Seven Ages

Seven Ages

By William Shakespeare

Analysis : 

·      This poem ‘Seven Ages’ is taken from the play ‘As You Like It’ written by William Shakespeare, the greatest dramatist ever in English Literature.

·      These lines are a monologue spoken by Jaques, a melancholy and philosophical man in Act II, Scene VII of the play. Today, this monologue is considered one of the greatest pieces of English literature and is studied in schools worldwide.

·      'The Globe Theatre' opened by Shakespeare’s playing company used the Latin motto as the theme "Totus mundus agit histrionem," which means ‘the whole world performs as actor' and the same idea is used to open this monologue.

·      It is a narrative poem composed in iambic pentameter, consisting of five pairs or iambs of 2 syllables each, in total 10 syllables.

·      In this poem the poet discusses a man’s life and the various roles he plays in his lifetime, which terms as ‘Seven Ages’. He compares life to a play. Just like in a play all the actors appear on the stage and perform their specified roles before leaving this world. These roles represent the seven stages of human life, such as infancy, childhood, teenager, youth, adulthood, old age, and last stage is nearing death.

·      This poem is written in blank verse with no rhyme scheme.

·      The tone of the poem is philosophical.

·      Themes of the poem are transience of life and the universal human experience in this world. It also highlights the transience and futility of life and cyclic nature of life, giving the impression of philosophical thinking about life during the Renaissance.

 

Line by Line Explanation

Lines 1-5

All the world’s a stage, 

And all the men and women merely players;

They have their exits and their entrances,

And one man in his time plays many parts,                      

His acts being seven ages.

Explanation :

Shakespeare compares the world to a stage and people to actors. Just like actors enter and exit the stage during a play, human beings are born into the world and eventually leave it after their death. During their lifetime, they perform various roles, similar to actors playing different characters. These roles represent the seven stages of human life, such as infancy, childhood, teenager, youth, adulthood, old age, and last stage is nearing death.

Thus, the poet suggests that life is like a dramatic performance where each person plays several roles before finally leaving the stage of the world.

 

Lines 5-9

At first the infant,

Mewling and puking in the nurse’s arms;

And then the whining schoolboy, with his satchel

And shining morning face, creeping like snail

Unwillingly to school.

Explanation :

These lines describe the first stage, infancy and childhood, the school-going stage of life.

The first stage is of an infant. The baby cries and sometimes vomits while he is being fed and taken care by the mother or a nurse. This shows the helplessness and dependence of a newborn child over the one who takes care of the child.

In the second stage, the child steps into the school going age. He carries his school bag to his school and moves very slowly to the school. At this age he has a fresh and bright face just like the new morning. However, he goes to school unwillingly and moves very slowly, to his school. It appears as if he is burdened with his school bag and creeping very slowly like a snail creeps under its shell. The lines show that children often dislike going to school.

 

Lines 9-15

And then the lover,  

Sighing like furnace, with a woeful ballad

Made to his mistress’ eyebrow. Then a soldier,

Full of strange oaths, and bearded like the pard,

Jealous in honor, sudden and quick in quarrel,

Seeking the bubble reputation

Even in the cannon’s mouth.

Explanation

This stage represents youth, when a person falls deeply in love, and becomes love stricken. The lover sighs intensely like a burning furnace. His passion is so strong and his emotions are so fiery that his sigh is compared to hot furnace as fire of love is burning in his heart. He also writes sad love songs to praise his beloved’s facial beauty which is represented by his eye brow. He also writes sad love songs to express his intense feelings and helplessness. He admires the beauty of his beloved by writing poems about beautiful features like her eyebrow.

The next stage of life is that of a soldier who is brave, hot-tempered, and eager to defend his honor. The soldier symbolises bravery and action. He uses unusual oaths and pledges out of passion and aggression. He is ferocious like a leopard but very sensitive about his honour and reputation. He becomes angry very quickly and gets ready to fight at small instances. For him, his name and reputation matter most, which is, in fact, transient and short lived like a bubble which breaks within few moments. However, he is ready to face any amount of danger, go even in the mouth of a cannon at battle, or accept death to protect his name and honour.

Lines 15-25

And then the justice

In fair round belly with good capon lined,

With eyes severe and beard of formal cut,

Full of wise saws and modern instances;

And so he plays his part. The sixth age shifts

Into the lean and slippered pantaloon,

With spectacles on nose and pouch on side;

His youthful hose, well saved, a world too wide

For his shrunk shank; and his big manly voice,

Turning again toward childish treble, pipes

And whistles in his sound.

Explanation :

This stage represents a middle-aged man, usually wise and respected like a judge. He has a big belly, which shows that he enjoys good food and is leading a comfortable life. He has a serious expression on his face and has a formal beard, which reflects that he leads a life of dignity and ease. He often speaks wise sayings and proverbs, showing his experience and knowledge. Thus, he performs this role of a wise and respected man in society.

The next stage is old age, where a man becomes thin and wears slippers like a weak old person. He needs glasses to see clearly and loose skin hangs at his sides. The stockings  from his youth are now too loose for his thin legs. His once strong and powerful voice begins to weaken. His voice becomes thin and high-pitched like a child’s voice, sometimes sounding like whistles and pipes.

Overall, these lines describe how a man moves from the respected stage of maturity to the age of a weak old man.

 

Lines 25-28

Last scene of all,

That ends this strange eventful history,

Is second childishness and mere oblivion,

Sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything.

