ENGLISH – X STD
UNITWISE PARAGRAPH
1.1 His First Flight
Synopsis
- Introduction
- The Young seagull
- Struggles underwent by the young seagull
- Overcome its fear of flying
- The reaction of the parents
- Conclusion
1. Introduction
'His First Flight' written by Liam O' Flaherty is a story of a young seagull who is afraid of flying. The story revolves around a seagull still learning how to fly even though his younger siblings have already learned the skill before him. The theme of the story of “His first flight” is self-confidence and courage, and it emphasizes the message that one must face their fears bravely.
2. The Young seagull
The young seagull was one among the four offsprings of the father and the mother seagulls. He was very timid. He was alone on the ledge. Unlike his two brothers and sister, he was afraid to fly.
3. Struggles underwent by the young seagull
The young seagull's first attempt to fly was a failure because he was afraid to fly. He failed to muster up courage to fly. Instead of flapping his wings and flying away, he ran back to the little hole. He managed to find the dried pieces of Mackerel's tail in the previous night. The next morning, he found the dried pieces of eggshell to eat. When the young seagull failed to fly his parents scolded him and threatened to let him starve on the ledge.
4. Overcome its fear of flying
At first, the young bird pretended to fall asleep. Later it uttered a low cackle and kept calling sadly to draw the attention of his parents. The mother seagull showed a piece of fish to the hungry young seagull. But he couldn't reach the food as it was out of reach. Maddened by hunger, he dived at the fish. Thus its natural bird instinct and its urge for survival prompted the young seagull to fly finally. For the first time, a monstrous terror seized him for a moment but then he uttered a joyful scream. It landed on the green sea and sank into it. His belly touched the water and he sank no farther. He was floating on it.
5. The reaction of the parents
The young bird's family was very happy. His mother swooped past him, his father flew over him and his brothers and sister were flying around him, high and low out of joy.
6. Conclusion
These are the struggles underwent by the young seagull to overcome its fear of flying. Finally, he took his first flight.
Moral : Necessity is the mother of action
1.2 Life
Synopsis
- Introduction
- The Poet's wish
- The Poet's journey
- The Poet's hope
- Conclusion
1. Introduction
The poem Life was written by Henry Van Dyke, which describes that life taking on life in its truest form, an adventure. This poem is the poet's reflection on his own life. He tells his point of view on the most important things in life
2. The Poet's wish
And happy heart, that pays its toll
To Youth and Age, and travels on with cheer.
The poet wants to lead a joyful and fearless life. He neither wants to hurry nor moves away from his goal. He does not want to mourn the things that he has lost. He does not hold back for fear of the future. He wants to live his life with a whole and happy heart which cheerfully travels with him from the youth to old age.
3. The Poet's journey
So let the way wind up the hill or down,
O'er rough or smooth, the journey will be joy:
He wanted to look forward with a happy and cheerful mind. As worrying too much will ruin his youth and age to live life to the fullest by retaining the child-like innocence and pleasures of life. He wants to travel his journey of life cheerfully. So One should not mourn for the things that disappear by time.
4. The Poet's hope
My heart will keep the courage of the quest,
And hope the road's last turn will be the best.
His determination is to live a great life. He says he won't be scared by the difficult situations so let the way wind up the hill or down; whether he gets a rough road or smooth, he will travel on it with joy. He will continue seeking new friendship, high adventure, and a crown in the same manner when he was just a boy. He says his quest will never stop and continue living in hope that life would be the best after the last turn. One should live with courage, dedication, and a clear sense of purpose that drives the mind and soul. The poet encourages us to have faith and determination in our hearts, as we take on this beautiful journey.
5. Conclusion
In this poem, the poet narrates to us how he would want to look forward with a happy and cheerful mind without worrying too much about the future. He thinks that he should live life to the fullest by retaining the child-like innocence and pleasures of life.
Moral: If you can't live longer, live deeper
1.3 The Tempest
Synopsis
- Introduction
- Characteristics of Prospero
- Storm in the middle of the sea
- Encounter of Ferdinand and Miranda
- Prospero's Forgiveness
- Conclusion
Introduction
"The Tempest" is an extract taken from Charles Lamb's "Tales from Shakespeare." The lesson is about an old man named Prospero and his lovely daughter Miranda who lived on an island.
