English 11th-Snapshots

 Snapshots

Supplementary Reader in English for Class XI

(Core Course) 

1. The Summer of the Beautiful white Horse

    William Saroyan

2. The Address

     Marga Minco

3. Ranga's Marriage

     Masti venkatesha lyengar

4. Albert Einstein at School

     Patrick Pringle

5.Mother’s Day

6.The Ghat of the Only World

7. Birth

8.The Tale of Melon City

Chapter 1: The summer of the Beautiful white horse

Reading with Insight

1. You will probably agree that this story does not have breathless adventure and exciting action. Then what in your opinion makes it interesting?

Answer:

Even though the storyline is not that adventurous, the way in which the entire scene is described by the author makes it very interesting. However, the element that makes it all the more engaging is the smooth flow of emotional narration. This has been addressed from the perspective of a nine-year-old boy. The boy, who is from a poor family, and is known for his morality, cannot fathom that his brother could steal a horse to ride. This in itself is interesting for the boy. Every idea that passes through the mind of the boy after looking at the horse has been romanticized by the writer. Riding the stolen horse and hiding it carefully are great feats of adventure for the two boys. But their family is recognized for their morality, and the same streak is also present in them. After a while, they overcome their desire and return the horse to its rightful owner.

2. Did the boys return the horse because they were conscience-stricken or because they were afraid?

Answer.

In the entire story, the boys are characterised as fearless. It was their rage towards the horse that made them steal one horse. When they had the horse for several months, the farmer John Byro visited their house and saw the horse. John Byro recognized his horse but refused to believe that Mourad and Aram had stolen it. He, however, did not say anything to the boys, rather honouring their family for its honesty. This was the circumstance when the conscience-stricken boys decided to return the horse.

3. “One day back there in the good old days when I was nine and the world was full of every imaginable kind of magnificence, and life was still a delightful and mysterious dream…” The story begins in a mood of 2019-20 nostalgia. Can you narrate some incident from your childhood that might make an interesting story?

Answer. Students have to answer this on their own

4. The story revolves around characters who belong to a tribe in Armenia. Mourad and Aram are members of the Garoghlanian family. Now locate Armenia and Assyria on the atlas and prepare a write-up on the Garoghlanian tribes. You may write about people, their names, traits, geographical and economic features as suggested in the story.

Answer.

The Garoghlanian family was an Armenian tribe. Eleven centuries ago, it was the wealthiest tribe in that part of the world. The members of the tribe were recognized for their morality. They ended up settling in regions such as Fresno and California. The Garoghlanian tribe is a group that works in modern conditions while carrying in their mind the values of the past of their native Armenia. They were proud of their family. Honesty was vital, and they had a fair sense of right and wrong.

 

Chapter 2: The Address

Reading with Insight

1. ‘Have you come back?’ said the woman. ‘I thought that no one had come back.’ Does this statement give some clue about the story? If yes, what is it?

Answer.

This statement gives us a hint that both the woman and the narrator know each other. The narrative revolves around a girl trying to find her mother’s ancient possessions with an adult lady. This girl’s mother knew about an upcoming war and so had gradually moved all her valuable belongings to the residence of her acquaintance, Mrs. Dorling. As her mother had expired during the war, the woman Mrs. Dorling did not expect anyone to come afterwards and claim the precious belongings. When the girl came to collect them, she was shocked. The given statement shows that the lady is selfish and does not want to share the antiques that do not even belong to her. She doesn’t even recognize the girl as her past acquaintance and refuses to even let her inside her home.

2. The story is divided into pre-War and post-War times. What hardships do you think the girl underwent during these times?

Answer.

The account “The Address” is divided into post-war and pre-war times. The girl belonged to a rich family. The girl’s family had a lot of valuable things. There is clear evidence of the difficulties which the storyteller had to experience in these times. During the pre-war times, the girl lived in another place distant from her mother and visited her very rarely. During those times, her mother was worried that her precious things would be lost in the war. They were worried that they would have to leave the house. The girl was in a small hired house with its shutters overlaid with blackout paper. She was unable to see anything outside and the threat of death was also upon them. However, during the post-war period, everything returned to normalcy. The girl could open the shutters of her room and look outside without worrying about anything. She had a powerful urge to look at her mother’s properties and so also visited Mrs. Dorlings.