Explanation :

These lines speak about the final stage of life, just like the last scene of a play. Human life is described as a strange and eventful history, which is full of strange and uncertain incidents and happenings and this stage brings that story to the final culmination. In extreme old age, a person becomes weak and dependent like a child again, and begins to lose memory and awareness.
In this stage, a person loses all abilities and senses such as eyesight, taste, teeth and almost all physical and mental powers.

 

Themes Highlighted in the poem

The poem highlights the transience and futility of life and the universal human experience, cyclic nature of life, Passage of time and aging, giving impression of philosophical thinking about life during the Renaissance. It speaks about even sins and qualities and weaknesses specific to age. It presents the world as a stage and people as actors. 

 

Blank Verse – The poem does not follow any rhyme. It is a narrative poem composed in iambic pentameter – five pairs or iambs of 2 syllables each, in total 10 syllables.

Poetic Devices

All the world’s a stage,  - Extended Metaphor 

And all the men and women merely players; - Metaphor, Alliteration

They have their exits and their entrances, - Metaphor, Alliteration, Repetition 

And one man in his time plays many parts, - Alliteration                    

His acts being seven ages. At first the infant,

Mewling and puking in the nurse’s arms; - Imagery, Consonance

And then the whining schoolboy, with his satchel, - Assonance, Imagery

And shining morning face, creeping like snail - Simile, Consonance, Imagery

Unwillingly to school. And then the lover, - Alliteration 

Sighing like furnace, with a woeful ballad - Simile, Alliteration

Made to his mistress’ eyebrow. Then a soldier, - Alliteration, Synecdoche

Full of strange oaths, and bearded like the pard, - Simile 

Jealous in honor, sudden and quick in quarrel, - Assonance, Alliteration

Seeking the bubble reputation - Metaphor 

Even in the cannon’s mouth. And then the Justice - Hyperbole, Alliteration, Repetition 

In fair round belly with good capon lined, - Assonance 

With eyes severe and beard of formal cut, - Consonance

Full of wise saws and modern instances; - Consonance 

And so he plays his part. The sixth age shifts - Alliteration

Into the lean and slippered pantaloon, - Consonance, Imagery

With spectacles on nose and pouch on side; - Repetition, Imagery, Alliteration

His youthful hose, well saved, a world too wide - Alliteration, Consonance 

For his shrunk shank; and his big manly voice, - Repetition, Alliteration, Consonance

Turning again toward childish treble, pipes - Metaphor 

And whistles in his sound. Last scene of all, - Metaphor 

That ends this strange eventful history, - Metaphor 

Is second childishness and mere oblivion, - Metaphor

Sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything. - Repetition 

 

  

birth

Birth

                                       By A. J.Cronin

Analysis:

The story ‘Birth’ is written by A. J. Cronin, the Scottish novelist and physician. It is an excerpt from his novel ‘The Citadel’.

This story is a beautiful message of mental strength, courage, deterrence and resilience and commitment to profession.

It is an account of a complicated case of child birth tactfully dealt by a doctor, Andrew Manson who has just started his medical practice in Blaenelly. The family of Joe Morgan was expecting their first child after 20 years of his marriage, hence they were anxious still they had complete faith in Dr. Andrew.

It vividly captures his first experience of the childbirth, highlighting the emotional intensity, professional responsibility, and life-and-death dilemmas. 

The style of the story is narratives as it narrates small details, situation, surroundings, characters and the small acts of bravery and courage performed by the doctor.

The story is great lesson to all the people on how to fight the hurdles and emerge triumphantly in the time of crisis especially about the life-saving acts of the doctors who bring smiles on the grim faces.

Dr. Andrew Manson stood out as a true example of strong stamina and perseverance. He displayed amazing sensibility with sensitivity, great awareness of medical cases, and complete commitment to his profession with an amzing sense of kindness.

 

Summary :

The story is about Andrew Manson, a young doctor who has just started his career as an assistant to Dr. Edward Page in Blaenelly, a small Welsh mining town. This excerpt narrates one intense night in his career that tests his knowledge as well as his emotional strength.

It begins with Joe Morgan waiting for Doctor Andrew Manson as his wife was in labour pain even before the time of her child’s birth. She was in a critical situation. Andrew tried to come out of the unpleasant time with his girlfriend Christine. He got his bag, came out of his house and started walking towards Joe’s house 12 Blaina Terrace, Joe’s house. When they reached, Joe told, he won’t come in and showed full confidence in Andrew. Joe was tense and nervous.

Andrew entered the house and reached the bedroom which was not lavish, but was neat. Inside the room there were Mrs. Morgan’s mother, who was an elderly woman and a midwife to assist the childbirth. Mrs Morgan’s mother offered Andrew a cup of tea. Realising the old lady’s worry due to the waiting period, giving a gentle smile doctor comforted her saying that he won’t go anywhere before the child birth.

Though he was mentally and physically exhausted due to the unpleasant encounter with Christine, he knew it was impossible for him to even get an hour’s worth of sleep if he went home.

He went upstairs after almost an hour to check upon Mrs Morgan and again come back. While he sat in the kitchen, Mrs Morgan’s mother sat in front of him wearing her black dress. She looked at him constantly with her wise eyes that were filled with hope.

He was still being haunted by the incident that took place at Cardiff station with Christine. He decided not to marry recalling some examples of failed marriages in his acquaintances, Bramwell, Dr. Edward Page and Denny.

The old lady tells the doctor that Susan was worried Susan due to her complicated situation and refused to have anaesthesia as it might affect the baby. She told him, they all want that child very badly. The doctor assured the old lady that the anaesthetic would do no harm to either of them.

