Shambhulingappa Neelgundad (M.A., B.

Ed) 9741013018

Romeo and Juliet

‘Romeo and Juliet’ which has been penned by William Shakespeare is a sad love story about
two teenagers who fall in love. They come from families that don't get along, like two teams that
always argue. Love is a powerful feeling that we can see in the verses here Romeo tries to
glorify Juliet’s beauty and Juliet tries to immortalize Romeo too.
Romeo is fascinated by Juliet’s beauty at first sight.
He expresses an intense love for Juliet.
He says that her beauty is brighter than new torch.
It can teach the torches how to burn bright.
It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night as a rich jewel in an African’s ear.
He says that her beauty is too good for this world and rare on this earth.
He compares Juliet to a white/snowy dove in the middle of the crows.
After the dance is over he wants to see her.
He also wants to touch her and make blessed his rude hands.
And he asks himself whether he has ever loved anyone before that moment.
He feels that he never saw such a true beauty before that night.

Juliet is also fascinated by Romeo’s handsome personality.

She wants to meet him at night.
She praises his handsome personality and compares him to the day that comes during night.
She further says that he is whiter than new snow on a raven’s back.
She wants to immortalize him.
So, she says, when she dies she wants him to be made into little stars in the sky.
She feels that he will make the face of heaven bright.
She opines that the world will fall in love with night and forget about the decorated sun.
Thus, both Romeo and Juliet are trying to share their opinions about their true love each other.

"Too Dear!" by Count Leo Tolstoy:

"Too Dear!" is a poignant and psychologically charged short story by the renowned Russian
author, Count Leo Tolstoy. Written in Tolstoy's signature style, this tale of morality, guilt, and
redemption unfolds in the picturesque setting of Monaco, where the glamour of wealth and
privilege conceals a darker reality.
1. Monaco, and its population
Monaco is a small kingdom located on the Mediterranean coast, near the borders of France and
Italy.
It has a population of around 7,000 people.
Despite its tiny size, Monaco is an independent country with a Prince who governs it.
The kingdom’s small population and limited land mean that it does not have large resources like
other countries.
This plays a significant role in the decisions the Prince makes, especially regarding finances and
justice.
Monaco is famous for its wealth and the casino, which attracts many visitors and generates
revenue for the kingdom.

2. Murder Committed in the story, the criminal's original punishment

In the story, the criminal committed murder, a serious crime in Monaco.
The court sentenced him to execution by guillotine.
However, this punishment was problematic because Monaco didn’t have the equipment or an
1
 Shambhulingappa Neelgundad (M.A., B.Ed) 9741013018

executioner.
The Prince tried to arrange for the execution by contacting France and Italy, but the costs were
too high.
Because of this, the Prince and his ministers decided to change the criminal’s sentence from
execution to life imprisonment, which they initially thought would be more affordable for the
small kingdom’s limited resources.

3. About pension
The Prince decided to offer the criminal a pension because keeping him in prison was too
expensive.
The cost of his food and the salary of the guard added up to more than 600 francs per year,
which was a burden on Monaco’s limited budget.
The Prince and his ministers realized that offering the criminal money to leave would be cheaper
than keeping him imprisoned.
The Prince offered the criminal an annual pension of 600 francs, and the criminal agreed to
leave the kingdom and settle just across the border, where he started a new life.

4. Though gambling is a dirty business, why does the king of Monaco resort to it?
The king of Monaco ruled a tiny kingdom with a small population of about seven thousand. In
that kingdom he was a real kinglet.
He had a palace, courtiers, ministers, a bishop, generals and an army to take care of. However,
he had very limited sources of income: a tax on tobacco, wine, spirits and a poll-tax.
These sources were insufficient.
So, he found a new source of special income; a gaming house where people played roulette.
This was the only place in the whole of Europe where people would come to play.
Whether they would win or lose, the Prince gained by it. It is like,
‘You can’t earn stone palaces by honest labour’.
This statement is true with reference to the context the king of Monaco lived in.
He knew it very well that gambling is a dirty business.
He also understood that by levying taxes on drink and tobacco for revenue was not a good idea.
But, he had to resort to it for the survival and sustenance of his kingdom.

5. Difficulties did the Prince face in keeping the criminal in prison

When the criminal was sentenced to death, there was only one hitch in the matter;
They had neither a guillotine nor an executioner.
The ministers then sought the French Government for assistance.
They said that they could arrange for the same with a cost of 16000 francs.
Finding the cost more expensive, the Council decided to write a letter to the King of Italy.
Though the cost quoted stood at 12000 francs, it still seemed too much.
Even the suggestion of asking one of their soldiers to execute the criminal did not yield results.
Later, it was decided to alter the death sentence to one of imprisonment for life.
The Prince agreed to this. But exactly after a year when he looked over the account,
He noticed a new item of expenditure for the keep of the criminal.
It came to more than 600 francs a year.
So, they dismissed the guard so that the criminal might run away.
But this did not happen as he remained inside.
When brought before the Prince to explain why he did not run away, he complained that they
had spoilt his character by their sentence.

2
 Shambhulingappa Neelgundad (M.A., B.Ed) 9741013018

Finally, a Council was called and it considered offering him a pension of 600 francs to get rid of
him.
Thus the matter was settled. This is how the King of Monaco kept changing his mind dealing
with the criminal.

