Senior Inter English single answers

SINGLE ANSWERS

1. FEAR
Khalil Gibran
Q. Answer the following questions in about 100 words each.
a) What is the central idea of the poem Fear?
b) What does ‘nobody can go back’ mean in the poem Fear? Explain from your point of view.
c) How can one overcome fear? Explain.
d) What does the line “The River needs to take the risk of entering the ocean” mean”? Discuss.
A. The philosophical poem “Fear” was written by Khalil Gibran (1883-1931). He was born in
Lebanon and settled in the U.S.A. He became famous for his book “The Prophet”. He wrote
both in Arabic and English.
The poet conveys his philosophical insight about overcoming fear in the poem. He enlightens
his readers not to panic or feel terrified while accepting changes. It may be a small or big
change. One should learn to be bold.
The poet gives the example of a river. The speaker imagines a river that flows into sea. He refers
to the river as ‘she’ to infuse life into the river. The river over comes many hurdles and finally
combines itself into the vast ocean. The poet describes the feeling of a river very beautifully.
He says a river initially hesitates and fears before it culminates itself into the vast sea. It does
not like to merge into the sea for the fear of losing its identity. In this context the poet assures
his readers by saying that when we accept a change we become one with the mighty universe. In
the same way like a small river becomes the mighty ocean as soon as it merges. , people must
take risks and believe in themselves. Thus, the message of the poem is ‘overcoming fear’.
Conclusion: The poem FEAR is written in free verse. There is no rhyme scheme or meter in
this poem. Through the river’s emotions, the poet sensds a amessage that it’s not about losing
anything but transforming into a better and broader world.
“Nothing in life is to be feared. It’s only to be understood. “

2. AWAKE Sarojini Naidu

Q. a) Substantiate the critical comment that the poem Awake is a patriotic lyric.
b) What do the children implore the mother in the poem Awake?
c) How do Indians plan to set their mother again in the forefront of glory?
d) What do the children of all creeds promise their mother separately and collectively?
A. The patriotic poem ‘Awake’ was written by Sarojini Naidu, the Nightingale of India. She was the
first woman to be the President of Indian National Congress. She was also the first woman to be
the Governor of a state in independent India.
The present poem is a fervent appeal for unity and action. Sarojini Naidu recited this poem at
meetings in Bombay and Lahore. It is an address to Mother India.
The poem appears as an address to Mother India. At the outset, the nation is personified as our
mother. All Indians are her children. They pray to their mother India to give them strength to cut
the woes of bondage. They request her to give them a chance to serve her and admire her glory.
Mother India should gain its glory again and grow and glow. One should remember the pride and
power India basked in once. People of all faiths pledge to come together to defend and guard
their mother, queen and goddess.

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Critical Comment: The poem is noteworthy for its magical quality and rhythm with a lofty
theme. So it is very much entitled to be applauded as a patriotic lyric. This lyric of just eighteen
lines is also remarkable for its many literary devices like personification, imagery, rhetoric and
rhythm. Thus, the poem is very impressive with its theme and form.
“ The essence of patriotism is the sacrifice of personal interest to the public welfare.”

3. On the Grasshopper and Cricket

John Keats
Q. a) What is the theme of the poem On the Grasshopper and Cricket?
b) According to Keats, when does one hear a cricket’s song?
c) When does a grasshopper sing?
d) Discuss the common features between the grasshopper and cricket.

A. The sonnet “On the Grasshopper and Cricket” was written by John Keats. He was an English
Romantic Poet. He devoted his life to the perfection of poetry.
The poem was written in 1816. It was inspired by Nature’s beauty, which was a popular theme of
the poetry of Romantic poets.
According to Keats, the music of nature never ends though it may be summer or winter. The
Grasshopper and cricket are used as symbols. Seasons may come and go but nature never fails
to inspire us with its songs. During hot season the grasshopper celebrates the beauty of summer
in its songs. He sings endlessly, when tired it takes rest under some pleasant weed. During
winter birds stop singing. Then, the cricket takes the responsibility of singing the glory of nature
in cold and bleak winter. The cricket’s song restores warmth.
Critical Comment: Nature is the best teacher of mankind. The poet sends a message through
the poem that nature remains beautiful all the time, irrespective of the seasons. In a similar way,
he suggests us to be joy and happy in all circumstances. Man should live with Nature and enjoy
all the seasons.
“The poetry of the earth is ceasing never.”