Characteristics of Prospero
Prospero is one of Shakespeare's more enigmatic protagonists. He is a sympathetic character in that he was wronged by his usurping brother, but his absolute power over the other characters and his overwrought speeches make him difficult to like. His possession and use of magical knowledge renders him extremely powerful and not entirely sympathetic. Prospero had a magical wand, and with the help of that, he had freed the good spirits from a witch named Sycorax.
Storm in the middle of the sea
Prospero once showed his daughter that he had caused a storm in the middle of the sea. He also mentioned that there were human beings like them on the ship. After hearing that, Miranda asked her father to stop it and inquired why he had made it. At that time, Prospero said that his brother Antonio betrayed him and he had taken control of his kingdom with the help of the King of Naples. They tried to drown Prospero and his daughter in the sea. But Prospero and his daughter escaped from it with the help of an old man Gonzalo.
Encounter of Ferdinand and Miranda
While Prospero was talking to Miranda, Ariel appeared in front of Prospero to say what happened in the sea. Ariel said that the people on the ship were safe on the island. When Ferdinand arrived at the shore, he saw none of his companions was there. Afterwards, he met Miranda, and both of them were drawn to each other's beauty. Prospero then decided to test Ferdinand's love for his daughter. He gave many laborious works, and Ferdinand won every task. Meanwhile, Ariel came in front of Prospero to explain what he had done to make Antonio and the King of Naples fear him.
Prospero's Forgiveness
Ariel appeared in front of them like a harpy monster recounted what Antonio and the King of Naples did for Prospero. Later, they realised their wickedness and sought an apology for the mistake they had made. Prospero then forgave them and showed them that Ferdinand was alive.
Conclusion
At last, Prospero promised them that he would return to the palace the next day and allowed Ariel to live freely. Thus Prospero made his enemies repent to restore his dukedom
Moral: We can conquer all by forgiveness
2.1 The Night the Ghost Got in
Synopsis
- Introduction
- Funny incident
- Extensive search operation made by Police
- The police and reporters leave as they didn't find anything
- The actual reason for the commotion caused last night
- Conclusion
Introduction
'The Night the Ghost Got In' is a humorous narrative by the American author and wit, James Thurber in which he narrates an imaginary account of an incident that took place one night during his childhood. This short story, inspired by events that happened on the night of November 17, 1915, is Thurber's recollection of the amusing situation that they found themselves in, caused due to the misconceptions of the author and his unusual family.
Funny incident
The story revolves around a situation where the narrator hears the sound of footsteps, downstairs around quarter past one in the night when everyone except the narrator is deeply asleep. Having just come out of his bath, he hears the sound of rushed footsteps coming from someplace near the dining room table. Believing that those sounds might belong to his father and brother who were assumed to return home sometime soon from their visit to Indianapolis, the narrator steps out of his room with just a towel wrapped around his waist and examines the dining room area to make sure that it isn't a burglar. All this commotion wakes up the mother. Turns out, she too heard the footsteps and assumed it to be the burglars. She decided to call the police.
Extensive search operation made by Police
The police arrived straight away along with some journalists, and after surrounding the entire house, break through the front doors, searching for any sign of the reported burglar. The policemen then hear the narrator's grandfather turning in his bed and not knowing who it was set out to the attic looking for him. The grandfather believed that he was at war in which General Meade's army after being defeated by Stonewall Jackson, had be to withdraw and leave.
The police and reporters leave as they didn't find anything
The policemen somehow managed to lock grandfather in his attic again and return to the dining area safely. Therefore, the entire night proved to be a terrible failure for them and though reluctant, the police finally decided to end their investigation.
The actual reason for the commotion caused last night
The next morning, everything seemed to be normal. Grandfather, questions the narrator about the presence of cops, scolds all the family members for not leaving a water bottle near his bed due to which he had to roam around in the night in search of water. What they all thought to be the footsteps of ghosts and burglars, was the grandfather trying to look for water in the house.
Conclusion
The main cause of the fiasco was nothing but the result of their misunderstanding and panic. The Night the Ghost Got In is an excellent example of how a little thing can turn into a very big problem. This storyline teaches us that too much imagination will mislead the situation. Though the theme is trivial, the story provokes all elements of a horror drama that turns out to be a comedy instead.
