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The document covers two literary works: 'The Sermon at Benares,' which narrates the early life of Lord Buddha and emphasizes the inevitability of death and the importance of inner peace, and 'The Proposal' by Anton Chekhov, a comedic play about Ivan Lomov's failed marriage proposal due to arguments over property. Both pieces explore themes of mortality and the absurdity of human relationships. The moral of the first story highlights the acceptance of death, while the second illustrates how anger can disrupt personal connections.

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6 views2 pages

10th material

The document covers two literary works: 'The Sermon at Benares,' which narrates the early life of Lord Buddha and emphasizes the inevitability of death and the importance of inner peace, and 'The Proposal' by Anton Chekhov, a comedic play about Ivan Lomov's failed marriage proposal due to arguments over property. Both pieces explore themes of mortality and the absurdity of human relationships. The moral of the first story highlights the acceptance of death, while the second illustrates how anger can disrupt personal connections.

Uploaded by

priyadiana14
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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10th [English] overall lesson’s material.

8.The Sermon at Benares

Introduction

The Sermon at Benares is a story that revolves around the early life of Lord Buddha, who was born as
a prince in a royal family. After being exposed to the sufferings of the world, he left his royal life
behind to seek spiritual knowledge. Upon attaining enlightenment, he gave his first sermon in the
city of Benares, which had a profound impact on a grieving lady named Kisa Gotami.

The theme of the Lesson

The story is based on the concept of life and death, emphasizing that humans are mortal and death is
inevitable. It highlights the importance of detachment from loved ones and the significance of
silence in achieving inner peace.

Summary

Gautama Buddha was born as a prince in a North Indian royal family. At the age of 12, he was sent to
study Hindu scriptures, and upon returning, he got married to a princess. However, after
encountering a sick man, an aged man, a funeral procession, and a monk begging for alms, he
realized the true nature of life and left his royal life behind to seek spiritual knowledge.

After attaining enlightenment, Buddha gave his first sermon in Benares, where he met Kisa Gotami, a
grieving lady who had lost her son. Buddha asked her to find mustard seeds from a house that had
seen no death. Kisa Gotami's search proved futile, and she eventually realized that death is inevitable
and that grieving only increases pain and suffering.

Buddha's sermon emphasized that a wise person should not grieve at something that is bound to
happen. Instead, one should accept the natural order of life and strive for inner peace.

MORAL:

 Death Is the Ultimate Truth of Life. Everything That Is Born Today Will Die Sooner Or Later.
 One Should Understand That Human Beings Are Mortal And No One Can Escape Death.
 Spiritual Awakening and Enlightenment.
 The Story Emphasizes the Importance of Seeking Truth And understanding the nature of
existence

9.The Proposal by Anton Chekhov

Introduction

The Proposal is a one-act play that revolves around Ivan Lomov, a 35-year-old gentleman who suffers
from palpitations and anxiety. Lomov visits his neighbor, Chubukov, with the intention of proposing
to his daughter, Natalya. However, their conversation quickly escalates into a heated argument over
the ownership of Oxen Meadows.

Theme

The play highlights how anger and argumentation can spoil relationships. It also portrays the fate of
marriages that are based on ulterior motives, such as financial gain.

Summary
The play begins with Lomov visiting Chubukov's house, where he reveals his intention to propose to
Natalya. However, their conversation is quickly derailed when they argue over Oxen Meadows. The
argument escalates, with Chubukov joining in, and Lomov eventually falls ill due to his anxiety.

Despite their quarrelsome nature, Natalya and Lomov are eventually betrothed, with Chubukov
forcing Natalya's hand into Lomov's. However, even after their engagement, their argumentation
continues as they bicker over whose dog is superior.
The play ends with Natalya and Lomov still arguing, highlighting the comedic absurdity of their
situation.

Character Analysis:

- Ivan Lomov: A 35-year-old gentleman who suffers from palpitations and anxiety. He is determined
to propose to Natalya but is constantly thwarted by their arguments.

- Natalya: Chubukov's daughter, who is determined to prove that her dog, Squeezer, is superior to
Lomov's dog, Guess.

- Chubukov: Natalya's father, who is eager to see his daughter married off. He is a quarrelsome and
stubborn character who often escalates the arguments between Lomov and Natalya.

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