PROSE

THE LAST LESSON - ALPHONSE DAUDET

“The Last Lesson” by Alphonse Daudet is a story about the importance of language, identity,
and patriotism. It is set in 1870 when the Prussian forces captured France and ordered German
to be taught in schools instead of French.
Summary
●​ Franz, a young French boy, is the narrator of the story.
●​ Franz is initially afraid of punishment for being late for class.
●​ Franz learns that the lesson he is attending is his last chance to learn French from M.
Hamel.
●​ M. Hamel, a dedicated teacher, is passionate about teaching French.
●​ Franz develops a love for his mother tongue, culture, and teacher.
●​ Franz realizes that language is an inseparable part of his identity.
Themes: The story highlights the impact of war on individuals and communities.
●​ It emphasizes the need to protect one's heritage.
●​ It draws attention to the unfair practice of linguistic chauvinism.
●​ It shows how people often value something more when they are about to lose it.

LOST SPRING - ANEES JUNG

“Lost Spring” is a story about the harsh lives of poor children who are forced to work instead of
going to school. The story is set in the cities of Seemapuri and Firozabad, and is based on the
lives of rag pickers and bangle makers.
Themes: Poverty, Children working instead of going to school, People losing their dreams
because of poverty, How people stay strong even when life is hard, and The exploitation of
children.
Story details:
●​ The story explores the lives of children who are denied the opportunity of schooling and
forced into labor early in life
●​ The story also talks about a few brave ones, who at least have the guts of dreaming
●​ The story depicts the plight of street children forced into labor early in life and denied the
opportunity of schooling
Message:
The message of the story is to put an end to child exploitation and allow all children to enjoy the
joys of spring.

DEEP WATER - WILLIAM DOUGLAS

“Deep Water” is a short story by William Douglas about his fear of water and how he overcame
it.
Summary
●​ The author developed a fear of water as a child after a wave knocked him down while
visiting California with his father.
●​ When he was 11, a bully pushed him into the deep end of a pool, almost drowning him.
 ●​ The fear haunted him for many years and prevented him from swimming, canoeing, and
fishing.
●​ He eventually learned to swim with the help of an instructor.
●​ He faced his fear with determination and willpower, and eventually overcame it.
Theme: The theme of the story is to face fear and overcome it. The story is an important lesson
that teaches us how to overcome fear with the help of our willpower and strength of mind.
Additional information
●​ The story is based on incidents from the author's life.
●​ It is an autobiographical piece from his book Of Men and Mountains.

THE RATTRAP - SELMA LAGERLOF

“The Rattrap” is a short story by Selma Lagerlöf about a poor peddler who sells rattraps. The
story explores how kindness can change a person's outlook on life.
Plot:
●​ The peddler is a cynical man who sees the world as a trap that tempts people with riches
and comforts.
●​ He resorts to petty thievery to survive.
●​ He meets an old man who welcomes him into his home.
●​ He is mistaken for someone else and invited to spend Christmas with an ironmaster and
his daughter.
●​ The peddler is moved by the kindness of Edla, the ironmaster's daughter.
●​ He decides to return the stolen money and leave a gift as a gesture of gratitude.
Theme:
●​ The story explores the idea that true happiness comes from within, through love,
respect, and appreciation, rather than from materialistic things.
●​ The story also shows how kindness can transform even the most cynical outlooks.

INDIGO - LOUIS FISCHER

Indigo” tells the story of Mahatma Gandhi's fight for the rights of indigo farmers in Champaran,
Bihar. It is a famous example of Gandhi's non-violent resistance against the British.
What happened?
●​ In 1916, Gandhi visited Champaran to investigate the exploitation of indigo farmers by
British landlords.
●​ The farmers were forced to grow indigo on 15% of their land, which was part of a
long-term contract.
●​ The farmers were living in poor conditions and were being treated unfairly.
●​ Gandhi started a non-violent protest, which became the first Civil Disobedience
movement in India.
What was the outcome?
●​ The British landlords were forced to return 25% of the money they had extorted from the
farmers.
●​ Gandhi continued to help the farmers by improving their education, health, and personal
hygiene.
●​ He also helped them build their self-confidence.
What's the significance?
“Indigo” is a story that highlights Gandhi's leadership and the power of nonviolent resistance. It
also shows the importance of standing up against injustice.

