spoken by: i) Mark Antony ii) Cassius iii) Brutus iv) Cimber d) What could Caesar's heart not bear? i) Being surrounded by traitors ii) Plot against him iii) Seeing his best friend among traitors iv) They did not crown him. Answers: a.i) b.i) c.i d.iii. ll)short Answer Questions: a) Whom does Antony call "the choice and master spirit of this age"? Why? 190 ENGLISH COMMUNICATIVE X

4 Ans. Julius Caesar is called "the choice and master spirit of this age", as he has feathered many conquests, glories, triumphs in his cap. He was humane and one of the noblest persons. b) Why does Calpurnia say that Caesar's 'wisdom is consumed in confidence'? What does she mean? Ans. Caesar ignores bad omens and warnings and decides to go forth to the Senate. So Calpurnia is forced to comment as above. Ill) Long Answer Question: a) How did Mark Antony outperform even a great orator like Brutus and turn the Roman mob against him? Ans. Mark Antony proved to be a greater orator than Brutus. He aroused the Roman mob not by cold reason and logic, but their basic passions like pity and sympathy for Caesar. He proved that Caesar was not ambitious as told by Brutus and other conspirators. He worked throughout his life for the welfare of his subjects. He rejected the offer of crown three times before. Even his will showed his love for his people. He directed the anger of the mob towards Brutus and other conspirators by proving that they were liars and murderers. Unsolved: I. Multiple Choice Questions: Read the following extracts and answer the questions by choosing the most appropriate option. 1. "What can be avoided? Whose end is purposed by the mighty Gods? Yet Caesar shall go forth: for these predictions Are to the world in general as to Caesar" a) The extract shows that the speaker is i. a believer in destiny ii. arrogant and fearless ENGLISH COMMUNICATIVE X 191

5 iii. confident iv. obstinate b) 'Caesar shall go forth' refers to Caesar's plan: i. to go to the battlefield ii. to meet the senators iii. to attend the meeting of the senate iv. to go ahead c) According to Caesar the predictions 1. are very general in nature ii. made for the world iii. bode ill for the whole world and not him alone iv. are a reflection of God's purpose 2. The dream is all amiss interpreted It was a vision fair and fortunate a) The speaker of these lines is: i. Cassius ii. Marcus Brutus iii. Decius Brutus iv. Mark Antony b) The speaker aims to: i. guide Caesar ii. mislead Caesar 192 ENGLISH COMMUNICATIVE X

6 iii. give Caesar a false sense of security iv. reveal the reality behind the dream c) 'amiss interpreted' means that the dream: i. is inappropriate ii. is incomplete iii. is wrongly interpreted iv. is differently construed 3. 'Cowards die many times before their death 'The valiant never taste of death but once' a) The quality of Caesar highlighted through these lines is i. optimism ii. bravery iii. pride iv. arrogance b) 'Cowards die many times before their deaths' means i. cowards die several times in their lifetime ii. cowards are terrified and don't live their lives properly iii. cowards lead a death like existence iv. cowards waste their precious life being afraid of and anticipating death c) Caesar is speaking to: i. Marcus Brutus ii. Calpurnia iii. Decius Brutus iv. Mark Antony d) 'The valiant never taste of death but once' means ENGLISH COMMUNICATIVE X 193

7 i. the brave are never faced with death ii. the brave never die iii. the brave accept death fearlessly iv. the brave die only once in a lifetime 4.1 doubt not of your wisdom Let each man render me his bloody hand Gentleman all, - alas what shall I say? My credit now stands on such slippery ground a) The speaker of these lines is i. Marcus Brutus ii. Caesar iii. Cassius iv. Mark Antony b) The speaker's tone is i. deceptive and guileful ii. flattering and indecisive iii. Sad and troubled iv. Appreciative c) The speaker thinks he stands on slippery ground because: i. he may be regarded as deceitful ii. he may be considered a coward or flatterer iii. he is standing on Caesar's blood iv. he may be thought of as a fickle-minded person 5. Now let it work, mischief, thou art afoot, 194 ENGLISH COMMUNICATIVE X

8 Take thou what course thou wilt a) The speaker of these lines is i. Marcus Brutus ii. Mark Antony iii. Caesar iv. A citizen of Rome b) 'Mischief is afoot' because i. Caesar has been murdered ii. The citizens have been instigated to rebel iii. The conspirators are playing a prank iv. A plot is being hatched against Roman citizens c) The final course taken by mischief was i. Brutus became the king ii. Mutiny broke out in Rome iii. Roman citizens turned against Antony iv. Antony took revenge for Caesar's death 6. Not that I loved Caesar less but that I loved Rome more. Had you rather Caesar was living and die all slaves, than that Caesar were dead,to live all free men? a) Through these words the speaker is: i. Condemning Caesar's murder before Roman mob ii. Justifying Caesar's death to Roman masses iii. Instigating Roman crowds iv. Advising the masses ENGLISH COMMUNICATIVE X 195

9 b) The main aim of the speaker is to prove that i. Caesar was his friend ii. Caesar was a tyrant iii. Caesar's death has saved them from slavery iv. His loyalties are towards Rome c) These lines are addressed to: i. Mark Antony ii. Calpurnia iii. Roman masses iv. Cassius 7. This was the unkindest cut of all For when the noble Caesar saw him stab Ingratitude, more strong than traitor's arms, Quite vanquish'd him: a) The 'unkindest cut' refers to: i. The blow struck by Brutus' ingratitude ii. The attack by Brutus iii. The cruelty of the conspirators iv. The bloody attack on Caesar b) The speaker of these lines wants to: i. Condemn the traitors ii. Create public opinion against Brutus iii. Express his anger iv. Mourn Caesar's death c) The speaker is 196 ENGLISH COMMUNICATIVE X

