Sunday, 20 August 2017

The 3Ls of Empowerment” is a speech done by Christine Lagarde the first woman Finance Minister of France. She exhorts us to take the challenges of the 21st century.
She underlines the importance of women’s empowerment. She identifies the economic role of women. At the same time she wonders at the plight of women. According to her women should be given equal opportunity. She feels disturbed at the modern- scenario. He says today women are blocked to contribute their talents. Women are denied equal opportunity. According to her a concerted effort will surely open the door to opportunity. She strongly recommends the 3Ls of women’s empowerment. They are learning, labour and leadership. She believes in the power of educating women. It will enable them to realize their power and break the chains of discrimination.
Next the speaker is confident of the labour to achieve women- empowerment. But she is not optimistic with today’s economic- scenario. Women are getting low payment, low status and low security jobs. She emphasizes an immediate change. The prime objective should be equal pay for equal work. She hopes for a change by eliminating gender gaps. She is optimistic that this would promote an increase in per capita income.
Finally the speaker points out that leadership is another important thing in empowering women. She firmly believes that leadership will enable them to rise and fulfill their inborn abilities and talents. It will really help them to fulfil their ambitions lin life. She is optimistic in women’s power of making good decisions with common agreement and long-term sustainability.
She concludes her speech emphasizing the fact that women must have confidence to come out of their comfort- zone. She should be ready to face any challenges and make difference in the society. She is really positive-minded to dream a world where women will reap the benefits with the above 3Ls of empowerment.
Prepared by Joy Peter
HSST English, St.Joseph’s HSS Pavaratty, Th






HomePLUS TWO_NEWUNIT 1 FLIGHTS OF FREEDOM+2 UNIT 1 LESSON 2 ANY WOMAN Katharine Tynan

+2 UNIT 1 LESSON 2 ANY WOMAN Katharine Tynan

ANY WOMAN Katharine Tynan
CRITICAL APPRECIATION OF ANY WOMAN
PREPARED BY SAJEENA SHUKKOOR, HSST (ENGLISH), TRIVANDRUM
Katherine Tynan is an Irish born writer who enriched English literature with her novels and poetry. A short poem of six stanzas ‘Any Woman’ by Katherine Tynan is a beautiful portrayal of woman in her multifaceted role.
The poem celebrates the glory of womanhood – the spirit behind the existence and sustenance of life on earth. The speaker identifies herself with ‘the pillars of the house’, ‘keystone of the arch’, ‘fire upon the hearth’, ‘light of the sun’, ‘heat that warms the earth’, ‘light of love’, ‘twist of the sacred ring’, ‘knot of love’, ‘house from floor to roof’, ‘wall against all danger’ and ‘door against the wind and snow’. The speaker asserts that if she is taken away the whole edifice will be ruined ruining her life too. This bold assertion becomes a confession too – a revelation about the space where a woman enjoys her existence. She is confident that it is her warmth which perpetuates life on earth. The point here is that she is the source of warmth for the entire earth. Her warmth of fertility is the answer to the coldness of the barrenness of the earth. Once she becomes a mother, she spreads her hands supporting her children. She kindles the fire in the hearth and she becomes the source of love and life for the ‘precious’ children. She binds them within the tether of her love and no child can escape from that bondage. Remembering her duties and responsibilities, the speaker now equates herself to the house. She decorates the walls, spreads the board, spins the curtains and makes the bed. She defends the family in all the dangers.
The poet’s concluding note is a prayer to God with a reminder that only a woman is made instrumental in the Birth of Jesus Christ. Her appeal to God is to prolong her life till her children are grown up. The theme, the glorification of womanhood, is an oft repeated one in literature. But ‘Any Woman’ becomes remarkable with its poignant imagery which conveys the theme perfectly. This theme is all the more relevant in the modern world where womanhood is tampered and tarnished mercilessly. Katherine Tynan’s poem becomes a reminder to women also since they too forget their own worth. The poet’s message is clear. Woman becomes the axis around which the entire family revolves. Her role becomes indispensable even to the Birth of Jesus Christ.
The poem moves from emphatic assertion to an earnest appeal. The speaker in the poem elaborates on the functions of a woman and then concludes with a prayer. The magnanimity and compassion, the twin emotions related with motherhood is visible in this prayer. The tone of the poem is serious, sober and solemn.
The poem abounds with a flurry of metaphors. The speaker compares herself with ‘the pillars of the
house’, ‘the keystone of the arch’, ‘fire upon the hearth’, ‘light of the good sun’, ‘the heat that warms the earth’, ‘light of love’, ‘knot of love’, ‘house from floor to roof’, ‘wall against all danger’ and ‘door against the wind and snow’. All these metaphors are pointers to the maternal love. The metaphor of ‘sacred ring’ is deliberately used to indicate the holiness associated with marriage vows and subsequent bondage with which the children are fastened within the family. The ring is in the form of circle which means ‘forever’. It symbolizes wholeness, unity, perfection and peace. It is the gravitational pull of the mother’s love and devotion which compels her children not to go astray.
Yet another exquisite metaphor is ‘the wind and snow’ which stands for the crises affecting the family. The line ‘Their door against the wind and snow’ is adjacent to the line which alludes to the incident in which Virgin Mary gave birth to Jesus Christ. This sets the beautiful example for the ‘wind and snow’ a woman faced in the world. The final prayer becomes the most touching line which draws our tear. A woman loves her life and wants to live in order to watch her children grow and lend them her hands in support to them.
The artistic effect is achieved with the usage of ‘anaphora’, the repetition of words ‘I am’. ‘Enjambment’ is another poetic technique used to give a sense of natural motion. The line ‘Take me away, and roof and wall/Would fall to ruin me utterly’ is an instance in which the idea run into next line. As for the rhyme scheme, all the stanzas rhyme except the first stanza in a pattern in which first line rhymes with the third and the second rhymes with the fourth.
In conclusion, the poem deals with a relevant theme and conveys a powerful message. It carries an
optimistic mood and airs a serious tone. The abundant use of poetic devices reinforces the theme and message. Thus, ‘Any Woman’ is an eloquent encomium in which each line speaks volumes about ‘womanhood’.
A Comparison Between the Poems `Toys` and `Any Woman`
A reading of the poem ‘Toys’ definitely makes me think of the poem ‘Any Woman’ by Katharine Tynan. Why I feel so is because of the theme dealt within both poems and of course for some other aspects found. There are similarities as well as differences between them. For instance while analysing the theme /content, the poem ‘Any Woman’ projects the importance of woman/mother in a house. Thoughts strike to realise how important is her presence for a healthy and balanced state of family. She is the pillars, keystone, roof, walls and the fire upon the hearth. ‘The woman’ is felt in the poem as a living energy in everything whereas in the poem ‘Toys’ we hear about ‘the mother’ who is no more. The father and the son in ‘Toys’ are affected in the absence of the mother. Had there been the mother alive things would have been easier for them. It is the mother who makes a house a home. In that sense, both poems are two ways of praising motherhood.
The poem ‘Any Woman’ is read as a universal prayer to god while the poem ‘Toys’ is in the form of a complaint and confession. In ‘Any Woman’ the mother/woman is the persona/speaker whereas in ‘Toys’ it is the father figure. The woman in ‘Any Woman’ suffers for the sake of her loving ones. She does never complain. But the father in ‘Toys’ finds it hard without his son’s mother. If we see a patient woman accepting all pains silently in ‘Any Woman’, in ‘Toys’ we see a man weeping out of extreme grief /pain. He is rather impatient and struggles to deal with situations. It makes one wonder how can a man be so emotional! Both poems have biblical allusions. For example we have the picture of Holy Mother laying little Jesus in manger in ‘Any Woman’. And in ‘Toys’, numbers six and seven mentioned, the idea of man’s creation out of clay, the indication of merciful creator God/Father. Even though ‘Toys’ praises the unconditional love and care of God/Universal Father, it deals with the conditional or changing love of man/father. But in ‘Any Woman’ the love and protective powers of woman/mother is unconditional and it is even equal to that of God.
There are concrete images coming in both poems. ‘Any Woman’ contains visual (the hearth, the house), and tactile (heat and cold) images. ‘Toys’ contains visual (lashes, blue bells…),auditory (spoke, sobbing), and kinesthetic (dismissed- the related movement in poem) images. Analysing the rhyme scheme ‘Any Woman’ follows abab pattern except for the first stanza. But ‘Toys’ sets an irregular pattern.
To sum up the analysis, ‘Any Woman’ thinks of the possible ways of treating emotions in a very controlled way whereas ‘Toys’ tries to liberate emotions.
Prepared by Smitha K, GHSS Kattoor, Irinjalakuda, Thrissur
( A REFLECTION ON THE POEM , “ANY WOMAN” BY KATHERINE TYNAN )
THE TALE OF A STAR
Every one says I am a star,
The sky is so high above me,
But I, the star, is so low
Bound in the four walls of the house.