POETS AND PANCAKES - ASOKAMITRAN

“Poets and Pancakes” is a chapter from Asokamitran's book My Years with Boss. It tells the
story of Asokamitran's time working at Gemini Studios in Madras, India. The chapter provides
an insight into the workings of the Indian film industry, and the lives of the people who worked in
it.
What the chapter is about
●​ The chapter describes the studio's use of a popular makeup brand called “Pancake”
●​ It tells the story of an office boy who wanted to become an actor or director
●​ It also describes the work of a lawyer who accidentally hurt an actress's career
●​ It tells the story of an Englishman who visited the studio and gave a speech about
freedom and democracy
What the chapter teaches
●​ The chapter shows that making a film is a collaborative effort that involves many people,
including makeup artists, cameramen, and directors
●​ It also shows how the people who work in the film industry have dreams, aspirations,
failures, virtues, and vices

THE INTERVIEW - CHRISTOPHER SILVESTER

“The Interview” is a chapter that explores the role of interviews in journalism and literature. The
chapter features an interview with Umberto Eco, an acclaimed author.
What's in the chapter?
The chapter explores the significance of interviews as a medium of communication
It analyzes the works and perspectives of authors like Umberto Eco
What's in the interview?
●​ The interview focuses on Eco's successful novel, The Name of the Rose
●​ Eco explains how he manages to write so much by taking advantage of the empty
spaces in his life
●​ He also explains that his books revolve around peace and non-violence
●​ Eco is humble and down-to-earth, and he answers questions with honesty and patience

GOING PLACES - S.R. BARTON

“Going Places” is a short story by A.R. Barton about a teenage girl named Sophie who dreams
of becoming a fashion designer or actress. Sophie's fantasies and daydreams lead to
disappointment when she realizes the limits of her reality.
Characters:
Sophie: The main character who dreams of becoming a fashion designer or actress
Jansie: Sophie's friend who is more practical and realistic
Geoff: Sophie's older brother who is an apprentice mechanic
Plot:
●​ Sophie dreams of owning a boutique and becoming a fashion designer or actress
 ●​ She is fascinated by Danny Casey, a famous Irish football player
●​ She imagines meeting him and makes up detailed stories about their encounters
●​ She believes in her fantasies and even convinces herself that Danny has promised to
meet her again
●​ As time passes without Danny appearing, Sophie's hopes start to fade
Themes:
●​ Fantasy versus reality
●​ Family versus individuality
●​ Class versus ambition
●​ Limitations of gender roles
●​ Hero worship and teenage fantasies
●​ The anguish of broken dreams and unfulfilled promises

POEM

MY MOTHER AT SIXTY SIX - KAMALA DAS

My Mother at Sixty-Six” by Kamala Das is a poem that expresses the emotions of fear, love, and
sadness that arise when a daughter sees her mother aging.
Summary:
●​ The poet is driving to the airport with her mother.
●​ She notices her mother's face is pale and lifeless, similar to a corpse.
●​ This image fills the poet with sorrow and fear.
●​ To distract herself, she looks outside the car window at the lively world outside.
●​ She sees young trees speeding past and children playing.
●​ She masks her fear and sadness with a smile when saying goodbye to her mother.
●​ The poem ends on a poignant note, with the poet realizing that every goodbye carries
the shadow of a possible final farewell.
Themes: Aging, Love, Pain of separation, The bond between a mother and her child, and The
fear of losing loved ones.

KEEPING QUIET - PABLO NERUDA

“Keeping Quiet” is a poem by Chilean poet Pablo Neruda that encourages people to pause and
reflect to achieve peace and unity. The poem suggests that silence and introspection can help
people understand their actions and create a more harmonious world.
Key ideas
Introspection: The poem encourages people to reflect on their actions and behaviors.
Peace: The poem emphasizes being peaceful and non-harmful to humans, animals, and the
environment.
Unity: The poem promotes a sense of togetherness among humanity.
Harmony: The poem suggests that silence and introspection can lead to a more harmonious
and connected world.
How to achieve peace?
●​ Count to twelve and pause your activities
●​ Stop speaking, as languages create barriers between people
 ●​ Learn from nature's cycles of renewal
●​ Disrupt the cycle of noise, chaos, and violence
Examples
●​ Fishermen would stop harming whales
●​ The salt gatherer would notice his injuries
●​ Those who are busy destroying nature will adopt a new approach towards life.