10 i. addressing the traitors ii. talking to himself iii. addressing the Roman mob iv. talking to Caesar's body 8. When beggars die, there are no comets seen, The heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes. (a) These lines have been written by. (i) Charles Dickens (ii) Vikram Seth. (iii) William Shakespeare (iv)nadine Gordimer (b) Beggars here means. (i) ordinary people (ii) beggars onthestreets. (iii) beggars attherailwaystation (iv)none of theabove (c) The death of princes attracts the attention of. (i) the palace (ii) ordinarypeople (iii) the king's subjects (iv)even the gods II. Short answer Questions in about words: 1. What commotion is noticed by Calpurnia? What is suggestive ofher? ENGLISH COMMUNICATIVE X 197

11 2. Highlight two most important qualities of Caesar's character and substantiate them from the text. 3. 'How foolish do your fears seem now, Calpurnia?' Bring out the irony behind Caesar's statement. 4. What does Caesar mean when he says 'Cowards die many times before their death, the valiant never taste of death but once? 5. How does Decius persuade Caesar to go to the senate in spite of Calpurnia's best efforts to dissuade him? 6. Why does Cassius object to Antony's speaking to the Roman Mob? How do his fears come true? 7. Explain why Antony calls Caesar a 'bleeding piece of earth'? 8. What were the contents of Caesar's will? Why did Antony elaborate upon them? 9. How does Brutus justify the assassination of Caesar? 10. How was Antony able to provoke the Roman mob through his speech? 11. Antony disproves the conspirators' claim about Caesar's ambition with three examples. What are they? Ill) Long Answer Questions in about words: 1. Bring out the significance of the words- 'Et Tu Brute'. 2. Compare and contrast the funeral orations of Mark Antony and Marcus Brutus. 3. Write the character sketch of Julius Caesar. 4. Do you think Brutus is close to being an honourable man? Why? Why not? 5. Mark Antony emerges as the true friend to Caesar. Comment with reference to the Play. 6. Now let it work. Mischief, thou art afoot, Take thou what course thou wilt! Who says the above lines? How does he succeed in instigating the people of Rome against the conspirators? Master Cards Two Gentlemen of Verona -A J Cronin MASTER CARD with Concept Analysis Title taken from Shakespeare's work 198 ENGLISH COMMUNICATIVE X

12 "The Two Gentlemen of Verona" Characters --The narrator Luigi(Driver) --Nicola(13 years elder brother) t, ^ --Jacopo (12 years - younger brother) --Nurse --Lucia (sister) suffering from spinal tuberculosis -- Father(widoer killed in war) Two Gentlemen Places: -- Verona in Italy --Juliet's tomb --Poleta --(country side) --Village set --High upon the --hill side -- Red roofed villa Themes: --War brings death and destruction on its wake. --Appearances are deceptive --Strong family bond between brothers and sister. --Brother work incessantly for their ailing sister. --Narrator respects the privacy of family matters. 1. Hallmarks of Gentlemen Gentlemen are philanthropists. They are divorced from common human weaknesses like parochial outlook, jealousy, jaundiced views and prejudiced ideas. They are courteous, well mannered, well behaved, wise, mature and have an extraordinary understanding capacity. Moreover a real gentleman is always away from personal interest and gain. This story exhibits these qualities imbued in the two promising boys named Nicola 13 years and Jacopo 12 years old. 2. Appearances are deceptive From time immemorial it has been proved that faces swindle the people. In this touching story Nicola and Jacopo both the brothers seem to be rough. Their shabby dress forced the driver Luigi to prevent the narrator from buying the strawberries. Driver considered that their strawberries are wild and not fit for eating but at last the author purchased the biggest basket from them. From their (two boys) deportment and appearance they seem to be childish but in reality they are wiser and much more serious for his age. He satisfies the need of the author by supplying a pack of American Cigarettes, or seats for the opera or the name of good restaurant. In this tender age he does many jobs like shining shoes, hawking newspapers, conducting tourists and running errands not for themselves but for their ailing sister Lucia. ENGLISH COMMUNICATIVE X 199

13 3. War brings death and destruction on its wake War is the worst destroyer of the culture and civilization. In this story the two innocent boys lost their father and home. Their sister Lucia nursed the idea of becoming a singer but because of the death of father and destruction of home she suffered starvation and cold winter and suffered from spinal Tuberculosis. 4. Adverse situation can't deter the brave. The two brother Nicola and Jacopo had undergone adverse situation because of war. They had to do many jobs live selling fruits, hawking newspaper, conducting tourist round the town and ran errands. The narrator was highly impressed by him, as they braved the hurdles which came in their way. They both saved money for their sister who has been suffering from spinal Tuberculosis. 5. Strong family bond: Family is the shock observer for its members strong family bond can avert any type of adverse situation In this story the two brother young sister suffer in the tender age because they lost their father and home in the war. Moreover the sister couldn't bear the cold and suffered from spinal Tuberculosis. But like a responsible brother they did many jobs to eke out the expenditure for the hospital charges without any frown on the forehead. Moreover they kept their secret to themselves and the narrator also respected the privacy as they drove back to the city with button lipped. He also admired the firm determination of the two boys who were working under adverse condition. Question Bank: Extract Based Questions 1. Next morning, coming out of our hotel, we saw our friends bent over shoeshine boxes beside the fountain the public square, doing a brisk business. We watched for a few moments; then as trade slackened we went over. They greeted us with friendly faces. a. Who is the speaker of these lines? b. Who are 'our friends' here? c. Where had the speaker first met them? OR a. who is 'we' refer to? b. What does 'as trade slackened' means? 200 ENGLISH COMMUNICATIVE X

