ENGLISH SYLLABUS

UNIT I

SELF-AWARNESS (WHO) & POSITIVE THINKING (UNICEF)

LIFE STORY

1.1 Chapter 1 from Malala Yousafzai, I am Malala - Malala Yousafzai

1.2 An Autobiography or the Story of My Experiments with Truth (Chapters 1, 2 & 3) -

M.K.Gandhi

POEM

1.3Where the Mind is Without Fear From Gitanjali 35 - Rabindranath Tagore

1.4 Love Cycle Chinua Achebe

UNIT – II EMPATHY

POEM

2.1 Nine Gold Medals David Roth

2.2 Alice Fell or Poverty - William Wordsworth

SHORT STORY

2.3 The School for Sympathy E.V.Lucas

2.4 Barn Burning - William Faulkner

UNIT-III

CRITICAL AND CREATIVE THINKING

POEM

3.1 The Things that Haven't Been Done Before - Edgar Guest

3.2 Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening - Robert Frost

READERS THEATRE

3.3 The Magic Brocade - A Tale of China - Aaron Shepard

3.4 Stories on Stage - Aaron Shepard (Three Sideway Stories From Wayside School by Louis
Sachar)
UNIT-IV

PART OF SPEECH

4.1Articles

4.2 Noun

4.3 Pronoun

4.4 Verb

4.5 Adverb

4.6 Adjective

4.7 Preposition

UNIT - V

PARAGRAPH AND ESSAY WRITING

5.1 Descriptive Writing

5.2 Expository Writing

5.3 Persuasive Writing

5.4 Narrative Writing

Reading Comprehension

I AM MALALA
1. When was 'I Am Malala' published?

'I Am Malala' was published on 8 October 2013, by Weidenfeld & Nicolson in the UK
and Little, Brown and Company in the US. The book has been translated into more than 40
languages.

2. Who are the characters in 'I am Malala'?

They are: Malala Yousafzai, Ziauddin Yousafzai, Toor Pekai Yousafzai, and Malauna
Fazlullah.

3. What is the 'I Am Malala' petition?

 Using the slogan "I am Malala", the petition's main demand was that there be no child left
out of school by 2015, with the hope that "girls like Malala everywhere will soon be going to
school". Brown said he would hand the petition to President Zardari in Islamabad in November

4.Who is Malala Khan?

Malala is a Pakistani girl who spoke out against the Taliban's oppressive rule and their
ban on the education of girls. She was subsequently shot by the Taliban, but she survived and
went on to become an internationally acclaimed human rights and education activist. Malala
describes her life in Mingora in the lush Swat Valley in northwest Pakistan.

5. What is 'I am Malala' about?

Malala Yousafzai's 'I am Malala,' published in 2013, is a gripping autobiography from a

young woman who became an international advocate for girls' education.

6. How are women looked at in her country?

As she puts it, women in her country are seen as second- class citizens, fit only for
making food and birthing more children.

7. What makes sexism sinister?

Malala doesn't always express her outrage, even in describing seemingly outrageous
things. She can be surprisingly matter-of-fact about the sexism in her community-and its
"ordinariness" makes it all the more sinister.

8. How does Ziauddin treat Malala?

Ziauddin will be a huge influence on Malala, and we see that he adored her from the start,
refusing to treat her any differently from male children.

9. What is self-contradictory in the treatment of women in her country?

It seems self-contradictory that this society should so revere the women of its past while
having so little respect for the women of its present.

10.What makes it all the more tragic?

It is clear that Malala loves her homeland deeply. This then makes it all the more tragic
when Swat is beset with violence, oppression, and suffering.

11. What was the condition in the family when Malala was born?
 She was born in a land where rifles are fired in celebration of a son while daughters are
hidden away behind a curtain, their role in life is simply to prepare food and give birth to
children.

12. How was she named?

She was named after Malalai of Maiwand, the greatest heroine opf Afghanistan.

13. How do all Pashtun children grow up?

They all grow up with the story of how Malalai inspired the army to defeat the British in
1880 in one of the biggest battles of First Anglo-Afghan war.

14. Describe the Swat valley.

It is a heavenly kingdom of mountains, gushing waterfalls and crystal clear lakes.

'Welcome to Paradise' is a sign as one enters the valley.

15. How do they call Swat?

They call Swat as the Switzerland of the East.

16. Where did they live?

They lived in Mingora, the biggest town in the valley. It was the only city there.

17. Where was their home? How was it called?

Their home was in Gulkada, which means place of flowers. nit used to be called Burkara,
or place of Buddhist statues.

18. Name the poem written by Malala's father.

He wrote a poem 'The Relics of Burkara' which sums up perfectly how temple and
mosque could exist side by side.

19. Name the highest mountain there.

The highest mountain of all is the pyramid-shaped Mount Elum. To them it is a sacred
mountain and so high that it always wears a necklace of fleecy cloud.

20. What did Malala's father say about her?

He said, "Malala is as free as a bird." She dreams of going to the top of Mount Elum like
Alexander the Great, to touch Jupiter and even beyond the valley.
PARAGRAPHS

1. Describe Malala's attitude from her earlier days.

Malala explains that she was born at dawn (traditionally a sign of luck in her community), but
many people in the village still felt sorry for her family because Malala was a girl. As she puts it,
women in her country are seen as second-class citizens, fit only for making food and birthing
more children. Malala doesn't always express her outrage, even in describing seemingly
outrageous things. She can be surprisingly matter-of-fact about the gender discrimination in her
community.One of the only people to celebrate Malala's birth was her father's cousin, Jehan Sher
Khan Yousafzai. He gave Malala a "handsome gift of money." He also brought with him a large
family tree, showing the sons and fathers of Malala's family.

2. Explain Ziauddin's influence on Malala.

Malala's father, Ziauddin had an unusual reaction when his cousin brought the family free.
Instead of accepting it as a gift, he took a pen and drew a line to indicate Malala's birth, even
though she was a woman. Ziauddin insisted that Malala was special, and celebrated her birth
with coins and fruit-gifts usually reserved for male children. At times Malala makes large,
sweeping statements about the state of gender discrimination, religious extremism, etc., in
Pakistan. Yet she's very careful never to paint Pakistan with too broad a brush-she always
recognizes that there are exceptions to the statements she's making (like Jehan Sher Khan).
Ziauddin will be a huge influence on Malala, and we see that he adored her from the start,
refusing to treat her any differently from male children.

3. Discuss Malala as a heroine

Malala is named after Malalai, a heroine of Afghanistan. Malala's ethnic group, the Pashtuns, are
divided between two countries, Afghanistan and neighboring Pakistan. The Pashtuns obey a
strict moral code of honor, which obligates them to treat all people with honor and respect. The
Pashtuns are also a proud, warlike people. Malalai is a heroine to them because in the 1880s, she
led the Pashtuns in a successful uprising against the British Empire. Malalai was only a teenager
at the time, and she set aside married life to become a general and a warrior. British soldiers
killed her, but her troops eventually defeated the British. To this day, monuments to Malalai are
built in Afghanistan, and she's a symbol of the native resistance to foreign aggression.

4. How does Malala explain her culture?

Malala continues explaining her culture. She lives in Swat Valley, a beautiful place full of fruit
trees, rivers, and forests. In the winter, the villagers ski in the nearby mountains. Swat is
currently a part of the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in Pakistan. Formerly, Swat was an
independent state, but following Indian independence in 1947, it became an autonomous state
of Pakistan. The people of Swat use the Pakistan currency-the rupee-but nonetheless maintain an
unusually large amount of cultural and political autonomy from Pakistan. Most of the people of
Swat have never left their valley, even though the capital of Pakistan, Islamabad, is only a
hundred miles away.