Suddenly, the nurse called the doctor that Mrs. Morgan needed him as it was the time. After struggle of an hour the child was born with the first ray of the dawn, but the child was lifeless. As he looked at the lifeless child, a shiver passed down his spine. He was devastated as well as confused. He had to decide to address the still-born or the miserable mother. He intuitively addressed the mother first while giving the child to the nurse. Susan laid unconscious. He instantly broke the medicine’s glass to fill the syringe and inject it into her.

When he was assured that she was safe, he turned to the child without wasting a moment. The midwife had kept it under the bed, considering the child lifeless. He took the child out. The child had perfect shape and flawless soft skin. His body was warm and limbs felt boneless. He observed the child and knew it could only be a case of oxygen deprivation. He had seen a similar case in Samaritan. He instantly stood up and asked the nurse to bring hot water and cold water in separate tubs. The nurse hesitated as she thought the efforts were useless but the doctor shouted at her to follow his instructions.

Then, Andrew grabbed a blanket and placing the child on it, performed the CPR. The nurse arrived and he began with the procedure. In one basin, he put cold water and in the other, he put hot water at the temperature the child could bear. He started dipping the child in the basins, one after another. He did the procedure for about fifteen minutes. He was extremely tired and sweating badly. One of his sleeves got unfolded and wet with water. Despite all his effort, the child still laid lifeless. After the long struggle, the floor was extremely wet and dirty. He slipped and the child also almost slipped as he was wet like a white fish. The midwife then pleaded the doctor to stop as the child is stillborn.

He felt that he had failed so, was disheartened. All eyes were on him. Then, he thought of something else and rubbed the child with towel, and then clinched and released the child’s chest. He repeated this process again and again. Just then, like a miracle, the little chest which was enclosed in Andrew’s hands, took a breath. He continued heaving, leaving Andrew weak in his knees. The feeling of the little one’s breathing on his fingers was incredible. He, then doubled the efforts until the child breathed deeply. As he gasped, a bubble formed by the mucus came out of the baby’s tiny nostril, his pale skin turned pink and the body no longer felt like it was lifeless.

The nurse was praying with tears in her eyes. Andrew handed her the child, he felt extremely weak and tired. The mother lay still on the bed, the anesthesia still had its effect. Susan’s mother stood still in one place in wonder and gratitude.

Andrew told the nurse that he will take his bag later. After drinking a glass of water from kitchen he took his coat and hat and headed outside. He met Joe outside and told him that everything was fine. While walking towards his home, his heart was full of the thought that he finally accomplished something.

 Important Question Answers

What impression do you form of Andrew Manson on the basis of the story ‘Birth’?

Ans. Andrew Manson is a young doctor who has recently started his medical practice as an assistant to Dr Edward Page in the small Welsh mining town of Blaenelly. Andrew is mature enough to keep his private and professional lives apart. Once confronted with his responsibility, he discharges his obligations to the utmost capacity even though he was mentally exhausted and sad after his fight with his girl friend, Christine. He is duty conscious. 

He is not a theorist only. He believes in practical approach. He is pragmatic and is smart at trying new methods as per the demand of the situation.

Andrew is sensible as well as sensitive. He respects feelings of others. He knows how deeply Susan and her family loved her coming baby. He has polite manners and reassuring tone. On the whole, Andrew is a dedicated and committed doctor and a compassionate human being.

Important Question Answers Vistas

Important Question Answers
Vistas

Q. What does ‘Third level refer to?

Ans. There is a subway in New York called The Grand Central Station which basically has two levels from where passengers go to their respective destinations by train. When Charley was in hurry to catch his trains from first and second level of the station, he found an unknown way which led him to the another station which was the third level which made him think about the period of 1980s which was very peaceful that is not there in that present era but in actual there was no third level ever built it was all his imagination.

Q. Do you think, the third level is an escape from reality? Why? Why not?

Ans. Yes, because according to Charley the present era is full of insecurity, fear, war, worry and he was unhappy in the present conditions but when he imagined the third level, he found it peaceful and pleasant and he felt happy in that period of time so definitely it proved third level a medium of escape for charley.

Q. What is the theme of the story ‘The Enemy’? How is Humanity kept at the helm by Dr. Sadao?

Ans. The story emphasises the subject of prejudice and its damaging impact on interpersonal relationships. The plot centres on the connection between a Japanese doctor and an American soldier, who are originally strangers, and in fact enemies amid the period of the second world war. Despite the difference in nationality, the Japanese doctor, Sado remained loyal to his profession and thus, saved the life of the injured enemy soldier. However, this did not go well with his fellow men who considered him not to be loyal towards his country. The narrative shows us how the Japanese doctor, Sadao balances these two duties and emphasizes on the importance of humanity over his nationalism, patriotism and everything else.

Q. The story is a satire on the conceit of those in power. How does the author employ the literary device of dramatic irony in the story?

Ans. The story 'The Tiger King' is a satire on the pride and conceit of those in power. The Maharaja of Pratibandapuram tried to belie what was written in his fate. The result was ironical as well as tragic. The chief astrologer had foretold that the tiger would be the cause of his death. King, being intoxicated in power tried to kill 100 tigers to save himself but he couldn’t escape his death. He wasn’t killed by a real tiger but wooden toy tiger.

The proud King’s death episode is quite dramatic. When the king refused to leave the forest in order to kill the hundredth tiger, a very old and weak tiger was brought by his dewan and left in the forest but the king missed his aim and tiger wasn’t shot by him. Later, the hunters shot the tiger.