14 c. Who greeted whom? 2. They had always known a comfortable and cultured life Lucia had herself been training as a singer and they had suffered horribly from near starvation and exposure to the cold winter. a. How had both Nicola and Jacopo known a cultured and comfortable life? b. Who is 'they' referred to? c. What was the desire of Lucia? OR a. What had actually brought them and their sister into the streets? b. Where did they live therefore and how? c. Name the two brothers to Lucia? 3. Yet their devotion had touched me deeply. War had not broken their spirit. Their selfless action brought a new nobility to human life, gave promise of a greater hope for human society. a. What does the Narrator mean by "their devotion "? b. What was their selfless action? c. How did Nicola and Jacopo prove to be the real Gentleman of Verona. 4. They greeted us with friendly faces. "I thought you picked fruit for a living", I said a. Who are 'they'? b. How did 'they' greet the narrator? c. What did the narrator think 'they' did for a living? 5. "There was a pause Nicola was glaring at his younger brother in vexation." We could not think of troubling you, sir." a. Why was Nicola glaring at his younger brother? b. What favor did his younger brother ask from the narrator? c. What trait of Nicola's character is revealed in these lines? 6. "The two boys were seated at the bedside of a girl of about 20, who propped up on pillows wearing a pretty lace jacket, was listening to their chatter, her eyes soft and tender." a. Who are the two boys referred to here? b. Where are the boys at present? ENGLISH COMMUNICATIVE X 201

15 c. Who is the girl? Why was she propped up on the pillows? 7. You must be saving to emigrate to America', I suggested. He looked at me sideways, and spoken with an effort. a. Who is 'he' referred to here? b. Why did the author make such a suggestion? c. What answer did he give with an effort? Level A (Fundamental Level) 1 Who were the two gentlemen of Verona? 2 What was the reaction of the driver Luigi? 3 How did the boys impress the narrator and his companion? 4 Who is Lucia? What is she suffering from? 5 What was the narrator's feeling for the boys at first? What change did they undergo and why? 6 Why didn't the two boys disclose their problems to the author? 7 How did the war affect the boys' family? 8 How were the boys useful to the narrator in "Two Gentlemen of Verona"? 9 How did the loss of parents in the war affect the two boys? 10 Why were the two boys working hard? 11 What are the odd jobs Jacopo and Nicola did for a living? 12 Why were Jacopo and Nicola working hard? 13 Why were the two boys living in the streets of Verona? 14 What did the nurse tell the author about the boys? 15 Why were the boys waiting for the last bus from Padua? Level-B (Intermediate Level) 1 Why didn't the narrator go inside Lucia's room in the hospital? What character trait is revealed here? Hint:[didn't want to interfere in the personal life of the two young boys respect for the secrecy ] 2. Although Nicola and Jacopo are young boys, the author refers to them as. Why does he do so? 3. What did the narrator see when he looked through the faces partition? 4. Draw the contrast between 'childish' and 'artless' faces and the 202 ENGLISH COMMUNICATIVE X

16 seriousness beyond their years visible on them. 5. Why did the boys join the resistance movement against the Germans? 6 Why did Nicola and Jacopo develop hatred for the Germans? 7 Justify the title 'Two Gentlemen of Verona'? 8How were the boys useful to the author in 'Two Gentlemen of Verona'? Level-C (Ultimate Level) 1. Appearances are deceptive. Discuss with the reference to the two boys. 2. How does the story "Two Gentlemen of Verona" promise hope for society. 3. What do you learn about the family of Nicola, Jacopo and their sister Lucia? What did Nicola and Jacopo do to maintain family value? 4. Imagine you are Lucia and write a diary page about Nicola and Jacopo, Who have taken care of you like parents and this is why you feel proud of them. 5. How did the loss of parents in the war affect the two boys? 6. Why did the poet comment that the selfless action of the two boys will bring new nobility to human life. Elucidate. Mrs Packleide's Tigers -Saki Master Card with Concept Analysis: Characters: -- Mrs. Packletide (Central character) -- Mrs. Loona Bimberton (Carried eleven miles in an aeroplane by an Algerian Aviator) -- Villagers Places: --Packletide's house in Curzon street --Outskirts of local Jungle --Less fauves cottage weekend cottage purchased by Mrs Packletide for Miss Mebbbin Themes: --Conveys message of womanly vanity, hypocrisy and jealousy have been highlighted. --Mrs. Packletide was befooled by the sharp and money minded Miss Mebbin. --A woman can go to any length to let down another woman Satire on Sanity and Vanity of Woman: Author has taunted on the woman's weakness. Mrs. Packletide was obsessed with ENGLISH COMMUNICATIVE X 203