5. Write a note on Malala's family.

Malala's family is descended from the Yousafzai, a noted Pashtun tribe. The Yousafzai feuded
with one another constantly, but in 1917, one Yousafzai warrior managed to impose order on the
Swati Valley. His son, Jehanzeb, brought great wealth and prosperity to the Valley. In 1969, the
year Malala's father was born, the Valley firmly united with Pakistan. Malala thinks of herself as
Swati first, then Pashtun, then Pakistani. Malala's identity thus far has seemed to be based almost
entirely on peace, nonviolence, and forgiveness-even of the Taliban who threaten her life.
Ironically, she's descended from a family that celebrates war and conflict as a way of life. And
yet the Yousafzais also celebrate poetry, again emphasizing the power of words for Malala.

An Autobiography or the Story of My Experiments with Truth (Chapters 1, 2 & 3) -

M.K.Gandhi

SHORT ANSWERS

1. Pick out the extract from the text which tells that Gandhiji was punctual.

"To be at school at the stroke of the hour and run back home as soon as the school was
closed that was my daily habit". This extract shows that Mahatma Gandhi was punctual.

2. Which two books inspired Gandhiji a lot during his childhood?

The two books which inspired Gandhiji a lot during his childhood were: Shravan
Pitribhakti natka and Harishchandra.

3. What made Gandhiji feel ashamed of himself during his visit to South Africa?

Gandhiji got the notion that good handwriting was not a necessary part of education but
when he went to South Africa and saw the beautiful handwriting of lawyers and young men, he
was ashamed of himself and repented of his neglect.

4. Why did Gandhiji dislike games and gymnastics?

Gandhiji dislike games and gymnastics because he had a false notion that games and
gymnastics had nothing to do with education. The reason for his dislikes for gymnastics was his
deep desire to serve as nurse to his father.
5. Why did he confess his guilt to his father? How did he make the confession?

Gandhiji confessed his quilt to his father because it became inbearable to him. So, his
guilt.

6. Why did Gandhill steal gold from his brother's armlet?

Gandhiji stole gold from his brother's armlet because he had run into a debt of twenty-
five rupees.

7. According to Gandhi, what is the purest type of repentance?

The purest type of repentance according to Gandhiji is a clean confession combined with
a promise never to commit the sin again.

8. When did Mahatma Gandhi write experiments of Truth or Autobiography?

'Experiments of Truth or Autobiography') is the autobiography of Mahatma Gandhi,

covering his life from early childhood through to 1921. He like everyone else, was born in
Ireland It was written in weekly installments and published in his journal Navjivan from 1925 to
1929.

9. What is the Story of My Experiments with Truth about?

'The Story of My Experiments with Truth' is the autobiography of Mahatma Gandhi,

covering his life from early childhood through to 1921. He like everyone else, was born in
Porbandar. Gujarat.

10. Is truth like a vast tree in Mahatma Gandhi's autobiography?

Yes, "Truth is like a vast tree": This Metaphor is used by Gandhi in his autobiographical
narration.

PARAGRAPHS

1. Write about Gandhi's early life.

It is time for some family tree action. Gandhi introduces us to some relatives and then
goes into detail about his father and mother. Pops was a political official and served as prime
minister for Rajkot and for Vankaner, two cities in India. He had no education but lots of life
experience and was truthful and incorruptible. Sounds like a pretty good influence on our
autobiography-ing hero. Ma was saintly and deeply religious. She would fast often, was
informed about matters of government, and had good common sense. Gandhi is born on October
2, 1869, and spends his childhood in Porbandar, a city in India.
2. Describe Gandhi's childhood life.

At age 7, Gandhi is a mediocre student but doesn't lie- he's a regular George Washington
with a cherry tree. A teacher once tries to get him to cheat on a spelling exercise conducted for
an inspector and our autobiography-ing hero doesn't even realize what the teacher was trying to
get him to do. Gandhi comes across two plays by chance. The devotion of the main character in
Shravana Pitribhakti Nataka for his parents inspires the youth. The honesty of Harishchandra in
the eponymous play also inspires him. Devotion and honesty-yup, that is Gandhi.

3. What do you know about Gandhi's child marriage?

Gandhi now tells us about his child marriage. He's married at 13. His parents choose his
wife, and hers him. He says there are no moral arguments in favor of such young marriages, but
that's the tradition. The adults decide to marry Gandhi, one of his brothers, and a cousin of his all
at the same time in order to save money on the celebration. Gandhi's father is injured on the way
to the wedding, but the teenager for grief in the excitement of the marriage. He enjoys the
celebration, having no idea that as an adult, he will criticize the institution of child marriage. The
newlyweds spend a nervous night together, which Gandhi doesn't describe. But, he tells us he
right away assumes authority over her as her husband.

4. Witte on the conversational style followed by Gandhi In his autoblography.

Befitting a humble man, Gandhi writes in a conversational style...though probably one

that's way more educated or highbrow than most conversations we hear. But, even though he
doesn't sound like the transcript of a convo we overhear in line at Starbucks, he doesn't use a lot
of big words or complex punctuation. He just tells us what he's thinking as he recollects his past
experiments with truth. Indeed, he says he is "writing this story as the Spirit prompts" him. His
accounts of the conversations keep his writing more life-like, everyday, and conversational.
Check out this example, also from the time when he was considering what to do with the gifts:
The children readily agreed to my proposal. "We do not need these costly presents, we must
return them to the community, and should we ever need them, we could easily purchase them,"
they said. I was delighted. "Then you will plead with mother, won't you?" I asked them.

5. How do rhetorical questions show itself in his autoblography?

Rhetorical questions are questions that the author already knows the answer to, and he's
just using them as a way of introducing a topic so he can answer the question himself. Check out
this two-paragraph passage, for example, where Big G ponders what to do with expensive gifts
people have given his family:

I had no costly ornaments in the house. We had been fast simplifying our life. How then could
we afford to have gold watches? How could we afford to wear gold chains and diamond rings?
Even then I was exhorting people to conquer the infatuation for jewelry. What was I now to do
with the jewelry that had come upon me? I decided that I could not keep these things. So, at the
start of the first paragraph, Gandhi already knows he had decided not to keep the gifts, but he's
writing out the rhetorical questions in his thought process to illustrate the conversation he was
having with himself in his head about what to do. His own internal conversation becomes a
conversation with the reader.

WHERE THE MIND IS WITHOUT FEAR

1. Where the mind is without fear in Geetanjali?

Rabindranath Tagore composed & published the poem Where the Mind is without Fear in
Geetanjali in 1910. In it, the poet prays to God that in his country there should be an atmosphere
of fearlessness. Knowledge should be free to all. The countrymen should not be divided over
caste and creed.

2. How is Rabindranath Tagore's 'where the mind is without fear' composed?

Rabindranath Tagore's "Where the Mind Is Without Fear" is composed entirely in free
verse, consisting of a single sentence enjambed across eight lines.

3. What is the meaning of 'where the mind is without fear'?

The poet prays to God that his country India should be a heaven of freedom. It represents
Tagore's vision of a new and awakened India. He prays that there should be an atmosphere of
fearlessness.

4. What are the three main themes in where the mind is without fear?

The three main themes in "Where the Mind Is Without Fear" (Gitanjali 35) are
nationalism and colonialism, the consequences of convention and religion and rationalism. The
poem was written during the era of British colonialism and refers to the Indian nationalist
movement.

5. Is reason, in the poem Where the Mind is without Fear, compared to a stream? Why?
 Yes, reason, in the poem Where the Mind is without Fear, is compared to a stream
because like the stream, reason is very clear and flowing.

6. What is meant by "knowledge is free" in the poem?

The poet desires that there should be no restriction for getting knowledge. It should be
free to all castes and creeds so that all may acquire it.

7. What is meant by "narrow domestic walls" in the poem?

It means that the world should not be divided into small parts on the basis of caste, creed
or colour.