3. Why did the narrator of the story want to forget the address?

Answer.

The narrator desired to forget the address as it prompted her to remember the tender remembrances of her mother, their home and valuable belongings, and her earlier life before the war, which she could never have back. She, therefore, decided to forget the address and move on.

4. ‘The Address’ is a story of human predicament that follows war. Comment.

Answer.

War brings death and destruction with it. The story The Address describes a girl’s life in post-war and pre-war times. The war created many obstacles for the narrator both physically and emotionally. She lost her house where they lived and also lost her mother. Her valuable belongings were carried away from them by a stranger who refused to return them. Many pre-war post-war perceptions can be seen in the story. Starting from the loss of life to the selfish and cruel nature of a woman, so many varied emotions are portrayed through this short story.

 

Chapter 3: Ranga’s Marriage

Reading with Insight

1. Comment on the influence of English — the language and the way of life — on Indian life as reflected in the story. What is the narrator’s attitude to English?

Answer.

The narrator thinks that the English language and the English way of life have not made any valid impact on Indian life. The story tells how the villagers are eager to meet Ranga, who has returned from Bangalore after learning English. Villagers believe Ranga’s physical appearance has changed as a result of his English studies. They gather in large numbers in front of his house, but when they see that he is the same old person, they are disappointed and leave. This proves the influence of the English language on villages. The narrator dislikes English and its sporadic use in Kannada, his native language. It is disgraceful, according to the narrator. Ranga, on the other hand, was influenced by the English language and culture. He preferred to marry a mature woman rather than a modern bride. The narrator did not approve of this thought.

2. Astrologers’ perceptions are based more on hearsay and conjecture than what they learn from the study of the stars. Comment with reference to the story.

Answer.

In this narrative, the astrologer assists the narrator in convincing a young man that Ratna is the best choice for him. In the story, the astrologer is portrayed negatively. After the duo dupe Ranga, they sit down and discuss the entire situation. The narrator commends the astrologer for reciting everything he had taught him without raising any doubt. He also ridicules his shastra. Though the astrologer is hurt by the statement, the complete situation portrays how his perspectives are based on rumour and conjecture rather than the study of the stars.

3. Indian society has moved a long way from the way the marriage is arranged in the story. Discuss.

Answer.

The entire process of choosing a bride for Ranga in the narrative ‘Ranga’s Marriage’ is based on the system that was followed long ago in our country. The situation has changed completely now. Marriages at a young age are uncommon. People have realized that if a marriage is to last, a certain level of maturity is required, and this maturity can only be obtained through education. When boys and girls decide to marry, it is always a deliberate decision. Marriages now take place in India only after both the girl and the boy consent. The narrator took the initiative for Ranga and Ratna’s wedding in the story ‘Ranga’s Marriage.’ However, in terms of the marriage scene in India, we are witnessing a lot of change these days.

4. What kind of a person do you think the narrator is?

Answer. 

A narrator is an aged person who has a loving and generous character. Ranga’s decision to remain a bachelor if he does not find a girl he considers suitable for him astounds him. As a result, the narrator decides to find a girl for Ranga, demonstrating his concern for him. He is a good judge of human character and enjoys a good laugh. He is also a gentleman who is always looking out for the best interests of others. The narrator of the story expresses his disapproval of the English custom of love marriage.

 

Chapter 4: Albert Einstein at school

Reading with Insight

1. What do you understand of Einstein’s nature from his conversations with his history teacher, his mathematics teacher and the head teacher?

Answer.

The conversation between Einstein and his teachers demonstrates that he was a truthful student. He acknowledges his flaws without hesitation. Though Albert’s History teacher thought he was a disgrace because he failed to learn the facts and figures, Albert never insulted him. He only said what he wanted in front of the teacher. The Mathematics teacher, on the other hand, thought highly of him and stated that he could not even teach him any longer since he already knew everything. The headmaster wanted Albert to leave the school because it was nearly impossible to teach the other students when he was present. Albert was a bit of a rebel, but he was a good person.

2. The school system often curbs individual talents. Discuss.

Answer.

According to the story, the school system prioritises learning facts and dates over learning ideas. Rather than highlighting the fact that they had such a brilliant student among them, the headteacher expelled Albert from school. This demonstrates how the school was only concerned with imparting bookish knowledge to the students. This type of education continues to exist today when children’s talents are ignored in favour of grades and marks. The education system is set up in such a way that brilliant students like Albert are regarded as inept and unfit rebels whose presence makes it more difficult for the teacher to teach other students.