17 the idea of shooting a tiger in order to show off her ability. All her motives were to outshine Loona Bimberton. Psychology of the common people: Circumstances proved favourable. An old and feeble tiger was managed by the villagers in one thousand rupees which is a heavy amount in those days. They made all the efforts to confine the tiger to the village. Cheaper kind of goats were scattered here and there to keep the tiger satisfied. Children were posted day in and day out in the outskirts of the jungle. Crafty Nature of people: Miss Mebbin exploited Mrs. Packletide and blackmailed her saying that she would disclose the secret of shooting to Mrs. Loona Bimberton. To keep her mouth shut, Mrs. Packletide was forced to pay handsome amount to Miss Mebbin, with which she bought a cottage and named it "Wild Beasts". Since then Mrs. Packletide never go for shooting and say that "incidental express are too heavy for such kind hurting". 1. Activity Task - Group Activity Approximate Time -15 minutes Read the extract and answer the questions It was Mrs. Packletide's pleasure and intention that she should shoot a tiger... The compelling motive... was the fact that Loona Bimberton had recently... personally procured tiger skin and a heavy harvest of press photographs could successfully counter that sort of thing. a) Why did Mrs. Packletide want to kill a tiger? b) What is the tone of the story writer? c) What do you think the story is all about? 2. Activity Task - Group Activity Approximate Time -10 minutes Write the certain traits of certain character which you come to know after reading the story "Mrs. Packletide's Tiger, Mrs. Packletide's Tiger Mrs Loona Biberton Miss Louisa Mebbin 3. Activity Task - Group Activity Approximate Time - 40 minutes Dialogue writing and enacting Miss Mebbin blackmailing Mrs Packletide into gifting her cottage. Mrs Packletide and the headman of the village/or the villagers 204 ENGLISH COMMUNICATIVE X

18 4. Activity Task- Individual Approximate Time - 02 minutes Speech Deliver a speech on 'the need of Protecting the wild life' Question Bank: Very Short Answer Type Questions/Extract Based Questions Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follows : 1. In a world, that is supposed to be chiefly swayed by hunger and by love, Mrs Packletide was an exception, her movements and motive were I largely governed by dislike of Loona Bimberton. (a) How is the world chiefly swayed by? (b) How was Mrs. Packletide an exception? (c) How was Mrs. Packletide governed? 2. Miss Mebbin had a protective elder sister like attitude towards money. (a) Who was Miss Mebbin? (b) How did she adopt an elder sister like attitude? (c) How did she prove in the end that she was a money-minded lady? 3. How amused everyone would be if they knew what really happened? (a) Who is the speaker? (b) What had really happened? (c) Why would everyone be amused? 4. "How you shot the goat and frightened the tiger to death", said Miss Mebbin, with her disagreeably pleasant laugh. (a) In the above statement, Miss Mebbin is making fun of Mrs. Packletide. Why? (b) What characteristic of Miss Mebbin is highlighted in the above extract? (c) How did the tiger die? 5. Mrs. Packletide indulges in no more big-game shooting. "The incidental expenses are so heavy", She confides to inquiring friends. (a) Why did Mrs. Packletide indulge in big-game hunting? (b) Why did she want to give up big-game hunting? (c) How did the incidental expenses become heavy? ENGLISH COMMUNICATIVE X 205

19 6. "And for Loona Bimberton, she refused to look at an illustrated paper for weeks and her letter of thanks for the gift of a tiger-claw brooch was a model of repressed emotion. (a) Loona didn't look at papers for weeks because... (b) Who gave her the gift? (c) Her emotions were repressed because "Now, Now! urged Mrs. mebbin with some excitement. (a) What is she excited about? (b) What nature of Mrs. Mebbin is broughtout through this line? (c) Where is Miss Mebbin when she speaks this lines? Level A (Fundamental Level).1. How did Miss Louisa Mebbin blackmail Mrs. Packletide? 2. Who was Miss Mebbin? What was her relationship with Mrs Packletide? 3. What had Mrs Packletide already arranged in her mind for Loona Bimberton? 4. Mrs Packletide was a good shot Discuss? 5. Why did Mrs Packletide decide to give a party in the honour of Loona Bimberton? What did she plan to present Loona on her birthday? 6. What was Mrs Packletide's pleasure and intention? Why did she decide to kill a tiger? 7. How did Louisa Mebbin manage to buy the pretty weekend cottage? 8. Why were the villagers happy? 9. Do you think that Louisa Mebbin was devoted to Mrs Packletide? Give reasons for your answer? 10. "Mrs Packletide indulges in no more big game shooting". What put her off from going on further hunts? 11. What did Mrs. Packletide carry with her when she went to hunt a tiger and why? Level B? (Intermediate Level) 12. What were the villagers worried about in the lesson, "Mrs Packletide's Tiger"? 13. Depict the instances of humour in 'Mrs Packletide's Tiger'. 14. How much money did Mrs Packletide pay the villagers? Why? 15. "The incidental expenses are heavy", she confides to inquiring friends. Who is the speaker? What is she referring to here? 16. How did the villagers react to the tiger's death? 206 ENGLISH COMMUNICATIVE X