8. Give the two qualities of mind described in the poem.

Ever widening thought and action are the two qualities of mind described by Tagore in
the poem.

9. Why does the poet compare 'dead habit' to 'dreary desert sand?'

The poet compares dead habit to dreary desert sand because the dead habits are like
dreary desert which is lifeless and of no worth, so is the case with dead habits as they stop
progress.

10. To whom does the poet address his poem?

The poet addresses his poem to God.

11. "Where knowledge is not free" - what is the impact?

People who are poor will not get the right education and will become thief or a laborer
and will decrease human capital and economy of India.

12. What does the first half of the poem convey?

One must be able to live without fear of the repercussions of their thoughts, as well as
living without fear of physical harm coming to them as they live their lives.

13. What does the later half convey?

The second half of the poem adds to the importance of the first half. We must not only be
able to live without fear of physical repercussions of what we believe, but we must also be able
to be proud of our beliefs, be able to express them freely in an open society.

14. Why the world has become fragmented?

 Because of the way in which one class is separated from another in all the facts of life,
from where and how they live, to where they work and who they work for, the world has become
fragmented into small groups that do not interact or touch in any way.

15. What does the poet appeal in the end?

This world that he has crafted the poet now refers to as "that heaven of freedom." He asks
"my Father" presumably God, to let his country wake into this heaven.

PARAGRAPHS

1. What is the significance of the title of the poem 'Where the Mind is Without Fear'?

The poem begins with these two short lines which are the basis of the hopes that Tagore has for
his country. These partial sentences, along with the following six are finished by the last line of
the poem in which Tagore explains, these are places into which he wishes India would wake up.
That a change will come over the country and it will be able to move to a more culturally and
politically free period. Specifically in which, "the mind is without fear." This being the title line
of the poem, its importance cannot be ignored. It is one of the most important tenets of Tagore's
dream of India. One must be able to live without fear of the repercussions of their thoughts, as
well as living without fear of physical harm coming to them as they live their lives.

2. How does the world become fragmented?

The poem turns to knowledge, in this perfect India, all knowledge must be free. There cannot be
barriers, keeping the middle and lower classes from seeking out new information and bettering
their lives. The third statement describing this ideal world refers to home and societal life and the
way in which women and men are separated, and how narrow their differences are. This idea of
walls can also be expanded to once again include 70 different classes of people, a problem faced
by the Indian people for decades. Because of the way in which one class is separated from
another in all the facts of life, from where and how they live, to where they work and who they
work for, the world has become fragmented into small groups that do not interact or touch in any
way.

3. Explain the significance of the lines: Where words come out from the depth of truth

Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection.

The above lines of the poem make reference to a more philosophical factor in Tagore's utopian
India. The words that were spoken, no matter who by, must come from the very depth of truth.
This is a way of living that is very controversial, and which many might say would have an
adverse effect. But in Tagore's world, absolute truth is a necessity. The sixth line of the poem
presents an idea that many would agree with without much criticism, that if one works hard, or
strives tirelessly, one will eventually reach perfection. Perfection, or whatever goal one has in
mind. Hard work would always pay off, another addition to Tagore's goal for India.

4. Explain how Tagore uses a clear stream as a metaphor.

"Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way Into the dreary desert sand of dead habit."
These two lines are more complex. In this scenario that Tagore has set up in these lines, he is
referring to the trouble that one will run into when they start on a path reasonably and with a goal
in mind, but then fall into a habit and are unable to reach what they were striving for. Tagore
uses a "clear stream" as a metaphor for reason, it flows easily and cleanly. It is good for
everyone. This stream of reason has "not" in Tagore's world, "lost its way," by venturing into the
habit. To balance this metaphor, he compares a dreary desert to "dead habit." One must be
willing to change, to try new things in his utopian India.

5. Explain the concluding lines of the poem.

The last three lines of the poem make clear reference to Tagore's desire to blend Western and
Indian poetry together. The mind of the people must be led forward by "thee." In this line, he
could be referring to God, as he does in the next line, or perhaps he references his previous
statements as a whole. He is, in a way, adding on to the previous lines, stating that this stream of
reason must be "led forward..." The last two lines conclude all of the partial sentences that make
up the bulk of the poem. The mind must be led forward into "ever-widening thought and action."
The mind must not be culled in any sense of the word. It must be allowed to expand without
limits and act on the notions it believes to be best. This world that he has crafted he now refers to
as "that heaven of freedom." He asks "my Father" presumably God, to let his country wake into
this heaven.

'Love Cycle'

SHORT ANSWERS

1. What is the meaning of 'Love Cycle' by Chinua Achebe?

'Love Cycle' by Chinua Achebe describes sunrise, sunset, and their effects on Earth using the
metaphor of a barely happy couple. 'Love Cycle' by Chinua Achebe portrays the sun's effect on
Earth (and vice versa) as a hardly romantic relationship. The poem describes the couple: the sun
an angry male and the earth a tolerant female.

2. What makes Chinua Achebe's novels so special?

The novels of Chinua Achebe, the best of the new generation of West Africans writing in
English, begin with the coming of the white man to the bush and end in contemporary Lagos,
and show the process of moral and cultural disintegration that results from colonialism.

3. What is the theme of 'Love Cycle'?

'Love Cycle' opens by describing the actions of the sun at dawn. At this time, the poem compares
the interaction between the sun and Earth to the aftermath of dispassionate sex between a couple.
It goes on to describe the harshness of the sun as dawn gives way to noon.

4. When and where was 'Love Cycle' published?

'Love Cycle' was first published as part of the collection, "From Beware Soul Brother and Other
Poems", in 1971. In that same year, it was republished in the United States as part of the poetry
Collection, "Christmas in Biafra and other Poems".

5. Who Is the speaker in 'Love Cycle'?

The speaker is an unnamed but keen observer of nature: he may be the poet himself. In 'Love
Cycle', he presents himself as a sharp and speculative narrator of the natural phenomenon
explored.

6. What is the tone and mood of the poem?

The tone is neutral. The speaker is indifferent to the plight of Earth and the actions of the sun. He
is only narrating to readers about these events.

7. Is 'Love Cycle' a romantic poem?

Romantic poems focus on and appreciate the power of nature, while relating it to human life.
'Love Cycle' explores the interaction between two natural entities, comparing it with the
ongoings in a human relationship. In this regard, 'Love Cycle' is a romantic poem.

8. Is 'Love Cycle' eros poetry?

While eros poetry paints a vivid carnal picture of its subject's body and/or its persona's lustful
desires, 'Love Cycle' doesn't do that. The poem only mentions desire and its aftermath as a
metaphorical tool for its main theme: nature. In this regard, 'Love Cycle' is not eros poetry.

9.What do the metaphorical convey? expressions in the poem

"Long misty arms" in stanza 1 and "soft-eyed light" in stanza 3 represent the gentle nature of the
sun's rays. "Burning darts of anger" in stanza 4 refers to the scorching rays present at noon.
Metaphor also appears the stanza 2. Depending on therspective, love's combobears in stanza 2.
Do the heat of the sun. In stanza 3, the poem compares "heaven", an aerial space, to land, by
giving it a unit of measurement.

10. Is the title of the poem ironic?

The title of the poem is ironic. This irony resurfaces between stanzas 1 and 2. The persona calls
the sun and Earth "happy lovers", right before describing their dispassionate affair.

PARAGRAPHS

1. What does the poem 'Love Cycle' portray?

'Love Cycle' by Chinua Achebe portrays the sun's effect on Earth (and vice versa) as a
hardly romantic relationship. The poem describes the couple: the sun an angry male and the earth
a tolerant female. Achebe uses personification and symbolism throughout the poem to evoke
vivid imagery. The central theme explored in 'Love Cycle' is nature. The themes of unhealthy
relationships, anger, endurance, and power plays all emanate from the poet's exploration of the
central theme. 'Love Cycle' concludes by implicitly mentioning moonlight, a gentle reflection of
the sun's rays. The subdued nature of the sun at night gives Earth free reign over her partner.
Love Cycle points to this moment as the reason she stays.