Here, the author employs the literary device of dramatic irony in the story. The irony is that the King thinks himself safe after killing the hundredth tiger but the hundredth tiger didn't die of his bullet. Ironically, danger was looming large on the king and when he along with his son were playing with the wooden tiger, the slivers on its rough surface caused infection and it resulted into the death of the Tiger King. Even after lot of drama, sincere efforts and danger faced by the king, he got killed due to a tiger though a wooden one.

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Q. How will you compare and contrast the characters of Derry and Mr. Lamb?

Ans. Derry and Mr. Lamb are two distinct personalities with completely different characteristics, most probably due to their age difference. Derry is a boy of 14 years who suffers from inferiority complex. He got his face burnt in an accident, which made him lonely and withdrawn. Mr. Lamb has a tin leg as one of his legs was blown off in the war. Darry came to Mr. Lamb's garden where everyone is welcome. It is a meeting of two minds with totally opposite view points. Derry is withdrawn. Mr. Lamb is very social. Darry avoids men and their company as he doesn't want their reactions and comments. He can't stand their cruel remarks. Mr. Lamb has a positive outlook towards life, people and things. He accepts life as it comes and tries to comfort others. He lives alone but rarely he displays the sign of loneliness and disappointment on his face. He likes to talk to people and likes their company. He has friends and everybody knows him. Kids come for the apples, pears and toffees. There is nothing that doesn't interest him. He enjoys sitting in the sun and reading books. He doesn’t have curtain in his house.

Mr. Lamb leaves the stamp of his personality on Derry. He shows the young boy the ways of the world. He motivates him to move forward in life and accept his reality bravely.

Q. Why is Antarctica the place to go to, to understand the earth’s present, past and future?

Ans. Antarctica is a part of earth’s history so it becomes the place to visit in order to understand the earth's past, present and future. This place gives us an idea of how the earth was millions of years ago. About 650 years ago there was one super continent, Gondwana and India and Antarctica were the part of the same land mass which was forced to get divided into countries as we have today. It was quite warmer earlier and now again it is getting warm. The melting of ice sheets and glaciers give us an idea what kind of future we are heading to. Thus, visiting Antarctica gives us an idea of earth’s past, present and future.

Q. What are Geoff Green’s reasons for including high school students in the Students on Ice expedition?

Ans. ‘Students on Ice’ programme by Geoff Green aims at providing the students with inspiring educational opportunity. Geoff Green, a Canadian took high school students on an expedition to the southern end of the Earth. He wants to make them realise the impact that human intervention could have made  on nature. He perceives the students as the future policy – makers and projects them to life changing experience. He wishes them to realise how difficult it would be to sustain life with the rising global temperature. He successfully made them see the melting glaciers and collapsing ice shelves and estimate the trouble that mankind may be facing very soon so that they can do something to bring a positive change.

Q. What message is conveyed through ‘Memories of Childhood’?

Ans. The chapter ‘Memories of Childhood’ teaches us a beautiful lesson that we should not discriminate or harrass other people just because they belong to different caste, religion or community. More importantly staying quiet and not speaking against any injustice or harrassment is even worse. Sometimes such bullying or harassment may result in grave issues such as suicides, mental trauma and psychological problems but if we speak up and spread awareness against such injustice and educate ourselves and our children, there will be revolutionary change in the society. The writers, Bama and Zitkala Sa, through their articles speak about the discrimination faced by them in their childhood so that all become at par in the society.

 

Memories of Childhood

Memories of Childhood Part I and II

 

Analysis :

·      The chapter 'Memories of Childhood’ are the anecdotes from two writers' childhood. It is a compilation of two stories – ‘Cutting of My Long hair’ written by Zitkala Sa and ‘We Too are Human Beings’ written by Bama.

·      The first account is by an American Indian woman, Gertrude Simmons Bonnin. She was born in 1876. She struggled against the severe prejudice that prevailed towards Native American culture and women. She wrote under the pen-name 'Zitkala-Sa'.  She criticises dogma and oppression.

·      The second account is by a contemporary Tamil Dalit writer with the pen-name 'Bama'. She belongs to a Roman Catholic family. The second excerpt has been taken from her autobiography 'Karukku'.

·      This chapter depicts that various people in our society face harassment, bullying, ill-treatment and discrimination due their caste, colour, creed and community.

·      The story teaches us that one should not bully or harrass other people just because they are different from the rest. More importantly staying quiet and not speaking against such injustice or harrassment is even worse.

This unit presents autobiographical episodes from the lives of two women who belong to communities of secondary importance. They look back on their childhood and think about their relationship with the mainstream culture.

 

Synopsis / Summary 

Part I – The Cutting of My Long Hair by Zitkala Sa

On her first day at school Zitkala was in the dining hall. A large bell rang for breakfast. Shoes clattered on bare floors. The girls were marching in a line into the dining room. A paleface woman, with white hair also appeared. Zitkala walked noiselessly in her soft moccasins. She felt like sinking to the floor because her stoles had been removed from her shoulders. The Indian girls did not seem to care about being immodestly dressed in tight fitting clothes.

The boys entered from the opposite door. A small bell was tapped. The pupils drew a chair from under the table. The writer pulled out her chair and at once sat on it. But she was the only one seated. All the rest at their table remained standing. She began to rise. Then, second bell sounded and all were seated. She heard a man's voice at the end of the hall. She looked around to see him. All the others hung their heads over their plates. She found the paleface woman looking at her. The man stopped his mutterings. Then a third bell was tapped. Everyone picked up knife and fork and began eating. These eating norms and rules were a difficult experience.

