All Questions-Answers from Stories: LIterature Section

 

Unit One: The Selfish Giant by Oscar Wilde

Understanding the text: Answer the following questions.

a.      Where did the children used to play?

The children used to play in the Giant’s beautiful garden during the afternoon.

b.     What did the Snow and the Frost do to the garden?

The snow covered up the grass, and the frost painted all the trees in silver.

c.      What did the giant hear when he was lying awake in bed?

The Giant heard the lovely music of a little singing bird when he was lying awake in bed.

d.     Why do you think spring season never came to the giant's garden?

I think the spring season never came to the Giant's garden because he was very rude and selfish in his behavior.

e.      How did the giant realize his mistake?

The Giant realized his mistake when the spring did not come to his garden.  He found snow, frost, and north wind in his garden, and he felt the mistake that he had made for the innocent children who used to play in his garden.

Reference to the context

A.         Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.

a.      “How happy we were there!” they said to each other.

i.       Where does ‘there’ refer to? 

‘There’ refers to the Giant’s garden where the children used to play after their school.

ii.     What does ‘they’ refer to?

‘They’ refers to the children who used to come and play in the Giant's garden after school.

iii.  Why are they saying so?

They are saying so because they are not permitted to play in the Giant’s garden. The Giant has chased them away from his garden.

b.     “I have many beautiful flowers,” he said, “but the children are the most beautiful flowers of all.”

i.       Who is the speaker?

The speaker is an old and weak giant who keeps on watching the children at their play, sitting in his armchair.

ii.     Who is he speaking to?

He is speaking to himself, admiring his beautiful garden.

iii.  Who are ‘the children’ that the speaker is referring to?

The children that the speaker is referring to are the small and innocent schoolchildren who used to play in the Giant’s garden.

iv.   Why is the speaker saying that ‘the children are the most beautiful flowers of all’?

The speaker is saying that ‘the children are the most beautiful flowers of all’ because he has realized what happened when all the children showed their presence in his garden. He believes that children are the gifts of nature and their presence makes the entire garden look very beautiful and bloom with different kinds of leaves and flowers.

c.      When the little child smiled at the Giant, and said to him, "You let me play once in your garden, today you shall come with me to my garden, which is Paradise," shortly afterward, the happy giant died. What is the coincidence of this event? Describe it to this fairy tale.

When the little child reappears in the corner of the garden, the Giant is very weak and old at that time. The little child this time supports the Giant, who has once permitted him to play in his garden. The Giant keeps on searching and waiting for the little child. He is just waiting for the enchanted little child. No sooner than the giant has heard the child’s words, he dies in the very afternoon. 

B.    The story makes use of personification as one of the main figures of speech. Cite three examples of personification from the story. What is the significance of the seasons personified in the story?

The writer has used a figure of speech in the story. A figure of speech in literature is a form of expression that is used to convey meaning by comparing one thing with another that has meaning to the reader. The three examples of personification are the snow, the frost, and the North Wind. The significance of the seasons personified in the story is that seasons are related to nature and play a vital role in changing the Giant’s garden with a certain force against his misdeeds.

C.    This story can be read as a fairytale, where the children, the seasons, the tree, the corner of the garden, the snow, the wind, and the frost are all used as symbolism. Interpret those symbols.

The story writer has used the approach of symbolism to teach a moral lesson to the readers. The children in the story symbolize innocence and love. Similarly, the seasons stand for hope, the tree is the symbol of the patience of a little child as Christ, whereas the corner of the garden stands for paradise. Moreover, the snow, the wind, and the frost signify grief, sorrow, and discomfort, respectively.   

D.   Which figure of speech is used for ‘winter, frost, snow, north wind, hail, and little child’? Who is the little child compared to?

There is a perfect use of personification in the story. The words such as winter, frost, snow, north wind, hail, and little child have been personified. Among these words, winter, frost, and snow have been personified as the feminine gender with a unique force that completes their work against the Giant’s deeds. Moreover, the north wind, hail, and little child have been personified as masculine gender with powers. Additionally, the little child is compared to Jesus Christ, who has been presented with divine power that changes everything because the garden with beautiful leaves and flowers blooms due to his presence. However, the signs of two nails on the palms and feet reveal the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Reference beyond the text

a.      What is the main theme of this story?

The main theme of this story is sharing, which is the greatest trait of human beings required for survival. However, there are many themes in the story, such as egotism, selfishness, love, and compassion etc. Good deeds are always rewarded, whereas evil deeds are always punished. In this story, we see the selfishness of the Giant against the children which has brought misfortune in his life. But, he has found the way to paradise due to his favor to the little boy, which is good work.

b.     Does God punish those who are cruel to children and very selfish?

Yes, God punishes those who are cruel to children and very selfish. The children are regarded as the second form of God in society, who are very innocent. The presence of the children is regarded as a sign of good omen. In the story, God punishes the Giant because there is no flowering in his garden, so he feels guilty for the bad deeds he has done, the children.  

 

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Unit Two: The Oval Portrait by Edgar Allan Poe

Understanding the Text: Answer these questions.

a.      Where did the narrator and his servant make a forcible entrance?