A star is free there, upon the sky!
I am also free, the laws say!
But chained I am by traditions.
How can they say I am a star
That twinkles high upon the sky!

I also twinkle, nowhere else
Within the four walls of my house .
The kitchen is, perhaps my sky!
-NAYANA GOVIND,12 SCIENCE,GHSS KAMBALLUR,KASARGOD(14002 )
A Short Note
“Any Woman” written by Katharine Tynan , an Irish poet, speaks about the role of a mother. The sentiments of a mother expressed here by a mother poet about her part in a family is true in every place and time.
In this poem the poet says about the importance of a mother in a family. She is the keystone of the house. If something happens to her, the poet warns, the whole family will be ruined. Children live because of the warmth of mothers’ love. She walls all dangers and protects her family from ‘wind and snow’ which stands for external forces trying to harm the family.
In the last part of the poem the mother makes her humble wish to live long enough to see her children grow. She is selfless enough to think of her young ones.
Indeed she is the pillar of house without which it is certain the house – family – will fall apart. Now a days the presence of a mother in a family is rarely noticed. She is considered only as a machine who never gets tired of anything. She is neglected and confined within the four walls her house. This poem demands all readers to open their eyes to be considerate towards a woman’s inner feelings and to regard her as an individual.
This poem ‘Any Woman’ presents the all-embracing power of a woman to hold her family together. The mother figure in the poem and her private emotions are presented through a lot many metaphorical images such as pillars, keystone, fire on the hearth, light, etc. Except for the first stanza the rhyme scheme in the poem is to be identified to be ab, ab, cd, cd, …..
Sample Questions and answers
I. The following lines are taken from the poem, ‘Any Woman’. Read the lines and answer the questions that follow.
“I am the pillars of the house;
The keystone of the arch am I”.
Questions:
1. Who is referred to as the pillar of the house?
2. What is the meaning of the word ‘keystone’ here?
3. What is the figure of speech used here?
4. Elaborate on the idea of the above lines.
Ans:
1. Mother is referred to as the pillars of the house.
2. “Keystone” here means the most important part of a family – house.
3. The figure of speech used here is Metaphor. The poet metaphorically says that mother of a family is the ‘pillar’ and ‘keystone’ of the house.
4. According the poet the mother in a family is the most important part of it – keystone of an arch. If something happens to her, the family will be ruined. Hence give such a consideration to her.
II
“Thou whom a woman laid in a manger
Take me not till the children grow!”
Questions:
1. Who is the ‘woman’ referred to here?
2. What is the meaning of the word ‘manger’?
3. What character trait of a mother is shown here?
4. Elaborate on the idea of the above lines.
Ans:
1. Holy Mary, mother of Jesus Christ is the ‘woman’ referred to here.
2. ‘Manger’ means the box or trough for horses or cattle to feed from.
3. It shows selfless love and protective attitude of a mother.
4. The last two lines ring a biblical reference where one finds the element of sacrifice. Jesus Christ was born to wash off the sins of humanity. Soon after his birth, Mother Mary put him in a manger wrapped in old cloth. These lines are a prayer to Jesus Christ to keep the mother alive till her children grow. At the same time these lines speak of a mother’s selflessness. She prepares to lay down or sacrifice her conscience for the sake of her children.
III
1. What is the significance of the adjective ‘precious’ in the poem ‘Any Woman’?
The adjective ‘precious’ is attached to children so as to express the dearness, sweetness and the importance of children felt by the mother figure in the poem.
2. What is the significance of ‘sacred ring’ in the poem Any Woman’?
‘Sacred ring’ suggests the divine, godly circle or halo that is around the family binding them (the young ones) within the protective powers of the mother.
3. What is the significance of ‘wrap and woof’?
This is an imagery brought from weaving. The expression is used as a metaphor underlying structure or strength on which something is built. Here it is indicative of the grandness and immensity of the mother’s strength to protect her little ones.
4. Doubt raised by Sunil Babu.V, Pookkottupadam, Kerala, India
In the first stanza, 3rd and 4th lines, what do the words ‘ruin me’ mean?
Does it mean ruin the home or mother?
‘Take me away,and roof and wall
Would fall to ruin me utterly’
‘Me’ stands for mother or home?
focus on the line
She is indeed the pillars of the house without which it would fall intoruins.This is the concept the poet would have had in her mind while creating those lines.
******************************************************************************
So it is clear that ‘me’ in the third line is mother and me in the fourth line is the house/(the family/home). I think it is a deliberate pun employed by the poet to stress the fact that mother is the house or the family. There is no home ,without the mother -CKR
Prepared by Thomas A A & Smitha K
GHSS Kattoor, Thrissur
POEM
I am the pillars of the house;
The keystone of the arch am I.
Take me away, and roof and wall
Would fall to ruin me utterly.
I am the fire upon the hearth,
I am the light of the good sun,
I am the heat that warms the earth,
Which else were colder than a stone.
At me the children warm their hands;
I am their light of love alive.
Without me cold the hearthstone stands,
Nor could the precious children thrive.
I am the twist that holds together
The children in its sacred ring,
Their knot of love, from whose close tether
No lost child goes a-wandering.
I am the house from floor to roof,
I deck the walls, the board I spread;
I spin the curtains, warp and woof,
And shake the down to be their bed.
I am their wall against all danger,
Their door against the wind and snow,
Thou Whom a woman laid in a manger,
Take me not till the children grow!
Katharine Tynan
Tynan1
  • Katharine Tynan was an Irish-born writer, known mainly for her novels and poetry. After her marriage in 1898 to the English writer and barrister Henry Albert Hinkson she usually wrote under the name Katharine Tynan Hinkson, or variations thereof.
  • Born: January 23, 1861, Ireland
  • Died: April 2, 1931, London, United Kingdom