20 17. Would you agree that Mrs Pckletide was jealous? Give reasons? 18. What preparations were made for the tiger shoot? 19. What discovery annoyed Mrs Packletide? Level C (Ultimate Level) 1. Portrait the character sketch of Mrs Packletide? 2. What comment did Miss Mebbin make after Mrs. Packletide had fired the shot? Why did she make this comment? How did Mrs. Packletide react to this comment? 3. Mrs Packletide develops extreme jealousy for Loona Bimberton. She gives vent to her feelings by writing a diary entry. As Mrs Packletide write her diary entry? 4. Mrs. Packletide recalls her glorious period of fame and happiness over being successful at making Loona Bimberton jealous. She plans again to make it big by some other means but this time she will keep Mis Mebbin who had proved costly, miles away from her new venture. She pens down her feelings in a diary. Write this diary entry. 5. Mrs Packletide's desire to become a constant trouble for her. Explain? 6. As one of the villagers participating in the hunting expedition, you are surprised to see an extravagant display of wealth and money for fame which ends in failure. You decide to write a diary mocking at the situation and expressing your feelings against the show of false ego? The Letter By Dhumketu Master Card with Concept Analysis Character: --The old man,ali who was the "shikari"(hunter during prime time of his life. --His daughter Miriam who married to a soldier and living far from her father. --The Clerk,Gokul bhai --The Post master whose own daughter fell ill when he realized the pain of Ali --The Post man,lakshmi Das Stylistic Devices: --The use of "But for" conditional -- ENGLISH COMMUNICATIVE X 207

21 Witty dialogues -- Simple language/diction --The simile and metaphor. Theme: --description of the greatness of love and patience on one hand and realization in terms of feelings of tortures by doubt and remorse on the other hand. Concept Analysis: --It is a psychological fiction based on human psychology how someone's feelings are suppressed by the insensitive and callous society. -- Ali was clever hunter in his prime of life. He had sharp eyes and clever listening power to easily hunt the birds and animals even the hunting dogs wouldn't supersede him. --"The Letter" is beset with human psychology. We must understand other's feelings and without knowing about anybody in detail, we mustn't behave so rudely with anybody. Level A (Fundamental Level) 1. Ali's walking to the post office daily even in biting cold weather shows his... a) Courage b) Optimism c) Foolishness d) Strength of will 2. The post office is reffered to as Ali's "place of pilgrimage" as he... a) Visited it daily b) Came there to pray for a letter from his daughter c) Went there with faith and hope d) Believed God would bless him if he went there 3. The post master's rudness to Ali revels his... a) Lack of empathy b) Pre occuption with his work c) Preconceived notions d) Sensitivity 4. Ali did not came to the post office for several days as ENGLISH COMMUNICATIVE X

22 a) He had given up hope b) He was upset by the postmaster's rebuke c) He was unwell and not ableto walk to the post office d) He was busy hunting 5. "Tortured by doubt and remorse, he sat down in the glow of the charcoal sigri to wait," the post master was waiting for... a) A letter from Miriam b) A letter from his own daughter c) A letter from Ali d) Ali to deliver Miriam's letter to him Level B (Intermediate Level) 1. In the midst of this procedure a jesting voice from inside called,"coachman Ali!" The old man got up, raised his eyes to heaven in gratitude and stepping forward put hishands to the door. a) Which 'procedure' is being reffered to in the first line? b) Explain 'a jesting voice from inside'. c) Why did the old man raise his eyes to heaven in gratitude? 2. The newly wakened father's heart in him was reproaching him for having failed to understand Ali's anxiety, for now he himself had to spend another night of restless anxiety. Tortured by doubt and remorse he sat down in the glow of the charcoal sigri to wait. a) Why and how was the heart of the post master newly wakened? b) Why was the post master reproaching him for? c) What was the tortured father waiting for? d) Describe briefly the early dawn as depicted in the story, "The Letter". e) How does the post office became the place of pilgrimage for Coachman Ali? f) Why did Ali abondon hunting which was the instinctive quality found in blood and bones? g) Why did post office clerks make fun of Coachman AN? Why didn't he react? h) "But when the evening of his life was drawing in, he left his old ways and suddenly took a new turn." What was the change in Ali's nature towards the end of his life? What was responsible for his transformation? ENGLISH COMMUNICATIVE X 209

23 i) Ali had great skill in hunting. Give examples from the text to prove it. Level C(Ultimate Level) "The whole universe is built up through love and the grief of separation is inescapable." When Ali acquire this philosophy and how did it change his attitude towards life and things? Why did the post master call Ali "a pest" and why did he ask him to get away? What was the cause of his anger? What was 'Ali reaction when he came out of the post office after being shouted and humiliated by the postman? What impression do you from about coachman Ali or reading the story 'The Letter 7? Justify the title of the story, 'The Letter'. What is the message that the author wants to convey, through the short-story, 'The Letter.' A Shady Plot By Elsie Brown Master Card with Concept Analysis Plot: The setting/ plot of the story uphold the narrator s own house, very simple, not well furnished. John Hallock, by name, inspired by the publisher Jenkins tries to write a ghost story without a plot/theme and how he is threatened by a ghost in a hilarious manner. Theme -The story may seem to have a casual thematic content that a woman should avoid foolish pleasures,idle chit-chats,social parties etc but should spent time for her family but on a serious note it conveys the struggle of writers in their profession. Concept Analysis: A ghost story with a difference, full of scintillating wits, humors and satire. It delineates the characters of women and castigates the depravity of women and their involvement in party organizations, idle chatting, love making and flirtations, despite their moral and bounded duty to the family and children s upliftment and development Characteristics is another chief component of the story John is upright, dry honest, humble and ideal husband while his wife, Lavinia a suspects of him having his affairs with another woman, quite unfair, unethical, immoral and so The use of idioms/phrases and some literary/ stylistic devices is very common place thing in the story. Although, the said story is an interesting, sensational and thrilling 210 ENGLISH COMMUNICATIVE X