Late, her friend, Judewin told her that she had overheard the paleface woman talk about cutting their long heavy hair. Among their people, short hair was worn by mourners and shingled hair by cowards. Judewin said that they had to submit because the school authorities were strong and they can’t fight. But, the writer decided to struggle before submitting.

When no one noticed, she disappeared and crept upstairs. She hid herself under the bed in a large room with three white beds in it. She heard loud voices in the hall calling her name. Even Judewin was searching for her. She did not open her mouth to answer. The sound of steps came nearer and nearer. Women and girls entered the room. They searched her everywhere. Someone threw up the curtains. The room was filled with sudden light. They stopped and looked under the bed. She was dragged out. She resisted by kicking and scratching wildly. She was carried downstairs and tied fast in a chair.

She cried aloud and shook her head. Then she felt the cold blade of scissors against her neck. One of her thick braids was removed. Her long hair was being shingled like a cowards. Since the day she had come here, she had suffered insults. People had stared at her. She had been tossed about in the air like a wooden puppet. She moaned for her mother, but no one came to comfort her. Now she was only one of many little animals driven by a herder.

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Part II - We Too are Human Beings by Bama

When Bama was studying in the third class, she had not yet heard people speak openly of untouchability. But she had already seen, felt, experienced what it was.

One day she was walking home from school. It was possible to walk the distance in ten minutes, but it would usually take her at least thirty minutes as she witnessed all the fun and games, novelties and oddities in the streets, the shops and the bazaar. Each thing would pull her to a standstill and not allow her to go any further.

Speeches by leaders of political parties, street plays, puppet show, stunt performances and other entertaining things drew her attention on the way. She watched waiters pouring coffee, people chopping up onions, or almonds being blown down from the tree by the wind. She saw people selling snacks, payasam, halva and iced lollies.

One day she saw in her street, a threshing floor and the cattle crushing the grain from straw on the threshing floor. She saw the landlord who was seated on a piece of sack and watching the proceedings.

Just then, she saw an elder of their street coming from bazaar and holding out a packet by its string without touching it. Then he went to the landlord, bowed low and extended the packet towards him. The landlord opened the parcel and began to eat the vadais, the banana curry.

She found this whole scene funny and narrated her elder brother the story with its comic details. But, Annan was not amused. He told her that the elder was carrying the package for his upper caste landlord without touching it because these people believed that people of lower caste should not touch them. If they did, they would be polluted. She became sad on listening all this and felt angry towards the people of upper castes.

She thought that these miserly people, who had collected money somehow, had lost all human feelings. But the lower castes were also human beings. They should not do petty jobs for them.

Annan, her elder brother, was studying at a university. He had come home for the holidays. He would often go to the library in their neighbouring village in order to borrow books. One day, one of the landlord's men met him and addressed Annan respectfully. But, his manner changed on knowing his name and the street he lived in, that indicated their caste.

Annan told her that they were not given any honour, dignity or respect because they were born in a particular community. He advised her to study and make progress. Thus, she can gain respect. She studied hard and stood first in her class. Many people then became her friends.

Theme

Racial and caste discrimination is an injustice towards marginalised communities and this injustice can be erased through education and progress. Not raising voice against such injustice is even greater injustice.  

Message

The story teaches us a beautiful lesson that we should not discriminate or harrass other people just because they belong to different caste, religion or community. More importantly staying quiet and not speaking against any injustice or harrassment is even worse. Sometimes such bullying or harassment may result in grave issues such as suicides, mental trauma and psychological problems.

We must speak up and spread awareness against such injustice and educate ourselves and our children so that all become at par in the society.

On the Face of It

On the Face of It                                                                                                                                  By Susan Hill

 

Analysis :

·      The chapter ‘On The face of It’ is a one act play written by Susan Hill, an English author.

·      The story features an interesting debate between two different perspectives of life through the dialogue between Mr. Lamb who lost his leg in the world war and a boy, Derry whose face got burnt in an accident.

·      The story highlights mental condition of a boy and his viewpoint about the world which is sometime pitiful or scornful, and sometime indifferent towards the people who suffer from mental trauma due to some or the other reason, disclosing the truth that no matter how the world treats us, we need to face and accept the reality of our life bravely.

·      The story points out the pain of physical disability and its damaging impact on the young minds and their relationship with the world.

·      The plot centres on an intellectual dialogue between an old man who is mature enough to think positively about life and a 14 years old boy who is sad and disheartened enough to think bitter about the world. They are originally strangers in the beginning yet despite the difference in their perspective they develop a sweet relationship.

·  It discusses adolescent behaviour and its complexities namely escapism, irritation, misunderstanding and gloominess due to immaturity in this age. It expresses the state of a teenage boy’s mind who is constantly tormented by the world’s insensitivity and indifference.

·      It also highlights the sensibility and maturity of an old man who lost his leg in the world war despite the fact that he leads a life of loneliness, sadness and helplessness

·      The story clearly states that there are better ways to resolve struggles of life. Positive perspective can transform our life and make it more beautiful.

·      The chapter successfully gives a beautiful message of peace, love and positivity stressing upon the fact that we need to accept our reality.