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HomePLUS TWO_NEWUNIT 1 FLIGHTS OF FREEDOM+2 UNIT 1 LESSON 3 MATCHBOX Ashapurna Debi

+2 UNIT 1 LESSON 3 MATCHBOX Ashapurna Debi

MATCHBOX Ashapurna Debi

Click here for Sample T E Questions


NOTE
MATCH BOX
“Matchbox” written by Ashapurna Debi tells the story of a married couple. It unveils the unhealthy man-woman relationship existing in most Indian families. She compares women to matchboxes. Matchboxes have the potential to light up everything into fire. But in appearance, they are meek and harmless. It is the same with women in their outlook. They also appear to be meek and harmless, but they can set everything into fire within no time.
The central character of the story is Nomita. Her married life really reveals the above truth in a simple and touching manner. Her husband Ajit has the habit of opening his wife’s mail and reading it. He argues that it his right to screen her mail to confirm any case of lovers. He doesn’t pay any attention to Nomita’s protest. Whenever she protests him, she is treated badly. Besides her poor family background makes her suffer everything in silence.
The readers become very much empathetic with Nomita as they understand the poverty and other miserable conditions of her mother. Her mother has the habit of begging money from her daughter and son-in-law. The other members of the family too pinch her with sharp words. Really the letters she received were from her loving mother. Mother used to write about her misfortunes and the miserable conditions of their house. She asks for money to find a solution. She is afraid of dying under the weight of a collapsed roof.
When we come to the climax of the story we see a woman who gets angry and goes out of control. She even threatens him that she would teach him a lesson. But he is making humorous comments at her raging phrases. In the end she frightens him by setting fire theanchol of her own sari. This story really describes the consequences of her rage at the misbehavior of her husband. It is really interesting to see the husband’s efforts to make her calm and normal.
Prepared by Joy Peter
HSST English St.Joseph’s HSS Pavaratty, Thrissur
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HomePLUS TWO_NEWUNIT 1 FLIGHTS OF FREEDOM+2 UNIT 1 LESSON 3 MATCHBOX Ashapurna Debi

+2 UNIT 1 LESSON 3 MATCHBOX Ashapurna Debi

MATCHBOX Ashapurna Debi

Click here for Sample T E Questions


NOTE
MATCH BOX
“Matchbox” written by Ashapurna Debi tells the story of a married couple. It unveils the unhealthy man-woman relationship existing in most Indian families. She compares women to matchboxes. Matchboxes have the potential to light up everything into fire. But in appearance, they are meek and harmless. It is the same with women in their outlook. They also appear to be meek and harmless, but they can set everything into fire within no time.
The central character of the story is Nomita. Her married life really reveals the above truth in a simple and touching manner. Her husband Ajit has the habit of opening his wife’s mail and reading it. He argues that it his right to screen her mail to confirm any case of lovers. He doesn’t pay any attention to Nomita’s protest. Whenever she protests him, she is treated badly. Besides her poor family background makes her suffer everything in silence.
The readers become very much empathetic with Nomita as they understand the poverty and other miserable conditions of her mother. Her mother has the habit of begging money from her daughter and son-in-law. The other members of the family too pinch her with sharp words. Really the letters she received were from her loving mother. Mother used to write about her misfortunes and the miserable conditions of their house. She asks for money to find a solution. She is afraid of dying under the weight of a collapsed roof.
When we come to the climax of the story we see a woman who gets angry and goes out of control. She even threatens him that she would teach him a lesson. But he is making humorous comments at her raging phrases. In the end she frightens him by setting fire theanchol of her own sari. This story really describes the consequences of her rage at the misbehavior of her husband. It is really interesting to see the husband’s efforts to make her calm and normal.
Prepared by Joy Peter
HSST English St.Joseph’s HSS Pavaratty, Thrissur

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HomePLUS TWO_NEWUNIT 1 FLIGHTS OF FREEDOM+2 UNIT 1 LESSON 4 HOREGALLU Sudha Murty