24 story with wonderful plots and word expressions that heighten its grandeur and significance. Level A (Fundamental Level) Read the following extracts and answer the questions. 1.1 only waved denial and gurgled in my throat. She went on, "It's bad enough to have you flirt over the Ouija board with that hussy.why does the narrator wave denial? a) What is the charge Lavinia brings against John? b) Who is that 'hussy'? 2. "I m going back to my grandmother. My lawyer will communicate later?" a)who is the speaker here? b) Why is she going back to her grandmother? c) What will her lawyer communicate later? 3. "Going on strike. Don't you know what a strike is? Not another plot do you get from us!" a) Who is the speaker? b) Why are they going on strike? c) Who will not get plot and by whom? 4 Describe Lavinia's Ouija board party? 5 What did Laura Hinkle spell loudly after reading them on the Ouija board? How did those spellings on the board affect John Hallock? 6 How did the Ouija party affect John and Lavinia's relationship? 7 Why did Gladolia went to go away and how was she persuaded to stay back? Level B (Intermediate Level) 1 Justify the title of the story "A Shady Plot". 2 Describe the use of humor, satire and irony in the story, "A Shady Plot". 3 What did Jenkins ask John Hallock and why? 4 Why didn't John Hallock contradict/refuse Jenkins? Give two reasons. 5 Why did John say sarcastically, "This writing business is delightful, isn't it"? 6 Describe the first appearance of Helen's ghost before the narrator. 7 Why and how did Helen, the ghost, organize "The Writer's Inspiration Bureau"? 8 What did Helen, the ghost ask John to do if he wanted their help in future? 9 What was the "ducklist" and "darlingest" thing that Lavinia bought? Did that ENGLISH COMMUNICATIVE X 211

25 please John? 10 Why did Lavinia not want to return the Ouija board? 11 How did John get the bulliest plot for a ghost story? Where is the irony in it? Level C(Ultimate Level) 1 Give a character sketch of Lavinia highlighting her love for fancy shopping, craze for Ouija boards and her relation with John. 2 What is Ouija board? Describe Lavinia and other manipulators of the Ouija board and their party. How did the Ouija board party affect the domestic life of John and Lavinia? 3 John Hallock writes a letter to his friend Byron describing him how the answers given by Helen, the ghost on the Ouija board had almost ruined his domestic life. Ironically, the same ghost provided him the best plot for writing a ghost story. 4 Describe A Shady Plot as a ghost story with a difference. Give two reasons for your justification. 5 Lavinia writes a letter to her friend how her relations with John on the verge of breaking but a sudden turn of events saved them. Reproduce that letter in words in your own language. 6 Helen, the ghost looks more real than the ghost. Describe Helen s role in the story. 7 Write a diary entry as Lavinia in the story, A Shady Plot recording your feelings and sentiments when you came to know about your husband flirting Laura Hinkle. Patol Babu,Film Star By Satyajit Ray Master Card with Concept Analysis Character: --Nishikanto babu-patol babu's neighbour --Patol Babu-a theatre artist --Naresh Dutt-the one who informs Patol babu about the role --Chanchal Kumar-the main hero --Susanko-one who consoles Patol babu --Jyoti-one who explain the scene to Patol babu --Gogon Pakrashi-Patol babu's mentor Plot: --Patol Babu the central character realized that personal satisfaction could not be measured and weighed by money. --Acted in the film out of passion. 212 ENGLISH COMMUNICATIVE X

26 --Satyajit Ray has highlighted the idea that one does a job because he is interested in it rather than getting reward from it. --Patol Babu gets the minor role, as a pedestrian who was only needed to collide into the main actor Chanchal kumar and utter a monosyllable sound "Oh". --Passion for the job drove him to work hard to give the best performance by rehearsing himself. --Did a terrific job and received praise from Chanchal kumar. --He felt very pleased with his performance and "a total satisfaction swept over him". --Did a small job with perfection and dedication. --Did not wait to collect his payment. --He thought that his own satisfaction was more salient. --He had proven his ability and talent in acting and these worked as a sort of motivation to him. Theme Personal satisfaction V/S Financial rewards --Personal satisfaction is more important than financial rewards. Level A (Fundamental Level) 1 Describe the scene Patol has to play in the film. 2 How did Patol react to the lines given to him? 3 How does he rate the people in the film 'Dom'? 4 Why did he leave the shooting spot without taking the money? 5 Describe the past of Patol Babu as an actor. 6 What did Patol Babu think of Chanchal kumar after his shoot? 7 What did Patol Babu do with the paper on which his dialogue was written? 8 What had Patol Babu's mentor Gogon Pakrashi told him about the actor as an artist? Level B (Intermediate Level) 1 How was Patol Babu emboldened by his mentor Gogon Pakrashi's advise? 2 What did Patol Babu feel after the shoot? Why did he go without taking any money? 3 How did Sosanko convince Patol Babu about the dialogue given to him? 4 What did Jyoti tell Patol Babu about his role before it was to be shoot? 5 What was the news that Nishikanto Ghosh gave Patol Babu? 6 How do we know that Patol Babu was a meticulous man? ENGLISH COMMUNICATIVE X 213