 

Summary

The scene opens in the garden of Mr. Lamb where Derry walks in slowly and cautiously through Lamb who speaks to him and Derry is startled. He didn't know if there was anybody there. Mr. Lamb tries to make Derry comfortable saying that he can pick crab apples and need not go away. He doesn't mind who comes in the garden. The gate is always open. Derry did not need to climb over the wall of the garden. Derry says that he didn't come there for stealing. Mr. Lamb assures him that he need not to be afraid. Derry says that he is not afraid but people are afraid of him. They look at his face and find it terrible and ugly. Even when he himself looks at his face in the mirror, he is afraid of himself. Mr. Lamb says that he will get the ladder and a stick and pull down the crab apples. He makes jelly from them. Derry doesn't want Mr. Lamb to change the subject. He wants to talk about himself. Mr. Lamb thinks that perhaps Derry's face got burnt in a fire. Derry tells that in an accident the acid burnt up his face. Mr. Lamb says it doesn’t make them different.

Derry says that they are not similar. Mr Lamb is old. Derry is young. Derry has got a burned face. Lamb has got a tin leg. Similarly, one green plant is called a weed and another flower. It is all life. Lamb got his one leg blown off in war. Some kids call him "Lamey Lamb". But he doesn't mind it. He doesn't put on trousers to cover his leg as he accepts it. A tin leg or a burnt face are not the only things to be taken notice of or to be stared at. There are so many other things like crab apples, weeds and sunflowers. They deserve more attention. Mr Lamb enjoys life and people as much as he can.

Derry says that people have told him many fairy stories to console him saying that it is not important what "you look like". People tell these comforting lies only to console him. But Derry knows that he will not change. He will stay as a 'monstrous beast'. No one will kiss him ever. Only his mother kisses him but she too kisses on the other side of his face. He doesn't care if nobody ever kissed him. Mr Lamb asks Derry if he doesn't care to be kissed by pretty girls, girls with long hair and large eyes, and the people he loves. Derry replies that no one will ever kiss and love him. He is grieved that he won't ever look different. Even when he grows as old as Mr Lamb. He will still only have 'half a face'. Mr Lamb replies that Derry may have a 'half face' but the world has got a 'whole face'. He should look at it.

Derry is indulged in self pity and is obsessed with what people say and comment about him. People remind Derry that there are people even worse than him. He might be blind, dumb or mad by birth. Once, a woman looked at him and said to another woman, "Look at that terrible thing" telling that only a mother could love such a face. Mr Lamb advises Derry to keep his ears shut on such people and comments. Derry says that he doesn't like people passing cruel comments about him.

Mr Lamb reminds Derry that he can't lock himself up in a room and narrates the story of a man who was afraid of everything in the world. So he went into his room, locked the door and stayed there. One day, a picture fell off the wall on to his head and killed him. Mr Lamb says that he enjoys life as it comes. He sits in the sun and reads books. He is not fond of curtains. Mr Lamb motivates Derry saying that he has got two arms, eyes and ears, a tongue and also a brain. He can get on the way he wants, like rest of the world. And if he chooses, he can get on better than all the rest. Mr Lamb says that Derry can live the same way as he himself does. For him everybody is welcome. The gate is always open. Derry says that there are some people who hate him and if he comes in his garden, Mr. lamb may lose his friends. Mr Lamb says that hatred is more harmful than a bottle of acid. Derry gets up and prepares to go. He says he will come back. Mr Lamb says that generally people say so but never come back.

Derry comes home but his mother warns him not to go back there. Derry assures her that she need not fear. Only an old man with a tin leg lives there. He has a huge house and a velse has ever said. Derry runs to Mr Lamb's He is Mr Lamb. He says things nobody garden. He opens the garden gate. He cries that he has come back. Suddenly there is a sound of thud and crash. The ladder falls back, Mr Lamb also falls down with it. He dies. Derry begins to cry. He goes on crying “Lamey-Lamb ! I came back and wept bitterly.

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Character Sketch of Derry

Derry is a boy of 14 years who suffers from inferiority complex. He got his face burnt in an accident. This makes him lonely and withdrawn. He avoids men and their company as he doesn't want their reactions and comments. He can't stand their cruel remarks. He comes to Mr. Lamb's garden and meets him there. It is a meeting of two minds with totally opposite view points. Derry is withdrawn. Mr. Lamb is very social.

Derry takes time to open up before Mr. Lamb. But he finds a patient listener in him. Mr. Lamb accepts life as it comes and tries to comfort others.

Mr. Lamb leaves the stamp of his personality on Derry. He shows the young boy the ways of the world. He motivates him to move forward in life and accept his reality bravely.

Character Sketch of Mr. Lamb

Mr. Lamb has a positive outlook towards life, people and things. He accepts life as it comes. He lives alone. But rarely he displays the sign of loneliness and disappointment on his face. He has a tin leg. One of his legs was blown off in the war. When Derry asks: "Does your leg hurt you?", Mr. Lamb confesses that his leg pains now and then, particularly in wet weather.

Mr. Lamb tries to overcome his loneliness by opening his heart to others. Whosoever comes in his garden, is welcome. He takes everything in his stride. He wants to have company and likes to talk to people. He has friends everywhere. Everybody knows him. Kids come for the apples, pears and toffees. There is nothing that doesn't interest him. He enjoys sitting in the sun and reading books. He doesn’t have curtain in his house. Life means growing to him. He grows apples, pears, weeds and flowers. So, such a person never feels lonely and disappointed.