A THING OF BEAUTY - JOHN KEATS

“A Thing of Beauty” by John Keats is a poem that celebrates the enduring power of beauty to
uplift the spirits. The poem explores the idea that beauty can be found in nature, art, and human
experiences.
Summary
●​ Beauty can be found anywhere and at any time.
●​ Beauty can be found in nature, art, and human experiences.
●​ Beauty can be a source of joy and inspiration.
●​ Beauty can provide solace even in times of hardship.
●​ Beauty can never diminish or fade.
●​ Beauty can be found in simple things like the sun, moon, trees, animals, flowers,
greenery, and streams.
●​ Beauty can be found in forests filled with musk roses and the tales of brave soldiers.
●​ Beauty can be found in the stories of brave soldiers who sacrificed for our safety.

A ROADSIDE STAND - ROBERT FROST

“A Roadside Stand” is a poem by Robert Frost that depicts the struggles of poor rural people
who sell their produce at roadside stands. The poem criticizes the social and economic
conditions that trap these people in poverty.
Summary
●​ The poem contrasts the lives of the poor in the countryside with the lives of the wealthy
in the city.
●​ The poem highlights the disparity between rural and urban life.
●​ The poem critiques the lack of empathy shown by those in power.
●​ The poem ends with a touch of Frost's compassion for the rural people.
Themes
●​ Poverty
●​ Inequality
●​ Unfulfilled promises of progress
●​ The human desire for dignity and improvement
●​ The plight of rural people
●​ The longing for economic betterment
Symbolism
The roadside stand symbolizes both hope and despair.
The contrasting images of nature and urbanity enhance the sense of loss felt by the farmers.

AUNT JENNIFER'S TIGER - ADRIENNE RICH

“Aunt Jennifer's Tigers” by Adrienne Rich is a poem that explores the oppression of women in a
patriarchal society. The poem depicts Aunt Jennifer, a woman who is embroidering tigers on a
piece of clothing. The tigers symbolize her suppressed desires for freedom and empowerment.
Summary:
●​ Aunt Jennifer is a housewife who is weighed down by her marriage.
●​ She is afraid of her husband and the household chores he demands.
●​ She has no way of freeing herself from her bondage, even after her death.
●​ She expresses her desire for freedom and empowerment through her art.
●​ The tigers she embroiders are fearless, confident, and strong, in contrast to her own
subdued and controlled life.
●​ The tigers symbolize her aspirations and fantasies of a life unencumbered by societal
expectations.
Central idea:
●​ The poem highlights the effects of dominance and oppression on women in their
marriages and in society.
●​ It also explores the idea that women can find freedom and empowerment through
creative expression.

SUPPLEMENTARY

THE THIRD LEVEL - JACK FINNEY

"The Third Level" by Jack Finney tells the story of Charley, a man who discovers a mysterious
"third level" at Grand Central Station which acts as a portal to the past, specifically 1894
Galesburg, Illinois; as Charley explores this seemingly real past, he becomes captivated by its
simpler lifestyle, raising questions about whether this level is a figment of his imagination or a
true escape from the complexities of modern life.
Key points:
The mysterious level:
Charley stumbles upon a hidden "third level" at Grand Central Station, not shown on any maps.
Time travel:
●​ This level transports him back in time to 1894, where he encounters people dressed in
old-fashioned clothing.
●​ Nostalgia and escape:
●​ Charley is drawn to the peaceful atmosphere of the past, contrasting with the anxieties of
his present.
Question of reality:
The story leaves the reader wondering whether the third level is real or a manifestation of
Charley's desire to escape his life.

THE TIGER KING - KALKI

"The Tiger King" is a story about the Maharaja of Pratibandapuram who is obsessed with killing
tigers to avoid being killed by the 100th tiger. The story highlights themes of fate, irony, and the
futility of trying to escape destiny.
Plot:
 ●​ When the Maharaja was born, an astrologer predicted that he would be killed by the
100th tiger.
●​ The Maharaja became king at age 20 and began killing tigers.
●​ He killed 99 tigers, but struggled to find the 100th.
●​ He killed what he thought was the 100th tiger, but it was actually still alive.
●​ On his son's third birthday, the Maharaja was playing with a wooden tiger toy when a
sliver pierced his hand.
●​ The infection spread and he died, fulfilling the prophecy.
Moral:
The story's moral is that power for its own sake is meaningless. It doesn't matter if you become
king if there is no one left to rule.