27 7 What striking difference do you find in Patol Babu and his wife? Level C(Ultimate Level) 1 Why did Nishikanto Ghosh call on Patol Babu one morning? How did Patol Babu react after hearing him what kind of stage actor had Patol Babu been earlier? 2 How did Patol Babu gives an emotional touch to his dialogue of oh! 3 magine Patol Babu writes a diary page about important events. He writes a diary page describing this event. Write a diary page on his behalf about this event in 150 words. Patol Babu comes back without telling any body in the film unit. At night he writes a diary page recounting his feelings. Write that diary in your own words. 4Whatdid Patol Babu suggest Baren Mullickto add authenticity to his role when his turn for shoot came? What happened there after? Virtually True - Paul Stewart Master Card with Concept Analysis Students may watch movie like "Ra-one" for better understanding of the theme. Characters: --Michael-the narrator --Sebastian Shultz-a fourteen year old boy --The two sheriffs Plot: --Sebastian Shultz was badly injured in a motor way accident and went into coma. --Sebastian's memory was saved in the computer, when he banged his head on it during the accident. --The games were stolen Shultz's house. --Michael bought the latest psycho driven games from the complete fair. -- Sebastian's Shultz was the second sheriff in the dragon's quest. when Michael played the --game he entered Sebastian's memory. --Sebastian failed to save the boy who fall through the air. --Sebastian requested Micheal to try jail break. --Sebastian thought the helicopter was the right idea and they should go into the war zone. --Micheal pulled Sebastian into the helicopter and the screen flashed the score of 40,000, ENGLISH COMMUNICATIVE X

28 --Sebastian thanked Michael for saving his life and asked him to keep the games. Theme: --A science fiction --It shows the stimulation of imaginary world that it appears to be real world for the children. Level A(Fundamental Level) 1 What had happened to Sebastian Shultz? How was he at present? 2 How did the narrator come to know about Sebastian Shultz condition? 3 When did the first video game come to an end and with what? 4 What was the second video game Dragon Quest about? 5 What did Sebastian Shultz suggest to Michael, the narrator to save him? 6 How did the narrator rescue Sebastian Shultz after entering the war zone? 7 How did the narrator happen to crack the video game? 8 What plan did Sebastian Shultz have for escaping from prison cell? How did it fail? Level B(lntermediate Level) 1 The narrator tried the three video games to rescue Sebastian Shultz; but could not what did he do and why? 2 Why did Michael fail in rescuing Sebastian Shultz the first time? 3 What kind of computers fascinated Michael and his dad? 4 Why did Michael not read the rules of the game 'jail break'? 5 How did the narrator come to know about Sebastian Shultz? What had happened to Ravi? 6 How did the narrator happen to initiate rescuing him? Level C(Ultimate Level) 1 Describe what Michael finds in the video game "Wild West" when he plays it? Who was the second sheriff? 2 What did Michael do after he got the message "I am stuck. Please help to retrieve me. Try Dragon guest"? Describe how Sebastian Shultz could not be rescued. 3 How did the narrator finally rescue Sebastian Shultz starting from the second video game "Dragon guest"? 4 " Technology was advancing every day. Dad couldn't resist any of the new gadgets or gizmos that came to the market. That was why we went to the computer fair". With the advent of new technology in computer science the young generation glued to the screen, this has disastrous effect on health. Write an article on " hazard of TV viewing ENGLISH COMMUNICATIVE X 215

29 in about 120 to 150 words. THE FROG AND THE NIGHTINGALE By Vikram Seth Master Card with Concept Analysis: Characters: --The frog -cunning and crafty -The nightingale-innocent and stupid - The animals Place: -The Bingle Bog -Forest area -The sumac tree Theme: -Hypocrisy in the world. -One should not get carried away with the opinion of the people. -Believe in yourself and be original. -Non-judgmental behavior of the people Concept Analysis: -A fable in which subjects of human interest are projected through animal characters and in a wild setting - The frog has a boastful and patronizing nature. He also portrays jealousy as the nightingale surpasses him in term of singing and admiration from a crowd who loathed his voice. -Social criticism-the modern is so prone to get influenced by the public opinion that sometimes he is ready to lose his originality in the wake of social criticism. -The allegory depicts the corrupt face of the industrialized, developed world where greed, fame and competition reigns while values and ethics take a back seat. Level A (Fundamental Level) 1. How did the creatures of the bog react to the voice of the frog? 2. How do you know that the nightingale was getting ready to sing? 3. How did the frog introduce himself? 4. What impression do you get from the nightingale? 5. Why is the frog called heartless? 6. How did the frog make money? What was the effect of training on the nightingale's was? Level B (Intermediate Level) 1 What was the effect of training on the nightingale's was? 2 What do you learn from the poem? 3 Why was the frog's joy both bitter and sweet? 4 Whose influence did the nightingale come under? What was the effect of the influence? 216 ENGLISH COMMUNICATIVE X

30 Level C (Ultimate Level) 1. Bring out the character of(a) the frog and (b) the nightingale 2. To some extent, the nightingale herself was responsible for her downfall and death. Comment. 3. What is the moral of the story? 4. Describe the first meeting between the frog and the nightingale. 5. How did the frog make money from the nightingale's singing? 6. In what way do you think Vikram Seth portrays the replica of society? MIRROR By Sylvia Plath Master Card with Concept Analysis: Characters: --An old woman --The mirror --Lake, fish, moon and candle(as symbols) Theme: --Change is the law of nature --Ageing process is natural --Take life as it comes --Mirror and God treat everyone equal Concept Analysis: -- The mirror is personified - that is, it is endowed with human traits. It is able to recognize monotony, commenting on the regularity of the wall that it reflects most of the time. -- Any woman is vexed by more than her changing physical appearance, she might be meditating on the distinction between a "false" outer self of appearance, and a "true" inner self. -- The mirror actually dominates and interprets its world, and thus has a lot more power than it seems to suggest. It does not merely reflect what it sees, but also shapes those images for our understanding -- The slippery and unnerving "fish" in the poem represent that unavoidable, darker self that cannot help but challenge the socially acceptable self. -- "Mirror" is a melancholy and even bitter poem that exemplifies the tensions between inner and outer selves, as well as indicates the preternaturally feminine ENGLISH COMMUNICATIVE X 217