6. the criminal reluctant to go out of the prison

This story is a parody of one of the modern systems of governance.
The criminal was reluctant to go out of the prison because he had nowhere to go.
He complained that by their death sentence, they had ruined his character.
He was afraid that people would turn their backs on him.
Besides, he had lost touch with the way of working.
He said he had been treated badly which was not fair.
After he was sentenced, he should have been executed.
Instead, they changed it to life imprisonment, put a guard on him and then took him away again.
He had to fetch his own food. Though he agreed to all these changes without complaining, he
was not willing to go away from prison as he thought he would be rejected by society as a
normal citizen.
He would not earn any respect. So, he declined to go out of the prison.

7. Criminal’s life after his release

This story is a parody of one of the modern systems of governance.
After the criminal was released, he received one-third of his annuity in advance, and left the
King’s territories.
He emigrated and settled just across the border where he bought a bit of land, started market-
gardening and lived comfortably.
He always went at the proper time to draw his pension.
After collecting, he would go to the gaming tables and stake two or three francs.
Sometimes he would win and at times, he would lose and return home.
Thus, he lived happily.

Thus, it is a gripping and thought-provoking short story that explores the complexities of human
morality, guilt, and redemption. Through Tolstoy's masterful storytelling, the reader is drawn
into a dark and haunting world where the lines between right and wrong are blurred.
The story raises important questions about the nature of justice, the consequences of our actions,
and the human capacity for forgiveness and redemption. Ultimately, "Too Dear!" leaves the
reader with a profound sense of empathy and understanding for the human condition.

"On Children"
"On Children" is a beautiful and profound piece! It is a poem from Kahlil Gibran's iconic book
"The Prophet". The poem explores the relationship between parents and children, and offers
insights into the nature of parenthood, freedom, and the human condition.
Gibran writes that children are not possessions, but rather temporary visitors who come through
us, but not from us. He urges parents to provide their children with roots and wings, allowing
them to grow and explore, yet also giving them the freedom to make their own choices and
forge their own paths.
3
 Shambhulingappa Neelgundad (M.A., B.Ed) 9741013018

‘He says that the parents should not be possessive of their children.
The children do not belong to their parents only.
They have their own life.
Though the parents give birth to their children, they do not belong to them.
They have independent personalities.
The poet says that the parents may provide shelter to their children’s bodies, but not to their
souls.
Parents cannot shape their children’s future.
Children have a different vision of life.
Parents may try to be like children but should not expect their children to be like them.
Life doesn’t go backward or stay with the past.
Parents are the bows and the children are living arrows. They go fast and far to reach their goal.

Gibran emphasizes that parents are not owners, but rather guardians of their children. He
advocates for giving children the freedom to make their own decisions and mistakes. Gibran
metaphorically suggests that parents should provide their children with a sense of belonging and
security (roots), as well as the freedom to explore and grow (wings). Gibran's poetic and
philosophical musings continue to inspire and guide parents, educators, and anyone who has
ever wondered about the mysteries of childhood and parenthood.

"Everything I Need to Know I Learned in the Forest"

"Everything I Need to Know I Learned in the Forest" is an inspiring article by Vandana Shiva, a
renowned environmentalist and philosopher. In this thought-provoking piece, Shiva reflects on
her childhood experiences growing up in the Himalayan forests, where she learned valuable
lessons about ecology, biodiversity, and the interconnectedness of all living beings .
1. About Bachni Devi
Poems composed by her mother on forestry encouraged the writer to study forest culture.
The women in Himalayan region knew that logging had led landslides floods scarcity food.
The women declared that they would hug tree and loggers would have to kill then before killing
the trees.
Vandana Shiva also noticed a village woman Bachni Devi who fought war against her own
husband.
He had obtained contract to cut trees.
When forest officer arrived at the forest, the women held up a lighted lantern in broad daylight.
It was considered as one of the novel kind of protests.
Bachni Devi replied the officer that they had come to teach forestry.
This lesson of biodiversity encouraged to establish “Navadanya farm” in Doon Valley,
Uttarakhand.

2. Chipko Movement
It is a nonviolent response to the large scale deforestation in the Himalaya region.
In the 1970s peasant women in the Garhwal, Himalaya had come out in defence of the forests.
In 1970 Vandana Shiva became a volunteer for “Chipko” movement against large scale
deforestation like padayatra, documenting activities of the forest.
Vandana Shiva noticed a steady loss of forests in this region.
She decided to become a volunteer for the movement.

4
 Shambhulingappa Neelgundad (M.A., B.Ed) 9741013018

3. Bio-diversity - Navadanya Farm / Navadanya Movement

Chipko Movement taught Vandana Shiva about biodiversity.
She realized the importance of biodiversity based living economies.
She started Navadanya, the movement for biodiversity conservation and organic farm in 1987.
She worked with farmers to set up more than 100 community seed banks across India.
She saved more than 3000 varieties. This is a transition from monocultures to bio-diverse
ecological systems.
To demonstrate her experimentation she started Navadanya Farm in 1994 in the Doon Valley in
the lower elevation Himalayan region of Uttarakhand Province.
They are now able to conserve and grow 630 varieties of rice, 150 varieties of wheat and
hundreds of other species.
Thus they practise and promote a biodiversity intensive form of farming that produces more
food and nutrition per acre.

4. Rights of Nature / Separatism - eco-apartheid

Vandana Shiva interestingly talks about how the UN General Assembly organized a conference
on harmony with nature as part of Earth Day celebrations inspired by the constitution of
Ecuador and the Universal Declaration of the Rights of Mother Earth initiated by Bolivia.
This emphasises the significance attached to the mother earth much against human domination
over nature.
She upholds the view that human beings are an inseparable part of nature.
So, she feels that today, we do not need an apartheid situation which once divided people based
on colour.
Our challenge now is to overcome eco-apartheid based on separateness of humans from nature.
5. The Dead Earth / Industrial Revolution - Capitalism - Exploitation
This separateness paved way to industrial revolution replacing vibrant earth and turning it into a
dead matter, raw material.
This has further led to Capitalism and Consumerism which exploit natural resources
indiscriminately.
Thus Terra Madre (Mother Earth) was replaced by Terra Nullius (the empty land / the dead
earth).