Important Question Answers Flamingo

Important Question Answers for CBSE Exam

Flamingo

Q. How is the rattrap used as a metaphor in the story?

Ans. In the story, The Rattrap, the peddler used rattraps sold by him as a metaphor for the world According to him, the world was a big rattrap because it was full of temptations. Like a rattrap, it offered riches and joys, shelter and food, heat and clothing to the people. When someone was tempted to touch them, it would close on him and everything came to an end. The people trying to catch the things of temptations or fufil their desires will be caught in the trap forever as the desires are never fulfilled and people spend their whole life to earn the things.

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Q. What kind of pain and ache troubles the poet?

Ans. As a child, Kamala Das had a fear of losing her mother. She always felt sad to think that she would be separated from her mother. Her childhood fear of being separated from her mother always lingers and comes to the fore quite often. She was always scared that her mother might not be alive the next time she came back as she has become old and might die soon.

Q. The people in the story suddenly realised how precious their language is to them. What does this show to you?

Ans. The elders of the village were sitting in the classroom as they had come to know about the orders from Berlin that they would not be taught French any more. They were very sad to hear this and suddenly came to realise the importance of their language which they had neglected earlier but now, they won't be able to learn it anymore. They were sitting there to thank the teacher Mr. Hamel for his forty years of service and to show their respect for their language and the country. In the last class they wished to learn as much they could. 

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Q. Why did Gandhi consider the Champaran episode to be a turning point in his life?

Ans. The Champaran episode relieved poor indigo peasant from torturous burden they had to face and solved their problems due to the forced agreement. Gandhiji received immense support from the peasants and other people. They only required a strong leadership under which they all stood against cruel landlords. Gandhiji considered this episode as a turning point in his life as he could see that non violent and civil disobedience could achieve the larger objective of independence with the support of millions of agitated and motivated Indians. The victory in the battle of Champaran was a sign of freedom from fear and this freedom led him on the longer trail of India's Independence Movement.

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Q. Franz thinks, “Will they make them sing in German even the pigeons?” What is conveyed here?

Ans. When the writing task was given to the class by Mr. Hamel, all were engrossed and writing quietly. Beatles flew in the room and Franz felt that they also wanted to attend the class and write French. On the roof the pigeons were cooing very low, and narrator wondered if the new authorities would make the pigeons also sing in German as they were asking the people to learn German.

Q.  What socio-economic background did Sophie belong to? What are the indicators of her financial status? Why does she fail to accept her reality unlike her father and brother?

Ans. Little Derek understands his unrealistic sister as well as knows that her wild dreams needs lot of money. He tells: "She thinks money grows on trees... Dad?"

Sophie belongs to a lower middle class socio-economic background which is reflected by her brother Geoff's occupation. He is an apprentice mechanic. He travels to his work each day to the far side of the city. His jacket is shapeless. Her father lacks sophistication. He grunts and tosses one of little Derek's shoes from his chair onto the sofa. The family doesn't own a servant or a car. All these confirm that belong to a lower-income group.

Q. Did Sophie really meet Danny Casey? Which was the only occasion when Sophie met Casey in person?

No, Sophie didn't really meet Danny Casey. She was so much fascinated by the young Irish footballer. She imagined his coming to meet her. She sat there waiting for Casey. She knew that he would not come. She felt sad and disappointed. She was always lost in a dreamy world where she imagined nothing but Casey.

She saw Danny in person only on one occasion. The family went to watch United on Saturday. She watched how United won two-nil. Her idol Casey drove in the second goal. She saw how he goaled beating the goalkeeper. Sophie glowed with pride.

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Q. The author has used gentle humour to point out human foibles. Pick out instances to show how this serves to make the piece interesting?

Ans. In ‘Poets and Pancakes' Asokamitran uses gentle humour to point out human weaknesses and absurdities. The humour used by the narrator is not pungent or caustic. It tickles but doesn't bite. The brand name of the make-up material is 'Pancake' and it is bought in truckloads! The make-up room is in a building that was believed to have been Robert Clive's stables. 

The description of the make-up men is quite humorous. They could turn "any decent-looking person into a hideous crimson hued monster". The narrator continues: "The chief make-up man made the chief actors and actresses ugly". Another example of gentle humour is the description of the office boy who was in his early forties..

The author's description of the lawyer is also quite humorous. The lawyer was also officially known as the legal adviser. But everybody referred to him as the opposite.' Similarly, he gently laughs at the ignorance of the MRA group about animals. His description of English poet is equally humorous. He asks “What is an English poet doing in a studio which makes Tamil films ...?” Overall treatment of the story and the characters is quite interesting and the tone is humorous through and through.

Q. Why are Aunt Jennifer’s hands ‘fluttering through the wool’? What is suggested by ‘massive weight of uncle’s wedding hand’? Why is the needle so ‘hard to pull’ for aunt Jennifer?

Ans. The poet highlights the victimisation of Aunt Jennifer in his poem. Aunt Jennifer is so terrified of her husband that her fingers tremble when she pulls out the ivory needle through wool even though the needle is very light. It depicts her physical as well as emotional weakness. The wedding ring which she is wearing symbolises responsibilities that are a great burden on her soul. The wedding ring given by the uncle seems heavy to her. She finds it difficult to go ahead as her married life has taken away all her freedom from her.

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Q. What will counting up to twelve and keeping still help us achieve?

Ans. According to the poet, counting up to twelve and keeping still would help us achieve peace, resistance and self control. It will also help us introspect on the things that we do and ponder over the reasons why we do a thing.

Q. What symbol from Nature does the poet invoke to say that there can be life under apparent stillness?

Ans. The poet uses a very beautiful example from Nature to illustrate and invoke the idea that there can be life under apparent stillness. He used earth as the symbol to justify the earth sleeps or remains inactive during the winter so that it may blossom beyond boundaries during the spring.