+2 UNIT 1 LESSON 4 HOREGALLU Sudha Murty

A Presentation
HOREGALLU an anecdote by Sudha Murty
WRITER: Sudha Murty – D/o Dr  R.H Kulkarni, reputed physician and W/o Narayana Murty co-founder of Infosys – Social worker, member of Gates Foundation, founded many orphanages, – Writer of novels, Travelogues, Collection of short stories, books for children, etc
WRITINGS: Murthy is a prolific fiction author in Kannada and English. She has published several books, mainly through Penguin, that espouse her philosophical views on charity, hospitality and self-realization through fictional narratives. Some of her notable books in Kannada are Dollar Sose, Runa, Kaveri inda Mekaangige, Hakkiya Teradalli, Athirikthe, Guttondu Heluve. The book How I Taught My Grandmother to Read & Other Stories has been translated into 15 languages including Hindi, Marathi and Assamese. Her latest book is The Day I Stopped Drinking Milk. Other notable books by her are Wise and Otherwise, Old Man and his God,The Magic Drum And Other Favourite Stories and Gently Falls the Bakula. Marathi movie ‘Pitruroon’ is based on a story by Sudha Murthy.
Introduction:-‘HOREGALLU’ is taken from a set of short stories (25) entitled ‘The Old Man and his God’. Sudha Murthy introduces real life experiences of her works. She holds up a mirror to the lives of the people of her village and attempts to trace their stress and spirit of daily life.
Meaning of the Title:- ‘HOREGALLU’ literally means ‘a stone that can bear weight’ here it is ‘a large flat stone placed horizontally over two vertical ones, thus making a stone bench on which anyone could sit and rest a while, chat with a fellow traveller and exchange news of the road.’
Significance of the Title:- In deeper sense-In the journey of life we have to face a number of challenges, severe situations, conflicts and crises which disrupt the normal life cycle. In such situations we need to put down the burden and rest. Horegallu gives the opportunity to do so. It helps people to regain their strength. It is a symbol of people who are ready to give rest to the burdens (worries) of others by listening to them.
Characters:
1. Author, Sudha Murty:- Remembers her childhood days andworking in an office in Mumbai
2. Grandfather:- A retired schoolteacher – used to sit under the banyan tree, talking to those resting there – refreshes the travellers by listening to their worries.
3. Ratna:- A senior clerk – middle aged – 25 years of working experience – did the same thing that of the grand father by spending time with fellow her workers during lunch hour – never betrayed secrets of others- always smiling – rejoices through the act of kindness.
4. Silent Characters
a. Horegallu:- A symbol of a place (or persons) where you can take rest by unloading your
burden (worries).
b. Banyan Tree:- Stands for nature (or persons) which (or who) gives comfort to those who are tired.
Theme and Message:
Sharing and caring – the social togetherness.
Importance of such persons who act like ‘horegallu’ (Grandfather and Ratna).
Be patient and listen to others, we have two ears to listen (but one mouth to speak).

Plot: Whenever the writer sees a horegallu, she remembers two persons who were true horegallu.  She tells the story of a banyan tree in a remote village in Karnataka that gives shelter to travellers under its shade, and of the man who sits on a stone under the tree and lets passers-by share the seat and their troubles with him, acting as a counsellor to them, letting them unburden their worries on him for a while.
Style:- Characterised by simplicity, minute observation, and wide knowledge of human behaviour.
Espouses her philosophical views on charity, hospitality and self-realization
Prepared by Thomas A A, GHSS Kattoor, Thrissur
Edited by Gija M B, G H S S Elavally, Thrissur
Sample TE questions and answers
1. Read the excerpt from ‘Horegallu’
The horegallu in our village holds special memories for me as it is inextricably linked with my grandfather. He was a retired schoolteacher and would spend hours every day, sitting under the banyan tree and talking to those resting there. When I would get tired of playing, I would sit next to him and observe the people he was speaking to and listen to their conversations. Most of them were villagers taking a break from their work in the fields nearby. They had to walk long distances each day, carrying heavy burdens on their heads. Tired out by the heat, they would drink the cool water, wash their faces with it and chat with grandfather.
Complete the sentences.
a. The central figure in the passage is ……………………….
b. The word ‘inextricably’ means …………………………….
c. Horegallu is important because………………………………………………
d. The implied meaning of the expression ‘heavy burdens’ is …………………… (4)
Ans:- a. The central figure in the passage is ‘Grandfather.’
b. Inextricably is an adverb that means in a manner that is impossible to unravel or separate from something else.
c. Horegallu is important because it gives comfort to those who are tired of their burden.
d. The implied meaning of the expression ‘heavy burdens’ is ‘the burdens in the heart of the travellers.’
II. “A Horegallu is important in any journey. People carry their burdens according to our situation or capacities. Once in a while we need to stop, put down the burden and rest. Only then can we be refreshed to pick up the load once more. The Horegallu does just that, it helps them regain their strength.”
Explain the message of the above lines in a paragraph. (6)
Ans:- The writer’s grandfather a retired school teacher used to sit under a banyan tree and listen to the travellers or villagers who came to rest there. He did not give suggestions/solutions to their problems, but just patiently listened to what they had to say.
III. ‘No one can solve your problem. You have to do it yourself’, ‘When a person is in trouble or under a lot of strain finds an outlet for his worries, it relieves half his burden.’ This way she relieved them of their burden for a short while, till they are ready to pick themselves up and carry on with their journey.
Explain the message of the above lines in a paragraph. (6)
Ans:- The second person Ratna who acts as a horegallu was a colleague of the writer. She was middle aged, always smiling & was with the company for 25years. She also did 1more thing. Everyday during lunch hour she would sit with a different person & has a long chat with them. When asked what they chatted she would say ‘They share their troubles with me. I only listen’. Everyone needs a Horegallu in their Life’s journey. It can be a break, a talk with a friend, vacation, or even an argument which refreshes/refocuses you on your path. Some people are good listeners and trustworthy not to publicize your secrets/problems. We need such people in our life’s and should thank them whenever we can.
IV. On the occasion of honouring Ratna for her selfless service to the society, one of her colleagues spoke the following words. (Fill in the blanks with an adjective/ adjective phrase/clause etc.)
a. Ratna deedi is a ——————– person. She is as simple as ————–. She spends hours with us————————-. She is very ————————— and ——————– in solving ——————-problems. !! Ratna who——————— ———————- is our true friend. We always recall her ———– words with gratitude. (4)
Ans:- selfless, ABC, particularly, meticulous, wise, hard, listens and cares, kind.
V. Compare the two characters Grandfather and Ratna or give character traits of these persons (6)
Ans:- Grandfather and Ratna have the role of a counsellor (Qualities of a good listener) – Liked long chatting with some persons during the break hours – Sharing troubles with patience and affection – Hear with sympathy and without any judgement – Never break the confidence and tell others secrets – Experiencing others problems – Passing through the stages of friendships – Attempt to discover what he or she was at the moment- Relieve their burden for a short while – Provide a safe, supportive and confidential space – Enable to find a better way of dealing with their situations – Helps to overcome the problems.
VI. Prepare a write -up on the significance of the title “Horegallu” .You may cite examples from the story to justify your stance. (8)
VII. Match box and Horegallu are the two inanimate objects which play vital roles in Ashapurna Debi’s story “Match box” and Sudha Murty’s anecdote “Horegallu”. How do such objects serve their purpose in stories? Substantiate your views with situations from the texts. (8)
VIII. Imagine that your class dramatizes the story “Horegallu” as part of Annual Day Celebration. You are assigned the task of welcoming the audience and introducing the play to them. Prepare the script of the speech for the occasion. (6)
Prepared from Teacher Text SCERT +2 English