31 "problem" of aging and losing one's beauty. Level A (Fundamental Level) Q.l: Read the stanzas given below and answer the questions. Whatever you see I swallow immediately Just as it is, unmisted by love or dislike (i) Explain: 'I have no preconceptions'. (ii) Who is the speaker? Which figure of speech is used in 'I swallow'? Q.2: Read the stanzas given below and answer the questions. Now I am a lake. A woman bends over me, Searching my reaches for what she really is Then she turns to those liars, the candles or the moon. I see her back and reflect it faithfully, She rewards me with tears and an agitation of hands, I am important to her (i) Who says: 'Now I am a lake'? (ii) Why is the woman in tears? (iii) Explain:.Searching my reaches'. (iv) Who is 'she' in the above lines? (v) What does the mirror reflect faithfully? Level B (Intermediate Level) Q.l The woman in the poem 'Mirror' searches for something in the depth of the mirror. What is it? Q.2 How the poem 'Mirror' brings out the inevitability of ageing and the death? Q.3 Why has the mirror been called the "The eye of a little God"? Q.4 Who disturbs the mirror's meditation and how? Q.5Who calls the 'mirror' cruel and why? Q.6 The poet says that the mirror has no preconceptions and is only truthful. Explain. Level C (Ultimate Level) Q.l: Why have the candles and moon been called liars? Q.2: Why does the woman turn to liars like the candles and moon again? Q. 3: Why is the woman agitated and has tears in her eyes? Q.4: How does the mirror important to the woman? Q.5: How do you consider the poem - optimistic or pessimistic?explain. Not Marble, nor the Gilded Monuments By William Shakespeare Master Card with Concept Analysis: Characters: 218 ENGLISH COMMUNICATIVE X

32 --The poet --His friend --Time-the most powerful factor Theme: --Buildings and gilded memorials of the rich and wealthy people cannot last forever. --Time will destroy these buildings made of stone. --War will also leave its mark on these monuments. --No power on earth can destroy poetry, as it is eternal. --The poet's beloved, who will be read about by the future generations, will become --immortalized through his poetry. CONCEPT ANALYSIS: --It is a sonnet which has been composed by William Shakespeare. --Time has been portrayed as a negative force, connected with death and decay and poetry has been shown to be eternal. -- The poet says that his poem is so powerful that it will outlive the grand mansions and gold - plated shines of the rich and wealthy people. -- He says that his beloved would 'shine' more brightly in the 'contents' of his poem than stone monuments that lose their lustre, gather dust and disintegrate in course of time. Poetic Device: --He has used alliteration to heighten the musical quality of the poem: marblemonuments; princes- powerful; shall - shine; stone - sluttish; wasteful - war; wear - world; live - lovers'. The poet has personified poetry. He says that its memory is a living record and that it shall "pace forth" and its "praise shall still find room " in "the eyes of all posterity". The poet is sure that the poem will "arise" on the Day of Judgment and "dwell in lovers' eyes". --Time has also been personified as a sluttish character, who besmears human attempts to achieve immortality by building stone monuments. --The rhyme scheme of the first quatrain is abab, the second quatrain cdcd, the third quatrain efef followed by a couplet gg. Level A (Fundamental Level) 1. Who is the poet of "Not Marble, Nor the Gilded Monuments"? 2. What is a sonnet? 3. Which word has been shortened as "Gainst"? ENGLISH COMMUNICATIVE X 219

33 4. What do you mean by "these contents"? 5. Why has time been called "sluttish"? 6. Which poetic device has been used in the term "oblivious enmity"? Level B (Intermediate Level) 1. What does the term "powerful rhyme " mean? 2. Which poetic device has been used in the line, "When wasteful war shall statues overturn"? 3. What does the word "oblivious" mean? 5. In the line "But poetry, which memorializes you ", who is you? 6. Why has "enmity" been called "oblivious"? 8. How does the poet glorify a work of art such as poetry? 9. What does the poet think of time? 10. What comparison does Shakespeare draw between poetry and monuments? 11. Why do you think the rich and powerful people get monuments and statues erected in their memory? 12. Why does the poet refer to Time as being sluttish? 13. How does Shakespeare hope that his dear friend enjoys immortality? Level C (Ultimate Level) 1. What is the theme of the poem "Not Marble, Nor the Gilded Monuments"? 2. Who / What has been immortalized in the "Not Marble, Nor the Gilded Monuments"? 3. Compare the poems neither "Not Marble, Nor the Gilded Monuments" and "Ozymandias"? 4. Which of the two is more powerful - poetry or war? Why? 5. How has time been portrayed as in the poem? 6. How does the poet glorify his beloved in the second quatrain? OZYMANDIAS -by P B Shelley Master Card with Concept Analysis: Characters: --The king,ozymandias -- the traveler Plot: 1) the broken statue of the king, Ozymandias, shows that the achievements of even the rich and mighty people do not last forever time conquers pride and arrogance 220 ENGLISH COMMUNICATIVE X