2. Explain the metaphorical perspective in the poem.

It reasons why Earth tolerates the sun's harshness, using the established metaphor. From
the metaphorical perspective, the woman stays in a clearly unhealthy relationship because at
night, her partner's gentleness returns. The tone of the stanza indicates that the man becomes
mellow because he wants her to make love to him. At this point, the theme of power plays comes
in. The woman takes comfort in these moments where she has full reign over her partner. The
metaphorical perspective provides a speculative reason Earth tolerates the harshness of the sun
during the day. At night, sunlight becomes significantly gentle through the reflective surface of
the moon. The persona guesses Earth tolerates the sun for these moments of freedom and relief.
Of course, it's only speculation backed by the speaker's power of imagination.

3. Describe the happenings in the opening stanza of the poem.

 'Love Cycle' opens with the persona describing the attitude of the sun at dawn. One can
imagine the sun's withdrawal from embrace to mean its light isn't fixated on anything. This
translates to how widespread and scattered the sun's rays are at this time. Unlike at noon, the rays
aren't locked on any surface; they aren't harsh as well. Hence, their representation as "long misty
arms". The adjective "long" reveals the far reach of the sun. The poem opens by describing the
actions of the sun at dawn. At this time, the poem compares the interaction between the sun and
Earth to the aftermath of dispassionate sex between a couple. It goes on to describe the harshness
of the sun as dawn gives way to noon. Here, Love Cycle relates the earth's endurance of the sun's
scorching rays to the forbearance of a woman dissatisfied by her partner.

4. Discuss the literary features used in the poem.

Personification wouldn't have been possible without metaphor in 'Love Cycle'. Referring
to the sun and Earth as a human couple already bestows human characteristics on them.
Throughout the poem, these entities exhibit attributes and actions common to man. For example,
in stanza 2, the Earth wakes up; between stanzas 3 and 4, the sun vents his anger on Earth.
Considering the state of the represented relationship in 'Love Cycle', the title of the poem is
ironic. This irony resurfaces between stanzas 1 and 2. The persona calls the sun and Earth
"happy lovers", right before describing their dispassionate affair. Synaethesia as a poetic device
associates attributes of the five senses with each other. It is evident in stanza 3, where the sense
of sound is associated with sight: "...whispers of soft-eyed light...". Enjambment runs throughout
'Love Cycle', resulting in the fragmented structure of the poem.

NINE GOLD MEDALS

SHORT ANSWERS

1. How do you know that the poem shows true sportsmanship?

The poem shows true sportsman spirt, compassion, and cooperation and how all the 8 athletes
who practiced so hard did not think for a moment and just turned back and helped the fellow
participant.

2. What message does it preach?

It gives us a message that being selfless and helping others can do a lot of good not only to the
person who is being helped but also to the person who is helping. It underlines the idea of
empathy and human values.

3. What is most valuable in life?

What is valuable most in life is the sense of sharing other's pain and sorrow and trying to cheer
up and encourage the weak and the fallen.

4. What does the other contestants do when they see one of them fall down?

They all help the weaker contestant to go hand-in-hand to the finishing line. They are all
awarded gold medals in appreciation of upholding the true spirit of sports

5. What is the central theme of David Roth's poem?

The central theme of David Roth's 'Nine Gold Medals' is the spirit of empathy, selflessness and
true sportsmanship.

6. What does the poet teach through his poem?

Through his poem 'Nine Gold Medals', Roth teaches us the importance of unity, brotherhood,
generosity, compassion, selflessness and the spirit of sacrifice.

7. What does the world need today?

What the world needs now is not more competition but more cooperation and collaboration.

PARAGRAPHS

1.Discuss the theme in the poem 'Nine Gold Medals:

The poem 'Nine Gold Medals' is a beautiful poem depicting the companionship of all the eight
athletes. The runners have truly justified the spirit of Special Olympics with their gestures of
empathy, sportsmanship and consideration. According to me the message of the poem 'Nine
Gold Medals' by David Roth is it doesn't require for people to be from a country or a place to
show kindness and sportsmanship. It also gives us a message that being selfless and helping
others can do a lot of good not only to the person who is being helped but also to the person who
is helping. It underlines the idea of empathy and human values. It gives us the message that what
values most in life is the sense of sharing other's pain and sorrow and trying to cheer up and
encourage the weak and the fallen.

2. How does the poet present an imaginary situation in 'Nine Gold Medals'?

It presents an imaginary situation of a race in which contestants are ready to compete against one
another to win the Gold medal. When they see a weak contestant fall down, they forget the desire
to win the race. It was an imaginable and virtual presentation for the spectators on the field. They
all help the weaker contestant to go hand-in-hand to the finishing line. They are all awarded gold
medals in appreciation of upholding the true spirit of sports. This poem is of true sportsmanship.
It underlines the idea of empathy and human values. It presents an imaginary situation of a race
in which contestants were ready to compete against each other to win a gold medal. When they
see a weak contestant fallen down, they forget the desire to win race. They all help the weaker
contestant and go hand in hand to the finishing line. They all are awarded gold medals in
appreciation of upholding true spirit of sports.

3. Discuss the sacrificial attitude of eight mother athelets.

In today's world, competition is at an all time high. In this competitive spirit, we are taught to be
ruthless in our approach and stop at nothing to achieve victory. We often forget the human
values of compassion and co operation. David Roth's poem acts as a source of inspiration,
reminding us the importance of feelings of brotherhood and camaraderie, and the spirit of
collaboration. In the poem, the eight other athletes readily let go of their own dreams and
ambitions in an attempt to help the ninth athlete to secure his dreams. Through this magnificent
act of selflessness, the poet tries to convey to us the true meaning of sportsmanship. Healthy
competition is essential, but we shouldn't be blinded by our ambitions to such an extent that we
forget to think about others. Thus, through his poem 'Nine Gold Medals', Roth teaches us the
importance of unity, brotherhood, generosity, compassion, selflessness and the spirit of sacrifice.

4. How does the poem emphasize the value human compassion?

By awarding gold medals to each of them, the authorities honoured the display of empathy and
human values. The poem celebrates human value pertaining to kindness, cooperation,
compassion, empathy and true sportsmanship. In the poem 'Nine Gold Medals' by David Roth, in
the course of the 100 meters race when the youngest athlete fell on the ground to his knees, the
other eight athletes in an outstanding show of empathy stopped running and returned to help him
to his knees. At the end nine of them link arms and walk to the finishing line. This poem displays
great human compassion. The poem celebrates the spirit of care and compassion. But the main
message which is conveyed by the poem to its readers is that, what the world needs today is not
more competition but excess cooperation and collaboration.
 ALICE FELL OR POVERTY

SHORT ANSWERS

1. Describe the beginning of the poem.

The post-boy drove with fierce career, for threatening clouds the moon had drowned; When, as
they hurried on, the narrator's ear was smitten with a startling sound. As if the wind blew many
ways, he heard the sound, and more and more; It seemed to follow with the chaise and still he
heard it as before.

2. What did Wordsworth write about the poor?

Wordsworth often wrote about the plight of the poor, as did other leading Romantic poets such
as Shelley. In 'Alice Fell, Wordsworth tells the story of a little orphan, 'fatherless and
motherless', whom the speaker of the poem meets on the road to Durham.