6. The Earth University / Earth Democracy

It is a shift from anthropocentricism (human centric) to ecocentrism (nature centric).

The Earth University located at Navadanya
It is a biodiversity farm.
The Earth University is inspired by Rabindranath Tagore
It teaches Earth Democracy; to recognize, protect and respect the rights of other species.
It teaches Earth Democracy, which is the freedom for all species to evolve within the web of
life, and the freedom and responsibility of humans to recognize, protect and respect the rights of
other species.
Earth Democracy is a shift from anthrocentrism to ecocentrism.
Since this is located at Navadanya Farm, farmers, school children and people from across the
world learn to work with living seeds, living soil and the web of life.
It teaches Earth Democracy, which is the freedom for all species to evolve within the web of
life, and the freedom and responsibility of humans to recognize, protect and respect the rights of
other species
And from across the world learn to work with living seeds, living soil and the web of life.

5
 Shambhulingappa Neelgundad (M.A., B.Ed) 9741013018

7. Forest and Freedom / Enoughness - principles of equity

The last section of this essay highlights Tagore’s view of forest as the source of beauty and joy
of art and aesthetics of harmony and perfection.
The forest teaches us union, compassion and enoughness.
It teaches us enjoyment through renunciation and not through greed of possession.
Forest is a source of life.
They need to be protected for next generations.
She therefore advocates diversity of life forms and need to accept it as principle of life.
Diversity helps to keep soil fertile and prevents erosion.
It teaches organic farming which plays important role in solving nutrition and food crisis. She
also argues that mother earth has great strength which supports natural way of farming can avoid
pollution and attract clouds and cause rains.
Rains make our life better with enough food and water.
The idea of unity in diversity builds good rapport between man and animals.
Tagore started school of forestry. It became a centre of learning as Shantiniketan University. He
says that Earth is our mother not just as raw material to be exploited and we need to live and let
live in harmony with nature.
Indian civilization is built upon principle of forestry culture and diversity.
Vandana Shiva concludes that it is this forest that can show us the way beyond this conflict.

Throughout the article, Shiva draws on her own experiences, as well as the wisdom of ancient
Indian texts and philosophers, such as Rabindranath Tagore. She also highlights the work of the
Navdanya movement, which she founded, and its efforts to promote biodiversity conservation,
organic farming, and sustainable living practices.
Overall, "Everything I Need to Know I Learned in the Forest" is a powerful and thought-
provoking article that offers valuable insights into the importance of living in harmony with
nature and promoting sustainable living practices.

"A Sunny Morning"

"A Sunny Morning" is a one-act play by Spanish playwrights by Serafín and Joaquín Álvarez
Quintero. This play revolves around a conversation between Laura and Gonzalo, two former
lovers who meet again on a sunny morning. The dialogue is a poignant exploration of their past
relationship, the choices they made, and the consequences that followed. The conversation
between Laura and Gonzalo is a master class in subtlety, with the characters' emotions and
intentions revealed through their words, tone, and body language.
1. Meeting of Don Gonzalo and Dona Laura / Background
The autumn season in the background presents the baldness of life coinciding with the entry of
two key characters in the play Don Gonzalo and Dona Laura who have also lost their prime
youth and attraction.
They meet at the park but they are not able to identify each other at the beginning.
Don Gonzalo angers Dona Laura as he scared away the birds she was feeding.
Laura picks up a verbal combat attacking him with a barrage of words.
He retorts though, gives up soon and offers her a pinch of snuff and reconciles with her.
They irritate each other initially due to their stubborn personalities.
They are both old, set in their ways, and expect others to accommodate them.
Don Gonzalo intrudes on Dona Laura’s favourite bench, and his arrogant attitude further annoys
6
 Shambhulingappa Neelgundad (M.A., B.Ed) 9741013018

her.
They exchange sharp, sarcastic remarks, using humour to express their frustration.
Their verbal jabs create a sense of tension, but also show that they enjoy the back-and-forth
banter.
Despite the initial annoyance, their playful argument slowly reveals a shared past and mutual
respect.

2. Flashback / The past

When Don Gonzalo reads from Campoamor’s ‘Twenty years pass.
He returns’, both feel that they were the lovers in the past.
But they choose to pretend to hide their identities.
Don Gonzalo tells Laura that he was Gonzalo’s cousin and she says that she heard about Dona
Laura’s story through her friend.

3. Their Love story - Dona Laura’s version

Laura Llorente lived at Maricela in Valencia.
She was known as ‘The Silver Maiden’ in her locality.
Gonzalo would pass by on horseback every morning down the rose path under her window and
would toss up to her balcony a bouquet of flowers.
Later in the afternoon he would return by the same path and catch the bouquet of flowers she
would toss him.
Laura’s parents wanted to get her married to a merchant.
A duel followed and the merchant was badly wounded by Gonzalo.
He fled away fearing the consequences.
Laura waited for days and months and not hearing from him for long she left her home one
afternoon and went to the beach.
While she was engrossed in his thoughts she was washed away by the waves.

4. Don Gonzalo’s version

Gonzalo loved her intensely too.
After injuring the merchant seriously, fearing the consequences, he took refuge in Seville and
Madrid.
He wrote many letters to her but they were intercepted by her parents.
As there was no reply, in despair, he joined the army and met his death in Africa.