Moral: Misunderstanding always leads to chaos
2.2 The Grumble Family
Synopsis
- Introduction
- Grumble Family
- Their Complaints
- Stay away from grumble family
- Conclusion
Introduction
The Grumble Family is a poem written by the poet Lucy Maud Montgomery. It talks about a pessimistic family with whom nobody wants to meet and complaints about them. Whatever may happen among them, they always behave like thunder. Everyone complaints about everything, whether the sun rises, about the rain or summer or winter.
Grumble Family
In the city of Never-Are-Satisfied,
The River of Discontent beside.
A family lives in Complaining Street whom nobody likes to meet. Nobody talks or mingles with them. They live in the city of ‘Never-Are-Satisfied' which is beside the river of Discontent. They go on complaining or grumbling about each and everything. They growl at everything. They find wrong in whatever they see or act. They are known by the name of Grumble.
Their Complaints
Nothing goes right with the folks you meet
Down on that gloomy Complaining Street.
Whether the weather is too hot or too cold, they complain about it. They scold alike if it is winter or summer everything goes wrong with the people they meet or neighbors living down on the gloomy Complaining Street. They growl about the rain, if it rains heavily, and growl about the sun if it is hot.
Stay away from grumble family
The worst thing is that if anyone stays
Among them too long, he will learn their ways;
The poet, therefore, insists that it is wisest to keep our feet away from wandering into the Complaining Street. Therefore, we should learn to walk with a smile and a song. We should not bother ourselves, no matter if things go wrong or if we are in a good or a low position. We should never belong to the family of grumble.
Conclusion
Life is full of challenges. It is not a bed of roses. We should treat joys and sorrows equally. We must stop complaining about others. This is the lesson we must learn from the grumble family. Then only we will be different from them so that everyone will like us.
Moral: Misunderstanding always leads to chaos
2.3 Zigzag
Synopsis
- Introduction
- Arrival of Zigzag
- Commotions caused by Zigzag
- Mrs. Krishnan couldn't bear Zigzag anymore
- The Krishnan family realizes Zigzag's true worth
- Conclusion
Introduction
The story 'Zigzag' written by Asha Nehemiah is about a pet that causes a lot of commotion at the Krishnan family's residence. In the story, she humorously pictured the savagery and good behavior of a pet bird named Zigzag
Arrival of Zigzag
Dr. Somu requested his cousin, Dr. Krishnan, to take care of his pet bird, Zigzag, as he left for Alaska. According to Dr. Krishnan, ’Zigzag' was the most lovable, unusual, and harmless bird. But Mrs. Krishnan was not happy with the arrival of the new pet. Zigzag did not interact much with the children and the moment it slept, it snored loudly.
Commotions caused by Zigzag
The snoring of the Zigzag pounded the eardrums of Krishnan's family members and their neighbours. In total despair at the failure to wake Zigzag everyone shut themselves in a bedroom far away from Mrs. Krishnan's studio where Zigzag was creating the terrible noise and put cotton buds in their ear. Lakshmi the maid not knowing about the bird or anything had switched off the fan of the studio and started shouting as if she had an electric shock. Some fruits hit Lakshmi and some splattered all over Mrs. Krishnan's masterpiece ruining it. Mrs. Krishnan got so angry that she was ready to shoot Zigzag yet he slept on unconcerned and snored on.
Mrs. Krishnan couldn't bear Zigzag anymore
Annoyed Mrs. Krishnan asked Dr. Krishnan to take the bird away as soon as possible and thus he takes him to his clinic having no choice left. Dr. Krishnan instructed Zigzag to stay in the car yet when he went to the clinic all he could think about was the noise he would create adding to the noise made by the kids already. However, Zigzag went to the reception table and commanded the children to keep quiet and entertained then. Dr. Krishna was amazed as he had never seen his clinic be so peaceful and orderly. Best of all Zigzag wasn't bored and didn't sleep.
The Krishnan family realizes Zigzag's true worth
Now Mr. Krishnan understood why Somu and Visu spoke so highly of the bird. Mrs. Krishnan called right on time and informed that Mrs. Jhunjhunwala, the art critic bought the ruined painting for herself and loved the fruity touch. The story ends with Mrs. Krishnan accepting to let Zigzag stay at their home and value him. Dr. Krishnan gave the bird a toffee from his desk as a compliment
Conclusion
Asha Nehemiah shows comedy, fantasy mystery, and adventure as strong elements in her work.