3. How do you distinguish between information gathering and insight formation?

Answer.

There is a significant difference between the concepts of gathering information and forming insights. The collection of data and facts is referred to as information gathering. It refers to knowledge of specific events or situations gathered or obtained through communication. It is a passive process with a low level of comprehension. It is merely a mechanical approach that supports fact memorization.

Insight formation, on the other hand, relates to one’s way of seeing things as a result of a thorough understanding of the topic. The ability to discern the true nature of a situation is referred to as insight. As a result, it may vary from person to person, depending on everyone’s concepts and ideas.

 

Chapter 5: Mother’s Day

Reading with Insight

1. This play, written in the 1950s, is a humorous and satirical depiction of the status of the mother in the family.

(i) What are the issues it raises?

Answer.

The main issue raised by the play is that the lady of the house, who functions similarly to an axis, is never given due respect, especially if she is a simple housewife. The members of her family take her for granted. She is like an unpaid servant. The second problem is that the mistress of the house ought to be firm in her stance. Rather than surrendering meekly, she should be prepared to argue her case with tenacity.

(ii) Do you think it caricatures these issues or do you think that the problems it raises are genuine? How does the play resolve the issues? Do you agree with the resolution?

Answer.

No, I don’t think it caricatures these issues, because the problems raised by it are genuine.

The play helps to solve these issues by showing the audience what tends to happen if the mother neglects her responsibilities.

Yes, I agree with the proposed resolution. Every member of the family should spend some time with the angel who has brought so much colour to the family.

2. If you were to write about these issues today what are some of the incidents, examples and problems that you would think of as relevant?

Answer.

If I were to start writing about certain current issues, I wouldn’t have to go far looking for examples. The same thing happens in my house. We are three brothers and a sister who are all in school. My father is employed. My mother gets up early in the morning to prepare four breakfast sets and tiffins. We take our time getting ready, but if there is even a 5-second delay on my mother’s part, we all bring the roof down. The same ritual is performed in the evening. Mother gets up before the rest of us and goes to bed after the rest of us. Her presence had been taken for granted by all of us. My grandmother became ill one day, and my mother had to leave for two days. Without her, the entire house appeared to have been hit by a tornado. We all decided to wait for her as if we were expecting a miracle to occur. When she eventually appeared, we all breathed a sigh of relief and vowed never to underestimate her.

3. Is drama a good medium for conveying a social message? Discuss

Answer.

Yes, drama is an effective medium for communicating a social message. It is an excellent platform for displaying most such problems and solutions in a matter of minutes. People have a great attachment to dramas and are likely to remember them for a long time. Dramas undoubtedly play a significant role in bringing about social change.

Chapter 6: The Ghat of the Only World

Reading with Insight

1. What impressions of Shahid do you gather from the piece?

Answer.

Author Amitav Ghosh’s biography of Shahid reveals that the poet was a complex individual. Even the dreadful disease of cancer couldn’t break him down. He was a fighter who never gave up in the face of adversity. While in the hospital, he refused to use the wheelchair and preferred to walk on “his own feet.” He was also an exceptional teacher. Shahid had a deep appreciation for good poetry, music, and food. He was a fine poet himself and enjoyed the company of other poets and writers. His wit and sense of humor were also one of a kind. He was a non-religious man. The political situation and violence in Kashmir affected him so much that the central theme of his poem became – ‘Kashmir’. He was a truly gifted individual.

2. How do Shahid and the writer react to the knowledge that Shahid is going to die?

Answer.

Shahid was initially tense but quickly revealed his feelings and asked Amitav Ghosh to write about him after his death. The writer was taken aback and didn’t know how to react to the situation. Later, he said the standard words, “Nothing will happen to you. You’ll be fine.”

3. Look up the dictionary for the meaning of the word ‘diaspora’. What do you understand of the Indian diaspora from this piece?

Answer.

The term ‘diaspora’ refers to ‘people who come from a specific nation, or whose ancestors came from it, but now live in various parts of the world.’