3. How does Wordsworth tell the story 'Alice Fell'?

In 'Alice Fell', Wordsworth tells the story of a little orphan, "fatherless and motherless', whom
the speaker of the poem meets on the road to Durham. He shows her an act of kindness which
lifts her spirits and helps her to forget, at least for a while, her grief at being poor and without a
family.

4. When did the speaker hear the sound?

The speaker heard the sound when he was traveling in his horse-drawn carriage.

5. Did the speaker find anyone in his first attempt?

No, he did not find anyone in his first attempt. So he started in his carriage again.

6. What did he notice in his second attempt?

He noticed a girl crying and sobbing behind his carriage.

7. Why did she cry?

She cried because she had no one to support her. She was wearing a tattered cloak which she
wanted to change.

8. What did the speaker do to help her?

He took her in his carriage and made the host of a inn to buy her new clothes and provide all
facilities to her.

9. What do you know about the poor girl?

Her name is Alice Fell and she is an orphan.

10. How does the poem end?

The poem ends on a happy note as the girl will become a proud creature from the next day and
would be seen with her new dress.

PARAGRAPHS

1. In what circumstances dies the speaker notice the girl?

One day the poet happens to go on a route enjoying nature all the while. Suddenly the clouds
made a covering to the moon to make it complete darkness. The post-boy is driving the carriage
through a place full of nature's glory. As they hurry on, they hear a startling sound making them
wonder what it might be. The wind is blowing and the sound stops for a while. Again it is heard,
this time so closely that the speaker asks the boy to stop the horses. They could see a girl sobbing
and weeping behind the carriage. She is all alone and is seen with a tattered cloak.

2. How does the speaker come to know that she is poor and needs help?

The speaker is so moved by the sight before him. He asks the girl about her condition. He also
asks her why she is weeping. She points to her cloak which is torn and looks a rag. She has no
one to support in her present distressful condition. The speaker is moved by her condition and
decides to take her in his carriage. The girl says she is going to Durham. The speaker is ready to
provide all assistance. So he takes her to an inn where he instructs the host to get her new clothes
and food and provide her the facilities that she needs. From next day onwards she has become a
proud creature.

3. What makes the speaker go to the girl's rescue?

Wordsworth as a poet is a person who will not be a silent spectator after seeing human beings as
well as plants and trees in a helpless condition. It is this feeling of humanism that has made him
provide help to an orphan girl in this poem. He cannot tolerate any one suffer from want of
succor. This is the case with Alice Fell who is found struggling in her place. She is poor,
miserable with no one by her side and found in a lonely condition. The poet is one who is alert to
various sounds, smells and sights in a rural setting, and this girl un a piteous condition appears
before him only to provoke him to do something beneficial to her. It is he who rescued her after
feeling sympathetic towards her.

THE SCHOOL FOR SYMPATHY

1. Why do you think that the writer wanted to visit Miss Beam's school?

It is because he had heard a lot about Miss Beam's school.

2. Is It different from other schools? How?

Yes, their teaching methods were quite different. They taught only those things that are
simple and useful to the pupils by giving them interesting tasks.

3. Is there a hint suggesting that it is a residential school? Identify and write the sentence.

Miss Beam says "The bandage is put on overnight. They woke up blind." This sentence
hints that the school is a residential.

4. What according to Miss Beam is the real aim of the school?

The real aim is to teach thoughtfulness, humanity, kindness and citizenship.

5. What surprised and pained the visitor when he looked out of the window?

The visitor realized that the jolly children whom he saw before him were not at all
healthy and active. It surprised and pained him.

6. "we make them share in misfortune foo" What does Miss Beam mean by this?

In order to make the young minds appreciate and understand misfortune, every child has
to observe one blind day, one dumb day and one deaf day.

7. "It is educative to both of them" - Explain how it helps the blind and the helpers.

The helpers learn the values of mutual help and compassion and understand the problems
of the differently- abled.

8. What makes the dumb the most frightening for children?

On the dumb day the child must use his/her will power because the mouth is bandaged.

9. "I shall be glad when today is over" Why does the girl feel so?
 It is because the others bandaged can't be half as bad as the blind day. It will be terrible
for her not to see.

10. Why does the girl think that having all tied up is a little more troublesome?

With her own arm tied up she may not be able to do anything without the help of others.
She may need others even to cut up food for her.

PARAGRAPHS

1.Give a brief account of Mr. Lucas's visit to Miss Beam's school.

Once the author visited Miss Beam's school. It taught normal school subjects and also made the
students sympathetic, thoughtful and kind. The author saw many handicapped children.Actually
they were all healthy. They were playing at being crippled. Each child was made to have one
blind day, one lame day, one dumb day and one maimed day in a term. This made the students
understand the misfortunes of the handicapped. The blind day was very troublesome. At the end
of the visit, the author thought that Miss Beam's school did a very useful service in making the
students sympathetic and kind.

2. "In the course of the term every child has one blind day, one lame day, one deaf day, one lame
day, one dumb day." What were the children expected to do on these days?"

On the blind day, the eyes of children were bandaged. Such children needed help in everything.
On the lame day, a leg of the child was tied up and he was to hop about on a crutch. On the deaf
day, the ears of children were clogged. On the maimed day, an arm was tied up and the children
had to get their food cut for them. On the dumb day, they were to remain silent. As their mouths
were not bandaged, they had to depend upon their will power. They were made to take part in
these misfortunes in order to make them appreciate and understand the misfortune of others. The
basic idea was to make the children sympathetic towards such helpless children.

3. Write a note on Miss Beam's school.

Miss Beam's school is interesting enough and teaching methods are very simple. They teach
simple and useful things to the pupils like additions, subtractions, multiplications and writing and
through interesting tasks. Practically no other lessons are given. The real aim of Miss Beam's
school is to teach thoughtfulness, humanity, kindness and citizenship. The children in this school
have to observe a blind day, a lame day, a deaf day and a dumb day. It would help the young
minds to appreciate and understand misfortunes. The children learn to be helpful to each other
and be compassionate. They learn necessary values required for a peaceful coexistence.

4. Sketch the character of Miss Beam.

Miss Beam was kind-hearted, middle-aged, authoritative and full of understanding. She started a
new school known as the School for Sympathy. Important school subjects were taught in this
school. But this school was different in one aspect. Here the students were given training in good
qualities. The real aim of the school was to give training in thoughtfulness, humanity and good
citizenship. Every child in her school had one blind day, one lame day, one deaf day and one
dumb day etc. The children thus had a taste of misfortune. As a result, they learnt to be
sympathetic towards handicapped people. Miss Beam was an asset to society. She wanted to
promote noble ideas in society.

5. How does Miss Beam impress the author?

The narrator happens to meet Miss Beam. He thought to himself that she possessed a look that
could comfort a homesick child. She was a plump middle-aged woman whose hair had started to
grey. She looked kind and commanding at the same time. Miss Beam greeted the narrator and
they began their conversation. The narrator asked her about the school and its unique system.
According to Miss Beam, the school follows a simple curriculum. Basic mathematics such as
addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication are taught. They are also trained to read and
write. The teaching methodology is simple because the students will learn through interesting
lectures and by reading. Miss Beam is a cheerful, aggressive, sensitive, serious energetic, and
confident in all her activities.

BARN BURNING

SHORT ANSWERS

1. Why does Snopes burn the barn?

Abner's hog strays to the Harris farm and eats com. It is the reason Snopes burns the barn.

2. What does it symbolize?

It symbolizes the disparity between classes. Everything Abner has lost to the upper class. It is an
injustice. He wants to escape to a better life.

3. What is the conflict in 'Barn Burning' by William Faulkner?

The story "Barn Burning" discusses the inner conflict within Sartoris Snopes, a young boy who
faced a dilemma. He tries to make a decision of choosing between lying in the court under his
father's pressure who does not want to get into the jail and acting against his father by telling the
truth.