Moral: An idle mind is a devil's workshop.
3.1 Empowered Women Navigating the World
Synopsis
- Introduction
- INSV Tarini
- Navika Sagar Parikrama
- Training Process
- Indian Navy's Six women crew
- Life in Sea
- Conclusion
Introduction
Conditions for Women in India have changed throughout these years. Women have accomplished to a great extent and occupy almost all positions in society. One such achievement is the All-women Indian Navy crew who travelled around the globe for 254 days all by themselves in a sailboat called INSV Tarini.
INSV Tarini
INSV stands for Indian Naval Ship Vessel. It is the second sailboat for the Indian Navy The boat was authorized to the Indian Navy on 18th February 2017 and named after the famous ‘Tara-Tarini' temple in the Ganjam district of Odisha.
Navika Sagar Parikrama
'Navika Sagar Parikrama' is the name given to the project in agreement with the National Policy to empower women to achieve their full potential. The motive of the voyage was to showcase the 'Make in India' initiative by sailing on a boat that is made in India and promote promoting ocean sailing activities in the Navy while Government of India's thrust for Nari Shakti.
Training Process
The women were trained for three years as none of them had sailed before because women officers weren't allowed in combat platforms. The training started with theory on navigation, communication, and weather prediction and later learned to repair things, deal with emergencies like when the weather gets rough or medical emergency. The women underwent a basic sail training course in Mumbai at the Indian Naval Waterman ship training center (INWTC) Only six out of thirty women got selected and were mentored by Commander Dilip Donde.
Indian Navy's Six women crew
It was the first time in the Indian Navy that all-women crew was going to circumnavigate the globe. The journey started on 10 September 2017 from Goa, flagged off by the Defence Minister of India which was a historic day and would be marked in the navigation history and globally. It took 254 days to complete the Voyage and they reached Goa port on 21 May 2018. The women broke many stereotypes in their record-setting sail.
Life in the sea
Since there were six women, they always kept themselves entertained. They watched movies, listened to music, made different mouth-watering dishes, even celebrated birthdays and festivals at sea and also specific occasions like crossing the equator, the International Date Line, and such.
Conclusion
It is incredible to see women in all fields. There was a time when women were supposed to do household chores and remain indoors only but today, things are not the same anymore. She landed on the moon and she is out in the sea venturing around, she is brave and strong.
Moral:Women are the real architects of society
3.2 I am Every Woman
Synopsis
- Introduction
- Symbol of Power and Strength
- Woman's Valour
- Woman is a Lioness
- Conclusion
1. Introduction
Rakhi Nariani Shirke is an academician with a passion for writing poems as a medium of self-expression. This poem 'I am Every Woman' portrays that today's woman are powerful.
2. Symbol of Power and Strength
"A woman is beauty innate,
A symbol of power and strength"
Today's woman are brave, strong and empowered. She is beauty innate. She is the symbol of power and strength. She is prone to put her life at risk. She is never fake.
3. Woman's Valour
She's strong in her faith, firm in her belief!
“Persistence is the key to everything”
She is strong about in her faith and belief and deals the adversities in life with Persistence. She overcomes everything that was meant to destroy her.
4. Woman is a Lioness
"She's a lioness; don't mess with her.
She'll not spare you if you're a prankster"
She is ferocious like a lioness. It's better for the prankster to stay away from her. Totally their dignity, persistence, lovable nature make them powerful.
5. Conclusion
"She's today's woman. Today's woman, dear.
Love her, respect her, keep her near..."
According to the poet today's woman has Pride and Self respect. So woman should be treated with love and respect.
Moral : Woman are the real architects of the Society
3.3 The Story of the Mulan
Synopsis
- Introduction
- Lovable daughter
- Patriotism
- Her Valour
- Her Humbleness
- Conclusion
1. Introduction
This is the classic story of the Mulan based on the legend of Hua Mulan. She saved her country from the enemy army with her courage and talent.
2. Lovable daughter
The Chinease emperor ordered that one man from each family must join the army. As soon as Mulan came to know about this order, she goes to the battle instead of her father because her father is old. She was lovable to her father.
3. Patriotism
In those days girls were not allowed in the army. Before leaving the house, she cut off her hair and groomed like a boy. She fought bravely in spite of her father's opposition.