The narrator and his servant made a forcible entrance into a desolate Chateau that was located in the Apennines of central Italy.  He was also wounded, so his servant took him inside the \chateau forcibly without permission from others.

b.     Where did the narrator and his servant make a forcible entrance?

The narrator noticed an oval-shaped canvas of a young girl in the room when the rays of the candles fell on it. The picture of the young girl was so attractive to the writer that it made him wake up at midnight. He was reading the history of the picture as stated in the book.

c.      Describe the portrait that the narrator saw in the room.

The portrait that the narrator saw in the room was very attractive and lifelike. He saw it when the rays of the candles fell on it. The portrait was oval-shaped it was a picture of a beautiful girl. Its frame was nicely decorated. The young girl seemed just ripening into womanhood. 

d.     What is the relationship between the portrait painter and its subject?

The relationship between the portrait painter and their subject is husband and wife. The husband of the subject is a passionate painter who painted his wife’s portrait, spending many weeks.

Reference to the context (p 205)

a.      What is the central theme of the story? Who is the woman depicted in the oval portrait?

The central theme of the story ‘The Oval Portrait’ is the relationship between life and art. Art and love can lead us toward perfection, but they can invite unexpected results in our lives, too. The painter achieves success in his painting work, whereas his wife has contributed her life to the sake of her husband's work. She must have loved her husband more than any other thing found in this world, which is why she has not revealed her sufferings. Therefore, the story reflects the bad consequences of excessive passion for something.  The woman depicted in the oval portrait is the wife of the passionate painter.

b.     "The Oval Portrait" is a short horror story by Edgar Allan Poe involving the disturbing circumstances surrounding a portrait in a chateau. Elaborate.

The story presents a fearful and horrific setting of a desolate Chateau in one of the mountainous ranges of central Italy. The Chateau stated in the story is a completely isolated and deserted place. The place inside and outside the place is very dreadful. The apartments inside the Chateau are very old, dusty, and unmanaged. The place where the narrator and his servant stay is decorated, but they are rotten and becomes useless. The portrait is found in the dark corner of the room. The portrait is disturbing because of the carelessness. The arrival of the narrator along with his servant is also disturbing in that place.

c.      "The Oval Portrait" suggests that the woman's beauty condemns her to death. Discuss.

‘The Oval Portrait’ suggests that the woman’s beauty condemns her to death. Hence, the wife of the painter is so beautiful and is entering into her womanhood. The painter wants to sketch her picture. He is more passionate about his work than anything els. He keeps his wife in the chair, posing for him while sketching her picture. It takes weeks to complete the painting work. He does not care about the condition of his wife during the painting period. But she suffers and becomes feeble. Therefore, by the time he completes his painting, he finds his wife dead in, the chair.

d.     Discuss the story as a frame narrative (a story within a story).

A-frame narrative is a technique of writing a story that has a story within a story. One story starts with a different plot and setting, but later another story appears within it. Hence, this technique shows how a single story involves the next story within it. In this present story, the narrator and his servant have their story but when the narrator finds the portrait, another story starts from that point in the story. This story details the portrait, including its background information.

e.       The story is told in a descriptive style, with plenty of imagery and symbolism. Which images and symbols do you find in the story?

The descriptive style allows the narrator to describe everything in the story as the narrator experiences it. In the story, the narrator describes the portrait as his lived experiences when he gets into the room where they have stayed that night. We find many images and symbols used in the story. The intention of the narrator in using these images and symbols is to present horror in the story. The image of the Chateau reflects the thrill to the readers, and the image of the two visitors reveals the curiosity of the readers. Similarly, the story writer has used many images such as dark rooms, oval paintings, trophies, and rays of a candle to present the setting of the story. The use of images in the story represents the gothic elements in the story. The oval portrait symbolizes the mortality of love and the immortality of art. Moreover, the portrait has taken the life of the young woman. Her love and devotion for her husband led to her death, but her husband's passion for art made her immortal in his artwork.

f.       What does the expression “She was dead!” mean?

The expression ‘She was dead!’ refers to the moment of the death of the painter’s wife on the chair which is a shocking moment. The painter is very fond of his painting work, so he keeps his eye on his work only but not on his life partner, while sketching the portrait. He forgets to investigate the unfavorable condition of his wife. He paints the portrait regularly for weeks. Being happy, he turns his painting towards her after completing it, but he finds her dead. Hence, the artwork takes the life of its main subject.

Reference beyond the text (page 205)

a.      Do you think there is art life?

From a semantic point of view, there is no life in any art, but there is life if we see it from a pragmatic point of view. Many artistic works of the renowned painters of the world, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, Michelangelo, and Claude Monet, are still found in the museum. They are alive in our memory. Such great works have not been created and done yet in the field of art and painting. These works are highly admirable, appreciated, and praised, as we still take the name of the great artists and their work as well. Therefore, we can state that there is art in life.

b.      As a thing of art, nothing could be more admirable than the painting itself. Explain.

This statement is right about the paintings. Painting is a very admirable and appreciated form of art. The painters work continuously to reveal the realistic form in his painting. The painting also reveals the various aspects of human life. We also find nature and other phenomena in painting works. For example, ‘The Mona Lisa’, the work of Vinci is the supreme work yet done in the field of painting that is admirable in every aspect of art. In the story, the oval portrait is one of the paintings that has stunned the narrator. The narrator feels completely puzzled after seeing the painting. 

c.      A more intense look at the painting reveals the illusion. Have you noticed any such paintings?