5. Reality
Two years later Laura married someone and settled down in her life.
Similarly, Gonzalo disappointed over his lost love, three months later married a ballet dancer
and settled down in Paris.
Though they were separated, in their hearts their yearning for the romantic love continued.
When they meet in the park after nearly 50 years, both of them were able to recall their intense
romantic affair.
Although they came to know about each other in reality, they did not want to reveal, for they
had lost their charming youth.
It is a poignant play that masterfully explores the complexities of human emotions, love, and
loss. Through the conversation between Laura and Gonzalo, the play reveals the bittersweet
nature of nostalgia and the enduring power of past loves.
Ultimately, "A Sunny Morning" is a beautiful and haunting portrayal of the human experience,
reminding us that even the most fleeting moments can leave an indelible mark on our lives.
7
 Shambhulingappa Neelgundad (M.A., B.Ed) 9741013018

When You Are Old

This is a love poem, penned by William Butler Yeats. The poem was written in 1893 and is
dedicated to Maud Gonne, a woman Yeats loved and admired. She is believed to be the
inspiration behind this poem. The tone of the poem is one of melancholy. The poet imagines her
future years and his true love in future. He repents over her divergent attitude who fails to
understand his spiritual love.
The poem's central theme is the passing of time and the fleeting nature of youth and beauty.
Yeats urges the reader to look back on their life when they are old and grey, and to remember
the passions and desires of their youth.
The poet begins the first stanza addressing her imagining her to be in her old age.
The lady will be very old approaching her peaceful years.
She then opens the book of poems penned by the poet.
As she starts to read slowly, she is taken back in time to recollect her past when she had
innocent looks in her eyes and sadness hidden in the looks of her eyes.
The poet also says that his beloved would also regret how many loved her physical grace but
only the poet worshipped her Pilgrim soul even as her face changed.
At last, the lady will grieve over the loss of her True Love fleeing from her and joining a crowd
of stars very distant from her.

Thus, the poet expresses his true intentions while his beloved fails to understand. Ultimately it is
a poem about the enduring power of love and memory. Yeats' poem reminds us that even as our
body’s age and our physical beauty fades, our memories and emotions remain, a testament to the
enduring power of the human spirit.

"The Gardener"
"The Gardener" is a haunting and introspective short story by P. Lankesh, a renowned Indian
writer. The story revolves around the life of a gardener, who is struggling to make ends meet.
Lankesh's writing style is characterized by simplicity, clarity, and depth, making the story
accessible and relatable to readers. The narrative is also marked by a sense of melancholy and
pathos, which adds to the story's emotional impact.
The gardener's struggles highlight the harsh realities of poverty and exploitation faced by
marginalized communities. Despite his difficult circumstances, the gardener maintains his
dignity and self-respect, which is reflected in his meticulous care of the garden. The story raises
questions about the human condition, emphasizing the importance of empathy, compassion, and
understanding.
1. The arrival of the old man
An old man takes up work on a coconut farm near Chennarayapatna after walking several
hundreds of miles.
He was a labourer, overseer and philosopher, all rolled into one.
This well-versed farmhand was very useful whose work made the income from the garden
improve dramatically.
While he worked hard, the owner changed his lifestyle.
He became crowded with colourful events in the company of new friends.
When the landlady was in a fix, the gardener narrated a convincing story to make her understand
the reality.

8
 Shambhulingappa Neelgundad (M.A., B.Ed) 9741013018

Tammanna, a rich man owned 1000 acres of land whereas his rival Basavaiah had 800 acres of
land.
He wanted to buy another 200 acres from Tammanna.
As he was not willing to sell, Basavaiah encroached upon the lands of Tammanna.
Though advised to approach the court of Law or the Police, Tammanna found an innovative way
to compose all of his achievements in the form of ballads which became very famous.

2. Tammanna and Basavaiah keeps moving from the visible domain to the invisible.
Tammanna, a rich man owned 1000 acres of land whereas his rival Basavaiah had 800 acres of
land.
He wanted to buy another 200 acres from Tammanna.
As he was not willing to sell, Basavaiah encroached upon the lands of Tammanna.
Though advised to approach the court of Law or the Police, Tammanna found an innovative way
to compose all of his achievements in the form of ballads which became very famous. Basvaiah
in turn amassed huge wealth and tried to increase his popularity by appointing people to praise
his glories but in vain.
Tammanna wanted to punish Basavaiah through another method that was his death.
So, he gave up everything and left the village causing the absence of a rival in Basavaiah’s life.
Basavaiah died soon finding life boring without a rival.
3. Basavaiah’s invest his home with meaning.
To invest his home with meaning, Basavaiah tried to counteract the emptiness he felt due to
Tammanna’s absence.
He constructed a grand mansion, filled it with luxurious decorations, and appointed people to
praise him.
Despite these efforts, his home remained dull and lacked substance without the presence of
Tammanna’s influential works.
Basavaiah’s actions highlight his attempt to fill the void created by his rivalry with Tammanna
and show how material wealth and external validation could not replace true artistic or personal
fulfilment

4. About Revenge
In "The Gardener," the theme of living for revenge is vividly portrayed through the characters of
Tammanna and Basavaiah.
Tammanna’s life became consumed by his desire to surpass and outshine Basavaiah, leading
him to use his artistic talents to craft ballads that criticized his rival.
Similarly, Basavaiah’s actions, such as acquiring more land and wealth, were motivated by his
need to counteract Tammanna’s successes.
The narrative suggests that both characters were driven by their need for revenge, which
overshadowed their personal fulfilment and led to their eventual downfall.