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HomePLUS TWO_NEWUNIT 2 HEIGHTS OF HARMONY+2 UNIT 2 LESSON 1 MENDING WALL (Poem) Robert Frost

+2 UNIT 2 LESSON 1 MENDING WALL (Poem) Robert Frost

MENDING WALL (Poem) Robert Frost


Mending Wall Poem by Robert Frost
CRITICAL APPRECIATION OF MENDING WALL
PREPARED BY SAJEENA SHUKKOOR, HSST (ENGLISH), TRIVANDRUM
Robert Frost is the Pulitzer winning American poet who is well known for colloquial style in his poems. ‘Mending Wall’ is a dramatic narrative poem composed in blank verse. It reflects on the man-made barriers prevalent in the contemporary society.
The poem deplores the restrictions man creates in human relations through walls and exhorts bridging gaps among relations. The narrator asserts that some force in nature condemns man-made barriers the reason why walls built between two neighbours tend to crumble. Moreover hunters widen the gap in the walls to expose the rabbits hidden there. The poet feels it mysterious how the gaps are seen in spring, the mending time, even when no one has seen or heard them made. The speaker informs the neighbour residing beyond the hill to set the wall.
The two neighbours walk along the wall and engage in the tedious task of setting the wall. Each one picks the boulders on his side and sets it right. The whole ordeal of restoring the boulders back is difficult since the fallen rocks have assumed a variety of shapes, some like bread pieces; others like balls etc. The process irritates their fingers. The speaker finds the task an outdoor game. He wonders whether they need a wall to separate an apple orchard from a pine orchard. But the neighbour insists on saying that good fences make good neighbours. The narrator becomes more amazed since there are no cows to encroach upon the neighbour’s orchard. He likes his neighbour state that it is elves that does not like a wall. It seems to the narrator that his neighbor gropes in darkness like the old stone-age man with the stone in his arms. The neighbour is adamant in his father’s instruction that ‘good fences make good neighbours’ .
The theme of the poem, alienation is an oft repeated theme in literature. But ‘Mending Wall’ becomes remarkable with its colloquial style which conveys the theme perfectly. This theme is all the more relevant in the modern world where interpersonal relations are tampered and tarnished mercilessly.
Robert Frost’s poem becomes a reminder to all since we forget the worth of relations. The poet’s message is clear. Maintaining friendly ties adds value to life. Nature also invokes harmonious coexistence among all beings. The poem moves from delight to wisdom. The speaker in the poem elaborates on the process of mending wall and then concludes with a paradoxical statement. The attitudes of broadness and narrowness towards living harmoniously are visible in this paradox. The tone of the poem is lighter with its conversational overtone.
The poem abounds with a flurry of poetic devices. The foremost among these is the metaphor of wall which stands for the barrier that isolates people. Another metaphor is that of the boulders which are ‘loaves’ and ‘balls’. The neighbour compared to an old stone savage is a beautiful simile. This simile becomes all the more forceful when he is represented as moving in darkness. When the poet speaks about a mysterious force which does not like the existence of the wall, we have instance of personification.
Wall, boulders, spring, darkness etc are all symbols. Wall stands for barrier while boulders are instruments of barriers. Spring is the season which induces pleasant feelings. It is apt to call the spring mending time. Darkness represents ignorance. Poetic effect is the outcome of these symbols.
Parallelism, the figure of speech that has a similar word order and structure in their syntax, can be seen in the line, “To each the boulders that have fallen to each”.
Another poetic technique used is pun. In the line “And to whom I was like to give offence”, the word ‘offence’ sounds like fence.
Juxtaposing the opposites is paradox. The two lines, ‘Something there is that doesn’t love a wall’ and ‘Good fences make good neighbours’ contain superb paradoxes. There is an instance of allusion where there is a reference to ‘elves’, the tiny supernatural creatures drawn from folklore and myth.
All these poetic devices add depth and beauty to the poem. As far as rhyme scheme is concerned there is no definite pattern.
In conclusion, the poem deals with a relevant theme and conveys a powerful message. Humour and conversational tone contributes to the aesthetic value of the poem. The abundant use of poetic devices reinforces the theme and message. Thus, ‘Mending Wall’ becomes a call for amity and friendship.
PREPARED BY SAJEENA SHUKKOOR, HSST (ENGLISH), TRIVANDRUM
COMPARISON BETWEEN MENDING WALL AND GITANJALI
Mending Wall and Gitanjali are the two poems which deal with lofty thoughts and sublime themes. Robert Frost’s ‘Mending Wall’ is a dramatic narrative poem composed in blank verse. It reflects on the man-made barriers prevalent in the contemporary society. Tagore’s Gitanjali in eight lines represent the walls which narrow man’s mind within a shell.
The poem deplores the restrictions man creates in human relations through walls and exhorts bridging gaps among relations. The narrator asserts that some force in nature condemns man- made barriers the reason why walls built between two neighbours tend to crumble. Moreover hunters widen the gap in the walls to expose the rabbits hidden there. The poet feels it mysterious how the gaps are seen in spring, the mending time, even when no one has seen or heard them made. The speaker informs the neighbour residing beyond the hill to set the wall. The two neighbours walk along the wall and engage in the tedious task of setting the wall. Each one picks the boulders on his side and sets it right. The whole ordeal of restoring the boulders back is difficult since the fallen rocks have assumed a variety of shapes, some like bread pieces; others like balls etc. The process irritates their fingers.
The speaker finds the task an outdoor game. He wonders whether they need a wall to separate an apple orchard from a pine orchard. But the neighbour insists on saying that good fences make good neighbours. The narrator becomes more amazed since there are no cows to encroach upon the neighbour’s orchard. He likes his neighbour state that it is elves that does not like a wall. It seems to the narrator that his neighbour gropes in darkness like the old stone- age man with the stone in his arms. The neighbour is adamant in his father’s instruction that ‘good fences make good neighbours’.
Gitanjali is a lament on seclusion. The poet realizes that he enclosed his self within himself after giving a name. Then he finds himself busy building a wall around him. As the wall rises up he lost sight of his true self. He feels proud of the wall which he plasters with dust and sand. He takes care that not a single hole should left. All this care makes him all the more forgetful of his,true being.
As far as the themes of both the poems are concerned, one can see that they are complementary. Both the poets condemn separation and isolation and want to break the wall which is a destructive force.
In both the poems, the speakers are aware of the need for breaking the barriers of alienation. In Mending Wall, the fault is with the neighbour while in Gitanjali the fault lies on the speaker himself. The message of the poets is clear; not to restrict ourselves to our personal desires.
The poem ‘Mending Wall’ moves from delight to wisdom. The speaker in the poem elaborates on the process of mending wall and then concludes with a paradoxical statement. The attitudes of broadness and narrowness towards living harmoniously are visible in this paradox.
The poem Gitanjali delights us with its wisdom. The tone of the ‘Mending Wall’ is lighter with its conversational overtone. But ‘Gitanjali’ is highly serious and sober in tone.