Yes, I have noticed such a painting in my life. The painting is more meaningful if it is judged by a passionate painter. But, there is an illusion if it is judged by an ordinary person. In my case, I have been observing the ‘Thanka’, a silk painting with embroidery, usually showing a Buddhist god, a famous scene, or a mandala, for a long but I could not get the meaning of the painting. I had always had a query in my mind about why it costs so high for tourists. Coincidentally, I met a person who told me about the importance of that picture.

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Unit Three: God Sees the Truth but Waits by Leo Tolstoy

Understanding the text: Answer these questions.

a.      What bad habits did Aksionov have before his marriage?

He had very bad habits of drinking alcohol and was involved in fights before marriage. He used to drink much and become riotous.

b.     What can be the meaning of his wife's dream?

Her dream can signify the bad women of their family, especially in the life of her husband, Aksionov, because she had seen her husband returning from town with grey hair.

c.      Why did Aksionov think of killing himself?

Aksionov thought of killing himself because he remembered all the sufferings he had faced in the prison without committing any crime. He also remembered the tortures given to him, the people around him who saw him in the chains, and the imprisonment of twenty-six years. Hence, all these events of his life made him think so.

d.     Why did Makar disclose that he had killed the merchant?

Makar disclosed that he had killed the merchant because he felt shame and mercy over innocent Aksionov, who saved him from the governor being a victim of Makar’s crime.

e.      Why doesn't Aksionov wish to return to his family at the end of the story?

Aksionov doesn’t wish to return to his family at the end of the story because he is quite old. He had spent his entire life in prison without committing any crime. He was lean, thin, and feeble, wishing to die in prison instead of going to his family.

Reference to the context (page 214)

a.      "Well, old man," repeated the Governor, "tell me the truth: who has been digging under the wall?"

             i.            Who is that old man?

That old man is Aksionov who has spent twenty-six years in prison.

           ii.            Which truth is the speaker asking about?

The speaker is asking about the truth of a person who has been digging under the wall of the prison.

        iii.            Which wall does the speaker mean?

The speaker means the wall of the prison where Aksionov was kept.

b.     Describe Aksionov's character.

Ivan Dmitrich Aksionov was a young, wealthy merchant of Vladimir in Russia. He had two shops and a house. He was a handsome man with fair curly hair. He was full of fun, especially very fond of singing. He used to drink much before his marriage, but later he made himself a good man with a good family. He had the virtues of faith, forgiveness, freedom, and acceptance. He was accused of murdering a fellow merchant and robbing him. So, he spent twenty-six years in a Serbian prison waiting for God’s judgment. He was mentally very strong because he endured many unfortunate events in his life, such as losing his family and his business. He devoted himself to God during the difficult situation of his life but that situation changed his life and he died in prison at last.

c.      What is the theme of the story?

There are many themes in the story, such as guilt, forgiveness, faith, conflict, freedom, and acceptance. Among these themes, forgiveness is one of the greatest themes because we find forgiveness of Aksionov for Makar Semyonich. Although Aksionov has spent twenty-six years in prison for a crime he did not commit, he forgives Makar, who has committed the crime. Hence, the story shows that the best form of revenge is forgiveness.

d.     Which symbols are used in the story, and what do they indicate?

There are many symbols used in the story. They are houses and shops, nightmares (grey hair), the prison, book (The Lives of the Saints). Aksionov’s house and his shops symbolize earthly material possessions that do not remain forever. On the other hand, the terrible dream of Aksionov’s wife symbolizes the terrible fate of Aksionov. The story presents the bad results of the nightmare because the grey hair of her dream turns out to be real in Aksionov’s life. Similarly, the prison itself is a symbol of Aksionov’s sufferings. The book ‘The Lives of the Saints' symbolizes the religious transformation of Aksionov. Because of this book, he devotes his life towards God and keeps hope till the end of his life.

Reference beyond the text (page 214)

a.      What role does religion play in Aksionov's life? How does he undergo a spiritual transformation in the story?

Religion plays a very important role in Aksionov’s life. He spent almost his life in prison waiting for the right judgement of God for him. When his wife suspected him of murder, he gave up all his hopes and told God only knows the truth and the reality. After spending twenty-six years in the Serbian prison, he grew old, feeble, and weak. He earned money in prison by making boots and bought a book entitled ‘The Lives of the Saints. He started reading and singing the book in the prison’s church on Sundays. He realized various aspects of human life and fate related to religion. His fellow prisoners respected him, saying ‘Grandfather’ or ‘The Saint’. He learned about fate, spirituality, the righteous path, acceptance, and forgiveness. He even saved the real murderer of the merchant, but did not disclose it before the governor. He gained peace in the form of forgiveness. Hence, we find him and his life transforming from materialism to spiritualism only due to religion.

b.     What does the story tell us about the existence of an unfair system of justice?

The protagonist or main character of the story has been a victim of an unfair system of justice because he is put into prison for a crime that he did not been committed by him. An innocent man is unjustly imprisoned and sentenced to up to twenty-six years in prison. The main character of the story is only accused of murdering the merchant based on some circumstantial evidence. He faces more suffering in his prison life, but eventually, he faces a situation and dies quietly in prison. Hence, we learn an unjust judicial system with the help of the bitter experience of the main character of the story. 