Overall, "The Gardener" is a powerful and moving story that sheds light on the lives of
marginalized individuals and encourages readers to reflect on the importance of empathy,
compassion, and social responsibility.
"To the Foot from Its Child"
The poem “To the Foot from Its Child” has been composed by Neruda, a Chilean poet and
Nobel laureate.. The poet explains how people force or restrict children to grow into society
without caring their dreams and imaginations. The foot becomes metaphor for the child. The
poem is a tender and sensual tribute to the relationship between a parent and child.

9
 Shambhulingappa Neelgundad (M.A., B.Ed) 9741013018

In the poem, Neruda addresses the foot of his child, describing its tiny, delicate shape and the
way it fits perfectly in the palm of his hand. He reflects on the foot's journey, from its first
tentative steps to its future paths, and expresses his love and wonder at the miracle of his child's
growth.
The poet rightly makes his observation in the beginning of the poem that the child is not aware
of the reality but dreams to be a butterfly or an apple.
Then the passage of time exposes the foot to such hardships of life that it loses the battle and
remains condemned to live in the shoe.
Here the poet shows how an individual is conditioned by society.
The foot then starts to understand its limits and live accordingly like a blind man out of touch
with its fellow.
As the foot grows, its soft aspects start to change and grow hard.
The poet effectively uses the imagery of eyeless reptiles to describe the state of the foot. Though
life comes hard as volcanoes of death, it is to be accepted.
Later half of the poem describes the presence of the foot in every order of life - “the one foot,
the other, now the man’s, now the woman’s.
The foot has had such a life without any rest.
It is a long and arduous course for the foot “until the whole man chooses to stop”.
It continues to dream beyond its confines even when it is buried.
In other words, society overpowers an individual from immense possibilities of life.

The poet reflects on the foot's journey, symbolizing the child's growth and development.
Ultimately, it is a masterpiece of poetic expression that reminds us of the profound joys and
wonders of parenthood.

I Believe that Books Will Never Disappear

It is an interview between Luis Borges and Robert Alifino. Borges believed that books are a
sacred and magical part of human culture. “I Believe That the Books Will Never Disappear” is a
part of excerpts from “Twenty Four Conversations with Borges”, interviews of Jorge Luis
Borges by Roberto Alifano.
Jorge Luis Borges is an Argentine short story writer, essayist, poet and translator. Here he talks
about his early years of reading, his family, his blindness, books, poetry, metaphors and
literature
1. Borges’ mother Dona Lenor
Borges’ mother was Dona Leonor.
She was an extra ordinary person.
She was an intelligent and gracious person.
She was a noble lady.
She had no enemies.
She was very kind to Borges.
But Borges felt a little guilty about her.
He could not give her the happiness she deserved.
He could not show her care and concern during her lifetime.
He took her for granted as all the children do with their parents.
They take them for granted as the sun, moon or the seasons.

10
 Shambhulingappa Neelgundad (M.A., B.Ed) 9741013018

2. What is blindness to Borges?

Blindness to Borges is a way of life.
It is not entirely unhappy.
For a writer or any creative person, whatever happens in life is a resource.
All things are given to us with a purpose.
They make the artist feel more intensely.
The humiliations, misfortunes, discord, embarrassment – are all raw material or clay.
With this clay the artist shapes art hidden in him.
Further, the blindness has been replaced by many other things in his life.
It has sharpened his inward eye or imagination.
So he accepts it as his duty.
He still purchases books and pretends as a normal person.

3. What is poetry according to Borges?

According to Borges, poetry is something so intimate, so essential.
It cannot be defined without oversimplifying it.
Certain things in life cannot be explained in words.
Those can be only understood- like colour yellow or the feeling of love or the occurrences of
nature.
Poetry is an aesthetic act.
It takes place when the poet writes it and when the reader reads it.
It is different from a poem.
A poem is simply a series of symbols.
But poetry is magical, mysterious and unexplainable though not incomprehensible event.
If one doesn’t feel the poetic event on reading it, the poet has failed.

4. How is the language of poetry? OR How should be the choice of words in poetry?
The language of poetry is unique.
In poetry, finding precise words is very important.
Those precise words are what elicit the emotion.
Borges takes out a line from Emily Dickinson’s poem to illustrate this idea.
The line is –“This quiet dust was Gentlemen and Ladies”.
The idea of using the word ‘dust’ for human beings is banal.
But the use of the phrase- “gentlemen and ladies’ gives magic and poetic quality, which the
phrase ‘men and women’ might have failed to do.

5. What does Borges say about the concept of metaphors?

According to Borges true metaphors exist from the beginning of time.
But we express them differently.
Borges has reduced the essential metaphors to five or six
These metaphors are- time and river (motion)
life and dreams (hope)
death and sleep (stillness)
stars and eyes (glow)
flowers and women (beauty)
These essential metaphors are found in all literatures.
To Borges other metaphors are whimsical.
He says that the poet’s task is to discover metaphors, even though they may already exist.

11
 Shambhulingappa Neelgundad (M.A., B.Ed) 9741013018

6. Borges’ views on books

Borges feels that books will never disappear.
Of all the inventions of man, the book is the most astounding.
All other inventions are the extensions of our bodies.
The telephone for example is the extension of our voice.
The telescope and microscope are extensions of our sight.
The sword and plough are the extensions of our arms.
Only the book is the extension of our imagination and memory.
He further adds that the books are great memory of all centuries.
Their function is therefore irreplaceable.
If boos disappear, surely history will disappear and surely the mankind will disappear.
Hence the books will never disappear.