According to this article, Shahid, his brother, and two sisters were living in the United States of America. Not only them, but many Indians today move abroad for a variety of reasons such as education, employment, or some other reason. They run into each other now and then. The Indian diaspora is larger than that of any other country. In this piece, we see that despite having migrated abroad, Shahid spends every summer in Srinagar, indicating that though people settle elsewhere, the love for their country never dies, and they never forget their motherland.

Chapter 7: Birth

Reading with Insight

1. “I have done something; oh, God! I’ve done something real at last.” Why does Andrew say this? What does it mean?

Answer.

Andrew spoke these words in the ecstasy of saving both the mother’s and the child’s lives. Andrew was depressed before the operation because of the pain his girlfriend had caused him. When he successfully delivered the baby, he discovered that the baby had died. Then he decided to first cure the mother, which he did. Following that, he carefully observed the baby and determined the problem. He then immediately administered the necessary treatment and resuscitated the baby. As a result, he successfully did something meaningful. Till that point, he was just thinking and then he did something real.

2. There lies a great difference between textbook medicine and the world of a practising physician. Discuss.

Answer.

The world of practicing physicians and textbook medicine is vastly different. Textbook medicine is purely scientific, whereas patient care is an art. The world of practising physicians necessitates a unique set of abilities and knowledge. Although textbook medicine provides a conceptual framework for treatment, no doctor can treat a patient without employing intuitive practices. The way Andrew brings a stillborn child back to life in the story Birth attests to this fact. The nurse initially dumps the child, believing it to be dead. Andrews, on the other hand, takes a chance, and the miracle occurs. He initially applies textbook knowledge, but the child does not recover. He never gives up hope. He uses his intuitive method, and the miracle occurs. Treatment is based on science and goes beyond. It is a science as well as an art form. Birth is a work of realistic fiction. In other words, the story’s elements have been drawn from real-life experiences and woven into the fabric of fiction.

Chapter 8: The Tale of Melon City

Reading with Insight

1. Narrate ‘The Tale of Melon City’ in your own words.

Answer.

Once upon a time, there reigned a calm king. He once wanted to build an arch that would eddy the people. The king’s wish was quickly fulfilled, and a beautiful arch was built.

When the king rode down the thoroughfare, his crown fell from his head when it struck the arch, which was built too low. The king thought it was a disgrace to him and wanted to hang the perpetrator.

He commanded the chief of the builders to be hanged. The chief then stated that it was the builders’ fault. The king then shifted the blame to the builders. The builders then cried that because the bricks were larger, the architect should be hanged. As a result, the architect was to be punished. The architect reminded the king that the king had made some changes to the design he had shown him. The blame was now back on the king.

He paused for a moment before ordering the soldiers to bring the wisest man in the country. They brought an old man who could barely see or hear, as the king had ordered. He proposed that the arch be hanged because it was the source of such disgrace, which was immediately implemented. Then one of the ministers disagreed, asking how they could shamelessly hang an arch. The king then reversed his decision and decided to deal with it his way.

They said the nation wanted someone hanged right away, so every man was measured, and only one man was tall enough to get trapped in the arch, and that man was the king. As a result, he was eventually hanged.

The country’s people then desired a new king. They asked the first person to pass through the city gate, as is their custom. Regrettably, the individual was insane. When the soldiers questioned him about who should be the next king, he said, “Who should be the next king?” He said melon because he liked them the best. So a melon was finally crowned and placed on the throne.

2. What impression would you form of a state where the King was ‘just and placid’?

Answer.

A state in which the king is just and peaceful will prosper if he is intelligent and strong as well. But in the state described in this poem, the king was so stupid that he convicted himself to death for no reason. He felt insecure about the actions he took and kept changing them. In such a state, no right decision can be made, and no situation can be handled properly.

3. How, according to you, can peace and liberty be maintained in a state?

Answer.

I believe that in a state, peace and liberty can be maintained,

1) by enforcing rules and making decisions that benefit the people. However, no law can be enacted that benefits everyone because what appears to be correct to one person may not be correct to another. As a result, laws should be drafted in such a way that they benefit the vast majority of people.

2) by disseminating a sense of unity among the people through all available means.

4. Suggest a few instances in the poem which highlight humour and irony

Answer.

There are a few instances in the poem where humour and irony are highlighted. They are as follows:

1) The king, who changed his mind after hearing each person he suspected of being a criminal.

2) The wise man’s advice to hang the arch.

3) Finally, the madman’s suggestion that they make a melon their king.