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Unit Four: The Wish by Roald Dahl

Understanding the text: Answer the following questions.

a.      What did the child do to the scab on his knee?

The child gently picked the scab off his cut with his fingernails. He put it on his thigh and flipped it with his finger.

b.     What kind of effect did the carpet have on the child?

The child became extremely amazed to see the red carpet. He had never really noticed it before in such a way. The different colors of the carpet seemed to brighten mysteriously and spring out at him in a most dazzling way. He was thoroughly lost in those colors and his imagination.

c.      What was he afraid of while walking across the carpet?

He was afraid of the black poisonous snakes and the red coals while walking across the carpet.

d.     What motivated and encouraged the child to start and continue on his journey?
His wish of getting a puppy on his birthday or as a birthday gift motivated and encouraged the child to start and continue on his journey.

e.      What did the child see as he looked down on the black patterns of the carpet?
The child saw different colors brightening mysteriously. He kept on thinking in his imagination about the colors and their different forms. Hence, the child saw the poisonous snake with the oily body of the snake arising to catch or bite him as he looked down at the black patterns of the carpet.

Reference to the context (page 219)

a.      The writer creates two voices in the story. Who are they?

Yes, the writer creates two voices in the story and they were (a narrator) and the voice of the young boy i.e. the child.

b.     Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
“…the black parts are snakes, poisonous snakes, adders mostly, and cobras, thick like tree trunks around the middle, and if I touch one of them, I’ll be bitten and I’ll die before tea time. And if I get across safely, without being burnt and without being bitten, I will be given a puppy for my birthday tomorrow.”

i.       What does ‘the black part’ mean?

The black part means the difficulty, challenges, and suffering in the journey.

ii.     Who is the speaker?

The speaker is a young boy.

iii.  Why doesn’t the speaker want to be burnt?

He doesn’t want to be burned because he wants to reach across the carpet safely to receive the gift of a puppy on his birthday.

c.      Which images and metaphors are used in the story?

The main metaphor in the story “The Wish” by Roald Dahl is the child’s journey along the carpet as a representation of the obstacles and challenges he faces as he matures. Vivid images that Dahl uses to reinforce the metaphor include the scab as the boy’s primary challenge, the red spots on the carpet as hot lumps of coal, and the black sections as evil, poisonous snakes.

d.     Summarize the short story “The Wish” in about 200 words.
Answer: (Look at the top of the page)

The story “The Wish” is about a young boy who had a frightening event in his childhood. At the beginning of the scene, we find an unnamed child looking at his kneecap’s scab and bent forward to examine it closely. He picked up his scab gently which fell upon the edge of the red carpet. When he moved near the scab different colors of the carpet attracted his attention. He creatively imagined each different color to represent something. In his imagination, he supposed the red colored spots as lumps of coal that could burn him, the black color as a poisonous snake that could bite him, and the yellow color as the only safe zone for him where he could step and cross the huge carpet to get inside, he would be gifted a puppy for his birthday.

So, the boy begins his quest. The first part is easygoing, but it reaches some difficult parts and has to take long strides. He shook but stretched out his arm to keep himself in a steady position. Then reaching a turning point, he chooses left because it’s difficult, but black spots are less there. He reaches the halfway point and knows he cannot turn back or jump off. Then he begins to feel panic rising in his chest. He takes another step to the only close yellow spot, and his foot is only a centimeter from the black patch. A snake stirs and raises its head to watch him. Although he was trying to balance himself, it did not work. He started to cry as he touched the black.

And the story ends with his mother, who was looking for him behind a house outside the sun.

e.      The story shows the events through the eyes of the narrator and the child. Comparing the two styles, who presents a more interesting or effective view for the readers? Why?

In “The Wish,” a boy uses his imagination to travel across a red, black, and yellow carpet. The children represent the story more interestingly and effectively, than the narrator because it is vivid and suspenseful. The child was in a hardship situation,of and he faced hardships and won all the challenges, motivated by a Birthday gift as a puppy by completing his journey at the end.

f.       Is “The Wish” a story about self-confidence overcoming fear or about greed? Give your arguments.

Roald Dahl’s “The Wish” is about self-confidence overcoming fear rather than about greed as it is all about self-confidence and overcoming fear. Admittedly, “greed,” the desire for a puppy, is a motivating factor. However, the puppy motivator is a fantasy that the boy has made up to help him overcome his fear of crossing the treacherous carpet. He says to himself, ‘If I get across safely, without being burnt and without being bitten, I will be given a puppy for my birthday tomorrow.

The child seems fearful while watching his scab. He thinks much about picking it. He raises many questions with himself. He picks out his scab panicking. But when he sees the carpet his fear increases high. He gathers his confidence to cross the carpet. He creates his obstacles supposing the colours as coals and snakes. He even puts his goal across the carpet. He moves on bravely on the carpet wishing for a puppy on his birthday as a birthday gift. He tries his best to overcome his fear. His self-confidence and his wish end as he falls into black colors.