Frost’s ‘Mending Wall’ abounds with a flurry of poetic techniques. The foremost among these is the metaphor of wall which stands for the barrier that isolates people. Another metaphor is that of the boulders which are ‘loaves’ and ‘balls’. The neighbour compared to an old stone savage is a beautiful simile. This simile becomes all the more forceful when he is represented as moving in darkness. When the poet speaks about a mysterious force which does not like the existence of the wall, we have instance of personification.
Wall, boulders, spring, darkness etc are all symbols. Wall stands for barrier while boulders are instruments of barriers. Spring is the season which induces pleasant feelings. It is apt to call the spring mending time. Darkness represents ignorance. Poetic effect is the outcome of these symbols.
Parallelism, the figure of speech that has a similar word order and structure in their syntax, can be seen in the line, “To each the boulders that have fallen to each”.
Another poetic technique used is pun. In the line “And to whom I was like to give offence”, the word ‘offence’ sounds like fence.
Juxtaposing the opposites is paradox. The two lines, ‘Something there is that doesn’t love a wall’ and ‘Good fences make good neighbours’ contain superb paradoxes. There is an instance of allusion where there is a reference to ‘elves’, the tiny supernatural creatures drawn from folklore and myth.
Though short, the poem Gitanjali also extensively uses symbols and metaphors. The wall becomes the central metaphor of separation and isolation. Other symbols are dungeon, plaster, sky, hole etc. The sky stands for pride and arrogance while plaster and dungeon are representatives of alienation. The gap in Mending Wall and hole in Gitanjali are little forces which unite human beings.
All these poetic devices add depth and beauty to these poems. As far as rhyme scheme is concerned there is no definite pattern in both the poems.
In conclusion, both the poems deal with a relevant theme – the theme of alienation and convey powerful messages. The poets are sad because every man becomes an island. These poems carry a pessimistic mood. ‘Mending Wall’ is lighter in vein while Gitanjali is highly serious. In obvious terms, both the poems are critiques of selfish divisions in personal relations. Humour and conversational tone are the hallmarks of ‘Mending Wall’ while philosophical thoughts are the salient features of ‘Gitanjali’. Thus in close analysis these are the elements of resemblance.
PREPARED BY SAJEENA SHUKKOOR, HSST (ENGLISH), TRIVANDRUM
Sample Questions and Answers
* BEGINNING OF THE POEM : The poem has an abrupt and dramatic beginning which has a conversational tone. Generally to say about the poem it mixes up the thoughts which are narrow worldly and selfish with the thoughts of wisdom and philosophy which are broad universal and selfless.
* COMMENT ON ‘HUNTERS’ : “The work of hunters is another thing”
The poet is addressing the little children chasing some animals like rabbit along with their dogs. The poet here uses no past tense which means it is a usual activity of the poet to keep away the mischievous children from destroying the wall/fence/boundary.
* READING THE LINES ”WALLING IN …….WALLING OUT” (What I was walling in or walling out) AND THE IDEA OF ‘OFFENSE’ IN THE POEM ‘MENDING WALL’ : Before the wall was built, the poet used to locate the objects geographically around as his and as not his with his neighbour’s generosity. Both showed equal respect and concern. But the wall built makes an offense questioning that purity of love, respect, and relation existing between the poet and his neighbour. Another offense it makes is to the openness/limitlessness of this world.
* ABOUT THE ENDING : (he says again, ‘Good fences make good neighbours’) The poet towards the end of the poem, says that he has failed to convince his neighbour of the need of destruction of the wall between them. The neighbour stubbornly sticks to the old saying ” good fences make good neighbours”. At this the poet feels that his neighbour is equal to an uncivilised man of the stone age. The poet gets this image of ‘an old-stone savage armed’ seeing his neighbour walking with a stone in his hand.
* SIGNIFICANCE OF THE WORD “DARKNESS” IN THE POEM : The word “darkness” is suggestive of pain, sadness, bad experiences, night, all the negativity, senselessness and an age marked by ignorance. Here the word indicates the negativity in human relations based on certain conditions as well as man’s (neighbour’s) ignorance.
* COMMENT ON “SOMETHING” : The word “something” comes twice in the poem ‘Mending Wall’. The poet attaches too much importance to the word “something”. From the beginning itself he connects a mysterious air to it. But it is in the materialistic/worldly/physical sense he is doing so at first. For instance the “something”may mean the heat of sunlight , the cold winter(climactic changes), the mischief of little children, their dog etc. But later a digression comes in. Thus “something” comprises meanings related to the non-physical; spiritual world. For example, it means ‘the elves’; the mischief of some mysterious, invisible powers working to destroy the wall/fence.
* COMMENT ON THE TITLE ‘MENDING WALL’ : The title of thepoem revolves around the major activity of ‘mending’ a wall by the poet and his neighbour. But on a deeper level of understanding, the title may bring more meanings. Firstly ‘mending’ can be taken as a verb thus suggesting an action of repairing the wall. Secondly ‘mending’ can be taken as an adjective where we get the idea that it is the wall’ that mends and not the poet or any neighbour. ‘The wall’ repairs the relation between human beings. The poet’s importance is felt by his neighbour and the neighbour’s importance is felt by the poet only in the presence of ‘the wall’. The wall makes individuals indispensable from each other.
There is silent relation between two persons;two groups;two countries if there is a wall /fence/border. Even if there is enmity between two neighbours it is the wall that makes them neighbours. No distant friend can demand that place. The wall has thus immense importance in the poem. It connects and separates simultaneously.
Another related theme is the incessant tasks in life. The activity of mending the wall as well as the wall’s destruction does not end. The poet and the neighbour need to mend it during every spring time. The action connects to the Greek Sisyphean task of pushing boulders up a hill, only to roll it down again. Similar version is found in the myth of “Naranathu Bhranthan” in connection with the locally spread and oft-told tale “Parayi Petta Panthirukulam” in Kerala, Valluvanadu region.
The purpose and purposelessness; connection and separation; time and timelessness, plays and pauses are well delineated in the action of ‘mending’. The title is highly wise, philosophical, and too pregnant with meanings.
Prepared by Smitha K, ghss kattoor, Thrissur
Note
Introduction
‘Mending Wall’ is a beautiful poem written by Robert Frost in a style of a natural speech by using blank verse.
A stone wall separates the speaker’s – the poet’s- property from his neighbour’s. In spring they meet and jointly make repairs. The speaker sees no reason for the wall to be kept. He does not believe in walls for the sake of walls. But the neighbour stands with the old saying, ‘Good fences make good neighbours’.
Symbols used
Plenty of symbols are used throughout this poem. The wall is the shining star of this poem. It unites as well as separates our speaker and his neighbour. Nature is a silent character in this poem. Similarly tradition seems to the silent subject.
Poetic diction
The apple trees are momentarily personified in this poem.
The poet uses a simile in the line ‘like an old savage armed’ – a caveman ready for battle.
The poem is written in blank verse and varies its metre in some lines to get a conversational style.
There are no stanza break, end rhymes or rhyming pattern, but many of end-words share assonance; eg wall, bill, balls, etc.
Internal rhymes are subtle.
There is no strange vocabulary or three syllable words except ‘another.’
Importance of Title
The title makes us think that the wall is a supernatural thing and it refers to the ritual that our speaker and his neighbour undergo every spring to fix the wall. The title draws our attention to the star of the poem ‘the wall’.
Prepared by Thomas a a
Edited by Smitha K
GHSS Kattoor, Thrissur