4. Her Valour
Though she was sick, she fought bravely and strategically to a surprise attack made by the enemy. This time she victoriously ended the war.
5. Her Humbleness
Admiring her valour and bravery in the war, the Emperor set aside the rule against girls participation in the war and also he asked Mulan to stay with him in the palace as his royal adviser. But she refused humbly and returned to her village. So the Emperor gave her six horses and six swords.
6. Conclusion
Mulan, a multifaceted personality showed her love for country by fighting bravely. She also, exhibited her love for her father and brother. Thus the story is about Women empowerment.
Moral: Her patriotism and love for her family are well-balanced.
4.1 The Attic
Synopsis
- Introduction
- Visit Nagen Uncle's tea shop
- Aditya's Ancestral place
- Aditya's encounter with Mr. Sanyal
- The owner of the silver medal
- Conclusion
Introduction
The 'Attic' is a story that represents a child's psychology with the help of its characters. The story depicts importance of human values.
Visit Nagen Uncle's tea shop
While returning from their new factory of Deodarganj, the narrator with his friend and business partner Aditya drove along National Highway 40 and decided to take the road to the right. The road led to the native place of Aditya at Bramhapur. Aditya tried to recollect his old memories – his two hundred years old big ancestral house, school, schoolmates and the tea stall of Nagen uncle.
Aditya's Ancestral place
Aditya felt that everything had changed including his school. The narrator out of curiosity asked him if he was a good student to which he replied that he was always second.
They pass the school gate and head to the tea shop whose owner was Nagen uncle. There was only one more customer besides them, Mr. Sanyal who had poor vision and a little deaf too. Suddenly, Mr Sanyal loudly recited the poem “Panraksha” by Tagore in the tea stall.
Aditya's encounter with Mr. Sanyal
Aditya's expressions changed soon when he heard Mr. Sanyal recite his poem. He got to know about Mr. Sanyal's mental condition after spending all his money to get his daughter married and lost his son and wife the previous year and now stays with his father's friend. After having their tea, Aditya wanted to visit his old home. The narrator followed as Aditya showed his favourite room, “The Attic". They then decide to visit Mr. Sanyal's place for once. Aditya did not reveal his identity and asked Mr Sanyal if he remembered “Aditya Narayan Chowdhury” thinking he wouldn't recognize him. Turns out, Mr Sanyal did remember Aditya He did not disagree and simply handed him 150 rupees saying it was from Aditya.
The owner of the silver medal
Aditya was returning rupees 150 to Mr. Sanyal as the cost of the silver medal. Mr. Sanyal confesses that he had recognized Aditya instantly and recited that same poem from the competition in the tea stall just to remind him and acted as if he didn't know him to express the hurt caused to him by Aditya. Mr. Sanyal did not accept the money as it will soon be spent and asked for the actual silver medal instead. Aditya respected his demand and after twenty-nine years the medal was finally restored to its rightful owner “Sriman Sasanka Sanyal”.
Conclusion
It is with these human characters that one becomes truly able to put into practice his/her ethical values in a problematic situation. This is personified in Sanyal's character.
When Sanyal got back the medal, he was happy.
Moral: Repentance lead to rebirth
4.2 The Ant and the Cricket
Synopsis
- Introduction
- Life of Cricket
- Life of Ant
- Cricket's plead
- Ant's refusal
- Conclusion
1. Introduction
In this narrative poem, the poet brings out the idea that is essential for every creature. Aesop's 'The Ant and the Cricket' tells us the entirely different attitude of both the insects. These animals reflect human nature.
2. Life of Cricket
“A silly young cricket accustomed to sing
Through the warm, sunny months of gay summer and spring”
The Cricket was young and silly. It enjoyed singing all summer and spring not worrying about the future. It did not plan for the winter. During winter, the cricket was suffering from lack of food and shelter. It was unable to bear the cold and wet weather.
3. Life of Ant
“But we ant's never borrow; we ant's never lend.”
But the ant worked hard and saved food in summer. Also, they neither borrow nor lend and always plan for the future. So they enjoyed the winter.
4. Cricket's plead
"He wished only to borrow; He'd repay it tomorrow"
The Cricket assured that if the ant granted shelter and food, he would repay it in future. It pleaded the miserly ant.