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Q. "Little has moved with time, it seems, in Firozabad." Why does the writer say this?

   Ans. The writer, Anees Jung, tells that the traditional bangle makers in Firozabad are poor, illiterate, and exploited. They cannot fulfil their dreams. They are caught in the web of middlemen and moneylenders who are supported by the authorities. They keep living in filth and squalor for ages. The children help their parents in bangle making and people lose their eye sight due to poor management and conditions. Though such child labour is illegal, it is going on unabated in Firozabad. The author wants to convey that due to irresponsibility of authorities nothing has changed in the city and the poor have been suffering for ages.

 Q. What does Saheb look for in the garbage dumps? What are the hopes of other 10,000 ragpickers like him?

 Ans. Saheb is a poor ragpicker of Seemapuri. He roams in the streets with his friends and looks for gold and money in the garbage dumps. Sometimes, he also finds a ten rupee note. Other 10,000 ragpickers also dream to find treasure in the garbage like Saheb, especially the children. For grown ups rag picking is a way of survival but for children rag picking means money, an easy way to get rich.

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Q. What were the series of emotions and fears that Douglas experienced when he was thrown into the pool? What plans did he make to come to the surface? How did this experience affect him?

Ans. When William Douglas was thrown into the pool, he underwent a series of emotions and fears. He was frightened but he tried his best to come out of water. Soon his legs became stiff and refused to move. Horror gripped his heart and he panicked. Last time when he attempted to make a leap, his legs didn’t support him and he became unconscious.

Due to this frightening experience, he became scared of water and couldn’t think of swimming any more. Whenever he thought of water, he couldn’t fight his fear.

Q. “All we have to fear is fear itself.” Illucidate with reference to the narrator, William Douglas’ struggle to defeat his fear.

Ans. Douglas had really had a brush with death when he got nearly drowned in YMCA pool. After that episode darkness of fear engulfed his life completely. But, he didn’t want to spend his entire life under that scare because ‘all we have to fear is the fear itself’. He knew that through a determined efforts he can overcome his fear and he decided to learn swimming and started learning under an expert trainer. He challenged his fear and started practising to swim in a pool five days a week. He went down in the depth of water and told his fear that he is no more scared. He swam in lakes and from the Gilbert peak he shouted with joy that he has defeated his fear and that returned in an echo. American president, Franklin D. Roosevelt has rightly said, “All we have to fear is the fear itself.” This was well deservedly understood and lived by the narrator, William Douglas who struggled with all his might until he succeeded to defeat his fear of water.

Q. What is the tone of the poem ‘A Roadside Stand’? What does the poet wish to tell the world?

Ans. The tone of the poem is sad and melancholic. The poet’s heart rents out when he describes pathetic state of poor vendors. He clearly brings out the theme that unequal distribution of cash and city money hinders the real development of the city, voicing loud the capitalist theory of Carl Marx who says that every social group has equal right on the country capital to earn and spend using its cash flow. The poet talks about the desired changes in the economic policies and laws of the government as everyone has the right to use equal share of city money and live a life with dignity and happiness.

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Q. What does the line, ‘Therefore are we wreathing a flowery band to bind us to earth’ suggest to you? How do us bind our self to the earth every morning?

Ans. All the Romantic poets stress upon the relationship between man and nature. Keats also believes that there is an unbreakable bond which keep man connected with nature and the earth. By this line he suggests that the link of man with nature is eternal. The things of beauty are things found on our earth such as beautiful flowers, shady trees, brook, birds, literature and great heroes. We seem to weave a beautiful bond with our earth every day. It keeps us attached and connected to the beauties of this earth. The beauties of the earth fascinate us. Every object of nature is a source of beauty and happiness. Every day, we are weaving a wreath of flowers which refers to the beautiful bond that binds us to the beauties of this earth.

Q. How is ‘grandeur’ associated with the ‘mighty dead’?
Ans: Mighty heroes from history in spite of being dead keep inspiring and fascinating the generations with their glorious and grand tales. These heroes were very powerful and remarkable and their life was full of grandeur, power and bravery. Their achievements, ideologies and victories made them grand and great. Their noble works dazzle us influencing our lives. Our mighty, grand and great heroes such as Julius Caesar, Aristotle, Socrates, Ulysses, Maharana Pratap, Prithvi Raj Chauhan, etc. earned name and admiration with their noble and heroic deeds. It is hoped and believed that the coming generations will draw inspiration and joy from their noble deeds for ever.

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 Q. ‘Several thousand celebrities have been interviewed over the years, some of them repeatedly’, still many of them ‘despise the interview as an unwarranted intrusion in their lives'. Describe the opinions for and against the interview.

Ans. The interview has become an indispensable feature of journalism today. Several thousand celebrities have been interviewed over the years. Some of them have been interviewed repeatedly. Opinions vary on the interview. Some consider it a source of truth. Some call it a great art. It is the most effective and powerful medium of knowing important persons or celebrities.

Usually celebrities despise being interviewed. They consider it as an 'unwarranted intrusion' into their lives. Naipaul feels that people are 'wounded' by interviews. They lose a part of themselves. Lewis Carrol never consented to be interviewed. Rudyard Kipling considered it immoral and an offence against his person. H.G. Wells who interviewed Joseph Stalin considered it as 'an ordeal'. Saul Bellow considered interviews as 'thumbprints on his windpipe'. In spite of some of these drawbacks, the interview remains 'a supremely serviceable medium of communication.' 

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