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HomePLUS TWO_NEWUNIT 2 HEIGHTS OF HARMONY+2 UNIT 2 LESSON 2 AMIGO BROTHERS Thomas Piri

+2 UNIT 2 LESSON 2 AMIGO BROTHERS Thomas Piri

AMIGO BROTHERS PLAYED BY NEDUVELI BOYS, 2016-17

This video is the dramatized version of the story ‘Amigo Brothers’ by Piri Thomas, prescribed in the SCERT Standard XII English textbook. The boys of Neduveli HSS, Thiruvananthapuram scripted, played, shot the video, edited and directed under the supervision of their teacher Sajeena Shukkoor.
For music credits to Sethurama Iyer theme music.

A Presentation video

AMIGO BROTHERS
Title: ‘AMIGO‘ Spanish word means friend. So it means friends like brothers, It is taken from “Stories from El Barrio’ (1978) by Piri Thomas.
Writer: Piri Thomas (1928- 2011), spent 7 years in jail due to some criminal activities – reflected on the teachings of his parents – started dreaming positive – decided to use his street and prison experience to helpthe youth to avoid such a life of crime – travelled all over the world, giving lectures and workshops – wrote stories and poems – For him, writing became a tool to discover who he really was and to portray his Puerto Rican and African-American heritage – Thomas’ writings are all set where he grew up, in New York City. He writes about neighbourhoods that are heavily populated with Puerto Ricans and African Americans, such as Spanish Harlem and the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Thomas’ writing celebrates the strength and determination of the people in hiscommunity. – Best seller “Down These Mean Streets”, a memoir.
Theme: Do we really need a wall?
Shouldn’t we dare to go beyond the boundaries?
Characters: Antonio Criux & Felix Vargas – Common points: –two guys of 17 years old – like brothers – live in the same place, from lower East Side of Manhattan.
Physical features: Two entirely different
Antonio:- Fair, Lean, and lanky (thin and bony)
Felix:- Dark, short and Husky (big and strong)
Plot: A story of two friends who felt like brothers, Antonio Criux & Felix Vargas – best boxers of their club but only one can represent Golden Gloves Championship Tournament – aquestion of friendship or championship – only one winner –decide to fight but not ready to harm the other – to be friends but to fight –they split and work to get together after fight – Antonio with Aunt Lucy in the Bronx – fight their hardest in 3 rounds – equal – go out of the ring after the fight without waiting for the announcement of the name of thewinner – “No matter what the decision, they knew they would always be champions to each other.”
Message: True friendship lasts for ever, even after a great fight.
Significance of the Title: TheSpanish word ‘Amigo‘ became very famous in English language through this story of two true friends, an apt title.
Explanation of some words
Golden Gloves Championship Tournament of New York :- A boxing tournament started in 1927 by Paul Gallico, a news paper writer. This tournament marks an amateure’s entry into boxing. George Foreman, and Muhammad Ali, etc, started their career with this tournament.
Puerto Rican: A person from Puerto Rico, a self governing commonwealth in the Caribbean which is a territory of United States, official name Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
the Lower East Side of Manhattan &the Bronx: (a borough of New York City, north of Manhattan):-
lower east of manhattan
tenement building: a run down apartment building in which mostly poor families live.
fair and square: an idiom combining two adjectives = in a fair way, following the rules
Knock out: (boxing) eliminate by a blow to the head
right cross, lefts, short right, left hook, left and rights, punching, :-different types of blows of boxing.
bobbed and weaved: bob= move gently and vertically, weave= move by turning and twisting
elimination bouts: matches to determine which boxers advance in a competition.
pulling punches: holding back in delivering blows.
barrage: n. a rapid, heavy attack
torrent: n. A violent, rushing stream
unbridled: adj. lacking restraint or control
bedlam: n. a noisy confusion
flail: v. to wave wildly
countered: gave a blow after receiving or blocking his opponent’s blow.
feinted: made a pretend attack to draw attention from his real purpose.
groggy: unsteady and shaky but willing to proceed.
tic-tac-toe: a game in which two players take turn putting circles and crosses.
pried: past form of pry = get something open or separate
Pound away: strike hard
Prepared by thomas a a, ghss kattoor, irinjalakuda, thrissur