Overall, Borges' love for books is a testament to the enduring power of literature to inspire,
educate, and connect us across cultures and time. Borges' conviction that books will never
disappear serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring value of literature in our lives.

"Heaven, if you are not here on earth"

Heaven, if you are not here on Earth’ is a beautiful and simple poem which has been penned by
the Kannada poet Kuvempu. Here Kuvempu says that all of us should enjoy the gifts of nature
and according to him heaven lies in Truth, Nature and Hard work only not anywhere else. The
poem explores the idea that heaven or paradise is not just a distant, otherworldly realm, but can
be experienced in the present moment, here on earth.
The poem suggests that heaven is not just a physical place, but a state of mind, a feeling of joy,
peace, and contentment that can be found in the beauty and wonder of the natural world.
In this poem the poet opines that heaven doesn’t have a separate entity.
Humans can witness heavenly beauty on earth.
Heaven is the only place which makes one happy the concept of heaven includes things that are
beautiful and having a fulfilment.
The splendour of nature turns the earth into heaven.
Rolling streams at the edge of the waves created by rushing streams that tender sunshine and
gentle sun make this earth heaven.
Heaven lies all over the splendour of harvest and moonlight.
Humans need not look for them.
Gods and nymphs are nothing but kind hearted people.
Humans only can become gods and nymphs when they manifest the divinity through simplicity,
forgiveness and sacrifice.
The poet is endowed with his imaginary and sensibility with these.
He drinks the nectar of nature’s beauty and penning his experience.

Thus, the poet makes us to think the reality where the heaven exists and where it doesn’t exist.
And no doubt if we learn how to enjoy with the nature, if we are truthful and if we are hard
workers, we will truly have heaven with us ‘On Earth’.

12
 Shambhulingappa Neelgundad (M.A., B.Ed) 9741013018

"Japan and Brazil through a Traveller's Eye"

"Japan and Brazil through a Traveller's Eye" is a travelogue written by George Mikesh, offering
a unique perspective on two distinct cultures.
George Mikesh's travel writing provides a personal and introspective account of his journeys
through Japan and Brazil. The book is a reflection of his experiences, observations, and insights
into the customs, traditions, and ways of life in these two countries.
1. Japanese Manners
a) Respect privacy
The Japanese are quite well-mannered people.
They respect other’s privacy.
They must respect it too.
Because Japan is a tiny island.
It is over-crowded.
There is no space for booth for public phones.
People discuss-
their intimate love quarrels
Confidential business transactions in public.

b) Mania for bowing

The Japanese have mania for bowing.
Everybody keeps bowing to everybody else. It is universal.
Their bowing is graceful. (They bow with a ceremonious solemnity of a courtier)
Yet it is quite natural.
It is inimitable. It is unique. None can bow like them.
It is quite casual, like western style of shaking or kissing.
But it is quainter, more formal more oriental.
It is infectious. Once you see them bowing and you start bowing too.
There is a complicated hierarchy in bowing. Who bows to whom, how deeply and for how long
will reflect the smallest difference in rank, standing age, social position.
Everyone bows to everyone else in the family.
The babies in the saddles bow when the mother bows.
The conductors in the train bow before they start their work.
The animals too bow. At Nara a deer bowed to the narrator.
The stores employ bowing girls.
But the same bowing gentlemen become savages as bus arrives.
They push one another to get into the bus.

c) Eating soup
The Japanese make a unique sound while drinking soup.
It is a sign of appreciation.
If you don’t make sound, they call you ill-mannered.
If you make sound, again they call you ill-mannered.
Because, like bowing, making sound of appreciation too is inimitable.

2. Brazilians
Brazilians love leisure. They are never in hurry.
One reaches the destination early or late, no one bothers.
They love beauty. They adore beauty.

13
 Shambhulingappa Neelgundad (M.A., B.Ed) 9741013018

They decorated even the pavements.

The pavements in Copacabana are decorated with beautiful mosaics.
They love driving.
The cars are very costly in Brazil.
The import duties on cars are very high.
Yet everyone has a car.
They drive with the highest speed.
The drivers often chase the pedestrians.
They wait for the pedestrians to step off the pavements.
The pedestrians run for dear life.
But finally they escape safely.
They part smilingly.
There is a race between the drivers too.
The drivers break the traffic rules twenty times an hour.
But they too end the game very smilingly.
There is horrible traffic in Brazil.
It is very difficult to cross the roads.

Mikesh's writing is engaging, informative, and reflective, making this travelogue a compelling
read for anyone interested in cultural exchange, identity, and the human experience. Ultimately,
It is a fascinating account that inspires readers to explore new cultures, challenge their
assumptions, and reflect on their own place in the world.

The Voter
"The Voter" by Chinua Achebe is a thought-provoking short story that explores the complexities
of democracy, politics, and morality in post-colonial Nigeria. The story revolves around Marcus
Ibe, a local mission school teacher turned politician, and Roof Okeke, his campaign manager.
1. Who was Rufus Okeke? Write a note on him.
Rufus Okeke was a youth from Umoufia.
He went to Port Harcourt to to work.
He worked as a cycle repairer’s apprentice.
He worked in that city for two years.
Then he returned to his village again.
He was not a village lout.
Having spent two years in the city, it was not tough for him to settle there as other youths do.
So the villagers thought, he had come to help them in their crisis.
So they loved him.
But Umoufia already had a leader.
He was Marcus Ibe.
He was the Minister for culture in the outgoing government.
Roof joined his service.
Roof became Marcus’ right hand man.
He was an expert campaigner.
He could read the mind of the voters.
He guided Marcus Ibe.
He informed Marcus that the voters have changed after the first election.
He advised Marcus to bring money and give it to the voters before the elections.
He bargained hard with the voters.
14
 Shambhulingappa Neelgundad (M.A., B.Ed) 9741013018

He grabbed everything from Marcus whenever he had a chance to do so.