5. Ant's refusal
“Thus ending, he hastily lifted the wicket,
And out of the door turned the poor little cricket”
The ant refused to help the cricket, because he did not like the lazy attitude of the Cricket. The Cricket turned away with deep sorrow and in a dejected mood.
6. Conclusion
Finally the poet indicates that there are some two-legged crickets in this world which are human beings. He wants such people to work hard and plan for future.
Moral : ‘Make hay while the Sun shines’
4.3 The Aged Mother
Synopsis
- Introduction
- Proclamation of the governor
- Painful journey
- Mother's Love
- A rope of Ashes
- Conclusion
1. Introduction
Matsuo Basho was one of the most famous poets in Japan. His story “The aged mother" appreciates the importance of aged people and proves the saying 'The old are wise'.
2. Proclamation of the governor
Shining was governed by a cruel leader. Though he is a warrior, he is very cruel. Once he passed cruel proclamation that all the aged people must be put to death. The circumstances were not favourable for the aged people, since the governor was a despotic ruler.
3. Painful journey
The poor farmer carried his old mother on his back and started walking towards the summit of Obatsuyama, the mountain of the 'abandoning of the aged'. The road was crossed and re-crossed by many path made by the hunters and woodcutters. At last the summit was reached. He made a soft cushion with fallen pine needles and lifted his old mother onto it.
4. Mother's Love
Before left her, She told him about the path she made for her son to ensure safe return. Now her son realized the mother's true love. So they returned and he hid her at home.
5. A rope of Ashes
The governor demanded that his subjects should present him with a rope of ashes. The unselfish mother suggested her son to make a rope by burning a twisted straw on windless night. Seeing the rope of ashes, the governor praised him. Knowing the wisdom of the old mother, he abolished the order to kill the aged people of his country.
6. Conclusion
Hence, everyone should love and respect the aged people. They are the treasure of a country.
Moral: The journey of love never ends.
5.1 Tech Bloomers
Synopsis
- Introduction
- Use of Technologies in our day to day lives
- Technology is a boon to the disabled
- Characters
- Alisha's Life
- David's Life
- Conclusion
Introduction
We are living in an era of advanced technology. Over the years, technology has revolutionized our world and has created amazing tools and resources. This lesson highlights the use of advanced technology and its benefits to the differently-abled.
Use of Technologies in our day to day lives
Technology impacts the environment, people and the society as a whole. We use smartphone, smart watches, tablet, Digital Dictionary, e-Book reader and video games as the latest technology. All these are useful to make our life easier. One can send money to others, reserve tickets, pay bills...etc.,Learning has now become a more inclusive way for us by this technology.
Technology is a boon to the disabled
Technology is a boon to the disabled, because it made to a lot of difference in their life. Now the differently-abled people can do their day to day tasks of life like travelling, communicating, learning, doing business and living a comfortable life.
Characters
- Alisha: A disabled girl
- David: A 21 years old boy
- Kim: The Assistive Technologist at Alisha's school.
Alisha's Life
Alisha is a disabled girl who suffers from cerebral palsy. She has trouble with typing. So she use Dragon Dictate, a software which helps to transfer her speech into words on the screen.
David's Life
David is a disabled boy who suffers from Athetoid cerebral palsy. So he uses a Liberator communication device for verbal communication. It has an in-built Blutooth adaptor. He controls it with his eye movements. Liberator communication device, ACTIV controller, AAC device and ECO2 with ECO point are the devices that help him to move from one place to other.
Conclusion
Thus technology can help people like Alisha and David to make friends, control their environment, study and find jobs. Really is a boon to the disabled.
Moral: Technology disables the disability nowadays
5.2 Secret of the Machines
Synopsis
- Introduction
- Processes machines undergo
- What they need
- What they do
- Machines Confession
- Conclusion
Introduction
'The Secret of the Machines' by Rudyard Kipling revolves around the concept of machines being personified to talk about their experience in their human world.
Processes machines undergo
We were taken from the ore-bed and the mine,
We were melted in the furnace and the pit
They describe the process of making the machine from the first step. They say that they were extracted from ores and mines, later being subjected to furnaces. They were cut and hammered to get a proper shape.
What they need
Some water, coal, and oil is all we ask,
And a thousandth of an inch to give us play:
The machines go on to tell us about their ability to forever serve humans, carrying out all their tasks like hard-working employees. In order for a machine to run, all it requires is oil, water or coal. They can serve twenty-four hours a day
What they do
We can run and race and swim and fly and dive,
We can see and hear and count and read and write!