4. How did critics get interested in William Faulkner's work?

The New Critics became interested in Faulkner's work, with Cleanth Brooks writing The Yokna
patawpha Country and Michael Millgate writing The Achievement of William Faulkner. Since
then, critics have looked at Faulkner's work using other approaches, such as feminist and
psychoanalytic methods.
5. What is the story 'Burning Barn' about?

'Barn Burning' is a short story by William Faulkner about a boy who has to decide between
loyalty to his father and doing the right thing. The story begins with a dramatic scene in progress.
The main focus is on the perceptions of a young boy, Sarty (Colonel Sartoris) Snopes, who is
witnessing the scene from a distance and cannot see it fully.

6. What is the most notable literary element Faulkner uses?

The most noticeable literary element Faulkner uses in "Barn Burning" is sentence structure.
Faulkner's sentences are very long and have many clauses getting prolonged.

7. Comment on Faulkner's writing style.

William Faulkner's writing style, as indicated in his short story "Barn Burning," is baroque and
complex, employing a modernist stream-of-consciousness technique, with long winding
sentences.

8. What warning is given by Abner to his son?

Sarty that he has to stick to his own kind and Abner warns his own blood that of his sharecropper
lifestyle and his barn- burning father.

10. What is Sarty's full name? What does it Indicate?

Sarty's full name "Colonel Sartoris Snopes" illustrates the conflict raging within him.

11. What is the contradiction with the name of Colonel Sartoris?

He has the first name of Colonel Sartoris who was known as a hero as well as a good and honest
man. This is in direct conflic with his last name, for he is a Snopes-sharecropper and bam

12. Where do Sarty's loyalties lie?

From early on ite admits the clues to where Sarty's loyalties lie are very clear. He admits even as
he knows his father wallin him, that he was going to tell them the truth about his father burning
Harris's barn.

13. What does he do at the critical moment?

At the crucial moment, as he knows he has a chance, he chooses honor and doing right over
sticking to blood.

14. What does the story explore?

It does explore the implications of having to try to run from "blood" and your own father's
reputation.
15. What are the three major literary elements in the story?

The three major literary elements of William Faulkner's "Barn Burning" are sentence structure,
point of view and setting.

PARAGRAPHS

1. Give the central idea of the story 'Barn Burning."

'Barn Burning' is a short story by William Faulkner which demonstrates the complex relationship
between personal and familial values. The protagonist, Sarty, a ten year old boy, is forced to
testify to the court to prove his father's innocence. But he is aware that his father has indeed
burned the barn and therefore must lie to save him. He detests the idea of lying to the judge, but
makes a false statement. When the family moves to another farm and Sarty's father is planning to
burn another barn, Sarty opposes his family. He notifies the owner about the father's plans and
runs for his life. In the end he defends his principles and leaves the family. Finally Sarty has
chosen honor over the familial values.

2. Give an account of the family relationship of portrayed in the story 'Barn Burning.'

Throughout the story Sarty's father emphasizes the Importance of familial values. He tells Sarty
"You got to learn to stick to your blood." He hits his son to prove the point concerning familial
bonds, but Sarty is not convinced. Faulkner depicts Sarty's father and elder brothers as
dishonorable people opposed to Sarty's values. Nevertheless Sarty is connected to his family
members and cannot go against their wishes. In the beginning he describes the sensation as "the
old fierce pull of blood." He understands the immorality of his father's actions, but cannot oppose
them. Thus despite the disagreements Sarty feels a close connection to his family and protects his
father in the court.

3. Describe the family conflict as portrayed in the story.

The focus of the story is the family conflict. Sarty detests his dishonorable father's views, but
cannot oppose them in the beginning. The author emphasizes Sarty's character by symbolizing
his honesty with his full name Colonel Sartoris Snopes. The judge mentions that a person with
such a name "cannot help but tell the truth" implying Sarty's principles of honesty. This Faulkner
uses symbolism and metaphors to demonstrate Sarty's honorable values. The difference in
perspectives creates a family conflict and Sarty needs to choose either to keep his principles or
family bonds. For the major part, he follows his father's orders, despite their increased tendency
to dishonesty and violence. In the end Sarty follows his own beliefs and cuts ties with the family.

4. How are the personal values allowed to get an upper hand in the story? (OR)
Sketch the character of Sarty in 'Barn Burning.'

Faulkner explains the challenges of the family conflict through the lens of Sarty's values. Sarty is
only a ten year old boy, but he is knowledgeable enough to understand the vile nature of his
father's actions. Faulkner also narrates some of the events in the story from both Sarty's and
omniscient perspectives. The author uses literary devices to emphasize Sarty's age and explains
his objectives. Nonetheless Faulkner praises Sarty for his qualities and deeds. He is the
contrasting character in his family, which is described as cold and dishonest. The opposition
between personal and familial values supports the narrative and helps the readers to understand
the complex nature of the bond between Sarty and his father. Finally Sarty's final resolution to
leave his family marks the beginning of a new life and triumph of personal values over his
household.

THE THINGS THAT HAVEN’TDONE BEFORE

SHORT ANSWERS

1. What are the things worthwhile today?

To see what no man alone to do. There are deeds that they hunger alone to do . Though they are
battered and bruised and sore, they blaze the path for the many, who do nothing not done before
The things that haven't been done before are the tasks worthwhile to-day.

2. What is it the father used to say?

The bronze of his happiest years. Oh, he's battered and bruised. My father often used to say: 'My
boy don't throw a thing away: You'll find a use for it some day. So in a box he stored up things,
Bent nails, old washers, pipes.

3. What is Edgar Guest's poem about?

Edgar Guest was an English poet. He was known as the "People's Poet." Edgar Albert Guest's
poem is a motivational poem that encourages the reader not to give up easily. The poem is a
warning that throughout life, people will tell you that certain things are impossible to achieve and
that you should quit.

4. What is the meaning of 'Things that haven't been done before' by Edgar Albert Guest?

It is a simple poem about facing the difficulties in one's life and persevering through them. It
contains a speaker's assertion that one has everything they need from birth to find success in life.

5. What was Edgar Guest's first issue? In 1881 in London it was widely circulated in the British
Isles. Its first issue was on the street on August 23, 1873.

6. What do you like about Edgar Guest as a poet?

With the book called Siddhartha, everybody should read it. Edgar A Guest was a most prolific
writer. He published newspaper pieces (usually poems).

7. Give examples for things that haven't been done before.

Columbus's discovery of America, many other sailors discovering new places like Canada and
the West Indies are examples.

8. How are men like Columbus described in the poem?

Men like Columbus dreamed of an unknown shore. They were at the rim of the far-flung sky,
their hearts were bold and their faith was strong. As they ventured in dangers new, they paid no
heed to the jeering throng or the fears of the doubting crew.

9. What are the worthwhile things today?

The things that haven't been done before are the tasks worthwhile to-day.

10. What is the moral of the poem?

The courage to make new discoveries and travel an uncharted path is what defines a hero. This is
the moral that we can have from the poem.

PARAGRAPHS

1. Discuss the theme of the poem 'Things that haven't been done before.'

Many people will follow the beaten track with signs of assistance that may be available on the
way. They live and have lived for ages back with a chart for every day. Someone has told them it
is safe to go on the road he has traveled over, All that they ever strive to know are the things that
were known before. There are a few who strike out without map or chart, where there has never
been a man or his trace of living. From the beaten path they withdraw to see what no man has
seen. There are deeds those who feel the hunger of it alone can do. Though in the process they
are battered and bruised and sore, they blaze the path for the many, who do nothing not done
before.