Even the puppy becomes part of his project of overcoming fears to achieve a goal, But the fear of not getting the puppy compelled him to go on. This tale enters into the mind of an imaginative child and reflects the child’s ability to turn something as commonplace as a patterned carpet into a scene of adventure and challenge in which he can act out his fears in a safe environment.

Reference beyond the text

a.      Do you think our wish can be fulfilled? Why or why not?

Having wishes is significant in itself. But not all the wants, desires, and wishes are fulfilled. We need hard and complicated practices to fulfill our wishes, wants, desires, and interests. If a wish comes true, it is one of the most beautiful things on earth. It is, therefore, essential to deal constructively with the obstacles on the way to your wish. Some of the common hurdles that stop us from fulfilling our wishes are:

·         I have no money for it / I don’t want to spend my money on it

·         I want to, but I don’t have time for it /I’m too caught up in my everyday life

·   I’m scared. Fear of failure. Afraid of making the wrong decision. Afraid to disappoint other people

·         I have doubts about whether it is right for me

So to fulfill our wishes, we should deal with the above-mentioned problems. For this, we can do the following things:

·         Try to realize the wish in a small version. Try to satisfy the need behind the wish.

·         Trick everyday life and proceed in small steps.

·         Address fears and debunk them as much as possible.

·         Create clarity. Get a clear picture of where we want to go.

·         Strengthen self-image so that our wishes become possible.

b.     Why do you think some people might have a frightening nature? What would you suggest to them to overcome it?

Some people might have a frightening nature due to a lack of self-confidence and being less sociable. Some people, especially innocent ones, easily lose their confidence as they face obstacles in their paths of life. I would suggest the following points to overcome it:

• Learn more about your fear, this first step can be the hardest one but it’s also necessary.
• Use your imagination in positive ways.
• Use your brain in a different way than usual.
• Focus on your breathing.
• Practice mindfulness.
• Use nature as your therapist.

c.      Write a folktale that you have heard or read.

King Midas was a wealthy but greedy ruler who loved gold above all. One day, a mysterious figure offered him a wish. Without hesitation, Midas asked for everything he touched to turn into gold. His wish was granted, and at first, Midas was delighted. He turned trees, stones, and even his palace into shimmering gold.

However, when he sat down to eat, his food turned to gold, leaving him hungry. Worse, when his beloved daughter ran into his arms, she too became a lifeless gold statue. Distressed, Midas realized his greed had cost him everything. Desperate, he prayed to the god to undo his wish. A kind god took pity on him and told Midas to wash his hands in the river, which would reverse the curse. Midas learned that true wealth comes not from gold, but from love, family, and wisdom.

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Unit Five: Civil Peace by Chinua Achebe

Understanding the Text: Answer the following questions.

a.      Why did Jonathan think of himself as ‘extraordinarily lucky’?

Jonathan thought of himself as ‘extraordinarily lucky’ because he had survived the Civil War along with his wife and children.

b.     What are the ‘five blessings’ for which Jonathan is grateful?

The ‘five blessings’ for which Jonathan is grateful are his head, his wife Maria’s head, and the heads of three out of their four children. That means he is grateful for the survival of five family members.

c.      Why did Jonathan mistrust the officer who wanted to take his bicycle? What does this tell you about the situation in Nigeria?

Jonathan mistrusted the officer who wanted to take his bicycle because the officer easily accepted a bribe in exchange for his bicycle. This tells us that the situation in Nigeria was so much worse as the government officers were corrupt and used to take bribes from the citizens.

d.     What visitors might be at the door? Are Jonathan and his wife completely surprised? Explain.

The visitors who knock at the door of Jonathan’s house might be thieves. Jonathan and his wife are completely shocked due to fear, as it is midnight and the thieves are knocking at the door violently.

e.      Why does no one in the neighborhood respond when the thieves pound on Jonathan’s door? Why do the thieves call for the police?

No one in the neighborhood responds when the thieves pound on Jonathan’s door because they are scared of the thieves. The thieves called for the police because they knew very well that no one would come to support Jonathan’s family.

Reference to the context

a.      What does Jonathan mean by his expression “Nothing puzzles God”? What does this expression reveal about his character? Explain by citing details from the story.

In the story “Civil Peace”, Jonathan uses the expression “Nothing puzzles God” whenever something miraculous happens to him. He uses this line when he gets his bicycle back in fine condition out of the ground. Next, he uses it when he finds his house is still standing after the war. By “Nothing puzzles God,” he means that anything can happen, but Almighty God, being omniscient, is not surprised and puzzled by anything, which means that God knows everything. The last time he uses it is at the end of the story after his family is robbed of the exgratia. This expression reveals that he is quite an optimistic person who has been believing in God. He feels too delighted to get miracles in his life. This expression also reveals that he is a good person who enjoys everything he has but never laments about his losses. Therefore, his character was optimistic, hopeful, and religious.

b.     How does Jonathan change as he experiences the conflicts in his life? Explain.

Jonathan is a hardworking person who believes in his hard labor as well as god the most. He is quite an optimistic person who never loses hope. He has experienced many conflicts in his life. He has lost his child during the war but he believes himself lucky to get 5 inestimable blessings. Jonathan keeps on doing his hard labor for the sake and welfare of his family, keeping faith or believing in God. He changes according to the demands of the time and his own family needs.

c.      Read the extract and answer the questions below.