There are machines to replace or make the jobs humans do, such as read, write, count, etc. The machines can also perform tasks that are incapable by humans, such as lifting heavy objects. Machines can fly, dive, run in the form of vehicles.
Machines Confession
Because, for all our power and weight and size,
We are nothing more than children of your brain!
But they do not possess the capacity to emote like humans. They can only obey commands and can be dangerous if handled improperly. They give credit to human beings saying that they are products of the human mind, no matter how powerful they are.
Conclusion
The chief message that Kipling tries to convey through this poem is that while machines definitely make our lives smoother and easier. Machines can never replace human skill and intelligence. Our brain is the most powerful machine that exists on this planet.
Moral:Machines are good servents but bad masters.
5.3 A day in 2889 of an American Journalist
Synopsis
- Introduction
- Characters
- Francis Bennett in his office
- Bennett's lab
- Bennett's lifestyle
- Researches of Bennet
- Time for family
- Conclusion
Introduction
The writer explains the lifestyles on this planet after thousand years and that the activities done by humans every day can be assisted with the usage of machines. The writer also visualizes that touring can be made easy. It is a story about an office block of the Earth Herald, the world's largest newspaper, is illustrated throughout 2889.
Characters
- Francis Bennett - the director of the Earth Herald
- Edith - Bennett's wife.
- Aero coachman
- Cash - One of the ten Astronomical reporters
- Corley - One of the ten Astronomical reporters
Francis Bennett in his office
Francis Bennett got up in the morning irritated as his wife Edith went to Champs Elysees eight days ago. He switched on his phonotelephote and he saw her appear in the telephotic mirror. Her voice and face made him feel better. Then he went into his mechanized dressing room and within minutes, washed, shaved, shod, dressed, and buttoned from top to bottom, on the entrance of his workplace. The day's work began from the journalists' room. Bennett inquires one of the ten astronomical journalists Cash about the current discoveries within the stellar world. Cash responded that it was the Phototelegrams from Mercury, Venus, and Mars, and not anything from Jupiter for the reason that Jovians signals couldn't be understood.
Bennett's lab
From then on, the scientists of the Bennett factory began operating on turning satellites. One of the Earth Herald's astronomers had simply decided the factors of the new planet Gandini.
Bennett's lifestyle
When the clock struck twelve, the couple had organized to have lunch at the same time, see and communicate with the phonotelephote. Francis Bennett was one of the subscribers to the expensive, Society for Supplying Food to the Home with thousand types through pneumatic tubes. He then sped beyond to his accumulator works at Niagara at the aero-car.
Researches of Bennet
He selected cautiously many of the unique proposals. The best was the young man whose vast forehead indicated intelligence. The young fellow was assigned to the scientific editorial branch of Bennett's journal. A second inventor had the concept of shifting an entire town Saaf into a single block and could be converted into a seashore resort.
Time for family
During his meal, phonotelephotic communication was tuned to talk to Edith. Edith informed him that she will be leaving for Centropolis the very second by tube. These submarine tubes travel from Paris in two hundred and ninety-five minutes than the aero-trains traveling at six hundred miles an hour.
Conclusion
This tale brings out the truth that as long as people aspire and work hard, there can be progress and improvements in this world. Therefore, people will reach most heights in the fields of Science and Technology.
Moral: Advanced Technology is as thrilling as magic
6.1 The Last Lesson
Synopsis
- Introduction
- The Last Lesson
- French language and M.Hamel
- The last day of M.Hamel
- Conclusion
Introduction
The Last Lesson, a short story set in the backdrop of Franco-Prussian War is narrated from the perspective of a little boy named Franz. It is a great reminder of how we cannot take our language for granted and how important it is to love and learn one's language in order to protect one's individual and collective identity.
The Last Lesson
The village people, old Hauser, the former mayor, the former post master and several others present in the class besides the students. The order had come from Berlin to teach only German in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine and the new master would come the next day. Hence M.Hamel said that it was the last French lesson. The whole class keenly learnt their last French lesson.
French language and M.Hamel
M.Hamel had been in the village for forty years. He said that the French language was the most beautiful language in the world-the clearest the most logical. He advised them to guard their language because when people enslaved the hold on language would act as the key to the prison.