2. Does the poem serve as a role model for the youth of today?

Yes, the poem 'Things that haven't been done before serves as a role model for the youth of
today. In this context the poet cites the example of Columbus the great sailor who discovered
America. There are so many others who do not mind the hardship and travails involved in setting
out for new discoveries. If Archimedes could think of a thing floating in water and Newton could
think of an apple falling down from the tree, in the same way finding new territories where no
man has lived is a rare feat which is to be lauded and praised. It is this aspect that is stressed in
the poem by Edgar Guest.

3. Explain the last stanza in the poem.

The poet Edgar Guest distinguishes between those who have done adventures to new lands
unconquered by man and those who go to those places with guidelines and enough support. He
admires the few who strike out without map or chart. They are the ones who dare to reach a place
uninhabited by man. They do not want to keep to the beaten track where people have already
visited. These deeds only those with a passion can attempt and achieve. They do not care if they
get wounded or tortured or meet eventful situations. The praiseworthy fact is that they blaze the
path for many others who will follow suit. These others might have done nothing to match their
brave deeds. Hence the men of adventure and first time achievers need to be heartily
congratulated.

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening'

SHORT ANSWERS

1. When and where was' Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening' published?

Robert Frost wrote the poem, 'Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening' in 1922. It was
published in his New Hampshirg volume in 1923.

2. What is 'Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening about?

Robert Frost's 'Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening' is about a traveler who waits by the
woods to observe the nocturnal beauty of the frosty night. He is not sure why he is standing
aimlessly there. At the end of the poem, he becomes realistic and says the memorable words,
"But I have promises to keep/ And miles to go before I sleep." Thus, this poem is about the
journey of life.

3. What does the title 'Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening' mean?

The title of the poem talks about a short event. According to the speaker, he stopped by the
woods on a snowy evening and what he realized is recorded in this piece. The literal meaning
points to the nocturnal scene and how it influenced the speaker's mind

4. What is the deeper meaning of 'Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening'?

The deeper meaning of the poem concems the joumey of life. Through this poem, Frost
highlights the importance of being active and always being aware of the promise that one makes
to oneself. Before committing oneself, there is time to ponder upon other things.

5. What is the meaning of "And miles to go before I sleep/ And miles to go before I sleep"?

Frost repeats the idea to emphasize the importance of carrying on the journey before the
metaphorical sleeping. The last two lines present the idea of sleeping from two different
perspectives. The first "sleep" is about to take a rest. While the later reference deals with death.

6. Which sentence best surnmarizes 'Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening'?

The lines, "But I have promises to keep,/ And miles to go before I sleep" best summarizes the
essence of the poem. This poem is about a traveler who stops by the woods momentarily and sets
out for his destination. While leaving the woods, he makes his intention clear by saying that he
has promises to keep and he has miles to go before taking any rest.

7. Who is the speaker of 'Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening'?

The speaker of this poem is a traveler who has set out for a perspective. The poetic persona or
the speaker is considered long journey on his horse. This poem is written from his to be the
mouthpiece of the poet.

8. What is the theme of the poem?

Frost's 'Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening' taps on several themes such as life, death,
commitment, pessimism vs optimism, and darkness. The main theme of this piece is the Journey
of life. It is present throughout the poem and highlighted In the last few lines.

9. Why does the horse think it strange to stop in the woods?

In the poem, the horse finds it odd to stop in the woods. The creature, driven by his bodily urges
of hunger and thirst, thinks it is strange to halt at a place without a farmhouse nearby. It is used
to stop during the journey for food and water. Therefore waiting in such a bleak place makes the
creature confused.

10. Why couldn't the speaker stay near the woods for long in the poem?

The speaker could not stay near the woods for long as he had made some promises to keep. He
has to ride for miles to reach his destination. Waiting at this moment of the night could cost him
a lot, both physically and mentally. For this reason, he left the place as soon as he realized the
fact.
PARAGRAPHS

1. What is the problem before the narrator?

The narrator is spell-bound by the momentary distraction from worldly responsibilities, allowing
himself a moment of peace. Being naturalistic to the core, Robert Frost grounds his character in a
forest, mesmerized by the snowy evening. The poet mildly indicates the presence of a human
close by, albeit in-doors, oblivious to the passerby. The woods are immensely thick, dark, and
stand in all their glory. More so, the poet paints an image, etched in natural beauty, drawing
deep sensory emotions from the reader. The woods are blanketed in thick snow, amplifying its
beauty factor. The narrator voices his concern about losing his way through the woods since it
gets immensely dark at night time, he decides to better get a move on.

2. What do the woods represent for the poet?

Throughout this piece, the poet engages with one primary symbol- the woods. They represent
one side of the two choices that the speaker has before them. They could head towards the woods
or they could return to their mundane obligations. The woods represent a freedom of sorts,
liberated from the constraints of society, and without the endless tasks, everyday life demands on
the average person. There, one could live within the natural world and enjoy the peace nature has
to offer. But, it should be noted, the woods are also "dark and deep." They also represent
darkness and present the speaker with the option of "sleep," or as some have interpreted it, death.

3. Explain the significance of the last two lines of the poem.

'Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening', one of the best Robert Frost poems, is ever-inviting,
yet possesses a dark underlying connotation as well. The concluding two verses of the poem are
the clincher from the poet's perspective. It's also the most celebrated two lines of English poetry.
The initial line 'And miles to go before I sleep' remains within the poetis parameters defined in
the poetry genre. Then, the poet repeats the above line, reinforcing a more internal message. In
actuality, the poet is hinting at death which will come eventually as he reaches the end of his
years.

4.Comment on the literary devices used in the poem.

One can notice how every rhyming word ends with the euphonic "oh" sound, how every word in
the stanza is either monosyllabic or disyllabic, making for a simple flow, an easy read, and a
simple sense of peace throughout. There is a noticeable consonance in the third stanza with the
"s" sound;
He gives his harness bells a shake

To ask if there is some mistake.

The only other sound's the sweep Of easy wind and downy flake. It's very easy to read and flows
extremely well. The continuation of the simple A/A/B/A structure of the poem further enhances
the need Frost has for his reader to understand the natural flow that accompanies a walk in the
woods on a snowy evening. In the fourth verse, "sleep" is the metaphor used for true rest; the rest
of a fulfilled promise, of a fulfilled day, or even a fulfilled life. This is the only stanza of
'Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening' that consists of four rhyming lines, due to the
repetition of "and miles to go before I sleep."

MAGIC BROCADE

SHORT ANSWERS

1.What is 'The Magic Brocade'?

It is a folk tale from China.

2. Where Is this tale taken from?

This tale is retold from "The Piece of Chuang Brocade" in Folk Tales from China, Third Series,
Foreign Languages Press, Peking, 1958.

3. What do you know about the old widow?

The old widow was known all over for her brocades because she wove threads of silver, gold,
and coloured silk into her cloth, she made pictures of birds, flowers and animals and they almost
look alive.

4. How was she well known?

Long ago a widow lived with her three sons in a small village in southern China. They survived
on the money she made from weaving. The widow was well known for her brocades which were
made by weaving silver, gold and silk designs into rich fabric.

5. What happened to the Magic brocade?

A sudden wind came and the brocade rose slowly in the air. It stretched as it rose, growing larger
and larger, till it filled the view completely.

6. What is brocade fabric?

Brocade is woven cloth with raised patterns resembling embroidery. Though often confused with
tapestry, it is made in an entirely different way. Brocade has been woven in China since at least
the third century.

8. Are there brocades finer than the ones the widow wove?

People said there were no brocades finer than the ones the widow wove. One day, the widow
took a pile of brocades to the marketplace, where she quickly sold them.

9. How did the youngest boy achieve the impossible thing?

He raced through the raging heat without a single cry. And when he reached the sea, waves of ice
crashed on shore, but the boy and the horse made their way across and never shuddered. On the
far shore, the boy saw a golden palace atop Sun Mountain. Up he went, and inside he found 100
beautiful fairies weaving copies of his mother's brocade.