4. Goodbye Party for Miss Pushpa T S

Nissim Ezekiel
Q. a) Do you agree that the poem Goodbye Party for Miss Pushpa T S is a farewell address? Justify
your response.
b) How does the speaker describe Miss Pushpa in the poem?
c) What is the central idea of the poem Goodbye Party for Miss Pushpa TS?
d) Does the poem bring out the sweetness of Miss Pushpa? Justify your answer

A. The satirical and humourous poem “Goodbye Party for Miss Pushpa T S” was written by
Nissim Ezekiel (1924-2004). He is one of India’s foremost Indo-Anglian poets.
The present poem is a farewell speech for Miss Pushpa. It offers a satirical look on a specific
dialect, ‘Babu’ English. She is supposed to leave India. Her colleagues arrange a “Goodbye
Party” for her to wish her a happy journey.
The speaker announces the purpose of the gathering as their friend is about to leave. The speaker
describes the virtues of Miss Pushpa. He treats Miss Pushpa as his sister. He says that she is a
very sweet lady and very helpful. Her father was a reputed advocate. She is a sweet smiling lady

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and smiles even without a reason. She always looks cheerful and never says ‘no’. The speaker
says that she is beautiful not only because of her charms but of her pleasing personality. The
speaker appreciates her concern for friends. He invites other friends to speak about her.
Critical Comment: The poem is in free verse, with no specific rhyme scheme or meter. The
poem is a parody of English as used by some Indians. The speaker’s presentation and the sentence
structure are the causes of humour.
“Imitation is lack of creativity.”

5. How to Avoid Foolish Opinions

Bertrand Russell
Q. a) How can we prevent developing a dogmatic attitude as per Russell’s suggestion?
b) Travel is an excellent educator. Explain with reference to Russell’s essay How to Avoid Foolish
Opinions.
c) According to Russell, what is the only way to tackle self-pride?
d) What does Bertrand Russell say about a person getting angry about a difference of
opinion?
A. The essay “How to Avoid Foolish Opinions” was written by Bertrand Russell (1872-1970).
He was born in the United Kingdom. He was a philosopher, mathematician, historian, writer,
social critic, political activist and Nobel laureate.
In this essay, Russel gives us tips on how to avoid foolish opinions. He offers some suggestions
that will assist us in avoiding glaring errors in our life.
Russel advises us to first look at things for ourselves. Russel advises us a healthy dose of
modesty and common sense. If someone says that two and two are five or you should pity rather
than anger on him. If any opinion seems contrary makes you angry. Our principles should not be
dogmatic. There are many ways to avoid being dogmatic. The first way is making a keen
observation. Next is to know what other people think. The third is arguing with an imaginary
character who has a different point of view. Other’s standards and ideals should equally be
respected. The fourth one is to deal with one’s sense of self – worth, which is the hardest. To
overcome, he adds that the only solution is to remind people of the episodic human life on a
small planet.
Critical Comment: Russell’s clarity of thought and fluency of expression lend beauty to his
style. Despite the seriousness of the topic dealt with one can find elements of cheerfulness and
gentle humour.
“Life is Beautiful if we avoid foolish things.”

6.The Awakening of Women

K.M. Panikkar
Q. a) Why were Indian women in the nineteenth century the most backward of all women in
the world?
b) But when the movement was actually started, women were everywhere at the forefront.
Elaborate.
c) What is the true test of the changed position of Women in India?
d) Name some legislative reforms mentioned in the essay, ‘The Awakening of Women’ that seek
to establish the equality of women.

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A. The essay “The Awakening of Women” was written by K.M. Panikkar, (1895-1963). He was a
statesmen, journalist, historian and writer. He was educated in Madras and at the University of
Oxford.
The present lesson is an interesting essay about the position of women in ancient India. The
interesting essay finds the transformation of women’s position in India over time.
Women in ancient India enjoyed a desirable position. The eighteenth and nineteenth centuries
witnessed a drastic fall in women’s position in India. Women were isolated from the mainstream.
They were kept behind the ‘purdah.’ They were denied education. Child marriages were subjected
to many more restrictions. Awakening of women began with the Gandhijian movement. Thus,
women’s advancement spread very soon into many fields. Women’s achievements and their
contribution in various fields impacted legislation and administration in a positive way. They
were appointed as members of the cabinet, as Governors of provinces, as Ambassadors and as
leaders of delegation to international conferences. The Independent India made legislative
reforms and gave the right of equality, to education and employment.
Critical Comment: The write- up is remarkable for its clarity in ideas and their expression.
The essay enables us to develop respect for women. Thematically, the piece is historical; and it
is expository in nature.

“The idea of perfect independence is perfect womanhood.”