He got wine and drinks.
He got costly robes.
He won a land case with Marcus’s influence.
Though he seemed to devoted to the master, he was not loyal to him.
He didn’t miss a chance to earn from the opposition party too.
He was very cunning like a true politician.
Even after accepting money from opposition, he made a nice pretence of canvassing on the
election day.

2. Write a note on Marcus Ibe.

Marcus Ibe was an influential personality of Umoufia.
He was a mission school teacher earlier.
He was not a successful teacher.
He had a dispute with a lady teacher.(The same lady he married later)
He was likely to be dismissed.
So he resigned, to escape the insult.
Politics was a new entry there.
He joined politics to try his luck.
He was elected.
He belonged to People’s Alliance Party”.
His symbol was “motor car”.
He became the Minister for culture.
He was an ordinary man earlier.
Suddenly his status changed.
He became rich.
He amassed huge wealth.
He had two long cars.
He built a huge house- Umoufia Mansion.
The house had water and electricity facility though the village had none.
He gave a grand feast on the opening ceremony of his house.
He won so many titles and awards.
But he did nothing much for the people, his voters who chose him.
He had a full majority in politics so far.
He was confident of a landslide victory in the coming election.
So he had already hired a highlife band from Umuru on the election day, to celebrate the victory.
But now there was a little dissatisfaction among the voters.

3. Write a note on the whispering campaign of Roof.

On the opening ceremony of Umoufia Mansion, Marcus gave the villagers a grand feast.
On attending the feast people realized that they had underrated the power of ballot paper.
So they decided to come on hard bargain this election.
Marcus too was prepared for this.
He drew five months’ salary in advance.
He changed a few hundred pounds into shillings.
He armed his campaign boys with eloquent little jute bags.
In the day he made speeches.
At night his stalwarts conducted their whispering campaign.
Roof was the most trusted campaigner.

15
 Shambhulingappa Neelgundad (M.A., B.Ed) 9741013018

One night they visited the house of Ogbuefi Ezenwa, a man of high traditional title.
Roof told the elders gathered that Marcus is the son their village.
They must be proud of it.
There were many advantages if he got elected again.
He assured the pipe borne water facility to the village.
Then he placed two shillings in front of each of them.
The elders admitted that Marcus was the pride of their village and want him again.
All of them and their women folk will vote for him.
But the amount offered is too small.
They didn’t demand money during last election.
Because Marcus was an ordinary man.
Now he has amassed a huge wealth.
So needed more for their votes.
That was the only occasion to get something from Marcus.
Finally after hard bargain Roof added two more shillings and told angrily that nothing more can
be given.
He also added that if they were not yet satisfied they could vote for the opposition.
The elders assured that they were happy and vote for Marcus.

4. Roof’s meeting with the leader from POP campaign team.

The election was fast approaching.
Everything had been moving according to the plan up to the last night.
Then Roof received a strange visit from the leader of the POP campaign team.
Both were known to each other.
But the time was quite improper.
No words were exchanged.
He kept five pounds in front of Roof.
He said, “We want your vote.”
Roof was in a fix as to what to do.
Roof got up from his chair, went to the outside door, closed it carefully and returned.
The brief exercise gave him time to weigh the proposition.
All the time his eyes were fixed on the notes.
He was mesmerized by them.
First he hesitated.
The opposition leader told that they were after votes and not after gossip.
He told that the matter would be kept secret.
Now Roof was tempted.
He agreed and accepted.
Then they brought the Iyi of Mbanta to make Roof swear on it.
Again Roof was on dilemma.
Then he convinced himself that his one vote would not affect Marcus’ land slide victory.
Finally he promised to vote for Maduka.
He told them that Marcus was sure to win.
The opposition leader told that it was enough if they got a few votes this time and will get more
next.

5. Describe the great day- the day of election.

It was a great day once in five years.
The day when people exercise power.

16
 Shambhulingappa Neelgundad (M.A., B.Ed) 9741013018

The weather beaten half torn posters were seen on the walls of the houses, tree trunks and
telegraph poles.
The few that were still whole called out their message to those who could read.
Vote for People’s Alliance Party! Vote for Progressive Organization Party! Vote for PAP! Vote
for POP!
As usual Chief the Honourable Marcus Ibe was doing things in grand style.
He had hired a highlife band from Umuru and stationed it at a permissible distance.
Many villagers danced to the music.
Marcus was sitting in the owner’s corner of his enormous green car.
He smiled and nodded to the voters.
One enlightened villager came to Marcus and shaking hand, wished “Congrats” in advance.
Others followed the suit by mispronouncing the word as “Corngrass”.
Roof with his band gave the voters last minute advices.
They cut jokes with them.
They reminded them of the symbol of PAP.
All the time Roof was boiling within.
But he tried his best to hide his anxiety by wearing a mask of over enthusiasm.
Also he kept watching Marcus, if he had any doubt on him.
Marcus was cautious about each vote.
He asked campaign boys to finish their voting when there was not much rush of voters.
The atmosphere was festive combined with a little anxiety within each one concerned.