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HomePLUS TWO_NEWUNIT 2 HEIGHTS OF HARMONY+2 UNIT 2 LESSON 3 THE HOUR OF TRUTH Percial Wilde

+2 UNIT 2 LESSON 3 THE HOUR OF TRUTH Percial Wilde

Video Analysis of the play
ABOUT THE SECOND UNIT – HEIGHTS OF HARMONY:
The second unit mainly deals with some important qualities and principles that we should keep in our social relationship. As an individual, we should try our best to co-exist with others. It will help us reach the heights of harmony.
THE HOUR OF TRUTH
Author: Percival Wilde – 1887-1953
  • Percival Wilde was an American author and playwright who wrote novels and numerous short stories and one-act plays. He also authored a textbook on the theatre arts. Wikipedia
  • Born: March 1, 1887, New York City, New York, United States
  • Died: September 19, 1953, New York City, New York, United States
  • Education: Columbia University
  • Books: Finger of God, Eight Comedies for Little Theatres, more
  • Movies: The Woman in Room 13
Wilde’s plays were especially popular in the Little Theatre Movement.
Aim: to study
  • plot construction
  • characterization
  • Acting and stage setting
  • Stage management of play
Theme:
  • Study on the corrupting influence of money on people
  • Greed and its effects
  • The good gets reward and the bad gets punishment
  • How easily people forget their morals and values before money
Setting:
The play takes place in a parlour of a little cottage where a family awaits the return of the head, Mr. Baldwin. Weather is reported – flash of lightening, dark sky (symbols of something not going to be good).
Plot:
Mr. Robert Baldwin works in the bank of Mr. Gresham who is now in police custody for misappropriation of depositor’s money. He offers Mr. Baldwin, a truthful person, 100000/- dollars as bribe to say three words ‘I don’t remember” at the time of the trial which is going to take place the next day. The reaction to this offer from all other members of his family is the main plot of the play.
Action, Place and Time:
As a one act play, it follows Aristotle’s Poetics, respectively, unity of action, unity of place, and unity of time. Actual time of the story is the time taken to perform the play and the place is a visiting room of a little cottage. And it has a single action.
Characters:From everyday life
1. Mr. Robert Baldwin
Hero of the play – worked with Mr. Gresham, a banker who paid low salary for the last 35 years – a truthful, trustworthy and loyal person – gets an offer of 100,000/- as bribe from his employer, Mr. Gresham who is now in police custody – rejects it – later gets a good position from another bank – never changes mind at the influence of money – virtue gets rewarded – represents old generation of honourable persons.
2. Martha – Mrs. Robert Baldwin
A great support to her husband – changes her mind at prospect of getting a huge amount- money makes changes in her character – even persuades her husband to accept the bribe money offered by Mr. Gresham listing a good number of reasons.
3. Mr. John Gresham Baldwin & Ms. Evie
Children of Mrs. & Mr. Baldwin – in the beginning very stubborn against Mr. Gresham – later change mind – money influences them too – compel their father to accept the bribe money – find every possible excuses for it – no shame on being dishonest – money corrupts the youth very easily – represent present day generation.
3. Mr. John Gresham
Important character of the play but not comes to stage – everything reported about him – a banker in police custody for misappropriation of depositor’s money – offers 100000 dollars to Mr. Baldwin as bribe – confession of guilt before his trial begins – recognizes the virtue of Mr. Baldwin.
Significance of the Title:
Most perfect and suitable title – No special time for truth – the truth wins and bad gets punished – Every hour is the hour of truth.
Message:Ending of the play
Readers become aware of evil effects of money – money has a great influence on people but not on truthful – virtue gets rewarded – God Sees the Truth but Waits (Leo Tolstoy) is true with this story – God waits may be for the confession of the criminal or to test a truthful person to see how far he can be truthful – an apt ending – hero gets a better job – positive message – Bribe may be given better names such as compensation for low salary or a help to children, etc but truth will prevail in the end, it is sure.
Prepared by Thomas a a
Ghss kattoor, thrissur

5 thoughts on “+2 UNIT 2 LESSON 3 THE HOUR OF TRUTH Percial Wilde”

  1. what was the association between mr.gresham and baldwin?
    why was evie frightened when gresham sent for her father?
    how did the members of baldwin family react to gresham’s request that baldwin should say “i don’t remember?
    • 1. Mr.Gresham is a banker and Mr. Robert Baldwin is his employee and an old friend who has been working in this bank for last 35 years.
      2. Miss. Evie was frightened because the newspapers said that her father had something in the wrecking of the bank. So she doubted her father.
      3. At first the family stood with Mr. Baldwin against Mr. Gresham, but at the prospect getting a huge amount of money, ie, hundred thousand dollars tempted all except Mr. Baldwin and they made many excuses to say yes to this request.

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