7.Solution to Plastic Pollution

Q. a) Describe the deportment of Dr. Vasudevan as the Professor of TCE.
b) How did Dr. Vasudevan experiment with plastic waste and what has been the result?
c) How did A P J Kalam encourage Dr. Vasudevan and what has been the outcome?
d) List the advantages of plastic roads as described by Dr.Vasudevan.
A. The lesson “Solution to plastic Pollution.” is adopted from the internet.
The lesson is about the research project of Dr. R. Vasudevan, Head of Chemistry Department,
Thiagarajar college of Engineering (TCE), Madurai who gave a solution to the plastic wastage.
Though he was a chemistry professor, Dr. R. Vasudevan looks like a Sanskrit pandit with a striking
namam. He always carries the Bhagwad Gita and explains the shlokas to the students. His research
with chemicals and a mission for “Clean India” made him find a solution to plastic waste. He
was encouraged by Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam and laid the first plastic road in his college campus.
He struggled a lot for a decade for the patent and gave it to the Govt. of India for free of cost.The
plastic roads are economical and long lasting. They can withstand extreme heat as well as torrential
rains. He hopes that his formula will be of great use for the society in coming future.
Critical Comment: The essay is very informative and the style is very lucid. The lesson offers
a permanent solution to the plastic pollution .
“Creativity lies in the same thing but thinking differently.”

8. Guilty
Horace J.Gardiner and bonneviere Arnaud.
8. a) Describe the importance of Mrs. Moore’s role in Guilty.
b) Ma Ryan puts what she thinks is two and two together and makes four out of it. Discuss the
developments that lead (or, rather mislead) Ma Ryan into making this mistake.

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c )Sketch the character of Jim in the light of Ma Ryan’s comments like: It is the same! But how
did it get into Jim’s pocket?
d) “Ma, you are talking like someone in a fog, without any sense.” Are these words from Jim an
order or exception? Explain.
A. The delightful and humorous one-act play ‘Guilty’ written by Horace J. Gardiner and Bonneviere
Arnaud. Guilty is a delightful one-act play. The play is so sweet that readers (viewers) are left
with the feeling that the play is too short! And they comfort themselves with the saying: Small is
beautiful!
Jim, the lead character in the play, is an engineering graduate. But he has been compelled to
work as a night watchman. Mrs. Moore, the neighbouring woman often visits Jim’s mother Ma
Ryan. She talks about Jim’s pathetic situation. She says that Jim is a fine, good boy and a hard
worker. He won’t do anything wrong. They highlight the dignity of labour. Watchmen are as
important as engineers, Mrs. More always dub into Ma Rayan ears that boys bring woes and
worries to their parents. Later, she shows Ma Ryan an article in the newspaper. It is about a
stolen diamond. Coincidently, Ma Ryan has found a jewel, wrapped in a kerchief in Jim’s sweater.
She thinks that Jim has stolen the diamond. Later, Jim clarifies that all her fears are untrue and
she is totally confused, speaking without any sense. The play is full of gripping narration and it
delivers a clear social message too.
Critical comment The comedy meets all the qualities of a one-act play. The characters are just
a few and the three unities - of time, place, and theme are meticulously observed.
Guilt is perhaps the most painful companion of death

9.The Woman on Platform No.8

Ruksin Bond
Q. a) Describe the character of Arun, the boarding schoolboy?
b) What did Satish’s mother advise him about strangers? How did Arun and Satish react to her
advice?
c) What made Arun call the strange woman ‘mother’ at the end?
d) Give any four reasons to explain why Arun developed instant liking for the strange woman in
a white sari on Platform No. 8.
A. The interesting short story “The Woman on platform No.8” was written by Ruskin Bond. He is
an Indian author of British descent. He received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1992 and was
awarded the Padma Shri in 1999 and Padma Bhushan in 2014.
The present story is about love and affection that transcends all barriers of kinship. It is narrated
in the first person by a school boy named Arun.
Arun is a twelve-year old boy studying in a boarding school. He keenly observes people and
understands their feelings. He is confident and independent. He is not afraid to travel alone at
midnight. Arun is waiting for the train on platform no. 8. Then an unknown woman comes and
speaks with him affectionately. At first, he suspects the woman but later he notices her concern.
She treats Arun like her own son and offers him samosas, jalebies and tea. Her soft voice,
kindness and concern make him trust her. He relaxes and shares his details with her. Satish’s
mother advises him not to believe the strangers. But he turns a deaf ear to this advice. Arun
forms an impression of people not by their appearance but by their behaviour. He respects
elderly people. Though he hates Satish’s mother, he doesn’t misbehave.

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The story motivates us how to appreciate the beauty in simplicity, sincerity and true
affection. At the time of parting, Arun’s calling her “mother” is a sweet sign of bonding and
a loving relationship. The purity of heart and innocence of children is vividly described by
the author.