“To God who made me, if you come inside and find one hundred pounds, take it and shoot me and shoot my wife and children. I swear to God. The only money I have in this life is this twenty pounds egg-rasher they gave me today …”

i.       Who is the speaker?

Jonathan is the speaker.

ii.     Who is the speaker talking to?

The speaker is talking to the thieves or robbers.

iii.  Who does “they” refer to?

iv.   “They” refers to the officials of the treasury i.e. the government.

d.     Nigerian English has words like soja ‘soldier’ and katakata ‘confusion’, and ‘trouble’ derived apparently from English words but transformed by native languages’ phonologies. What does the author’s use of dialect here add to the story?

Nigerian English has words like Soja “soldier” katakata “confusion), and “trouble” delivered apparently from English words but transformed by the Native language phonologies. The author added dialects here in the story for the following reasons:

·               To focus on the native language

·               To promote the dialects

·               To know the status of living people in Nigeria

·               To promote the nationality

e.      Why do you think the thieves who come to rob Jonathan speak English with a heavier African accent than Jonathan does?

The thieves who come to rob Jonathan speak English with a heavier African accent than Jonathan does to show that they are white Americans so that no one can doubt them, and also to prove their superiority.

f.       The title of the story “Civil Peace” itself is ironic as there is little to differentiate ‘civil peace’ from ‘civil war’. Do you think that the title of this story is appropriate, or would “Civil War” have been a better title? Explain.

The title of the story “Civil Peace,” is especially interesting because it is used in an ironic sense. The story follows Jonathan Iwegbu as he collects the fragments of his life after the end of the Nigerian Civil War. The Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Biafran War, was a protracted conflict that resulted from a section of Nigeria attempting to secede and form its own country. The war leaves a tremendous amount of destruction in its wake, and Jonathan gathers up what he can to re-establish his life. The title of the story is ironic because even though the war has come to an end, the area is still chaotic and filled with strife. Indeed, a gang of robbers uses the term “civil peace” when they rob Iwegbu and his family in the dead of night. Thus, Achebe uses the title ironically to highlight the violence still present in post-war Nigeria.

Reference beyond the text

a.      How would you describe the civil peace in Nigeria?

The condition of the Civil peace in Nigeria wasn’t good. After the war, the time of civil peace was the time of resettlement. There was nothing new for the people. People had to face various problems during that time. The government’s law during that time was good. There were many risks in people’s lives. Thieves used to loot and beat people without having any fear of the law. Though the Civil Peace prevailed there, there was Anarchy everywhere.

b.     What kind of attitude towards life do you think you would have if your situation were similar to that of Jonathan’s?

If my situation were similar to that of Jonathan’s, I would have similar optimism about my life and my family. I would be ready to face any challenges to protect my family as Jonathan did. I would try to do hard labour, keeping faith in God for the welfare of my relatives. I would try to stay away from violence. Hence, I think that I would have a positive, optimistic, and energetic attitude towards life if my situation were similar to that of Jonathan’s.

c.      Draw the character sketch of Jonathan Iwegbu.

Jonathan Iwegbu- Jonathan is a round character. His main trait is optimism, however some of his smaller traits are peacefulness, persuasiveness, and calmness. He is a static character; he stays the same throughout the whole story. He does not waste his time looking back on the things that have troubled him in the past; he keeps calm carries on with his life, and deals with whatever happens next. His optimism is shown with every main event in the story.

First, the war has ended. He is happy to come out of it alive with his wife, his bike, and three out of four of his children; one child has died. The fact that his child has died does not seem to trouble him on the outside. It probably does on the inside, however, he does not let it get to him. He stops thinking about it, and instead of being upset because of the death of his child, he is happy for everyone who, has survived. Also, he refers to his bike as a taxi once, which shows more optimism. When he gets to his old house it is broken down. He is calm and gathers up some materials to fix it instead of getting mad over it. His old job as a minor isn’t available anymore, so he starts a new job of his own and opens up a bar. Thieves come to his house and try to rob him of money. He tries to find the most peaceful way out of it. After paying all the money he had he once again, remains calm and carries on.

***

Unit Six: Two Little Soldiers by Guy de Maupassant

Understanding the text: Answer the following questions.

a.      Why do the two soldiers spend their free time on Sundays away from the barrack out in the countryside?

The two soldiers spend their free time on Sundays away from the barracks out in the countryside, because they have found a spot that reminds them of home, and they do not feel happy elsewhere.

b.     Why does the girl become the topic of conversation for these soldiers?

The girl becomes the topic of conversation among these soldiers because both of them have fallen in love with her.

c.      Why does deception enter into their friendship?

Deception enters into their friendship because Luc used to secretly leave the barracks to meet the girl without informing his friends.

d.     Do you think that Luc is a betrayer of friendship?

Yes, I think that Luc is a betrayer of friendship as he has broken the faith of his friend Jean. He leaves the barracks without telling anything to his friend anything so that he can meet the countryside girl whom Jean loves equally.

e.      What is the cause of suicide of Jean? Do you think that it was the only release of his love?

The cause of suicide of Jean was his friend, Luc, because he was mentally disturbed by the love affair of his friend Luc with the girl whom he loves very much. I don’t think suicide was the only way to release his love. He could have expressed his feelings to the girl or could have moved on in his life accepting Luc’s love instead of committing suicide.