10. Describe the ending of the story.

Overjoyed, the widow invited her neighbors to share the abundance of the fields and the
youngest son and the fairy fell in love and married. Everyone lived happily.

PARAGRAPHS

1. Describe the Sun Palace as referred to in the Chinese folk tale.

The old widow was known all over for for her brocades because she wove threads of silver, gold
and colored red silk into her cloth. She made pictures of birds, flowers and animals. They almost
look alive. The eyes of the widow were caught by a beautiful painted scroll that hung in one of
the stalls. It showed a marvelous palace, all red and yellow and blue and green, reaching
delicately to the sky. All around were fantastic gardens and walking through them the loveliest
maidens could be seen. It was the painting of the Sun Palace.

2. What suggestions did Chen give to his mother?

Chen told his mother to weave the picture as a brocade. That would be almost like being there.
He became anxious about his mother because she worked for hours, then days, then weeks,
months, barely stopping to eat or sleep. Her eyes grew bloodshot and her fingers raw. Chen left
his home because his mother said that he must find the brocade and bring it back. She can't live
without it. Devoting all her loving skill, she creates the finest brocade of her life. But so fine it is
that the fairies of the palace send a wind to carry it off for themselves. Knowing his mother will
die without her beloved creation, Chen starts out after it.

3. What challenges Chen faced while journeying to the palace?

The challenges that Chen faced to reach the Sun Palace were that he had to pass through the
flames of fiery mountains and if he made a single sound of complaint he will be burnt to ashes
and then he had to cross the icy sea when the smallest word of discontent will make him a frozen
solid. When Chen entered the Sun Palace he saw there at the loom were dozens of fairy ladies
who turned to stare at him and then whispered to each other excitedly. On each loom was a copy
of his mother's brocade. The brocade itself hung in the centre of the room. The old woman gave
the magical shoes to Chen on his way back from the Sun Palace.

4. Describe the ending of the fairy tale.

The youngest son rode off into the waning moonlight, crossed the icy sea and the mountain of
fire and reached the old woman. She removed the teeth from the horse and put these back into
the boy's mouth. She handed him deerskin shoes, and the moment he put them on, he was home.
When she saw her son and the brocade, the woman rose from bed, immediately healed. Together
they carried the brocade outside to look at it in the sunlight, and as they unrolled it, a fragrant
breeze rose up. The brocade grew until it covered all the land. The silk threads trembled and the
picture sprang to life. Plumed birds darted everywhere; animals grazed on the bright green grass.
The white house stood exactly where she had woven it, on the hillside. Everything was as she
had created it except in the center, beside the river. There stood a beautiful girl. This was the
fairy who had woven herself into the brocade. Overjoyed, the widow invited her neighbors to
share the abundance of the fields. The youngest son and the fairy fell in love and married.

STORIES ON STAGE

SHORT ANSWERS

1. How was Wayside school bullt?

Wayside School was built sideways, so that instead of thirty classrooms side by side, there were
thirty classes, one on top of the other.

2. Who replaced Mrs. Gorf?

Mrs. Gorf's replacement on the thirtieth story was named Mrs. Jewls. When she first walked into
class, she mistook the children for a type of animal.
3. What sequence of numbers did Joe use?

Joe couldn't count. Mrs. Jewls tried to teach him how during recess one day. When she tried to
get him to count pencils, he used the sequence 4-6-1-9-5.

4. What happened to Sharie one day?

Sharie wore a huge red and blue overcoat to school everyday, even when it was hot. She often
fell asleep in class. One day she fell asleep in class and rolled out the window.

5. What is Sideways Stories from Wayside School?

Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar is a humorous book to share with your
small reading groups or as a read aloud for the whole class. This book companion contains
comprehension questions for each chapter of the book along with graphic organizers and a
school kid craft.

6. Is Wayside a good school?

The grade of the students is unspecified, but the students are likely in the first or second grade
based on the level of math and spelling performed in the book. Wayside is an unusual school
because of the builder's misreading of the blueprints.

7. How many stories Wayside School has? On which story Is Mrs. Jewis' classroom located?

Wayside School has 30 stories. Mrs. Jewls' classroom is located on 30th. The class has a long
way to climb up, Apparently, they are used to it.

8. Which story in the school was never built?

19th story was never built. We learn in "Wayside School is Falling Down", however, that a class
is held there!

9. The first teacher introduced in the books was the meanest teacher the class had ever had. What
was that teacher's name?

Mrs. Gorf. She would turn the kids into apples if they did anything she didn't like.

10. Why was Todd sent home?

Despite foiling an attempted robbery (the thieves thought it was a bank), Todd managed to get
himself in trouble three times and sent home on the kindergarten bus for talking out of turn.
PARAGRAPHS

1. Describe the humorous anecdote Involving Mrs. Gorf. Wayside School was built sideways, so
that instead of thirty classrooms side by side, there were thirty classes one on top of the other.
Mrs. Gorf taught the class on the thirtieth story. When a student got a problem wrong, she would
turn him or her into an apple. Joe was turned into an apple because he couldn't add and copied
from John. John became an apple for letting Joe copy. Todd became an apple for complaining.
Stephen became an apple for crying. The children finally attacked Mrs. Gorf after they all
became apples and she changed them back to children. They then reversed her spell so she
became an apple and she was eaten by Louis, the yard teacher.

2. Sketch the part played by Mrs. Jewls.

Mrs. Jewls replaced Mrs. Whorf on the thirtieth story. When she walked into class, she mistook
the children for monkeys. The kids had never had a nice teacher before, and Mrs. Jewls was
terribly nice. Mrs. Jewls had never taught cute children before, and the kids of the thirtieth story
were terribly cute...so cute, Mrs. Jewls thought they were monkeys. When it was established that
they were children, they got down to work. Mrs. Jewls tried to teach Joe counting. Joe kept
giving the right answer, though the sequence of numbers was off.." When Mrs. Jewls taught him
the proper order to count to ten, he counted the six erasers "1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10," counting the
correct way but arriving at the wrong answer. He eventually figured it all out on his own.

3. Explain the situation with Stephen in the class.

Stephen is the only one dressed up for a Halloween party; according to him, since Halloween
falls on a Sunday that year, it should be celebrated the Friday before. After a five-minute party,
Mrs. Jewls continues with her lesson, much to Stephen's disappointment. Suddenly, the ghost of
Mrs. Gorf appears to take her revenge. She explains that she can haunt the classroom De because
Halloween falls on a Sunday, so it should be celebrated the Friday before. Feeling validated,
Stephen hugs Mrs. Gorf, which causes her to disappear.

4. Why is Bebe distraught at the end?

Bebe Gunn is the "fastest draw" (quickest drawer) in class, able to draw pictures faster than
anyone else. She can produce a picture of a cat in under 45 seconds, a dog in less than 30
seconds, and a flower in less than 8 seconds. In one art class, with the assistance of Calvin, she
makes 378 works of art in one hour. Mrs. Jewls tells her that the quality of art is more important
than the quantity; in her words, if a single picture produced by a single person over the course of
a lifetime is better than each of Bebe's pictures, the person with only one picture has produced
more art than Bebe. Distraught, Bebe subsequently goes home to begin a picture of a cat.

5. Write a note on the three Erics.

There are three students in Mrs. Jewls' class named Eric: Eric Bacon, Eric Fry, and Eric Ovens.
The students give each Eric a negative, stereotyped nickname that does not match his
personality, but reflects a trait that the other two have. Eric Bacon, the skinniest child in the
class, is nicknamed "Fatso", because the other two Erics are overweight. Eric Fry, the best athlete
in the class, is nicknamed "Butterfingers", because the other two Erics are clumsy. Eric Ovens,
the nicest student in the class, is nicknamed "Crabapple", because the other two Erics are mean.