10. A Gift for Christmas

O. Henry
Q. a) “Love, sacrifice and generosity are the essential elements for happy living”. Explain this
statement with reference to the story A Gift for Christmas.
b) Analyse the character of Della.
c) Sketch the character of Jim.
d) A Gift for Christmas is an example of 0. Henry’s comic irony. Justify

About the Author: The touching story “A Gift for Christmas” is written by O. Henry. He is an
American short story writer who is known for his wit and storytelling technique. He wrote
nearly 600 stories about life in America.
About the Story: The present story is taken from O. Henry’s collection “The Four Million.” It
narrates the story of a young married couple.
Topic: Della and Jim, a young married couple, live in a small flat. Jim’s gold watch and Della’s
long beautiful hair are what they consider their treasures. It’s Christmas time. Della has very
little money to buy a present for Jim. She decides to have her hair cut and sold. She buys a
platinum watch-chain for Jim. And Jim sells his gold watch to buy expensive combs for Della.
Thus, both of them show the true meaning of love, sacrifice and generosity for happy living. The
present lesson is a typical O. Henry’s story. Most of his stories have thrilling climax. His ironical
storytelling technique makes the narration interesting and captivating.
“The value of gift is not in its price, but rather in its sentiment.”

11.The Doctor’s Word.

R.K. Narayan
Q. i. Sketch the character of Dr Raman.
ii. “People came to him (Dr Raman) when the patient was on his last legs.” Why?
iii. Describe Gopal’s health condition and his anxiety about the will.
iv. “If my word can save his life, he shall not die; “said Dr Raman to himself. Explain the situation
that makes the doctor say so.
A. About the Author: The short story “The Doctor’s Word” is written by R.K. Narayan (1906-
2001). He is a leading writer of early Indian literature in English along with Mulk Raj Anand and
Raja Rao. He won many awards like the Padma Bhushan, the Padma Vibhushan, Sahitya Akademi,
Fellowship and A.C. Benson Medal.
About the Story: The interesting story “The Doctor’s Word” has characters like our next-door
neighbors. In this story also, the setting is Malgudi, more specifically, Lawley Extension. The
situation discussed is of a serious nature.
Topic: Dr. Raman is a practicing medical doctor. He is an expert in his profession. His patients
hold him in high regard. He is more a man of deeds than of words. He maintains high standard of
ethics. He never believes in soothing lies. So people come to him when the patient is on his
last legs. He works hard for hours, days or weeks till he rests his prize from Yama’s hands.
He respects human relation and values friendship most. He treats even his assistance well.

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He enjoys great success as person and a doctor. Dr. Raman’s best friend, Gopal was seriously
ill. The doctor thought that there was little hope, he put in his best efforts. Gopal wanted to
prepare a will. He was very much worried about Subbaiah and his gang. Dr. Raman was in a
dilemma. Finally, he chose to his use his assuring, words. And the doctor’s word wrested Gopal
from the jaws of death. The reader is left with the rich experience of enjoying a memorable
story.
“Medicines cure diseases but only doctors can cure patients.”

12. AN INTERVIEW
-Richard Gordon
Q. a) The narrator thought that his interview was superfluous. Why?
b) “The Dean began to look interested.” What was he interested in? Why?
c) Why do you think the old man visited the waiting room?
d) “His face suddenly lightened.... “Do you think the Dean was really happy with the narrator?
Why?
A. About the Author and story: The short and beautiful story “AN INTERVIEW” was written by
Richard Gordon (1921-2017). He was an English Surgeon and an anesthetist. He wrote many
short write-ups mostly dealing with medicine. His Doctor Novels, eighteen comic works in a
series, were very successful in Britain during 1960s and 1970s. In The short story he discusses
the narrator’s experience of facing an interview with the dean of a medical school.
Answer: The narrator came to attend an interview with Dr Lionel Loftus, the dean of St Swithin’s
Medical School. He sits nervously in the waiting room, pre-creating his interview with the dean.
Then, a very old man meets the narrator in the waiting room. The secretary scanned him carefully
and asked a few questions about himself. The dean didn’t ask any medical questions. He asked
only about his rugby experience. The narrator replied that he plays Rugby. That aroused the
Dean’s interest. The reason was that the school has many forward players. Wing three quarter
players were in demand. The Dean’s interest was to see for such players. The narrator meets
their requirement. He asks a few questions about the narrator’s ability to pay the fees. The dean
generally admitted students whom the secretary approved of and rejected those whose looks
the secretary didn’t like. So the secretary visits there. So, he thinks this interview is superfluous.
Critical comment The short story by Richard Gordon is witty and apparently autobiographical.
It exposes the flaws in admission interviews .The style of the narration is simple and racy.

“ Success is where preparation and opportunity meet.”

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