JOURNEY TO THE END OF THE EARTH - TISHANI DOSHI

"Journey to the End of the Earth" is a travelogue by Tishani Doshi that recounts her experience
traveling to Antarctica, highlighting the harsh beauty of the continent, its unique wildlife, and the
pressing concerns of climate change, while emphasizing the importance of conservation efforts
through her personal journey with a group of students on a Russian research vessel.
Key points about the summary:
Focus on Antarctica:
The story revolves around the author's expedition to Antarctica, considered the "end of the
Earth" due to its extreme isolation and climate.
Environmental Impact:
Doshi's narrative emphasizes the visible effects of global warming on the Antarctic ecosystem,
urging readers to consider their responsibility towards the planet.
Personal Reflection:
The essay includes the author's personal observations and emotions experienced while
navigating the vast, icy landscape.
Educational Journey:
The trip is described as a learning experience for the accompanying students, who gain insights
into the delicate balance of the Antarctic environment.

THE ENEMY - PEARL S. BUCK

“The Enemy” is a short story by Pearl S. Buck about a Japanese doctor who saves an American
soldier during World War II. The story explores themes of humanity, prejudice, and moral
dilemmas.
Setting: Japan during World War II
Characters:
Dr. Sadao Hoki: A Japanese surgeon who studied in America and returned to Japan to help an
elderly general
Hana: Dr. Sadao's wife who supports him and helps nurse the soldier back to health
Tom: An American soldier who was wounded in the war and beaten by the Japanese army
Plot:
●​ Dr. Sadao finds an injured American soldier washed up on the shore near his house
 ●​ Dr. Sadao operates on the soldier and saves his life
●​ Dr. Sadao hides the soldier in their home
●​ Dr. Sadao helps the soldier escape by arranging a boat and providing him with supplies
Themes: humanity, prejudice, moral dilemmas, and the ethics of the medical profession.

ON THE FACE OF IT - SUSAN HILL

“On the Face of It” is a play by Susan Hill about a young boy named Derry and an elderly man
named Mr. Lamb. Derry has a scarred face from acid burns and feels isolated. Mr. Lamb has a
prosthetic leg and is cheerful and optimistic.
Plot:
●​ Derry accidentally enters Mr. Lamb's garden to hide from people who tease him
●​ Mr. Lamb invites Derry into his garden and encourages him to live life to the fullest
●​ Derry is moved by Mr. Lamb's attitude and spirit
●​ Derry returns home to tell his mother about Mr. Lamb, but she opposes his decision
●​ Derry returns to the garden and finds Mr. Lamb dead
Themes:
The play explores human insecurities and societal pressures
It encourages people to accept their flaws and live with dignity
It sends a message to be strong in the face of criticism
Message:
Appearances are deceptive
It's okay to have flaws and still live life with dignity
You have to be strong enough to face everyone
If you want everyone else to love you, you have to start loving yourself first.

MEMORIES OF CHILDHOOD - ZITKALA-SA & BAMA

“Memories of Childhood” is a narrative that explores the experiences of marginalized groups,
such as Zitkala-Sa and Bama, who faced discrimination and cultural oppression.
Key points
●​ The chapter highlights the injustices faced by children from poor backgrounds
●​ It shows how children from these groups experience unfair treatment from society
●​ It celebrates resilience and resistance
●​ It calls attention to the importance of preserving cultural heritage, fighting for equality,
and maintaining a strong sense of identity
Examples of the hardships faced by Zitkala-Sa and Bama
●​ Zitkala-Sa faced racial discrimination
●​ Bama faced caste discrimination
●​ Zitkala-Sa was forced to attend a boarding school where she was taught to leave behind
her own culture and become part of the American culture
●​ Bama faced harsh treatment from society
Significance of childhood memories
Research shows that our earliest memories play a significant role in shaping our personalities,
behaviors, and even our physical health in adulthood.