Reference to the context

a.      What is the central theme of the story?

The central theme of this story is the incompatibility between friendship and love. Jean and Luc are best friends under the most trying of circumstances. When both fall in love with the same girl, feelings of hatred and jealousy are raised between them and hence that friendship cannot survive, and it ends in tragic circumstances.

b.      “What are you doing here? Are you watching the grass grow?”

i.       Who is the speaker?

The dairymaid is the speaker.

ii.           What does the word “here” indicate?

“Here” means the place where the two soldiers visit every weekend.

iii.        Who does “you” refer to?

“You” refers to the two soldiers, Jean and Luc.

iv.         “He leaned–he–he was leaning–so far over–that his head carried him away–and–he–fell–he fell—-“ Who is the speaker?

The speaker is Luc.

c.      Why is the speaker speaking with interruption?

The speaker is speaking with interruption because he is in pain and scared of the death of Jean.

d.     What does he mean when he says “he–fell–he fell—”?

He means that Jean fell into the river.

e.      Two Little Soldiers can be viewed as a series of dramatic scenes. Describe the story as a tragedy.

In a literary tragedy, a protagonist is typically brought to ruin because of some character flaw. This flaw, which is usually some common human flaw like greed or misplaced loyalty, causes the character to weaken and leads to his ultimate downfall. In “Two Little Soldiers”, two friends, Jean and Luc, begin the story in a pastoral and fairly tranquil setting despite being far from home. Together, they enjoy their time, eating a simple meal and enjoying a bit of wine before having to return to their duties.

This sense of friendship is ultimately destroyed by the introduction of a third party—a girl. Suddenly, the two friends are equally fascinated by this girl, and they begin to chat about her throughout their week. Neither soldier seems prepared to make a move for the girl’s affections at first, nor then suddenly, does Luc change everything when he takes leave without telling Jean where he is going.

When the three meet again, everything has changed. Jean and Luc are no longer the central pair of the group; instead, Luc and the girl have become more intimate during his evenings of leave. They sneak off together, leaving Jean completely isolated. Luc was Jean’s central line of connection in a world of confinement and loneliness. Realizing that he has lost this connection, Jean is bewildered and desolate. He likely commits suicide by intentionally falling into the river because of the fresh disconnect he feels from humanity.

Luc is devastated by the loss of his friend, barely able to choke out the news when he returns to the barracks. Thus, the tragedy is dependent on Luc’s character flaw: he prioritizes romantic possibilities over a close friendship. This ultimately causes the tragic loss of the friendship which he had valued so much and which had sustained him through the loneliness of being so far from home.

f.       What is the setting and style of the story?

The story is set in the French countryside, near the town of Courbevoie. It is wartime, but the scene is peaceful and idyllic; Luc and Jean, who are soldiers stationed in barracks nearby, come here on Sundays for a quiet meal and to enjoy the area, which reminds them of home. The beauty of the setting is enhanced by the presence of a young village girl, who brings her cow out to pasture every Sunday when the boys are there. The boys begin to engage in “a bit of innocent ogling” of the comely girl, who, after a while, begins to talk to them.

g.     How would you describe the conflict between the friends?

In the story, the conflict arises when the girl kisses Luc passionately, without paying attention to Jean. Seeing this, Jean is upset and heartbroken. Jean gets the reason behind why Luc seeks leave and borrows money from Jean, but offers no explanation for his behavior. Luc and the girl go to attend to the cow and disappear into the woods for a long time. When they return, the lovers kiss again, and the girl doesn’t offer him any milk that day. Eventually, the conflict between friendship and love leads to the death of Jean.

Reference beyond the text

a.      Is it good to have a conflict between friendship and love? Is it morally good that a person and his best friend can love the same person?

No, it is not good to have a conflict between friendship and love because these are the relationships that are extremely important for an individual. True friends and loved ones are always concerned about each other. They shed light on your qualities, both positive and negative, and improve your self-esteem. Both friendship and love assist in relieving stress and suffering through laughing and good times. They will help you move forward.

As long as love and intention are pure towards the person, it is not morally bad for two people to have the same feelings for a third person. This type of condition may arise in a person’s life either knowingly or unknowingly. Although it is not bad, there is a high possibility that problems to arise soon. So, the only solution is to talk with each other and solve the problem by controlling your emotions.

b.     How would you describe the triangular love?

Triangular love is a relationship in which three people are each in love with at least one other person in the relationship. It can refer to a polyamorous relationship between three people (i.e. Person A loves Person B, loves Person C loves Person A). The short story “Two Little Soldiers” presents a triangular love where the deception of a friend has created an unfortunate incident for the next friend.

***

Unit Seven: An Astrologer's Day by RK Narayan

Understanding the text: Answer the following questions.

a.      How does the astrologer’s appearance help him attract customers? How does he help the customers satisfy their needs?

His eyes are assumed to have a prophetic light by his customers. He wears a saffron turban. He presents himself so perfectly that he is a point of attraction for all the people. He helps the customers satisfy their needs with his work analysis of their troubles, like marriage, money, etc.

b.     How do you characterize the astrologer’s attitude toward the stranger?