The last day of M.Hamel
The last day, the French teacher M.Hamel was dressed in his Sunday's best. The old villagers were sitting in the last desk to honour and thank for his forty years of faithful service and to their respect for the country. M.Hamel asked the questions from participles to the students and gazing at everything in that little school room and his garden outside the window. When the church clock struck 12, he bid farewell to the class and wrote ‘Vive La France' on blockboard and told the students that the school was dismissed and let them go.
Conclusion
The Last Lesson is a story as relatable today as it was when it was written. With the imposition of language in different areas by various regimes, it should be amply clear that the need to learn and respect one's language is of great importance.
Moral:Never give up your mother tongue;Never lose your identity
6.2 No Men Are Foreign
Synopsis
- Introduction
- All are equal
- Conflicts in today's world
- Never hate our brothers
- Conclusion
Introduction
The poem No Men are Foreign written by James Kirkup is about universal brotherhood, love, harmony and equality. It's aims to instill in young minds the feeling of oneness or unity.
All are equal
Beneath all uniforms, a single body breathes
Like ours: the land our brothers walk upon
All human beings are the same. A person is found beneath all uniforms. The air we breathe and the land we waik and lie are the same for every one of us. Moreover, we all have some kind of body and needs sun, air, and water.
Conflicts in today's world
Or sleep, and strength that can be won
By love. In every land is common life
In this modern world, there are so many conflicts among the people related to religion, politics, and economy and so on. We have co-operate with one another for our peaceful living. We can read and understand the hardwork of everyone. The strength of men can be won by love.
Never hate our brothers
To hate our brothers, it is ourselves
That we shall dispossess, betray, condemn.
Whenever we are told to hate a person of another country and think of him as our enemy, then we are depriving, cheating and condemning ourselves. We should not fight amongst us and should live in harmony.
Conclusion
Remember, we who take arms against each other
It is the human earth that we defile.
James Kirkup is an English poet who has seen the destruction of earth because of world war II. He knows well how ultra-nationalism can destroy the beauty of earth. This poem is a message to all the human beings that we should love each other and never consider anyone as stranger.
Moral:Unity is strength
6.3 The Little Hero Of Holland
Synopsis
- Introduction
- A Description of the country “Holland”
- Peter returns after a visit to his friend
- Peter saves Holland
- Conclusion
Introduction
Peter, a little boy who lived in Holland is situated below sea level. A wall called Dikes protects the country from the North Sea. Even the little children of Holland are aware of the importance of the Dikes. They know the Dikes must be watched every moment. A little hole in it can be a very dangerous thing.
A Description of the country “Holland”
A country named Holland is a land where much of it is below sea level. “Dikes” is a great wall that keeps the North Sea from rushing in and flooding the country. For many centuries the people of Holland have worked to keep the walls strong to keep their country safe. One afternoon when Peter was eight years old his mother asked him to deliver cakes to his blind friend who lived across the dike. Peter stayed with him for a while and shared his experience of the walk and described the sun, the flowers, and the ships far in the sea. Then he remembered his mother asked him to come back as early as possible and bid his friend goodbye and set out for home.
Peter returns after a visit to his friend
As he walked and heard a noise of trickling water. He stopped and saw a small hole in the dike through which a tiny stream was flowing. Peter knew the danger that can be caused as the little hole would soon become a larger one and the whole country could be flooded. Peter climbed down the side of the dike and put his finger into the tiny hole. The flowing of the water stopped but soon it grew dark and cold, there was no one to hear him calling out for help. His arms ached and became numb but didn't remove his finger from the hole.
Brave little Hero
Peter tried to whistle but couldn't as it was cold and his teeth chattered. He couldn't fall asleep as he had to rub his hand now and then that was holding back the angry sea. Early in the morning a man going for work heard Peter's groan and found him clinging to the side of the great wall. Peter informed him about the hole and soon the alarm was spread in the country and people came running to mend the hole. They also carried him to his parents and praised him for his bravery as he saved the whole country from drowning that night.
Conclusion
This is a true story of a little boy with a brave heart and passionate love for his village who saved his land and became “The Little Hero of Holland”. The story highlights that no one should forsake the duty towards their nation when one comes to know that it is in danger. One must not hesitate to take a bold decision to save one's country.
Moral: Optimism is essential to achievement