6. Roof’s Dilemma.
Guilty consciousness bites the mind.
Roof had accepted money from the opposition party.
So he was burning within.
Verbally, he was making every effort to canvass for his master Marcus Ibe.
But the anxiety within was peeping out now and then.
He was making every effort to veil it.
When his turn to vote arrived, his spirits fell.
Mustering courage, he went to the box.
He was confronted by the car (PAP) and the head (POP).
He took out the ballot paper from his pocket and looked at it.
He felt not to betray his master Marcus even in secret.
He decided to go back and return five pounds.
But he felt upset to part with five pounds.
Then there was the swearing on the Iyi.
Suddenly a thought crept into his mind.
He folded the paper, tore it in two and put one half in each box- one for Maduka and one for
Marcus.
It was the only way left for him.
He voted for Maduka as sworn.
But he craved for Marcus’ victory.
His vote was invalid.
But he balanced between his promise to Iyi and his duty to his master.

Through the story, Achebe critiques the notion that democracy is merely about holding
elections. He suggests that true democracy requires educated and informed citizens, who can
make informed decisions and hold their leaders accountable.
17
 Shambhulingappa Neelgundad (M.A., B.Ed) 9741013018

Overall, "The Voter" is a powerful commentary on the state of politics and democracy in post-
colonial Nigeria, and its themes remain relevant today.

Where There is a Wheel

"Where There is a Wheel" is a collection of essays by P. Sainath, a renowned Indian journalist
and author. The book is a powerful commentary on the lives of rural Indians, particularly the
marginalized and oppressed communities. Sainath argues that the wheel represents the cycle of
poverty, debt, and exploitation that traps rural communities.
Write a note on the cycle movement of Pudukottai.
Pudukottai is a rural district of Tamil Nadu.
There was a huge cycle movement here.
Thousands of rural women of Pudukottai learnt cycle in a short period of eighteen months.
Reasons For its Success.
There were some serious reasons for its success.
There was a backing by the new DC Sheela Rani Chunkath.
She not only introduced it, but also supported it.
She encouraged the banks to provide loans to buy cycle.
The women embraced the humble vehicle unanimously.
They were waiting for hitting at their backwardness.
They wanted to show defiance.
They wanted to hammer at the fetters.
The cycle provided them a way out of routine.
Cycle helped them break the male imposed barriers.

Benefits Of Cycle
Cycle was a symbol of freedom, independence and mobility.
Cycle gave them confidence and courage.
They became independent.
Now they need not wait for bus or any other vehicle or the men folk of the family.
Cycle save a lot of time and energy.
Cycle gave immense aesthetic pleasure.
They could give quality time to their family.
The cycle helped them fetch water- to carry the pots from tree or four miles distance.
They could carry children along with them.
They carried agricultural produce such as vegetables from the farm to the market.
They carted goods and groceries from market to their homes.
They could perform multiple tasks with nonchalance.
Cycle increased their income.
They could expand their market.
In short, cycle was a heavenly gift for the women of Pudukottai.

Who Were Benefited

Cycle helped women of all professions or all classes.
The neo-cyclists were mostly the neo-literates.
But there was no rural woman of the age group of 15-50 who was untouched by the wave of
cycle.
The beneficiaries of the cycle were- agricultural workers, quarry labourers, gem cutters, village
health nurses, balawadi teachers, anganawadi teachers, secondary school teachers, mid-day meal

18
 Shambhulingappa Neelgundad (M.A., B.Ed) 9741013018

workers and the gram-sevikas.

Describe how the literacy movement and the cycle movement helped each other.
“Arivoli Iyakkam” or “Light of Knowledge Movement” or the “Literacy Movement” was going
on in Pudukottai long since.
But it was not successful.
The new D.C. Sheela Rani Chunkath came to Pudukottai.
She studied the situation.
She learnt that lack of mobility among women was the reason for its failure.
So she trained the literacy activists in cycling.
She hoped these women would reach the remote places.
She encouraged the banks to provide loans easily.
Not just the activists but all women showed interest in cycling.
Thousands of women learnt cycling.
The neo-cyclists showed interest in learning letters.
Literacy gave them social sanction.
Education gave courage and confidence to face the dirty remarks, the filthy comments they
faced initially.
Thus cycle helped education and vice versa. Thus both the movements went hand in hand and
had a tremendous success.
Their well-wisher the new DC was with them.
It was an additional grace for them.
Thus the rural women moved uncared for the world.
"Where There is a Wheel" is a powerful and thought-provoking book that shines a light on the
lives of rural Indians and the struggles they face. Sainath's writing is a testament to his
commitment to social justice and his passion for telling the stories of those who are often
marginalized and ignored.

Water
"Water" which has been penned by Challapalli Swaroopa Rani is a poignant and thought-
provoking poem that explores the symbolism and significance of water in human life. It
describes different ways of social discrimination and injustice in a caste bound society.
Throughout the poem, water is used as a silent spectator.
Panchamas are not allowed to draw water from the wells.
They suffer humiliation at the hands of Kamma landlords.
Water in this poem does not merely act as a substance but it turns out to be a symbol of revolt.
The writer recounts her childhood struggle beset with water.
She condemns the state of the poor and downtrodden that are denied water.
A contrasting picture is brought about where some people die without water while others are
washed out by the killer Tsunami.
She also comments on water being a bone of contention between the states and countries.
It is ironical that everybody wants to drive mineral water and nobody cares the lives lost due to
lack of water.
But the rich people enjoy besleri water.
Ironically enough the same water can sit silently in bisilery bottles as an international
commodity.
So, water is instrumental for the struggle to equal rights and privileges.

19
 Shambhulingappa Neelgundad (M.A., B.Ed) 9741013018

Overall, "Water" is a moving and contemplative poem that invites readers to reflect on the
significance of water in our lives and its connections to our emotions, spirituality, and humanity.
Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard

20