The astrologer sees the stranger before him and perceives him to be his possible customer.

c.      What details does the astrologer give the stranger about his past?

The astrologer tells the stranger that he was stabbed by a knife and thrown into a well to die, and some people passing by saw him and saved him from dying.

d.     Why does he advise the stranger to go home immediately?

He advises the stranger to go home immediately to get rid of danger in his life and to avoid the risk to his family.

e.      What is your reaction to the conversation between the astrologer and his wife?

When the astrologer gets home, he tells his wife that in the past, he thought he had killed a man. He was now happy to know that the man he helped today was not dead. It was a clever plot twist to throw in the man he thought he had killed, as a potential scam for him.

Reference to the context

a.      Suspense is the feeling of anticipation you may have as you read. In this story, what details contributed to your feelings of suspense and surprise? Explain.

This story is a nice combination of suspense and surprise. Here, the feeling of suspense is created about the personal and past life of the astrologer. The reader is told that he was not intended to be an astrologer. He left his village without any previous plan. The readers are also told that astrology is not his family business. This creates a curiosity in the mind of the reader about the reasons why he broke this ancestral cycle and was forced to leave his home all of a sudden. The sense of suspense continues with the astrologer's encounter with the stranger. The astrologer catches a glimpse of the stranger’s face in the flash of light created by the matchstick and immediately refuses to accept the stranger’s challenge. At the end of the story, the readers are surprised by the revelation of the fact that the astrologer was the person who stabbed the stranger and left them for dead when he was drunk during one of his days as a youngster.

b.     Analyze the conflicts in “An Astrologer’s Day.” Explain how the conflicts are resolved and what they reveal about the characters involved in the story.

In the story, conflicts arise when a stranger appears as a client of the astrologer on the site to consult him. The astrologer is packing up his things and is ready to call him one day. The stranger challenges the astrologer to provide specific answers to his questions. As the stranger lights his cheroot, he catches a glimpse of his face to tell the stranger something that will satisfy him. The stranger is surprised to be told about his past life by the astrologer and agrees to give up his search for his enemy, who was declared to have been crushed under a lorry. The astrologer ensures a safe and secure life for himself hereafter.

c.      “All right. I will speak. But will you give me a rupee if what I say is convincing? Otherwise, I will not open my mouth, and you may do what you like.”

i.       Who is the speaker?

The astrologer is the speaker.

ii.     Who is he speaking to?

He is speaking to Guru Nayak.

iii.  What does the expression ‘open my mouth’ mean?

The expression “open your mouth” means conveying convincing information about the stranger.

d.     The description helps readers visualize what is happening in a story. What details and techniques does the author use to describe the astrologer?

The astrologer is an impressive character. He can develop a new personality and survive in a densely populated urban environment by using his intelligence. The astrologer lives by his wits. Despite having no mystical knowledge, he knows how to put on a show to attract passers-by. He must sit for long hours to collect enough to keep himself and his family alive from day to day. In addition to his intelligence, he is courageous and determined. When he is dealing with Guru Nayak and his life is in danger, he still insists on bargaining for money. He brings every single anna home to his wife so that she can buy food for the family. He is a devoted husband and father.

The story has the mode of third-person omniscience. The use of dialogue throughout the story serves the function of providing multiple points of view without changing the overall authority of the narrator. The story is set in Town Hall Park, in the late evening.

e.      The irony is a contrast between appearances and reality. What is ironic about Guru Nayak’s meeting with the astrologer?

The irony of the situation centers around the meeting of Guru Nayak’s meeting with the astrologer. He comes to the astrologer for help in finding and killing the man he is talking about. The man whom Guru Nayak is looking for is none other than the astrologer. He makes Guru Nayak wait and bargain for the money. When he finally calls the stranger by his name and tells him about the incident that happened in the village, he has Guru Nayak in the palm of his hand.

f.       How does the astrologer’s manner of dress suit his character?

The main character in this story is an astrologer. He wears a saffron turban. He presents himself so perfectly that he is a point of attraction for all the people. He helps the customers satisfy their needs with his work analysis of their troubles, like marriage, money, etc. Due to his sense, many people are attracted to him. His eyes are assumed to have a prophetic light by his customers and everyone thinks of him as a wise astrologer.

Reference Beyond the text

a.      The astrologer attracts many customers in the street who are pleased and astonished by what he tells them. What does this tell you about the people of the town walking in the street?

The main character ,in this story is an astrologer. His astrology business depends on his character and the way he looks. Due to his sense, many people are attracted to him. His eyes are assumed to have a prophetic light by his customers. This tells us that the people of the town walking in the street are fascinated and pleased with the astrologer and his looks, due to which they take him as a wise astrologer.

b.     Why do most people want to know their future? Do you think astrologers can help them know their future?

Most people want to know their future because they are very curious about what is going to happen in their lives. They want to know their happiness, the problems ahead, and their safety. Yes, real astrologers with real astrological knowledge can help you see your future.

c.      Is astrology a good practice of fortune-telling, or is it just blind faith? Give reasons.

Yes, astrology is a good practice of fortune-telling. Astrology is practiced in different life events. People believe a lot in astrology in Eastern cultures. People find the right solutions to their problems through astrology. Astrological prophecies are also proven to be correct in many cases.

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